Howdy peeps!
A while ago, the Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion + was launched and I took it for a spin. I wasn’t too enamoured with it but then the original formula didn’t wow me either. However, I noticed from the comments I received, that Sam of Sam Still Reading was a long time DDML user and fan, and I was curious whether a long time DDML user and fan would like this change in formula. You know what they say – if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! But Clinique did and I was curious. So I offered Sam a job as a lab rat … I mean guest reviewer and sent my bottle Down Under for Sam to try and here’s her review after using it for 8 weeks (dedication, Sam!), with her thoughts on how it compared to the previous DDML. Take it away, Sam!
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I’ve been a Clinique DDML (that’s Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion) user since I was 14. Sadly, that was quite some time ago and it’s scary to think I’ve been using the same moisturiser at night all through high school, university, more university and work. In the same period, there have been a lot of scientific discoveries and breakthroughs in skin care, but I’ve been using the same cream that a naysayer once told me was ‘yellow sorbolene cream’.
Despite knowing that part of my skincare regimen was stuck in the twentieth century, I was strangely reluctant to move on when Clinique’s new DDML+ was launched earlier this year. Why hadn’t they told us so I could buy up all the stock? (I did that once for a foundation – on the third bottle, I realised that there were much better versions around). So when the lovely Paris B offered me a bottle to try and review, I decided this was a sign to get my moisturising up to date.
In the previous eight weeks since receiving the bottle, I’ve put DDML+ through its paces all for you, dear reader. I worked for twelve days straight to see how it coped with skin under stress. I went on a chocolate binge to see if I could induce blemishes (all in the name of science). I got a cold to see if it dealt with the flaky skin well (this was not in the name of science). I varied my foundations to see if I could induce them to slip off with the DDML+ underneath.
I came up with nothing. My skin looked slightly less tired after the long working period and if anything, I developed less stress related blemishes. The chocolate did nothing to my face, only my hips. My skin looked surprisingly well hydrated during my cold, plus all my foundations stayed put.
Is there a difference between DDML and DDML+?
I know that Clinique is meant to be fragrance free but I felt I could detect a slight ‘clinical’ smell at the start. I can’t smell that any more. The consistency of both is very similar and they are an identical shade of yellow. The DDML+ sinks in a little more quickly (which will be of benefit in the summer or on tropical holidays). Apart from that, I can say that there’s no need to be afraid.
DDML+ does the job just as well as its predecessor – perhaps even a little better. Plus, there’s the benefit of more modern ingredients – it’s not the cutting edge, but it’s definitely better.
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PB Says:
I finally tracked down the ingredient list for the new Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ so here it is.
Ingredient list: Water, Mineral Oil, Glycerin, Petrolatum, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Oil, Urea, Lanolin Alcohol, Triethanolamine, Hordeum Vulgare (Barley) Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seedcake, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Trisodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Yellow 6, Yellow 5, Red 33.
I have thus far, read mixed reviews about this new DDML+ formula. I have read of people hating it, as well as of people who like it. I guess as with all skincare, we can’t account for what is happening with our skin. Sometimes, it might just be that our skin tolerates ingredients differently at a different age or different condition. I found it interesting and gratifying that Sam liked it. Would have hated for her to break out from this experiment! Thanks for the review, Sam and I hope this helps those of you who have been wondering how the DDML+ really fares in comparison to the old version.
Are you too a Clinique DDML fan? Have you tried the DDML+?
Sam blogs at Sam Still Reading a book review blog in Australia that I follow from time to time. If you are looking for a book review blog then Sam’s your man… I mean girl 😉
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ Price: RM68/50ml, RM145/125ml Availability: All Clinique counters
rudi says
October 18, 2013 at 9:37 amI used this when I first started using skincare but that was eons ago.
Since I found better alternative(s) for my skin and/or pocket, I have not used it.
I <3 the "yellow sorbolene cream" remark and to that I must say it needs another adjective – "expensive" 😉
Paris B says
October 20, 2013 at 3:27 pmAh this is one of those “first skincare” stories right? I never could use this one after trying a sample. I didn’t think it particularly expensive though, all things considered. Not the cheapest cream around but I’ve seen worse for less 😉
xin says
October 18, 2013 at 10:46 amDDML was one of my first few moisturizers that I bought for myself too. I thought it was just okay, nothing to shout about, doesn’t treat anything, just as what a moisturizer should do. With so many different moisturizers & oils in the market now, this is not sufficient for my current needs anymore. must be a sign of growing up! 😛
Paris B says
October 20, 2013 at 3:32 pmWell DDML is just supposed to be a moisturiser without doing anything special! At least that’s what I’m given to understand it does. I personally prefer a moisturiser that does something more than just moisturise too. Want too much eh? 😛
Victoria says
October 18, 2013 at 11:33 amI went eeek when I saw the second ingredient is Mineral Oil. LOL. Caroline Hirons just hates MO in any products. But RM68 for 50 ml is really affordable for a departmental store moisturiser but there are many better moisturisers out there that would do a good job. Thanks for the review Sam and it is refreshing to see a guest review on your blog Paris 😉
Irene says
October 18, 2013 at 2:44 pmSame here! The “beautymouth” in us!!
Paris B says
October 20, 2013 at 3:33 pmThat’s true about mineral oil, Victoria. Whilst I’m not 100% against it since it doesn’t break me out or anything, it does bug me that a very expensive cream (not DDML) has it as it’s top ingredient, because mineral oil is a cheap ingredient. In a cheaper product I’m less fussed about it. In an expensive one, it doesn’t make me happy. Glad you enjoyed the guest review!
Robert c. says
October 18, 2013 at 12:46 pmI was going to buy a bottle of this “ddml+” because of the convincing ads and talks from the sales lady over at the counter saying that this contains hyaluronic acid , more moisturising by “-insert high percentage here-” compared to the old one , etc .
But as I browsed through the ingredients lists , here are the things that I found out :
– To compare this with the old formulae , this formulae has a slightly thinner texture with the addition of sodium hyaluronate ( the by-product or salt of hyaluronic acid – which hydrates, of course ) and a dusting of soothing ingredients . I find this moisturizer isnt rich in antioxidants ( ingredients that help repair and heal your skin) to be honest ; nor much different than it’s predecessor .
On the plus side , the price is “okay”-ish compared to other department store brands and it comes with 2 sizes ( the 50ml one and another one is 125ml) . And I tried it , and I didn’t broke out , so that’s a plus ~
Sorry if I offended anyone , I just wanted to share my views on this .
Paris B says
October 20, 2013 at 3:37 pmTo be fair Robert, DDML or DDML+ doesn’t claim to do anything more than be a moisturiser hence the lack of antioxidants. I do wonder however where the market for this is, considering that Clinique does make other moisturisers that do more and are really good (the Repairwear line comes to mind because I really enjoyed using their creams there) so it does puzzle me. We’re all entitled to our opinion, I’m sure no one was offended because like all old and long time products, DDML has lots of people who love and lots of people who hate it too! LOL
Michael says
October 18, 2013 at 1:44 pmI love it! I know ingredients wise it might not be that exciting but it works beautifully on my sensitive-combination skin. What I usually do is I use this on the drier parts of my face (cheeks and chin) and I put on a lightweight ‘treatment’ moisturiser all over on top. It sort of acts like a sponge on those pesky dry areas.
Paris B says
October 20, 2013 at 3:38 pmHi Michael, thank you for sharing your thoughts and it’s good to know that it works for you 🙂 As with all skincare and as I tell everyone all the time, it’s a very individual thing. Not everything that looks “bad” doesn’t work and not everything that looks “good” will work for everyone. Ultimately it down to us and our skin 🙂
madame says
October 18, 2013 at 3:10 pmnot for me …unfortunately ..
mineral oil / petrol’ a no – no for me …
i’m a ‘nuxe’ / korres / la roche posay gal …
Paris B says
October 20, 2013 at 3:41 pmNot everything works for everyone 🙂 I too like La Roche Posay and am new to Nuxe so let’s see how that goes! Do you have a fave?
Sam Still Reading says
October 18, 2013 at 6:13 pmThanks for having me here Paris! Loving reading everyone’s thoughts on DDML and getting some recs on how to update my skincare into 2013 🙂
If anyone’s interested, the car in the background of the first pic is a 1930 Model A Ford – just slightly older than the original DDML and missing many of the luxuries (air conditioning, power steering, radio) we take for granted these days 😀
Paris B says
October 20, 2013 at 3:45 pmThank YOU for trying this out and giving us your take, Sam 🙂 Not being a user, it didn’t make sense for me to use it knowing that I’d probably never find much good in something as basic as this. Oh and the car OMG That is seriously cool that you have a Model A Ford in your backyard! I mean, it’s the grandpappy of all cars!
rudi says
October 18, 2013 at 7:20 pmWhile i’m not hot on the product on review, i thought the review itself (& the reviewer) was cool.
Life is indeed too short for bad books!!
Where’s the LIKE button?
Paris B says
October 20, 2013 at 3:46 pmLOL Fully agree with you Rudi 😀 Sam has a great blog on books too!
Melchewvin says
October 18, 2013 at 7:22 pmOMG I hate this DDML SOOOOOO much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I make my skin breakout and the worst part is that after using it for just 2 days there are little bumps around my face !!!!!!!!!! I will never ever in a million years use it ever again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Paris B says
October 20, 2013 at 3:47 pmYikes, I didn’t have a good experience with it too, and had mild breakouts too when I tried it. Still, it’s always interesting to know how well a product can work for someone else even if it didn’t work for us 🙂
Jennifer says
October 18, 2013 at 9:58 pmThank you Sam for reviewing this moisturizer. I have tried it and strangely, I didn’t feel the moisturizing effect. Perhaps I am used to the creamy type of moisturizer…Cannot seem to “connect” with it. Attractive pricing indeed. I did not take notice of the ingredients in my other moisturizers, but this one contains mineral oil and did not break out on me.Will finish up my deluxe size and consider if I would give it a shot 🙂
Paris B says
October 20, 2013 at 3:51 pmAh such love or hate for such a cult product, eh? 🙂 I didn’t quite like it too, but Michael who left a comment mentioned it was very good. So I think it ultimately comes down to us and our skin and our expectations, I guess. Personally, I think Clinique makes other better creams that have additional anti-aging properties, but I’m always a little curious as to which market this targets 😛
Michelle Beh says
October 27, 2013 at 9:22 amThanks for the review. I have not try the Clinique DDML before but it looks like can go for a try. I do agree with what you said, skincare is personal. Different skin condition reacts differently to same skincare product though. I will make it in my wishlist and will try it out after my moisturiser runs low.
Dana N. says
April 3, 2014 at 9:53 pmWhat a shock! I applied the NEW dramatically different moisturizing lotion not knowing that the formula changed and almost immediately felt stinging and my eyes burning! I also noticed that the texture was different. I looked at the bottle and noticed the “+” sign… went online and found out that this is supposed to be a “better” replacement. No more original formula??!!! Well, this product is so bad that after using the old DDML for over 25 years, I will have to look for replacement. The original formula was so gentle for my sensitive skin. The new formula is so irritating for my skin that I can feel the effect one day later, even after I washed my face right away after I applied it for the first time (yesterday). I wonder if anyone from management at Clinique ever looks at at the customer feedback? I wonder if sliding sales will make any effect on management decisions, if they even care? Why not keeping the original formula alongside this new version? The DDML always brought me to the Clinique counter for other products as well and I recommended it to many of my friends… I will have to look for alternatives for the DDML and while at it, for other cosmetic products that I used to buy from the product line. My loyalty to this brand is gone and I will take my money elsewhere.
Michelle Coghill says
December 29, 2015 at 5:50 pmRecently I purchased a new bottle of DDML which I’ve been using for over 10 years now, I purchased it in October as my last bottle was getting low, but didn’t open it until early December, when I put in on my face it had an unpleasant odour which had never been apparent before, is this something in the new formula or is it possible that the lotion can go off?