Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion, one of the best selling, iconic, biggest beauty product of all time, just got a makeover. When the dreaded “reformulation” news first broke, loyal fans all around the world lost it – the response was dramatic, to say the least. (I believe my reaction was “!@#$%^&!!!”)
Luckily, Clinique knows what they are doing – the reformulation took 3 dermatologists, 53 researchers and 100 formula trials tested on 1600 people across 5 countries (if just one person got any sort of allergic reaction, they would can it and start again). That’s dedication!
But first, why the change? Clinique explains:
“The world has changed since 1968 when DDML launched. In recent years, the Orentreichs [the dermatologists that developed Clinique] have been talking about a shift in their patient’s skin profile. Patients were coming in with more and more manifestation they described as redness, itching, burning, breakouts, dryness, dullness… in other words; unhealthy skin. The dermatologists attribute these symptoms to one thing: a weakened barrier. Among the influences that can account for such a shift are environmental aggressors, climate change, traveling more, sleeping less, eating processed food and juggling the complexities of our daily lives.”
Or as Janet Pardo, Clinique’s Senior VP of Global Product Development puts it perfectly: “The world has changed. Skincare technology has changed. And so we changed.”
When I heard that, I thought, fair enough, and I eagerly awaited the new formulation – things can only get better, right? As you may know, I started using their 3 Step Skincare System (minus the toner) since I was 17 and it transformed my skin. I used to use the original DDML; but found it too oily and switched the the Gel, oil-free version and never looked back. The DDML + version is just like the original in that sense – it has mineral oil, as well as the new added ingredients phytofix, hyaluronic acid, glycerin and urea. So I had my reservations – I thought since the original was way too oily for me, this one would be too.
However, I was surprised that it wasn’t… it didn’t really give the oily feeling I remembered. It was throughly moisturising; and sunk into my skin almost immediately (one of the reasons I love the moisturizer, it’s like my skin drinks it). I am also quite impressed how they managed to make it just like the original – it felt the same, smelt the same, went on my skin the same – yet, it’s definitely different and better, even if you can’t really pinpoint what has changed.
Overall, I think the change was a good idea. A big gamble, but I think it paid off. I would for sure consider this over product again if I’m in a cooler climate; but overall, I still adore my Oil-Free version and there’s really no need to change. DDML + is a great product, but I won’t be needing it, at least not yet. If you have dry-to-very-dry skin and need some intense moisturization, then I would definitely recommend it. I adore Clinique (anyone who’s read this blog will know) and they know what they are doing regarding skincare, and it’s definitely worth checking out.
Thoughts on the new DDML+?