{"id":605496770866,"title":"Neutrogena Hydro Boost Review: Does \"Water Gel\" Hydrate Skin?","created_at":"2023-06-03T18:18:45-04:00","body_html":"\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\/\/ \u003c![CDATA[\n{\n \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n \"@type\": \"Article\",\n \"headline\": \"Neutrogena Hydro Boost Review: Does 'Water Gel' Hydrate Skin?\",\n \"keywords\": \"neutrogena hydro boost, neutrogena hydro boost review, neutrogena hydro boost reviews, hydro boost, hydro boost review, hydro boost reviews, neutrogena hydro boost water gel, neutrogena hydro boost gel cream, hydro boost neutrogena, neutrogena hydro boost moisturizer, neutrogena hydro boost serum, neutrogena hydro boost hyaluronic acid\",\n \"description\": \"Our research team analyzes the ingredients in Neutrogena Hydro Boost based on medical studies to give our take on whether it's likely to improve skin hydration and reduce wrinkles, or if it's a waste of money. We feature real customer reviews including product demos.\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/neutrogena-hydro-boost-review\",\n\"author\": {\n \"@type\": \"Person\",\n \"name\": \"Calloway Cook\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/pages\/calloway-cook\",\n \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/calloway-cook\/\",\n \"jobTitle\": \"President\",\n \"knowsAbout\": \"entrepreneurship, dietary supplements, herbal supplements, eCommerce, medical research\",\n \"alumniOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"EducationalOrganization\",\n \"name\": \"S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University\"\n },\n \"memberOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\"\n }\n},\n\"editor\": {\n \"@type\": \"Person\",\n \"name\": \"Beth Lertzman\",\n \"honorificSuffix\": \"M.D.\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/pages\/beth-lertzman\",\n \"sameAs\": [\n \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/beth-lertzman-md-856619118\/\",\n \"https:\/\/health.usnews.com\/doctors\/beth-lertzman-517042\"\n ],\n \"jobTitle\": \"Dermatology Reviewer\",\n \"knowsAbout\": \"skincare, collagen, cosmetics, surgery, wrinkles, ingredients, formulation, clinical trials, clinical research\",\n \"alumniOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"EducationalOrganization\",\n \"name\": [\n \"University of Delaware\",\n \"Drexel University College of Medicine\",\n \"University of Rochester\"\n ]\n },\n \"memberOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\"\n }\n },\n\"image\": {\n\"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n\"url\": \"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Neutrogena_Hydro_Boost_Thumbnail.png?v=1685831253\",\n\"width\": \"3652\",\n\"height\": \"3652\"\n},\n\"citation\": [\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30287361\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/31922345\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/36710533\/\",\n\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/the-ordinary-hyaluronic-acid-review\",\n\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6723878\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/32387382\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/27633295\/\",\n\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/good-molecules-review\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30287361\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/11896774\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/24471735\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30681787\/\"\n],\n\"mentions\": [{\n \"@type\": \"Brand\",\n \"name\": \"Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Brand\",\n \"name\": \"Hydro Boost Gel-Cream\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"hyaluronic acid\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"sodium hyaluronate\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"chlorphenesin\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"phenoxyethanol\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Brand\",\n \"name\": \"Dr. Daniel Sugai\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Brand\",\n \"name\": \"Vanita Rattan\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Ulta\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Target\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Amazon\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Walmart\"\n }\n],\n\"datePublished\": \"2023-06-03\",\n\"copyrightHolder\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\"\n},\n\"publisher\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/\",\n \"description\": \"Illuminate Labs is the most transparent supplement company in the U.S., and is a leading publisher of research-based health information.\",\n \"knowsAbout\": \"supplements, science, nutrition, exercise, health, medication, pharmaceutical, wellness, diet, weight loss, medical research\",\n \"publishingPrinciples\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/pages\/editorial-guidelines\",\n \"memberOf\": [\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"U.S. Chamber of Commerce\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.uschamber.com\/\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Certified B Corp\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.bcorporation.net\/en-us\/\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Natural Products Association\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.npanational.org\/\"\n }\n ],\n \"logo\": {\n \"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Illuminate_Labs_Favicon_48x48_7595c3cc-e27b-47b8-a4fe-edcc7ed9b29a.png?v=1666502785\", \n \"width\": 48,\n \"height\": 48\n},\n \"foundingDate\": \"2019-01-30\",\n \"sameAs\": [\n \"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/illuminatelabs\",\n \"https:\/\/twitter.com\/illuminatelabs\",\n \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/illuminate-labs-supplements\",\n \"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCpgSJAsIPb-fZ25djtTxBEA\"\n ]\n }\n}\n\/\/ ]]\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Neutrogena_Hydro_Boost_Review_Article_Header_Image_Optimized.png?v=1685830720\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"dc\"\u003eN\u003c\/span\u003eeutrogena Hydro Boost is a two-part skincare product that includes a serum and a gel. The brand claims that this duo can provide a “hydrated, healthy glow” and that it “replenishes and smooths skin.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBut does Neutrogena Hydro Boost contain ingredients shown in clinical trials to have these effects or are these just marketing claims? Does the brand use any questionable additive ingredients? What retailers sell Neutrogena Hydro Boost for the best price? And how do real users rate and describe the effects of the product?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eIn this article we’ll answer all of these questions and more as we analyze the ingredients in Neutrogena Hydro Boost based on medical studies to give our take on whether the two-part system is likely to be effective for hydrating and improving skin, or if it’s a waste of money.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe’ll analyze the ingredients in both treatments separately: Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum first and Hydro Boost Gel-Cream second.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe’ll provide a cost comparison featuring the retailer that sells Neutrogena Hydro Boost for the best price, and share real, unsponsored user reviews of the treatment.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eIngredient Analysis – Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" alt=\"Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Serum ingredients\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Neutrogena_Hydro_Boost_Hyaluronic_Acid_Serum_Ingredients_Optimized.png?v=1685830740\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe ingredients in Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum are shown above.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThis serum contains a number of research-backed ingredients for hydration and even anti-aging effects.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHyaluronic acid\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e, from which the product gets its name, was shown in a 2018 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30287361\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003emedical review\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e to improve the body’s own production of collagen, to hydrate the skin and to have “remarkable anti-wrinkle” effects.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eYeast extract\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e was shown to relieve itch and soothe irritated skin in a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/31922345\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eclinical trial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e published in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eJournal of Cosmetic Dermatology\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSodium hyaluronate\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e is the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid, and was shown to have a “positive effect on facial skin health” in a 2023 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/36710533\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eclinical trial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePanthenol\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e is a B-vitamin that’s clinically shown to improve skin hydration as we documented in our \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/the-ordinary-hyaluronic-acid-review\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid review\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e article on another cosmetic product containing this ingredient.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eXylitol\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e can improve skin barrier function and reduce levels of pathogenic bacteria when applied to skin, according to a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6723878\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003emedical review\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e published in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eNutrients\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e journal.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWhile there are a number of research-backed ingredients in this serum, there are also two inactive ingredients that may be questionable from a health perspective.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChlorphenesin\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e is a synthetic preservative that was shown to be toxic to human cells in a 2020 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/32387382\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eclinical trial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePhenoxyethanol\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e is another synthetic preservative shown to be toxic to human cells in the same trial.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe above-linked trial is a test tube study, so it’s a weaker standard of evidence than a trial with human participants.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eOverall, we consider Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost serum likely to improve skin hydration, improve skin barrier function, and reduce the visible appearance of wrinkles due to its many effective active ingredients.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe don’t currently recommend this product due to the inclusion of the two preservatives referenced above.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBut how does the Hydro Boost gel compare? We’ll analyze its ingredients after sharing a few unsponsored user reviews of this product in the next section.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReal, Unsponsored Neutrogena Hydro Boost User Reviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA TikTok creator named “all.things.ar” gives a live product demo and shares her thoughts on Neutrogena Hydro Boost:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote style=\"max-width: 325px; min-width: 325px;\" data-video-id=\"7156697630666607918\" cite=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@all.things.ar\/video\/7156697630666607918\" class=\"tiktok-embed\"\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@all.things.ar?refer=embed\" title=\"@all.things.ar\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e@all.things.ar\u003c\/a\u003e 💧☁️ @Neutrogena \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/skincare?refer=embed\" title=\"skincare\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e#skincare\u003c\/a\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/neutrogena?refer=embed\" title=\"neutrogena\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e#neutrogena\u003c\/a\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/neutrogenahydroboost?refer=embed\" title=\"neutrogenahydroboost\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e#neutrogenahydroboost\u003c\/a\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/neutrogenahydroboostwatergel?refer=embed\" title=\"neutrogenahydroboostwatergel\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e#neutrogenahydroboostwatergel\u003c\/a\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/dewyskin?refer=embed\" title=\"dewyskin\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e#dewyskin\u003c\/a\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/glassskin?refer=embed\" title=\"glassskin\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e#glassskin\u003c\/a\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/skincarereview?refer=embed\" title=\"skincarereview\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e#skincarereview\u003c\/a\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/skincaretryon?refer=embed\" title=\"skincaretryon\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e#skincaretryon\u003c\/a\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/skintok?refer=embed\" title=\"skintok\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e#skintok\u003c\/a\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/music\/original-sound-7156697628502330158?refer=embed\" title=\"♬ original sound - all.things.ar\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e♬ original sound - all.things.ar\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cscript async=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/embed.js\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA TikTok creator named “skinswept” has a similarly favorable review:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote style=\"max-width: 325px; min-width: 325px;\" data-video-id=\"7095870863844642094\" cite=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@skinswept\/video\/7095870863844642094\" class=\"tiktok-embed\"\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@skinswept?refer=embed\" title=\"@skinswept\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e@skinswept\u003c\/a\u003e First review in the Gel-Cream Series! \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/skincare?refer=embed\" title=\"skincare\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e#skincare\u003c\/a\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/moisturizer?refer=embed\" title=\"moisturizer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e#moisturizer\u003c\/a\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/gelcream?refer=embed\" title=\"gelcream\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e#gelcream\u003c\/a\u003e @neutrogena_us \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/music\/original-sound-7095870837513046830?refer=embed\" title=\"♬ original sound - skinswept\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e♬ original sound - skinswept\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cscript async=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/embed.js\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eIngredient Analysis – Hydro Boost Gel-Cream\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" alt=\"Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream ingredients\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Neutrogena_Hydro_Boost_Gel-Cream_Ingredients_Optimized.png?v=1685830787\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe ingredients in Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream are shown above.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eLike the serum, it does contain some research-backed ingredients.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSodium hyaluronate\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e was already demonstrated to be likely effective in the previous section.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBeeswax\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e is \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/27633295\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eclinically shown\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e to have antimicrobial activity, which suggests it may be effective at reducing pathogenic bacteria levels and breakouts, although most of the studies we can find on this ingredient involve naturally-derived beeswax which may be different from the “synthetic beeswax” in this gel.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eGlycerin\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e is clinically shown to improve skin moisture content, as we documented in our review of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/good-molecules-review\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eGood Molecules\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eUnfortunately, the preservatives \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003ephenoxyethanol\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003echlorphenesin\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e are included in this formulation as well.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eOverall, we consider Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream likely to improve skin hydration, although we think it’s a worse formulation than the serum because we can’t find nearly as many research-backed active ingredients in the cream.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe don’t recommend this product due to the inclusion of the two preservatives.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBut how do medical experts rate and describe this product? We’ll review in the next section.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eMedical Experts Review Hydro Boost\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA dermatologist named Dr. Daniel Sugai compared Neutrogena Hydro Boost with a cheaper alternative which could be considered a dupe, called up \u0026amp; up Hydrating Water Gel:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/R3uKkMMM5VU\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA doctor named Vanita Rattan shares her thoughts on whether Hydro Boost is a good choice for individuals with darker skin tones:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/AtGl9vj5ijE\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhere to Buy Hydro Boost for the Best Price\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eNeutrogena Hydro Boost is sold at a variety of online retailers. Here’s a price breakdown at the time of publishing this article:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eHydro Boost Serum\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eUlta: $29.99 (\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ulta.com\/p\/hydro-boost-hyaluronic-acid-serum-pimprod2017009?sku=2570086\"\u003elink\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eTarget: $19.99 (\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.target.com\/p\/neutrogena-hydro-boost-hyaluronic-acid-serum-unscented-1-fl-oz\/-\/A-80039275\"\u003elink\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBrand website: $19.99 (plus shipping, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.neutrogena.com\/products\/neutrogena-hydro-boost-hyaluronic-acid-serum\/6811356.html\"\u003elink\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAmazon: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e$16.39 (free shipping\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e depending on plan – \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3OQbhmJ\" rel=\"sponsored\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003elink to official Amazon listing\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eHydro Boost Gel-Cream\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eUlta: $29.99 (\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ulta.com\/p\/hydro-boost-hyaluronic-acid-water-gel-moisturizer-xlsImpprod12041835?sku=2284291\"\u003elink\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBrand website: $19.99 (\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.neutrogena.com\/products\/skincare\/neutrogena-hydro-boost-water-gel-with-hyaluronic-acid-for-dry-skin\/6811047.html\"\u003elink\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWalmart: $15.99 (\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.walmart.com\/ip\/Neutrogena-Hydro-Boost-Water-Gel-Face-Moisturizer-Lotion-with-Hyaluronic-Acid-1-7-oz\/40488263\"\u003elink\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAmazon: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e$15.40 (free shipping\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e depending on plan – \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/42siBb3\" rel=\"sponsored\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003elink to official Amazon listing\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe price of Neutrogena Hydro Boost is currently around 50% cheaper on Amazon compared to Ulta.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eReal Customers Review Hydro Boost\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAmazon is a better resource for honest customer reviews than a brand’s website in our opinion.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe gel-cream version has been reviewed over 46,000 times on Amazon with an average review rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe top positive review from a verified purchaser comes from a user named “Shahzad a.” who likes the smell and product experience:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e“Overall, I would definitely recommend Neutrogena Hydro Boost \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eto anyone looking for a moisturizer that's effective, lightweight, and won't make you smell like a 17th-century perfumery. Give it a try – your skin will thank you!”\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe top negative review from a verified purchaser is written by an anonymous Amazon customer who dislikes the consistency and claims the product is too small:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e“My first disappointment when opening the product was how little there was in the jar. I washed my face as usual and then went to apply. The consistency is very weird\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e, but I expected that since it was described as a gel. Within seconds of applying to my face, my skin began burning. I had to immediately remove and apply my normal moisturizer.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOur Clean Skincare Picks\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Skincare_Products_Image_Optimized.png?v=1664754145\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are skincare products that contain ingredients shown in clinical trials to be effective for reducing wrinkles and improving skin quality generally.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/track.revoffers.com\/aff_c?offer_id=155\u0026amp;aff_id=7240\u0026amp;url_id=2077\" rel=\"sponsored\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAnnie Mak Vitamin C Serum\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e is our top skin cream pick because of its effective and clean formulation. It contains \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003ehyaluronic acid\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e which was described as a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\"skin-rejuvenating biomedicine\"\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e in a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30287361\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003emedical review\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e due to its ability to reduce wrinkles and signs of facial aging.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInterested consumers can check out Annie Mak Vitamin C Serum \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/track.revoffers.com\/aff_c?offer_id=155\u0026amp;aff_id=7240\u0026amp;url_id=2077\" rel=\"sponsored\"\u003eat this link\u003c\/a\u003e to the product page on the official brand's website.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/track.revoffers.com\/aff_c?offer_id=159\u0026amp;aff_id=7240\u0026amp;url_id=2174\" rel=\"sponsored\"\u003eHydraglow\u003c\/a\u003e is our top moisturizer pick. It features \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003ebakuchiol\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e as an active ingredient which was described in a 2014 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/24471735\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eclinical trial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\"clinically proven to have anti-aging effects.\"\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInterested consumers can check out HydraGlow \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/track.revoffers.com\/aff_c?offer_id=159\u0026amp;aff_id=7240\u0026amp;url_id=2174\" rel=\"sponsored\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eat this link\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e to the product page on the brand's official website.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe only oral supplement we recommend for skin quality improvement is \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/bulletproof.fdf2.net\/c\/3271428\/1278011\/9221\" rel=\"sponsored\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBulletproof Collagen Powder\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOral \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003ecollagen\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e supplementation was shown in a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30681787\/\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003emedical review\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e published in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJournal of Drugs in Dermatology\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eto improve visible signs of skin aging as well as improve skin elasticity and skin hydration\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInterested consumers can check out Bulletproof Collagen Powder \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/bulletproof.fdf2.net\/c\/3271428\/1278011\/9221\" rel=\"sponsored\"\u003eat this link\u003c\/a\u003e to the product page on the brand's official website.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNone of the products recommended in this section contain additive ingredients that we consider questionable from a health perspective.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePros and Cons of Neutrogena Hydro Boost\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eHere are the pros and cons of Hydro Boost in our opinion:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePros:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eSerum formulation is one of the best serums we’ve reviewed\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBoth products should improve skin hydration\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eFragrance-free\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eDye-free\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eRelatively affordable\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eVery favorable customer reviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCons:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eContains two synthetic preservatives\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eNo mention of clinical testing\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBrand website charges for shipping\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eConclusion\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eNeutrogena Hydro Boost is an above-average moisturizer. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBoth the serum and the gel-cream contain ingredients that are clinically shown to improve skin moisture content.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe serum contains several anti-aging ingredients, and we believe it’s the better formulation of the two products in this set.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBoth products contain synthetic preservatives shown in one clinical trial to be toxic to human cells, and we don’t currently recommend either product for that reason.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eMost customer reviews we came across while researching this article were highly favorable.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAmazon currently has the best prices on Neutrogena Hydro Boost, at almost 50% less than Ulta for the same product.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","blog_id":49281925193,"author":"Calloway Cook","user_id":26601750601,"published_at":"2023-06-03T18:32:05-04:00","updated_at":"2023-09-17T12:57:59-04:00","summary_html":"We analyze the ingredients in Neutrogena Hydro Boost based on medical studies to give our take on whether it's likely to improve skin hydration and reduce wrinkles, or if it's a waste of money. We feature real customer reviews including product demos.","template_suffix":"","handle":"neutrogena-hydro-boost-review","tags":"_related:skincare"}

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Review: Does "Water Gel" Hydrate Skin?

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Review: Does "Water Gel" Hydrate Skin?


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Read our Editorial Guidelines to learn more about what makes our site the premier resource for online health information.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost is a two-part skincare product that includes a serum and a gel. The brand claims that this duo can provide a “hydrated, healthy glow” and that it “replenishes and smooths skin.”

But does Neutrogena Hydro Boost contain ingredients shown in clinical trials to have these effects or are these just marketing claims? Does the brand use any questionable additive ingredients? What retailers sell Neutrogena Hydro Boost for the best price? And how do real users rate and describe the effects of the product?

In this article we’ll answer all of these questions and more as we analyze the ingredients in Neutrogena Hydro Boost based on medical studies to give our take on whether the two-part system is likely to be effective for hydrating and improving skin, or if it’s a waste of money.

We’ll analyze the ingredients in both treatments separately: Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum first and Hydro Boost Gel-Cream second.

We’ll provide a cost comparison featuring the retailer that sells Neutrogena Hydro Boost for the best price, and share real, unsponsored user reviews of the treatment.

Ingredient Analysis – Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Serum ingredients

The ingredients in Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum are shown above.

This serum contains a number of research-backed ingredients for hydration and even anti-aging effects.

Hyaluronic acid, from which the product gets its name, was shown in a 2018 medical review to improve the body’s own production of collagen, to hydrate the skin and to have “remarkable anti-wrinkle” effects.

Yeast extract was shown to relieve itch and soothe irritated skin in a clinical trial published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.

Sodium hyaluronate is the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid, and was shown to have a “positive effect on facial skin health” in a 2023 clinical trial.

Panthenol is a B-vitamin that’s clinically shown to improve skin hydration as we documented in our The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid review article on another cosmetic product containing this ingredient.

Xylitol can improve skin barrier function and reduce levels of pathogenic bacteria when applied to skin, according to a medical review published in the Nutrients journal.

While there are a number of research-backed ingredients in this serum, there are also two inactive ingredients that may be questionable from a health perspective.

Chlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative that was shown to be toxic to human cells in a 2020 clinical trial.

Phenoxyethanol is another synthetic preservative shown to be toxic to human cells in the same trial.

The above-linked trial is a test tube study, so it’s a weaker standard of evidence than a trial with human participants.

Overall, we consider Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost serum likely to improve skin hydration, improve skin barrier function, and reduce the visible appearance of wrinkles due to its many effective active ingredients.

We don’t currently recommend this product due to the inclusion of the two preservatives referenced above.

But how does the Hydro Boost gel compare? We’ll analyze its ingredients after sharing a few unsponsored user reviews of this product in the next section.

Real, Unsponsored Neutrogena Hydro Boost User Reviews

A TikTok creator named “all.things.ar” gives a live product demo and shares her thoughts on Neutrogena Hydro Boost:

@all.things.ar 💧☁️ @Neutrogena #skincare #neutrogena #neutrogenahydroboost #neutrogenahydroboostwatergel #dewyskin #glassskin #skincarereview #skincaretryon #skintok ♬ original sound - all.things.ar

A TikTok creator named “skinswept” has a similarly favorable review:

@skinswept First review in the Gel-Cream Series! #skincare #moisturizer #gelcream @neutrogena_us ♬ original sound - skinswept

Ingredient Analysis – Hydro Boost Gel-Cream

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream ingredients

The ingredients in Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream are shown above.

Like the serum, it does contain some research-backed ingredients.

Sodium hyaluronate was already demonstrated to be likely effective in the previous section.

Beeswax is clinically shown to have antimicrobial activity, which suggests it may be effective at reducing pathogenic bacteria levels and breakouts, although most of the studies we can find on this ingredient involve naturally-derived beeswax which may be different from the “synthetic beeswax” in this gel.

Glycerin is clinically shown to improve skin moisture content, as we documented in our review of Good Molecules.

Unfortunately, the preservatives phenoxyethanol and chlorphenesin are included in this formulation as well.

Overall, we consider Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream likely to improve skin hydration, although we think it’s a worse formulation than the serum because we can’t find nearly as many research-backed active ingredients in the cream.

We don’t recommend this product due to the inclusion of the two preservatives.

But how do medical experts rate and describe this product? We’ll review in the next section.

Medical Experts Review Hydro Boost

A dermatologist named Dr. Daniel Sugai compared Neutrogena Hydro Boost with a cheaper alternative which could be considered a dupe, called up & up Hydrating Water Gel:

A doctor named Vanita Rattan shares her thoughts on whether Hydro Boost is a good choice for individuals with darker skin tones:

Where to Buy Hydro Boost for the Best Price

Neutrogena Hydro Boost is sold at a variety of online retailers. Here’s a price breakdown at the time of publishing this article:

Hydro Boost Serum

Ulta: $29.99 (link)

Target: $19.99 (link)

Brand website: $19.99 (plus shipping, link)

Amazon: $16.39 (free shipping depending on plan – link to official Amazon listing)

Hydro Boost Gel-Cream

Ulta: $29.99 (link)

Brand website: $19.99 (link)

Walmart: $15.99 (link)

Amazon: $15.40 (free shipping depending on plan – link to official Amazon listing)

The price of Neutrogena Hydro Boost is currently around 50% cheaper on Amazon compared to Ulta.

Real Customers Review Hydro Boost

Amazon is a better resource for honest customer reviews than a brand’s website in our opinion.

The gel-cream version has been reviewed over 46,000 times on Amazon with an average review rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

The top positive review from a verified purchaser comes from a user named “Shahzad a.” who likes the smell and product experience:

“Overall, I would definitely recommend Neutrogena Hydro Boost to anyone looking for a moisturizer that's effective, lightweight, and won't make you smell like a 17th-century perfumery. Give it a try – your skin will thank you!”

The top negative review from a verified purchaser is written by an anonymous Amazon customer who dislikes the consistency and claims the product is too small:

“My first disappointment when opening the product was how little there was in the jar. I washed my face as usual and then went to apply. The consistency is very weird, but I expected that since it was described as a gel. Within seconds of applying to my face, my skin began burning. I had to immediately remove and apply my normal moisturizer.”

Our Clean Skincare Picks

There are skincare products that contain ingredients shown in clinical trials to be effective for reducing wrinkles and improving skin quality generally.

Annie Mak Vitamin C Serum is our top skin cream pick because of its effective and clean formulation. It contains hyaluronic acid which was described as a "skin-rejuvenating biomedicine" in a medical review due to its ability to reduce wrinkles and signs of facial aging.

Interested consumers can check out Annie Mak Vitamin C Serum at this link to the product page on the official brand's website.

Hydraglow is our top moisturizer pick. It features bakuchiol as an active ingredient which was described in a 2014 clinical trial as "clinically proven to have anti-aging effects."

Interested consumers can check out HydraGlow at this link to the product page on the brand's official website.

The only oral supplement we recommend for skin quality improvement is Bulletproof Collagen Powder.

Oral collagen supplementation was shown in a medical review published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology to improve visible signs of skin aging as well as improve skin elasticity and skin hydration.

Interested consumers can check out Bulletproof Collagen Powder at this link to the product page on the brand's official website.

None of the products recommended in this section contain additive ingredients that we consider questionable from a health perspective.

Pros and Cons of Neutrogena Hydro Boost

Here are the pros and cons of Hydro Boost in our opinion:

Pros:

  • Serum formulation is one of the best serums we’ve reviewed
  • Both products should improve skin hydration
  • Fragrance-free
  • Dye-free
  • Relatively affordable
  • Very favorable customer reviews

Cons:

  • Contains two synthetic preservatives
  • No mention of clinical testing
  • Brand website charges for shipping
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Conclusion

Neutrogena Hydro Boost is an above-average moisturizer. 

Both the serum and the gel-cream contain ingredients that are clinically shown to improve skin moisture content.

The serum contains several anti-aging ingredients, and we believe it’s the better formulation of the two products in this set.

Both products contain synthetic preservatives shown in one clinical trial to be toxic to human cells, and we don’t currently recommend either product for that reason.

Most customer reviews we came across while researching this article were highly favorable.

Amazon currently has the best prices on Neutrogena Hydro Boost, at almost 50% less than Ulta for the same product.




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