Neutrogena Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Face Gel for Normal to Oily Skin - 1.7oz

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Face Gel for Normal to Oily Skin - 1.7oz

Neutrogena

7.2/10 (6043 reviews)
moisturizernormal, oily, combination skin1.7oz

Key Benefits

  • Sodium Hyaluronate for hydration
  • Glycerin for moisture retention
  • Cetearyl Olivate/Sorbitan Olivate for skin barrier support
Overall Score: 7.2/10

Good lightweight moisturizer for normal to oily skin. Suitable for most, but those with sensitive or fragrance-allergic skin should use caution.

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Detailed Product Scores

Overall
7.2/10

Weighted average of all factors

Safety
7.5/10

Allergen and irritation risk assessment

Efficacy
7/10

Expected performance and results

Formulation
7.8/10

Ingredient synergy and stability

Sustainability
6/10

Environmental and ethical impact

Benefits & Concerns

Key Benefits (3)

  • Sodium Hyaluronate for hydration
  • Glycerin for moisture retention
  • Cetearyl Olivate/Sorbitan Olivate for skin barrier support

Concerns & Limitations (2)

  • Fragrance may cause irritation or allergic reactions
  • Colorant (Blue 1) is unnecessary and may cause sensitivity in rare cases

Complete Ingredient Analysis

20

Total Ingredients

3

Emollients

0

Fragrances

0

Unsafe

Complete Ingredient Breakdown

Listed in order of concentration with detailed analysis

#1
Water
Water
unknownsolvent
#2
Dimethicone
Dimethicone
unknownemollient
#3
Glycerin
Glycerin
unknownhumectant
#4
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
unknownviscosity controlling
#5
Phenoxyethanol
Phenoxyethanol
unknownpreservative
#6
Polyacrylamide
Polyacrylamide
unknownviscosity controlling
#7
Cetearyl Olivate
Cetearyl Olivate
unknownemulsifying
#8
Sorbitan Olivate
Sorbitan Olivate
unknownemulsifying
#9
Dimethiconol
Dimethiconol
unknownemollient
#10
C13-14 Isoparaffin
C13-14 Isoparaffin
unknownemollient
#11
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
unknownviscosity controlling
#12
Chlorphenesin
Chlorphenesin
unknownantimicrobial/antibacterial
#13
Carbomer
Carbomer
unknownviscosity controlling
#14
Laureth-7
Laureth-7
unknownsurfactant/cleansing
#15
Sodium Hyaluronate
Sodium Hyaluronate
unknownmoisturizer/humectant
#16
Ethylhexylglycerin
Ethylhexylglycerin
unknownpreservative
#17
Fragrance
Fragrance
unknownperfuming
#18
C12-14 Pareth-12
C12-14 Pareth-12
unknownsurfactant/cleansing
#19
Sodium Hydroxide
Sodium Hydroxide
unknownbuffering
#20
Blue 1
Blue 1
unknowncolorant

Product Attributes

Vegan
Cruelty-Free
Reef Safe
Alcohol-Free
Paraben-Free
Silicon-Free
Sulfate-Free
Fragrance-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Oil-Free
Fungal Acne Safe

Usage Instructions & Guidelines

Official Usage Instructions

Manufacturer's recommended application

Apply evenly to face and neck after cleansing

Ideal For:

  • Daily skincare routine
  • Sensitive skin types
  • Natural product enthusiasts

Avoid If You Have:

  • Known allergies to listed ingredients
  • Very sensitive or reactive skin
  • Preference for fragrance-free products

Skin Type Compatibility

How well this product works for different skin types

💧Dry Skin
5/10

Contains humectants like glycerin but relies heavily on silicones and lacks richer emollients or occlusives, which may not provide sufficient hydration for very dry skin.

🛢️Oily Skin
8/10

Lightweight, gel-based, and non-greasy formula with dimethicone is well-suited for oily skin; minimal risk of pore clogging.

🌸Sensitive Skin
6/10

Generally simple formula, but contains phenoxyethanol and polyacrylamide, which may be irritating for some sensitive individuals; not specifically labeled as fragrance-free.

⚖️Combination Skin
7/10

Balances hydration without heaviness, making it suitable for combination skin, though may not be moisturizing enough for drier areas.

🔴Acne-Prone Skin
7/10

Non-comedogenic ingredients and lightweight texture are favorable, but presence of isoparaffin and silicones may be problematic for some acne-prone users.

Normal Skin
8/10

Well-balanced hydration and lightweight feel make it a good option for normal skin without specific concerns.

Seasonal Usage Recommendations

How to use this product throughout the year

Winter

Apply a thicker layer or pair with a richer cream, as this gel may not provide enough hydration alone in cold, dry conditions. Consider layering over a hydrating serum to combat indoor heating and dryness.

Spring

Continue regular use; the lightweight gel texture suits fluctuating temperatures and increased humidity. If experiencing allergy-related irritation, patch test and avoid over-layering with actives.

Summer

Use as a stand-alone moisturizer for lightweight hydration. Its non-greasy formula is ideal for heat and humidity. Always follow with broad-spectrum sunscreen for outdoor activities.

Fall

Maintain daily use but monitor skin for increased dryness as temperatures drop. Begin layering with hydrating serums or a slightly heavier moisturizer if skin feels tight, to prepare for winter.

Enhanced Usage Instructions

Detailed usage guidance for different skin concerns and best practices

Usage by Skin Concern

💧
Dry Skin

Although formulated for normal to oily skin, this gel can be used by those with dry skin as a lightweight hydrator. For best results, apply immediately after cleansing while skin is still slightly damp to lock in moisture. Consider layering a richer cream or facial oil on top if additional hydration is needed. Use morning and night.

🛢️
Oily Skin

This product is ideal for oily skin due to its lightweight, non-greasy texture. Apply a thin, even layer to cleansed skin, focusing on areas prone to excess oil. Use morning and night. Avoid over-application to prevent potential pore congestion.

🌸
Sensitive Skin

Patch test before full use, as some ingredients (e.g., phenoxyethanol) may cause irritation in sensitive individuals. Apply a small amount to cleansed, dry skin once daily for the first week, then increase to twice daily if well tolerated. Avoid applying to broken or inflamed skin.

⚖️
Combination Skin

Apply evenly to the entire face after cleansing, using a slightly thicker layer on dry areas (cheeks) and a thinner layer on oilier zones (T-zone). Use morning and night. Adjust the amount as needed based on seasonal or hormonal changes.

🔴
Acne-Prone Skin

This gel is non-comedogenic and suitable for acne-prone skin. Apply a thin layer to cleansed skin, avoiding heavy buildup in breakout-prone areas. Use after any acne treatments (e.g., benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid) to help prevent dryness. Use morning and night.

Usage Tips & Best Practices

Daily Use

Use twice daily, morning and evening, after cleansing and before sunscreen (AM) or other treatments (PM). Consistent use helps maintain hydration and skin barrier function.

Night Use

Apply as the last step of your nighttime routine, after serums or treatments. This helps seal in moisture overnight and supports skin repair.

Frequency

Recommended use is twice daily (AM and PM). Adjust frequency if irritation or excessive oiliness occurs.

Amount

Use a pea-sized amount for the entire face, and an additional pea-sized amount for the neck. Adjust as needed based on skin’s hydration needs.

Best Time

Best applied immediately after cleansing, while skin is still slightly damp, to maximize hydration. In the morning, follow with sunscreen. At night, use as the final step.

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