If you're looking for an affordable moisturizer, Neutrogena's popular Hydro Boost line includes two popular products that fit your bill. When you're deciding between Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydro Gel and Gel-Cream, at first glance, the products look almost identical. However, there are some key differences between the two that you should be aware of to choose the one that's best for your skin.
Moisturizing
- Winner: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream
As the name of the line suggests, all of Neutrogena's Hydro Boost products are designed to replenish and replenish hydration, including these moisturizers. Both hydrogel moisturizers and gel-cream moisturizers contain hyaluronic acid as a key ingredient, which is the powerhouse of hydration. They also each contain glycerin (a humectant that draws water to the skin's surface) and dimethicone to lock in moisture. Finally, both products are oil-free, non-comedogenic, and are described as having a "gel-cream formula."
Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Hydrogel Moisturizer has a lightweight formula that absorbs quickly into skin and provides up to 24 hours of hydration with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. It is suitable for all skin types.
Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Gel-Cream Moisturizer provides more intense hydration than hydrogel moisturizers—it's designed for dry to extra-dry skin. Thanks to ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin (remember: hydrogel moisturizers contain these ingredients, too), the gel-cream formula keeps skin hydrated for up to 48 hours, and because it contains beeswax, another A moisturizer that helps with hydration.
spices and dyes
- Winner: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream
Neutrogena Hydro Boost contains fragrance, which may be irritating to some people, especially those with sensitive skin. That said, the general consensus is that the scent isn't overpowering—one reviewer on Amazon described the scent as "light and pleasant," while another said it was "fresh and mild." . Unlike gel-cream moisturizers, this hydrogel moisturizer contains Blue 1, an FDA-approved synthetic dye that adds color to the product.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream is fragrance- and dye-free, making it a better choice if you have sensitive skin or you just want to avoid products that contain fragrance or dyes.
Comment
- Winner: Tie
Neutrogena's Hydro Boost hydrogel has an overall rating of 4.6 stars on Amazon, with over 77,000 reviews. Some reviewers call it the "Holy Grail" moisturizer. "Using this is the highlight of my skincare routine," one fan wrote. "It has a very light, pleasant scent that quickly penetrates into my skin and locks in moisture throughout the day. My skin feels bouncy and hydrated. [...] So glad I found the holy grail."
Like the Water Gel Moisturizer, Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Gel-Cream is popular on Amazon, with an overall rating of 4.7 stars after more than 40,000 reviews. One fan commented, "This will always be my favorite moisturizer. I can't go without it." Another wrote, "This stuff feels so light and smooth to use, but it makes your Skin feels very moisturized and soft. ”
Both moisturizers received the same percentage of five-star reviews (80%), so it's a tie.
Package:
- Winner: Tie
When adding one of these water-boosting moisturizers to your (virtual) shopping cart, it's easy to accidentally choose the wrong one, since the packaging is nearly identical (except for the product name, of course). Pay close attention when doing this to avoid any confusion!
price
- Winner: Neutrogena's Hydro Boost hydrogel
Drugstore brand Neutrogena is known in the beauty industry for making high-quality products that don't hurt armies and legs, and these two moisturizers are no exception. Hydro Boost Water Gel-Cream Moisturizer costs about $18 for a 1.7-ounce size, while Hydro Boost Gel-Cream Moisturizer costs about $20 for a 1.7-ounce size—and while they're both affordable, Water Gel offers slightly more Better value.
Conclusion: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydro Gel vs. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydro Gel. gel cream
- Winner: Gel-Cream Moisturizer if You Have Dry or Sensitive Skin or Hydrogel if Your Skin Is Not Dry or Sensitive
It's clear that both of these moisturizers from Neutrogena are the real deal—they offer great hydration at an almost unbeatable price. That said, the Hydro Boost hydrogel option is suitable for all skin types, while the Hydro Boost gel-cream moisturizer is better suited for those with particularly dry or sensitive skin because it's longer-lasting and dye- and fragrance-free. You can’t go wrong with either option, so let your skin type guide your choice.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydro Gel
Oil-free Neutrogena Hydro Boost hydrogel has a lightweight feel and mild fragrance that provides 24-hour hydration for most skin types.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream, which is fragrance- and dye-free, offers similarly lightweight application while being more hydrating, so it lasts up to 48 hours on even super-dry skin.
More Gel Moisturizers Worth Considering
1. Fragrance-free moisturizer with soothing oatmeal
This Aveeno gel-cream moisturizer contains oatmeal to soothe skin. It's fragrance-free and perfect for sensitive skin.
2. This fan-favorite gel-cream comes in a convenient tube
This gel-cream moisturizer from Versed is stretchy and lightweight, with ingredients like aloe vera and green tea to hydrate skin and fight inflammation. It is designed for all skin types.
3. A popular gel cream for under $10
At under $10, this gel-cream moisturizer from Garnier is an affordable product packed with nourishing ingredients like vitamin E to hydrate your skin. It is designed for normal and combination skin.
