Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Water Gel
Finding a moisturizer for any skin type can be an uphill battle, especially for those with oily or combination skin. While heavier creams can really lock in much-needed hydration, many formulas can be greasy or not play well with an acne-prone completion. Enter the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel—this popular, aptly named moisturizer manages to have two highly coveted qualities in one, as it’s both lightweight and hydrating. It feels just like a cooling gel but absorbs into the skin with ease, similarly to plain water. And, thanks to ingredients like hyaluronic acid,1 it moisturizes like a dream. Read on for our full review of this drugstore staple, complete with insights from a board-certified dermatologist.
NEUTROGENA HYDRO BOOST WATER GEL
BEST FOR: Normal to oily skin
USES: A daily moisturizer for lightweight hydration.
POTENTIAL ALLERGENS: None
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: Hyaluronic acid
ABOUT THE BRAND: Neutrogena is one of the most popular accessible beauty brands, offering affordable, dermatologist-recommended products for skin, makeup, hair, and more.
The Ingredients: Scientifically proven to hydrate skin
The star ingredient in Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel is hyaluronic acid, which works by attracting moisture—up to 1,000 times its weight in water—to plump and hydrate skin. In this case, it’s in the form of sodium hyaluronate (a derivative of hyaluronic acid), which can penetrate even deeper than pure hyaluronic acid. It’s also a favorite of board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon Dendy Engelman, MD: “This formulation is so effective because of the hyaluronic acid concentration,” she explains. “When applied topically, hyaluronic acid creates a barrier for the skin, locking in moisture and improving skin texture.”
The Formula: Great for all skin types
Water gel is an apt description: Hydro Boost is nearly weightless and sinks into the skin quickly, making it an exceptional choice for those with oily or combination skin hoping to avoid grease and shine. The formula also contains dimethicone—which helps make skin look smoother—to diffuse the look of skin texture on bare skin and underneath makeup. “Hydro Boost Water Gel can be used by all skin types since hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the skin,” Engelman explains.
It’s worth noting that the formula contains a fragrance that lingers long after it’s applied. If you’re not a fan of fragrance in your skincare or have super sensitive skin, check out the Hydro Boost Gel-Cream for Extra Dry Skin—it’s formulated without the added fragrance.
The Results: Lightweight hydration
Thanks to ingredients like hyaluronic acid and dimethicone, this moisturizer makes skin feel noticeably softer after use. If you have skin on the drier side, you might not feel super hydrated, but with that said, Hydro Boost can still keep skin from becoming too dry (and is the ideal amount of hydration for oily and combination skin types). Despite its lightness, it seems to soak into the skin and hydrate it from the inside out.
We wouldn’t recommend this moisturizer for those with severely dry skin or anyone looking for major hydration in colder or drier climates, but for summer weather or oily skin, this moisturizer is a solid choice to hydrate without being heavy. It also works well for those with normal skin looking for a morning hydrator that wears well under makeup.
More Reviews
“This moisturizer is super lightweight, which is perfect during the summer or when you’re applying under makeup. My skin is instantly moisturized and is left soft and supple.” — Jasmine Phillips, social media editor
“If you want bouncy, hydrated skin at an affordable price, Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Water Gel is the moisturizer for you. Perfect for daily use (especially in the summer when even the thinnest of formulas feel heavy), this moisturizer provides a refreshing dose of hyaluronic acid that absorbs in seconds.” — Abby Dupes, associate editor
The Value: Right on the money
If you’re browsing the drugstore shelves for a new moisturizer, this one makes a fine choice. It’s far less expensive than many other cult-favorite high-end formulations, and its simple yet effective formula makes it a worthwhile staple. “The formula is effective and contains ingredients that I often tell my patients to look out for in a moisturizer,” Engelman explains. “In addition, the brand has done over 30 clinical and research studies—plus clinical trials—for this product and have proven that it strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier.”
Final Verdict
The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel is a lightweight, hyaluronic acid-laden formula that does a great job of keeping skin hydrated. It’s often recommended by dermatologists for its efficacy, consistency, and the fact that it works well for all skin types.