Neutrogena Hydroboost Water Gel vs. Gel-Cream Review. Which Should You Buy?
Name any drugstore face moisturizer. I’ve probably tried it and been unimpressed. I came across the Neutrogena Hydroboost line of moisturizers after a year-long search for affordable moisturizers for my oily but dehydrated, acne-prone skin. At the time, people online had recommended this as a dupe for the $60 Clinique Moisture Surge moisturizer, which I loved but couldn’t afford to keep repurchasing. Keep in mind, this was 4 years ago.
Since then, these hydrating moisturizers have been a staple for me, and I’ve only ever stopped using them when trying new skincare products.
Neutrogena’s focal point for these moisturizers was the inclusion of hyaluronic acid, a.k.a the “hydration-miracle” of skincare, and they truly hit the spot on this one. Depending on where you get these, they can range anywhere from $13 – $20.
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Key Ingredients in Both Neutrogena Hydroboost Water Gel and Gel-Cream
Sodium hyaluronate (Interchangably called “Hyaluronic Acid”) – A form of hyaluronic acid that attracts and retains moisture in the skin contributing to plumpness and volume
Glycerin – Humectant (hydrating agent) that pulls water from within the skin and in the air
Dimethicones – Conditions skin for softness and flexibility and helps product glide on skin.
So What The Difference Between The Hydroboost Water Gel Vs. Gel-Cream?
Looking at these two moisturizers at face value, you’d think they’re pretty much the same, but trust me, they’re not. The Water Gel is targeted towards any skin type, and the Gel-Cream is targeted towards those with extra-dry skin. In the years that I’ve used these products, I’ve time and time again accidentally picked one when I meant to pick the other because they look so closely alike.
Comparing them side by side, the ingredients are almost the same, except for two – Fragrance and Beeswax.
The main difference between them is that the Water Gel has fragrance while the Gel-Cream does not. The Gel-Cream has beeswax, and the Water Gel does not. These two differences aren’t very obvious until you try both moisturizers; you’ll notice they both smell and feel different on the skin.
Since the Gel-Cream is targeted towards dryer skin, I believe that the addition of beeswax provides the extra moisture-oomph. Beeswax in skincare is known to have lubricating and softening properties and also contributes to reducing water loss from the skin. It also acts as an emulsifier – holds unlike ingredients like oil and water together.
If fragrance is a point of contention in your skincare, or it’s just plain irritating to your skin, then you might want to pay special attention when buying them.
Product Review Of The Hydroboost Water Gel and Gel-Cream
Product Claims: The Hydroboost Water Gel and Gel-Cream claim to be fast-absorbing water-gel formulas that deliver intense hydration. With the addition of hyaluronic acid to attract and lock moisture, leaving supple, hydrated skin. They are also oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizers that can be used alone or under makeup.
Texture-wise, both products are gel-like, so the consistency is very thin and lightweight but not necessarily runny. When rubbed into the skin, they absorb and disappear very quickly and instantly feel hydrating. They both also dry to a matte finish without feeling drying at all, which is great because most matte moisturizers can leave you feeling dry shortly after.
After rubbing into skin
As previously mentioned, the water gel contains fragrance that some might consider a little strong. The first time I mistakenly bought the water gel instead of the gel-cream, I opened the tube, and the fragrance hit me. I kept wondering why it smelled so different. It wasn’t until I re-read the jar that I knew I had bought a different one.
One of the claims of these moisturizers is that they quench skin’s thirst, and I can attest that the formulation delivers on that claim. Although I have oily skin, it tends to get very dehydrated (yes, dry and dehydrated are two different things). These are the only drugstore moisturizers that hydrate my oily skin without leaving it slick, sticky, or cause any breakouts. Another claim is that they dry matte and can be worn under makeup. While I have never had any issues wearing these under makeup, they definitely dry down matte but don’t actually feel matte.
Personally, I always opt for the Hydroboost Water Gel during the summer months when I don’t need as much hydration. However, during the dry winters, the Hydroboost Gel-Cream is my preferred option since it’s formulated to deliver extra moisture and leaves my skin feeling a lot more hydrated.
If I were to pick a year-round favorite, the Gel-cream would hands-down be my pick. As far as I’m concerned, you can never have too much moisture.
Both moisturizers come in 0.5oz and 1.7 fl oz jars. Since they’re in jar form, you’d need to reach inside the jars to use them. While this isn’t a huge deal, I appreciate it when products come in pumps or squeezable tubes. The jar packaging is also a little bulky and wasteful, as the actual product container only accounts for less than half of the packaging.
What Skin Types Are These Recommended For?
The target audience for these moisturizers were those with dry skin. While these may be manageable for dry skin, significantly dryer skin types will need to layer this with another moisturizer for added hydration or reapply throughout the day.
However, those with normal, combination, acne-prone or sensitive skin will probably be more satisfied with these moisturizers. Note that if you have sensitive skin, you should probably be reaching for the Gel-Cream. If you have acne-prone skin, either will work since they are both non-comedogenic.
How to Use
Simply wash your face and apply it directly to the skin.
A helpful application tip is to apply the moisturizer directly to damp skin after washing. Hyaluronic acid binds to water in the skin and gives an even more moisturized feel. I also find that applying to damp skin helps me to use less product and stretches out the moisturizer.
You can also use both the Gel-Cream and water gel during the day and night time. There are no actives in the formula, so you can use them over any active treatment. I use tretinoin, so I typically apply my tretinoin, wait about 20 mins, then apply the moisturizer to my face.
Final Thoughts
Until I find another drugstore moisturizer that knocks the Neutrogena Hydroboost Water Gel and Gel-Cream, I’m sticking with them. These definitely deliver on hydration and are a good option for various skin types. My one wish is that they came in bigger sizes, so that I wouldn’t have to keep paying for and wasting the nice packaging.
Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable and effective moisturizer, give Neutrogena’s Hydroboost Water Gel or Gel-Cream a try. Let me know if you’ve tried these moisturizers or have similar affordable recommendations.
