Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Water Gel is a Drugstore Staple, So We Tried It

We purchased Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Water Gel so our writer could put it to the test. Keep reading for our full product review.

Finding a moisturizer for any skin type can be an uphill battle, but we believe it's even trickier for those with oily or combination skin. While heavier creams can really lock in that much-needed hydration, many formulas can leave skin feeling like a greasy mess. Enter the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel—this popular moisturizer manages to have two highly coveted qualities in one as it’s both lightweight and hydrating.

The aptly named product feels just like a cooling gel but absorbs into the skin with ease, similar to plain old water. And, thanks to ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which holds 10000 times its weight in water (in other words, it keeps your skin to keep it nice and hydrated), it moisturizes like a dream. to find out if this drugstore staple is enough to keep skin supple and healthy, we tapped a board-certified dermatologist and tried the formula out for ourselves.

About the Ingredients: Scientifically proven to hydrate skin

The star ingredient in Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel is hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid works by attracting moisture—up to 1,000 times its weight in water, as we mentioned before—which plumps and hydrates 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."

About 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 looking shiny. The formula also contains dimethicones—ingredients known to make skin look smoother—so it can diffuse the look of skin texture either on bare skin or 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, our skin feels noticeably softer after use. If you have skin on the drier side, you might not feel super hydrated, but with that said, Hydro Boost has kept our skin from becoming too dry. 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, we think 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.

The Value: Right on the money

If you’re browsing the drugstore shelves for a new moisturizer, this one makes a fine choice. It sells at around $17 for 1.7 ounces, which is far less expensive than many other cult-favorite high-end formulations. Engelman agrees that it's absolutely worth the hype. "The formula is effective and contains ingredients that I often tell my patients to look our for in a moisturizer," she 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."