Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream Review: My Results After Testing it Daily for 2 Months
I’ve tried a lot of moisturizers, but I kept hearing about Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream, so I finally decided to see what the hype was about.
The first thing I noticed was the packaging—it comes in a glass jar, which makes it feel way fancier than the CeraVe moisturizers I tried.
But when I opened it, I was surprised at how small the jar actually is. It’s only 1.7 ounces, and since I have dry skin, I use a good amount each time. I wasn’t sure how long it would last.
The texture was interesting—it’s not a thick cream, but it’s not super runny either. It’s somewhere in between, which made it easy to spread. It felt really light on my skin, which I liked, but I wasn’t sure if it would actually keep my skin hydrated.
After using it for several weeks, I have a lot of thoughts—so let’s get into it.
The Packaging: Looks Expensive, But Is It Worth It?
I love the packaging. The glass jar makes it feel way more high-end than your average drugstore moisturizer. It definitely looks and feels more luxurious compared to the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream and Moisturizing Lotion.
But here’s the downside: the jar is small. I use it every morning and night, and I feel like I’m going through it quickly.
If you don’t use it a lot, it might last longer, but I’m already thinking about how soon I’ll need to repurchase.
Another thing—I don’t love dipping my fingers into jars. It feels less hygienic, so I always make sure my hands are clean before using it.
A pump would’ve been more convenient, but at least the jar is sturdy and looks nice on my counter.
How It Feels on the Skin: Lightweight and Cooling
When I first applied it, I immediately noticed how refreshing it felt. It has a cooling effect, which is nice in the morning when my skin feels a little puffy.
It’s super lightweight, absorbs fast, and doesn’t leave any greasiness. I could put sunscreen and makeup on top of it without any issues.
If you like thick, heavy creams, this isn’t for you. It feels more like a burst of hydration that sinks in quickly instead of sitting on the skin. Personally, I like that, but I did wonder if it would be enough to keep my skin hydrated all day.
How Well Does It Hydrate?
This is where I have mixed feelings. Right after I apply it, my skin feels soft and moisturized.
The hyaluronic acid helps with that plump, hydrated look. But I noticed that a few hours later, my skin sometimes started to feel a little dry again, especially around my nose and chin.
If you have oily or combination skin, this might be enough for you. But if you have very dry skin, it might not be enough on its own.
I found that layering a thicker moisturizer on top at night helped lock in more hydration. During the day, it worked well under sunscreen and makeup, so I kept using it for that reason.
What’s Inside? A Closer Look at the Ingredients
I always check the ingredients when trying a new product, and this one has some good ones:
- Hyaluronic Acid – The star of the show. It pulls moisture into the skin and helps keep it hydrated.
- Glycerin – Another great hydrator that helps soften and smooth the skin.
- Dimethicone – A type of silicone that makes the moisturizer feel silky and smooth. It also helps prevent moisture from escaping.
- Cetearyl Olivate & Sorbitan Olivate – These come from olive oil and help keep the skin barrier healthy.
Also, unlike the Hydro Boost water gel, Hydro Boost gel cream doesn’t have fragrance or artificial dyes. Personally, I don’t have very sensitive skin, and I’m fine with a light fragrance.
However, if your skin gets irritated easily, I’d definitely recommend the gel cream over the water gel.
My Results After One Week
After a week of using it morning and night, I noticed my skin looked a little more hydrated overall. It didn’t feel as tight in the morning, which was a good sign.
My makeup also went on smoother because I didn’t have as many dry patches.
But I also realized that if I didn’t use enough, my skin started feeling dry again a few hours later. So I started applying a bit more and making sure I layered something heavier at night.
My Results After Several Weeks
After several weeks, my skin definitely looked better in terms of hydration, but I wouldn’t call this a life-changing moisturizer. It works really well for daytime and under makeup, but at night, I felt like I needed more.
I also noticed that if my skin was extra dry, this wasn’t enough on its own. I had to use a hydrating serum underneath or CeraVe moisturizer lotion on top, for an added layer of hydration.
I still liked using it because it felt nice and refreshing, but if you have very dry skin, I wouldn’t rely on it as your only moisturizer in the winter.
Who Is Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream Best For?
Neutrogena Hydro Boost gel cream is the favorite among my friends as well. Based on our experience, this works best for:
✔ Normal to combination skin – It hydrates without making skin greasy.
✔ Oily skin – Since it’s lightweight and oil-free, it won’t clog pores or feel heavy.
✔ Anyone who wears makeup – It layers well under foundation without pilling.
However, if you have very dry skin, you might need to use this with a heavier moisturizer or serum.
It’s a great lightweight option, but on its own, it might not be enough for deep hydration.
How It Compares to Other Moisturizers
I’ve tried a lot of different moisturizers, so here’s how Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream compares to some other popular ones:
- CeraVe Moisturizing Cream – Much thicker and better for dry skin, but not as lightweight as Hydro Boost.
- Clinique Moisture Surge – Similar gel texture but a little more hydrating and longer-lasting.
- Belif Aqua Bomb – Another lightweight gel, but slightly more moisturizing than Hydro Boost.
If you want something light and refreshing, Hydro Boost is a good choice. But if you need deep hydration, you might want to layer it or choose something richer.
Final Thoughts: Would I Buy It Again?
I really like this moisturizer, but I don’t love it. It’s lightweight, absorbs fast, and feels nice on the skin. The glass jar makes it feel more luxurious than your average drugstore product, and it works well under makeup.
But at the same time, I go through it really fast, and I wish it was a little more hydrating. I’ll keep using it during the summer when my skin isn’t as dry, but in the winter, I’d probably reach for something richer.
So, would I repurchase? Probably for daytime use, but not as my main moisturizer in colder months.
If you have normal or oily skin and want something light, this is a great option. If you have dry skin like me, it might need some backup to really keep your skin feeling hydrated all day.
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