Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel, 24 Hr Hydration for Normal/Oily Skin, Signature Fragrance, Face Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid, Skin Care for Juicy, Deeply Hydrated Skin, 1.7 oz Review
Our verdict
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel has become one of the most talked about drugstore moisturizers, with a 4.6 star average across more than 88,000 ratings backing up its popularity. Its oil free, hyaluronic acid based formula makes it a solid everyday pick for normal to oily skin that still wants a hydration boost.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Normal, combination, or oily skin that wants a lightweight, oil free moisturizer built around hyaluronic acid.
Skip if
Your skin is very dry and needs a richer, more emollient cream, since this water gel is designed to feel light rather than heavy.
- Priced 25% above the category median ($19.99 across 238 tracked models)
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.6/5
4.6 average across 88,200 owner ratings
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Popularity5.0/5
88,200 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other women's everyday face care: moisturizers, face mists, facial kits, rollers, cleansing brushes and steamers we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel is built around hyaluronic acid, an ingredient known for its ability to hold onto moisture, paired with glycerin for extra humectant support. The gel texture is oil free and formulated to feel light on the skin, which is why it is recommended for normal, combination, and oily skin types rather than very dry skin.
The 1.7 ounce bottle is sized for daily use, and the formula is non comedogenic and hypoallergenic, with no added sun protection factor, so a separate sunscreen is still needed during the day. Its signature Hydro Boost scent adds a light fragrance, which is worth knowing if you prefer completely unscented products.
With more than 88,200 ratings averaging 4.6 stars, this is one of the more heavily reviewed face moisturizers on the market, and the current monthly purchase volume shows it continues to sell steadily rather than being a passing trend.
Pros
- Hyaluronic acid formula supports 24 hour hydration without feeling heavy
- Oil free, non comedogenic, and hypoallergenic
- 4.6 star average across more than 88,000 ratings
- Lightweight gel texture suits normal, combination, and oily skin
- Steady ongoing purchase volume shows lasting popularity
Cons
- No sun protection factor, so a separate sunscreen is still needed
- Light fragrance may not suit those who want fragrance free skincare
- Very dry skin may need a richer moisturizer alongside or instead of this gel
Performance notes
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that can hold many times its weight in water, which is why this gel is positioned around 24 hour hydration, and glycerin works alongside it to help pull moisture into the skin. Because the formula is oil free and non comedogenic, it is built to hydrate without adding extra shine, which explains why it is aimed at normal to oily skin rather than marketed as a rich, dry skin cream.
What buyers say
A 4.6 star average across more than 88,000 ratings is an exceptionally large and consistent result, putting this among the most trusted face moisturizers in its price range. The steady monthly purchase count on top of that review volume suggests it remains a go to pick rather than a one time trend.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Hydro Boost Water Gel good for oily skin?
Yes, it is formulated to be oil free and lightweight, which is why it is recommended for normal, combination, and oily skin types. The gel texture absorbs quickly rather than sitting on top of the skin, which helps it avoid feeling greasy.
Does this moisturizer include sunscreen?
No, the listing specifies no sun protection factor, so you will need to apply a separate sunscreen during the day if you are using this as your morning moisturizer. It is best thought of as a hydration step, not a sun protection step.
Will the fragrance be a problem for sensitive skin?
The formula carries a light signature scent, and while it is labeled hypoallergenic, anyone who prefers strictly fragrance free products may want to patch test first. Most reviewers have not flagged the scent as an issue, but sensitivity varies from person to person.