Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Gel Cleanser, Daily Face Wash for Sensitive Skin, Gentle Foaming Facial Cleanser, Noncomedogenic, Alcohol- and Fragrance-Free Hyaluronic Acid, 7.8 fl oz Review
Our verdict
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Gel Cleanser is a fragrance free, alcohol free foaming gel built around hyaluronic acid, and its 4.7 star average across 5,391 ratings makes it one of the most widely trusted daily cleansers for sensitive skin.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Sensitive skin types who want a noncomedogenic, fragrance free gel cleanser that still foams up for a satisfying daily wash.
Skip if
You are looking for a cleanser that also targets brightening or exfoliation, since this formula is focused on gentle hydrating cleansing rather than active treatment.
- Priced 50% below the category median ($19.99 across 238 tracked models)
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.7/5
4.7 average across 5,300 owner ratings
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Popularity4.6/5
5,300 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
This gel cleanser from Neutrogena's Hydro Boost line is built around hyaluronic acid and is designed to gently foam while cleansing, aiming to remove daily grime without leaving skin feeling dry afterward. It is alcohol free and fragrance free, and the formula is labeled noncomedogenic, dye free, oil free, paraben free, phthalate free and soap free, covering a long list of common irritant concerns.
The 7.8 fluid ounce bottle is made for adult use and positioned specifically for sensitive skin, which lines up with its stripped down ingredient list. As a daily face wash, it is meant to fit into a simple, no fuss cleansing routine rather than serve as a treatment step.
With 5,391 ratings and a 4.7 star average, plus a Best Sellers Rank of number 2 in Facial Cleansing Gels, this is one of the most reviewed and consistently well rated cleansers in this entire lineup, reflecting years of trust from a very large customer base.
Pros
- Hyaluronic acid supports hydration during daily cleansing
- Fragrance free, alcohol free and noncomedogenic
- Free of dye, oil, paraben, phthalate and soap
- 4.7 star average across 5,391 ratings
- Ranked number 2 in Facial Cleansing Gels on its listing
Cons
- No added exfoliating or brightening ingredients for those wanting more than basic cleansing
- Foaming gel texture may feel too light for very dry skin in colder months
- Current reported monthly purchase count is lower than its enormous review history might suggest
Performance notes
Hyaluronic acid is included to help offset the drying effect that foaming cleansers can sometimes have, while the long list of free from claims, alcohol free, fragrance free, dye free, oil free, paraben free, phthalate free and soap free, is aimed squarely at reducing the chance of irritation for sensitive skin. This makes it more of a maintenance cleanser than an active treatment product.
What buyers say
A 4.7 star average across 5,391 ratings is an outstanding score at that scale, and the number 2 Best Sellers Rank in its category backs up just how widely this cleanser is used and trusted. Few cleansers in this price range have this much consistent, large scale customer feedback behind them.
More from Brand
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Frequently asked questions
Is this cleanser gentle enough for daily use on sensitive skin?
Yes, it is specifically formulated for sensitive skin with a fragrance free, alcohol free approach and a long list of free from claims. Most sensitive skin users can incorporate it into a daily routine, though patch testing is always a reasonable first step with any new product.
Does this cleanser help with acne or breakouts?
It is labeled noncomedogenic, meaning it is formulated not to clog pores, which can be helpful for acne prone skin, but it is not marketed as a dedicated acne treatment. Pairing it with a targeted treatment product would be needed for active breakout concerns.
Why does this cleanser have so many reviews?
It has been on the market for years as part of Neutrogena's well known Hydro Boost line and holds a number 2 Best Sellers Rank in its category, which reflects long term, widespread popularity as a drugstore staple rather than a newer or niche product.