Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel vs Gel Cream

Neutrogena has two moisturizers which look almost identical to each other in their hydro boost line. Despite the visual similarities, the water gel and the gel cream are distinctly different products. Both moisturizers are amazing but each is better suited to a particular skin type.

We’ll be looking at the comparative differences between Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel and Gel Cream. The hydro boost line is trusted by countless beauty professionals. Once you’ve taken a closer look, you’ll soon understand why.

Each Moisturizer Smells Different

The primary difference between the products is the addition of fragrance. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel contains fragrance while the gel cream is scent-free. Fragrances are known to trigger a range of allergies and adverse reactions in people with sensitive skin. If you’re likely to have an allergic reaction, its best you try the Neutrogena gel cream.

Water Gel vs Gel Cream Ingredients

Both products have been made up of very similar ingredients, containing a formulation which is designed to deeply hydrate and firm skin. Nonetheless, there are slight differences between the two. Both products use a distinctly different approach to hydration. Here are the compounds unique to each type of treatment.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

Here are the only compounds you’ll find in the water gel that aren’t present in the gel cream.

C13-14 Hyaluronate – Hyaluronic acid, a compound similar to the fluids surrounding the joints of the body. It gives our skin a cushioning effect while hydrating deeply and promoting the production of collagen which firms and smooths the skin

Fragrance – Known to trigger allergens

Blue 1 Dye – Slight chance to trigger allergens

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Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream

Components in Neutrogena’s gel cream that aren’t present in the water gel.

Synthetic Beeswax – Synthetically produced beeswax thickens the oils within the cream and prevents separation

C13-14 Isoparaffin – Isoparaffin acts as an emollient and thickening agent adding to the gel-like attributes of this cream

Dimethicone Crosspolymer – Dimethicone Crosspolymer is a thickening agent and is derived from silicone, silicone derivatives are known to cause problems for people who have acne-prone and oily skin

Chlorphenesin – Chlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative which is used to protect against bacterial contamination

Laureth-7 – A natural fatty acid acting as a surfactant and emulsifier

Carbomer – A stability agent, no irritants or allergens

Sodium Hyaluronate – Hyaluronic salts work in a similar way to hyaluronic acid but instead they help your body retain water so that your skin keeps its firmness and elasticity

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What Does This Mean?

The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel and the Gel Cream have been designed to cater to different skin types. The hydration and support of the gel cream is far superior to that of the water gel. The water gel’s composition contains no other fortifying agents other than hyaluronic acid itself. The gel cream is packed with compounds which nourish the skin while helping it heal back to optimal health.

Sodium Hyaluronate is extremely water soluble and can reach up to 1000 times its density as soon as it encounters moisture. This also means that it penetrates the deepest levels of your skin much easier than the acid included in Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Water Gel.

The Benefits of Both Products

Both products will plump up your skin and smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. However, if you want the best long term treatment which has no chance of causing any skin irritation or developing allergic reactions, then the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream is your best bet. Regular use will also increase collagen production.

Hyaluronic treatments also have profound antioxidant properties which help slow the process of aging. The extra chemical compounds in the gel cream help the hyaluronic salts absorb. The process of absorbing hyaluronic acid is not the easy and while exact studies on the efficacy of this product are not available, it should be clear that any help towards absorption is a good thing.

Should I Switch Treatments?

If you are currently using Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel and are not noticing any dryness or irritation then you can safely continue to use this product. However, symptoms such as cracks and poor sebum production will only manifest after extended use.

Neutrogena has a fantastic reputation for high quality products which are as safe as they are effective. Yet, if you want to guarantee that you’ll never see any adverse effects then invest in their fantastic gel cream. If any dryness manifests than you are having an adverse reaction to the hyaluronic component.

If you prefer the feel of the water gel, then see if a cosmetic professional will let you do a patch test before buying to ensure no redness or irritation occurs.

The Winner

Both products from Neutrogena are great for dry, aging skin and will help support the good health of all skin types but there is an option which we have clearly established to be safer.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream is the winner and one of the best solutions for hydrated and firm skin. Use it before you put on your primer and foundation, for a youthful complexion free from fine lines and wrinkles.