Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel vs. Gel-Cream Extra Dry: Ingredients/Difference/Reviews

• About Neutrogena

Founded in 1930, Neutrogena is an American brand of skin care, hair care and cosmetics; it is the #1 Dermatologist Recommended skincare brand. Known initially for marketing its patented mild, the brand expanded to encompass acne and anti-aging products; it was acquired by Johnson & Johnson in 1994. Today the products span a wide range of categories including sun protection, body and bath, cleansers, moisturizers, hair products and cosmetics. 

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• The Common Ingrediens Found in Both Products

Dimethicone

Otherwise known as silicone oils, dimethicones have both occlusive and emollient properties. Which is to say that they lock-in moisture and lubricate the skin. And, despite popular opinion, they're non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic, making them a great ingredient for even the most sensitive of skin types.

Cetearyl Olivate/Sorbitan Olivate

These are emulsifiers (i.e. substances that keep products from separating) derived from olive oil. Apart from being emulsifiers, these two ingredients are also pretty darn moisturizing.

Glycerin

Along with dimethicone, glycerin is another ingredient that’s found in virtually all moisturizers. And for good reason—it's a really strong humectant, meaning it binds water (i.e. moisture) to your skin's surface.

Hyaluronic acid AKA the Hyaluronates

Despite being a selling point for the hydro boost line, hyaluronic acid is positioned pretty low on the ingredient list. Either way, hyaluronic acid is a humectant (like glycerin), so it'll plump-up your skin via moisture binding.

• The Difference & Reviews

| Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

($22.69, up to 6% cashback at Walgreens)

Components found in the Water Gel only:

Fragrance - While fragrances might impart a nice smell to your product, they often cause allergic reactions and, generally, sensitize the heck out of your skin.

Blue 1 - One study concluded that Blue 1 can be absorbed through broken skin (source). I honestly don't know if this is a bad thing. What I do know is that it's labeled as a skin and eye irritant by the European Chemicals Agency (source).

| Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream

($22.79, up to 2% cashback at CVS)

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

There are two key differences between the Water Gel and the Gel Cream First, the Water Gel contains fragrance (the Gel Cream doesn't). The simple fact is that the water gel contains fragrance, while the gel-cream is fragrance-free.

If fragrance is your thing, then the water gel might be your pick. On the other hand, fragrances in skin care products are generally frowned upon. That's because they're extremely sensitizing. So, even if you've never had an issue with a particular parfum, you’re still at risk of developing an issue. 

And second, the Water Gel contains dyes (again, the Gel Cream doesn't). As you would guess, the only thing it does is turn the product blue. Admittedly, the dye-factor isn’t such a big deal. Nevertheless, some people find dyes to be irritating—you might want to patch test the water gel before slapping it onto your beautiful face. 

Since both fragrances and dyes can be extremely irritating on skin, it's recommended that sensitive skin types use the Gel Cream in lieu of the Water Gel.

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.

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