If you have been wondering about the difference between Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel vs Gel Cream, seeing as they are both moisturizing gels and their packaging looks the same, this detailed comparison will show you exactly that.
Let us explain the hydro-boost part. Any product that contains a lot of water and uses it to boost the skin’s hydration is considered a hydro moisturizer. Since both products are water-based, it means that water is their main component.
Table of Contents
Comparison Overview – Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel vs Gel Cream
You see, the hydro-boost Water Gel and Gel Cream are both superb facial moisturizers. Additionally, when it comes to hydrating the skin, the presence of hyaluronic acid makes that effective. The human skin naturally contains this acid. But as people grow older, it begins to wear off so needs to be boosted.
Both moisturizers contain a good amount of this acid. This helps the skin to stay hydrated all day, with just one application.
The Gel Cream does more of this hydration than the Water Gel, as it contains some ingredients that the latter does not. It is specially made for those with extremely dry skin, to combat its effects and moisten the skin.
Furthermore, the Gel Cream contains no fragrance or dye, as opposed to the Water Gel which contains both. However, the presence of dye and fragrance does not reduce the effectiveness of the Water Gel.
We have to point out here that they are not strictly for those with dry skin. Any other skin type can use it. This is especially true for those with combination skin type.
Video: How Hyaluronic Acid Helps the Skin
The human skin needs water as much as possible, especially in dry months. The presence of hyaluronic acid in any skincare product improves the chances of that happening. Watch how this is possible in this video…
Price/Value Ratio – Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel vs Gel Cream
Which of the moisturizers gives more value for money?
The Gel Cream gives more value for money than the Water Gel. This is because the Gel Cream is suitable for even the driest skin type. It hydrates the skin more deeply and lasts longer than the Water Gel.
The Water Gel is suitable for dry skin but does not hydrate extra-dry skin as well as the Gel Cream.
Comparison Table – Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel vs Gel Cream
Water Gel |
Gel Cream |
|
Dye | Contains dye | No dye |
Fragrance | Contains some fragrance | Fragrance-free |
Skin Type | Dry skin | Extra-dry skin |
Absorption Rate | Absorbs quickly | Absorbs quickly |
Lightweight | Yes | Yes |
Net Weight | 1.7 oz. | 1.7 oz. |
Makeup Friendliness | Can be worn under makeup | Not specified |
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Who Can Use Which – Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel vs Gel Cream
Water Gel |
Gel Cream |
This facial moisturizer is superb for anyone who wears makeup.
If you have been looking for a lightweight moisturizer to use under your makeup, look no further. This product will not make your makeup become greasy during the day. Besides, anyone is free to use this if you do not react adversely to dye and fragrance. Seeing as it is non-comedogenic, it is the dream of every skincare enthusiast. |
For those with super dry skin, this moisturizer is the point of no return. With its intense moisturizing property, it seeps deep into your skin and keeps it hydrated all day.
Because it has no dye and no fragrance, it is particularly great. Everyone can use it, even those with sensitive skin. |
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Common Properties – Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel vs Gel Cream
The following are the properties both the Water Gel and Gel Cream have:
- Quick absorption rate
- Deep moisturizing power
- Skin type
- Skin hydration
- No oil
- Lightweight composition
- Ingredients
- Size
Now, let us look at each feature in detail.
Quick Absorption Rate
The Water Gel and the Gel Cream are quickly absorbed into the skin. The fact that they both come in gel formula makes this possible.
Water is quick to be absorbed, much quicker than oil no matter how light. So if you are usually out in the sun, these would also be great moisturizer choices for you.
This is because the heat from the sun dries up skin moisture pretty quickly, leaving the skin dehydrated. But with their absorption rate, most of them would be quick to get into the skin before you step out.
Deep Moisturizing Power
Both hydro-boost moisturizers contain glycerin, dimethicone, sorbitan olivate and cetearyl olivate. These are superb humectants, emollients and occlusives, ingredients that make up any good moisturizer.
They quickly seep deep into the skin. And they work not only on the outer layer of the skin but also on the underlying ones.
Due to this, whatever is broken within and outside the skin will be repaired by the deep moisturizing power of either of these products.
Skin Type
The Neutrogena Water Gel and Gel Cream both work for dry skin. In fact, they are specially formulated to take care of the problem of dry skin, seeing as they are both water-based. To further drive home this point, the Gel Cream is formulated to relieve extra-dry skin.
However, they are also suitable for other skin types. Those with oily skin have even testified to their effectiveness for them. What they do for oily skin is that they reduce the oiliness and leave them somewhat less oily and soft.
Skin Hydration
Seeing as the skin is dries up sometimes, especially in winter months, everyone needs a skincare product that would add an extra layer of protection.
The presence of hyaluronic acid makes them great for hydration. It is capable of absorbing up a thousand times its weight in water.
If your day warrants being out under the sun, then these products are for you.
No Oil
Your pores won’t get clogged and no greasy residue will be left on your skin with these moisturizers.
Lightweight Composition
They are made to be lightweight. This means that when you apply either one, you do not feel them on your skin.
Ingredients
Very few of their ingredients are different. Those that they do have in common are mostly the active ingredients that make them what they are. And they both have little or no ingredient that causes allergic or adverse reactions.
Examples of such ingredients are hyaluronic acid, glycerin, dimethicone, sorbitan olivate and cetearyl olivate. Others are dimethicone crosspolymer, sodium hydroxide, chlorphenesin, laureth-7 and a host of other super useful ingredients.
Most importantly, both are free of EU Allergen, sulfate, paraben and alcohol. And about any extra effect on the skin, both have been known to aid the healing of wounds.
Non-Comedogenic Properties
What is more, they both contain non-comedogenic properties. A skincare product is said to be non-comedogenic when it is made to particularly not block pores.
Size
Not only are the content sizes the same, but the jars and the shape are also the same. None offers more in terms of content than the other.
Video: A Review of the Water Gel
Peep this video to see how the Neutrogena Water Gel works on the skin. Is it all hype or more?
Properties Unique to Each – Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel vs Gel Cream
The following properties make each moisturizer unique:
- The presence of dye
- Fragrance
- Skin suitability
Let us go ahead and look at those properties closely.
The Presence of Dye
The Neutrogena Water Gel contains dye. The dye gives it gives some color – pale blue. This is practically all it does to the moisturizer. It is good to check for dye in any product. This is especially true for those with sensitive skin.
On the other hand, Neutrogena Gel Cream has no dye. This means that it has the natural color of gel, as opposed to the blue color of the Water Gel. While this sets them apart from each other, it also means that even those with sensitive skin can use the Gel Cream.
Fragrance
Another property that sets them apart is fragrance. They most definitely do not have the same smell. While the water gel has some fragrant ingredient that gives it a sweet smell, the Gel Cream has no smell. That is, there is no artificial smell to it.
This does not mean that the Water Gel causes any harm to the skin or that it contains artificial fragrance. But some skin types have been known to react strongly against any added fragrance.
Skin Suitability
We know we have already mentioned the type of skin they are great for before now. But there is a slight difference when it comes to how well they work for all skin types and this makes all the difference.
The Neutrogena Water Gel is great for all skin types but most especially for dry skin. In fact, it was formulated to inhibit the occurrence of dry skin symptoms.
However, the Neutrogena hydro boost gel cream goes an extra mile. It is made particularly for those with extra dry skin.
Video: A Review of the Gel Cream
Watch as this user shows how well the Gel Cream works and why it is the go-to for those with extremely dry skin…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNdHSsjGqnI
Pros Peculiar to Each One – Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel vs Gel Cream
In this section, we talk about the advantages each product has that is peculiar to it.
Pros Peculiar to the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
Which Can Be Worn more Comfortably under Makeup: the Water Gel or the Gel Cream?
The Water Gel sits better under any type of makeup than the Gel cream. This is because the Water Gel gets absorbed into the skin very quickly. It leaves no residue on the skin that can negatively affect any type of makeup you apply.
Which Smells Better: the Water Gel or the Gel Cream?
The Water Gel smells so much better than the Gel Cream. The reason for this difference is that the Water Gel contains fragrance while the Gel Cream contains no fragrance.
This does not mean the Gel Cream has no smell at all. But there is no marked fragrance to it, to stand it out from many options.
[amalinkspro type=”showcase” asin=”B00NR1YQHM” apilink=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NR1YQHM?tag=skincareguide-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1″ new-window=”true” addtocart=”true” nofollow=”true” sc-id=”4″ imgs=”LargeImage” link-imgs=”false” specs=”Dry skin gets hydrated with the Water Gel facial moisturizer, keeping it supple and smooth every day~~~The presence of hyaluronic acid, a natural skin hydrator, in the moisturizer draws in moisture and keeps it within the skin~~~The formula is non-comedogenic, leaving the skin free to breathe~~~Quick to get absorbed so is wearable under makeup or any other skincare product~~~” btn-color=”#ff9900″ btn-text=”Buy on Amazon” alignment=”aligncenter” hide-prime=”0″ hide-image=”0″ hide-reviews=”0″ hide-price=”0″ hide-button=”0″ width=”750″]Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Water Gel Daily Face Moisturizer for Dry Skin[/amalinkspro]
Pros Peculiar to the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream
Which Contains No Dye: The Water Gel or the Gel Cream?
The Gel Cream contains no dye. Unlike the Water Gel that is blue in color, the Gel Cream has that clear gel color, like water.
Additionally, it contains no fragrance, leaving it with almost no smell at all.
Which Suits Extra-dry Skin Better: the Water Gel or the Gel Cream?
The Gel Cream suits extra-dry skin better than the Water Gel. In fact, the Gel Cream is formulated especially for people who have extra-dry skin. It hydrates more deeply and longer than the Water Gel. Every drop of moisture from it gets absorbed into the skin.
Which Gets Absorbed Faster: the Water Gel or the Gel Cream?
The Gel Cream gets absorbed faster than the Water Gel. This is because the Gel Cream is made of more water than anything else. And because it is made specifically for extra-dry skin, the formulation does not allow for any drop to be lost or for a delay in absorption.
[amalinkspro type=”showcase” asin=”B00NR1YQK4″ apilink=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NR1YQK4?tag=skincareguide-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1″ new-window=”true” addtocart=”true” nofollow=”true” sc-id=”4″ imgs=”LargeImage” link-imgs=”false” specs=”Neutrogena gel-cream face moisturizer quenches the thirst of extra-dry skin~~~Restores skin natural resistance against loss of moisture by quickly hydrating it, leaving it supple all day~~~Hyaluronic acid draws in moisture and traps it within the skin~~~Formula is non-comedogenic so doesnt clog pores. It is free of dye, fragrance and oil~~~” btn-color=”#ff9900″ btn-text=”Buy on Amazon” alignment=”aligncenter” hide-prime=”0″ hide-image=”0″ hide-reviews=”0″ hide-price=”0″ hide-button=”0″ width=”750″]Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Gel-Cream Face Moisturizer[/amalinkspro]
Video: Another Review of the Gel Cream
Sometimes, it sounds like it is too good to be true when products like this are reviewed. It is understandable because people with peculiar skin types have had it tough. But let this video review show you more on how well the Gel Cream works…
Cons Peculiar to Each One – Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel vs Gel Cream
There are a few cons which are peculiar to each of these two moisturizers.
Con Peculiar to the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
i. It contains dye.
Con Peculiar to the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream
i. It contains synthetic beeswax.
Common Pros – Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel vs Gel Cream
Water Gel |
Gel Cream |
|
Skin Hydration | The Water Gel contains hyaluronic acid, which enables lots of moisture to be soaked up. | Similarly, the Gel Cream works the same way. |
Absorption Rate | The Water Gel is quick to be absorbed into the skin, leaving no trace or residue on the topmost skin. | The Gel Cream works the same way. |
Composition | The Water Gel is formulated to be lightweight. | It has the same composition as the Water Gel. |
Skin Type | Additionally, it works well on every skin type, especially dry skin. | The Gel Cream also works well for every skin type but works best for very dry skin. |
Oil Content | And it contains little or no oil. | Likewise, the Gel Cream’s oil content is formulated the same way. |
Common Cons – Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel vs Gel Cream
Water Gel |
Gel Cream |
|
Size | The Water Gel is really small. | The same applies to the Gel Cream. |
Recycling | The jar which the moisturizer comes in may not be recyclable. Consequently, this means that there is no way to effectively dispose of used ones. So they have to go to landfills. | The same applies to the gel cream. |
General Feeling among Users of Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel vs Gel Cream
Water Gel |
Gel Cream |
The Water Gel seems to be well accepted among many skincare enthusiasts.
The skin suitability and the fact that a little amount goes a long has drawn many to it. But it is not very accepted among those who are averse to fragrance in skincare products. |
The Gel Cream seems to be even more popular. For one, it has no dye, which makes it suitable for those with sensitive or irritation-prone skin.
Plus, the fact it hydrates even the driest skin is an attraction for users with very dry skin. Additionally, the absence of fragrance attracted the group that likes unscented skincare products. |
Our Own Take on Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel vs Gel Cream
Water Gel |
Gel Cream |
This moisturizer is facial goodness in a mini jar. Going to sleep with it is not bad a tall and it wears well under any type of makeup. Your skin soaks it up real fast and it works on your face all day.
To us, this ranks high on the list of trustworthy facial moisturizers. |
A real example of good things that come in small packages, the Gel Cream surpasses most expectations in terms of deeply moisturizing extremely dry skin.
Besides, it does not contain any dye or fragrance, ingredients that could cause skin irritation for anyone. Because of these, and so much more, it ranks really high on our list of recommended facial moisturizers. |
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel vs Gel Cream – Frequently Asked Questions
Is Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream Good for Oily Skin?
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream is good for oily skin. The facial moisturizer contains no oil or additives like fragrances and dyes. This makes it great not just for oily skin but also for sensitive skin.
It is not a surprise that you would wonder if it is good for oily skin. The fact that the name contains ‘cream’ may make you pause. But the formula is water-based. It quickly absorbs into the skin, much like most gel formulas do. And it leaves no residue or heaviness on the skin.
Does Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Have Fragrance?
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel has fragrance. The packaging clearly shows the moisturizer has fragrance in it and when you smell it, the scent is there.
But this does not mean the fragrance will adversely affect your skin. It may just be for the benefit of the many that prefer their skincare products with a sweet scent.
However, if you have very sensitive skin or acne-prone skin, you may want to check with your dermatologist before using this facial moisturizer.
Can I Use Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel at Night?
You can use Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel at night. There is no restriction on when you can use the moisturizer. Besides, it will work better at night, when you are resting with not many pollutants to interfere.
It does not feel heavy or greasy on the skin because it is very light, water-based and contains no oil. If you have been sceptical about using it at night because of its suitability, rest assured that it will work well, even at night.
Is Neutrogena Hydro Boost Good for Aging Skin?
Neutrogena Hydro Boost is good for aging skin. Both the Water Gel and the Gel Cream are suitable for mature and aging skin. They add moisture to the skin, to keep it hydrated. And when the skin is properly hydrated, it remains supple, firm and smooth.
Both moisturizers contain hyaluronic acid, a naturally-occurring ingredient in the human skin. The presence of this acid, which can absorb water 1000 times its weight, helps retain moisture in the skin for a very long. Since dry skin is one of the main problems of aging or mature skin, this ingredient takes care of that.
How Many Times a Day Should I Use Neutrogena Hydro Boost?
Use Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel or Gel Cream twice a day. You can also use either one once every day. This is dependent on what your skin needs.
Both moisturizers are light enough to be worn to bed at night. This because they are water-based and contain no oil.
But remember that both are hydrating enough to be used just once a day. And their effects last for as long as 48 hours. Wearing them to bed, however, will boost the results you see because of the lack of pollutants interfering with their processes.
Is Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel a Moisturizer?
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel is a moisturizer. A moisturizer is any product that attracts moisture into the skin and locks it in. It also supplies moisture content to the skin through the ingredients it contains. That is exactly what Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel does.
The moisturizer absorbs very fast into the skin and gives intense hydration almost immediately, relieving dry skin of thirst. This process is particularly accelerated by the presence of hyaluronic acid, an effective hydrator.
How Long Does Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Last?
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water gel lasts for 48 hours. It has the combined power of a gel and a cream. It absorbs quickly into the skin, causing all the nutrients in it to work maximally. And it intensely moisturizes the way only a good cream can. These two features give the Water Gel its long-lasting strength.
So, you can use a little amount of the moisturizer and it will take you for a whole day. And if you don’t use it at all the next day, its moisturizing power will remain effective on your skin.