Index / Neutrogena / Hydro Boost Gel Cream
Neutrogena

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream
Save to Pinterest
Moisturizers
#17 in MoisturizersSee the ranking →
About this product

A fragrance-free gel cream moisturizer formulated with hyaluronic acid and emollients, designed to hydrate without heaviness.

Full ingredients

Water, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Cetearyl Olivate, Polyacrylamide, Sorbitan Olivate, Phenoxyethanol, Dimethicone/​Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Synthetic Beeswax, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Trehalose, Dimethiconol, Chlorphenesin, Yeast Extract, Carbomer, Laureth-7, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, C12-14 Pareth-12

More from Neutrogena 66 products · Guru Score 91% →

Guru Score

84%

Yay

11 experts · Strong agreement

What the gurus are saying

This gel cream earns consistent praise for its lightweight texture and hydrating power, especially for oily and combination skin. Gurus highlight the formula's ability to plump and quench without feeling heavy or leaving residue, making it ideal for those who need hydration but find traditional creams too rich. The fragrance-free version is particularly favored by those sensitive to scent, and at around $12-25, it's a budget-friendly option that lasts well since a little goes a long way.
Synthesized from 11 expert reviews · most recent take March 2026

What they liked

  • Great for oily and combination skin
  • Budget-friendly, lasts a long time

What they flagged

  • Fragrance version has a noticeable scent some dislike
  • Gel cream absorbs slower than the water gel formula

Best for

Type

MoisturizersGel

Key actives

Formula notes

Fragrance-freeNo drying alcohol

Where to buy

Opens a store search. We may earn from these links.

Scan it in the shopFree iPhone app. Scores in the aisle.

What the gurus are saying.

Every take we've logged from this product's reviews across YouTube. Click any row to watch the moment they said it.

All takes Yay takes Nay takes Mixed takes Hide sponsored
✓Yay
"One of my favorite moisturizers to layer over your retinoid would be Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Gel Cream. Neutrogena has done a great job with it because it's packed with hyaluronic acid and it's one of my wife's favorite moisturizers. We have these that signature blue jar all over our house and it just layers really well. No heavy residue, very lightweight, and [...] just having a hydrating moisturizer is one of the best ways to hide fine lines and wrinkles."
All 3 takes from Dr. Daniel Sugai
The Best Moisturizers for Retinol Users
"One of my favorite moisturizers to layer over your retinoid would be Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Gel Cream. Neutrogena has done a great job with it because it's packed with hyaluronic acid and it's one of my wife's favorite moisturizers. We have these that signature blue jar all over our house and it just layers really well. No heavy residue, very lightweight, and [...] just having a hydrating moisturizer is one of the best ways to hide fine lines and wrinkles."
Dermatologist Recommended Summer Skincare Routine: How to Glow Up Your Skin This Summer!
"So I like this one a lot. If you don't like fragrance, you can go for the Hydro Boost Gel Cream. It looks exactly the same but you'll notice there's no blue color and also no fragrance. This one has a nice familiar smell. I think it's about 20 to 25 bucks for this, and this lasts a long time because a small amount goes a long way. I did a comparison video before, the water gel versus the gel cream. I think the gel cream doesn't absorb as well as the water gel. You can use this morning and night."
Dermatologist Reviews: Holiday Skincare Picks for All Ages 2023
"The gel cream and then uh the Water gel and the the gel cream the water gel came out first it was fragrance people gave it a hard time the gel Cream came out and that was no fragrance no dyes a great moisturizer but we still prefer the gel cream"
✓Yay
"I adore them. Yeah, that's one of my favorite moisturizers. [...] When I first started using the Hydroboost gel cream, I was using it with another occlusive on top and I found that it kind of gave a little bit of a nice plumping action because I would use like the tiniest amount of that. But later on I switched to just using it as it is intended as a facial moisturizer and I was like, yeah, I think I like this way better. Facial moisturizers have occlusives in them."
All 10 takes from Dr Dray
Cherry Angiomas, Sensitive Skin & Shaving Tips | Dermatologist Answers
"I adore them. Yeah, that's one of my favorite moisturizers. [...] When I first started using the Hydroboost gel cream, I was using it with another occlusive on top and I found that it kind of gave a little bit of a nice plumping action because I would use like the tiniest amount of that. But later on I switched to just using it as it is intended as a facial moisturizer and I was like, yeah, I think I like this way better. Facial moisturizers have occlusives in them."
Skincare Deals That ACTUALLY Work – Derm Picks for Smooth, Healthy Skin
"I love this. This has urea in it."
SHOP WITH ME FOR SKIN CARE AND HYGIENE AT COSTCO 🛍 @DrDrayzday
"I'm so happy to see this here. I used to come in here all the time and be like, I wish Costco would get in the Hydro Boost Gel Cream fragrance free, and it's like they've been listening to me."
Vlog: PACKING UP MY SKIN CARE & TRAVELING TO LA ✈ @DrDrayzday
"The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream is one of my most repurchased moisturizers these days, it's a tie with the Aveeno Calm and Restore oat gel moisturizer."
Vlog: MARSHALLS SKIN CARE & TRYING OUT NEW MOISTURIZERS @DrDrayzday
"I finished up the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream. You all know that's a long standing favorite of mine."
Vlog: A MOISTURIZING SUNSCREEN & FABFITFUN SUMMER BOX @DrDrayzday
"I've been making my way through the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream. This is a favorite of mine, the fragrance free one, as you guys know."
Vlog: TRYING OUT INKEY LIST OMEGA WATER CREAM 😮 CHICKPEA BLONDIES🍪 POOL TIME 👙 @DrDrayzday
"I've been using the Hydro Boost Gel Cream as my moisturizer and this bad boy is definitely a favorite. [...] I don't know which I like better, I think I like it and the Aveeno equally the same."
NEW SKIN CARE AT COSTCO 🛍 SHOP WITH ME 🛍 DERMATOLOGIST @DrDrayzday
"I do drop 20 bucks or more on the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream that I like so much, but that one I find worth it, it lasts a long time."
Vlog: AN OLD SKIN CARE FAVORITE 😍 SWIMSUIT TRY ON 👙 @DrDrayzday
"This is a long standing favorite. [...] I've always found that this particular product works really well to smooth out the little fine lines around the eyes."
Vlog: NEW HAIR DRYER & HAIR TOOLS | Dr Dray
"Costco finally got in the fragrance-free version of the Hydro Boost Gel Cream. [...] This is a favorite of mine."
✓Yay
"It's got dimethicone, glycerin, dimethiconol and isoparin, which are all fantastic emollients, plus glycerin, which is a great moisturizer. It's got no fragrance. It's non-comedogenic, so [...] it's good for acne prone skin. I will say go buy it, and I don't say that lightly. My standards are very high for skin of color, I'm very careful with what I tell you to buy, and this one is very good for our skin."
✓Mixed
"If you want something lighter, the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream is fragrance-free and can work for some dry skin types, especially if you layer it properly."
✓Yay
"So, my recommendation is to get the Neutrogena Hydroboost gel cream if you have oily skin. [...] The texture, I would say there's probably no other moisturizer I hear more from just from my nurses and patients that they just try this and they love it. Because of the body, the way it just sits on your skin, if you have oily skin, you'll like how this feels. Such a nice moisturizer. I feel like in the world of dupes, there's been almost no brand that's been able to dupe this formula."
Top Pick: lightweight moisturizer for oily skin
All 2 takes from Doctorly
Best Moisturizers of the Year | Doctorly Favorites of 2025
"So, my recommendation is to get the Neutrogena Hydroboost gel cream if you have oily skin. [...] The texture, I would say there's probably no other moisturizer I hear more from just from my nurses and patients that they just try this and they love it. Because of the body, the way it just sits on your skin, if you have oily skin, you'll like how this feels. Such a nice moisturizer. I feel like in the world of dupes, there's been almost no brand that's been able to dupe this formula."
BEST SUMMER MOISTURIZERS | DOCTORLY Reviews
"It's actually grown on me over a period of time. I tried the fragrance one first which was a mistake I didn't like the fragrance, but the fragrance free version of the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream is outstanding. A texture unworldly, otherworldly lightweight for anyone hot, humid, or with oily skin this is for you. And it's also pretty budget friendly, like this is not that expensive compared to some of the other moisturizers. I'm like glowing I've got layers upon layers of hydration."
✓Yay
"It is a product I have recommended over and over again in the last four years it has to be the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Cream."
Translated from the guru's original language.
All 2 takes from Nipun Kapur
Best Summer Oil-Free Moisturizers | Nipun Kapur
"It is a product I have recommended over and over again in the last four years it has to be the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Cream."
Translated from the guru's original language.
Top 5 Moisturizers for Large Open Pores & Textured Skin | Nipun Kapur
"The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream, the original formula which is called Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Water Gel, is [...] absolutely fabulous. You can use it as a face mask. It will stay white for about 10 minutes, then become completely transparent, and you can wipe it off with a wet cloth or microfiber cloth, and your skin is just next level."
✓Yay
"I love the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream, [...] which is designed to provide hydration to oily skin while maintaining a lightweight finish."
✓Yay
"The first one is from Neutrogena, their Hydro Boost line. [...] Even though it's a gel cream, it's a little bit more nourishing but still really fast absorbing. Great for those with more oily and combination skin that live in a colder climate if you need something just a little bit more to keep your skin from being dehydrated."
✓Yay
"One of my favorite moisturizers especially for skincare newbies is the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream. The reason I like gel cream moisturizers in general so much is because they feel incredibly lightweight on the skin but they still add that layer of hydration that a lot of people are craving."
All 2 takes from Dr. Sam Ellis
Dermatologist's Skincare Tips for People Who Don't Like Skincare | Dr. Sam Ellis
"One of my favorite moisturizers especially for skincare newbies is the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream. The reason I like gel cream moisturizers in general so much is because they feel incredibly lightweight on the skin but they still add that layer of hydration that a lot of people are craving."
Best Moisturizers for Dry Skin in Winter According to a Dermatologist (Neutrogena, CeraVe, & More!)
"Because this is a gel cream formulation, it still is very moisturizing but it has a lighter weight texture. I particularly like this for people who have oily skin but still feel like their skin is dehydrated. You absolutely can have oily skin that lacks water, especially in the winter, but if you have oily skin you might not want to reach for like a thick creamy rich moisturizer, and that's where a gel cream like this Neutrogena one is perfect."
✓Yay
"The moisturizer feels really good. My skin feels really plumped out and hydrated and not stretchy or tight at all. It feels quenched, it feels flooded. I [...] got this for around 12.99, [...] which is a real bargain. [...] It does the basics, it does what it needs to do."
✓Yay
"The main ingredients are water, glycerin, and [dimethicone]. It also contains sodium hyaluronate. This one contains eight amino acids and then it contains urea, which is a really great moisturizer. This one's got a gel lotion texture to it. [...] A lot of people like this one. It's easily accessible, probably around most of the world. [...] If you can get it on sale, it's a great deal."
Sponsored
All 3 takes from No BS Beauty
Best Water Creams & Gel Cream Face Moisturizers for All Skin Types - Fragrance Free!
"I was impressed with it. It's 27 bucks so it's still kind of expensive, but it's now in a glass jar so it's recyclable. In here we've got over 10 different amino acids which is really nice for your skin barrier and things like that. It's got urea in there, it's got sodium hyaluronic. In my opinion it's great for oily sensitive and acne prone skin. [...] Very nice product, great for pretty much most skin types."
Neutrogena's 🆕 Best Selling Products Get A Reboot - New Hydro Boost Gel Cream Formula Upgrade
"The Hydro Boost is a good dupe for a lot of different things, especially the Clinique Moisture Surge in the pink jar, probably the closest dupe that people use for that one, and it's much more affordable."
My Ultimate List of the Top Ten Moisturizers of All Time & I've Tried Hundreds of Moisturizers
"The main ingredients are water, glycerin, and [dimethicone]. It also contains sodium hyaluronate. This one contains eight amino acids and then it contains urea, which is a really great moisturizer. This one's got a gel lotion texture to it. [...] A lot of people like this one. It's easily accessible, probably around most of the world. [...] If you can get it on sale, it's a great deal."

What the evidence says.

Independent of what the gurus think, this is what the published research supports about the main active ingredients here.

Humectants and emollients

Ingredients like these draw water into the surface layers and slow how fast it leaves. The evidence is for comfort, softness and hydration rather than for changing the structure of the skin.

Source: DermNet

Frequently asked.

What is Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream?

A fragrance-free gel cream moisturizer formulated with hyaluronic acid and emollients, designed to hydrate without heaviness.

Is Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream worth it?

Mostly yes. 10 of the 11 gurus who reviewed it give it their stamp of approval, for a Guru Score of 84%.

What is Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream's Guru Score?

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream holds a Guru Score of 84%. That is our read on how warmly the experts talk about it, based on the verdicts of 11 expert reviewers we have collected. At least one expert has named it a Top Pick in its category.

Who is Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream best for?

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream is generally suited to oily skin, combination skin and normal skin.

Similar products worth a look.

Other products the same gurus have weighed in on, plus more from this brand and category.

Compare side by side →

Spotted something on this page that doesn't look right? Let us know.

Share this score

Add this badge to your blog or website. It links back to this page and updates itself when the experts change their minds. Free, no sign-up.

Then paste it into your site's HTML or embed block.

This week's top beauty news, in your inbox.

A weekly read of the takes worth catching up on: the raves, the splits, the ones the gurus won't shut up about. Free, no spam, unsubscribe whenever.

Subscribe to the digest