Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Gel Cleanser

A hydrating gel-based cleanser featuring gentle surfactants and Hyaluronic Acid, though formulated with added fragrance.

Performance Rating: 4.5

This formula utilizes an excellent blend of gentle surfactants (Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, and Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine) known for cleansing without stripping natural oils. With Glycerin listed second and the addition of Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, it offers superior hydration properties. The inclusion of conditioning agents like Polyquaternium-10 ensures the skin feels soft rather than tight after rinsing.

Safety Rating: 4.0

The cleanser is free from harsh sulfates (SLS/SLES), parabens, and formaldehyde releasers, making it generally safe for daily use. However, the presence of added Fragrance serves as a potential allergen and irritant, which lowers the safety profile for individuals with hypersensitive skin, rosacea, or compromised barriers. Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin provide a standard, reliable preservation system.

Final Rating: 4.3

This is a high-quality, hydrating cleanser that balances effective cleaning with moisture retention. It is likely very effective for normal, combination, and dry skin types. While the surfactant system is top-tier for mildness, the inclusion of Fragrance prevents it from achieving a perfect score, as it limits its suitability for the most sensitive users.

Verdict

This facial cleanser represents a sophisticated drugstore formulation that prioritizes maintaining the skin barrier while cleansing. The primary strength of this product lies in its surfactant system. Instead of relying on harsh sulfates like SLS, it utilizes Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate and Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate. These are mild, effective cleansing agents that remove impurities and excess oil without stripping the skin of its natural lipids, making the wash feel luxurious rather than drying. The inclusion of Glycerin as the second ingredient is excellent, acting as a humectant to ensure the skin remains hydrated during the cleansing process. Additionally, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is present to boost moisture retention, although its effects in a wash-off product are less significant than in leave-on serums. The formula is stabilized with Potassium Acrylates Copolymer, giving it a pleasing gel texture that many users find refreshing. However, the inclusion of Fragrance is a significant drawback for a product that otherwise boasts such a gentle profile. While the scent provides a pleasant sensory experience for many, fragrance is a leading cause of contact dermatitis and can be irritating to those with compromised barriers or sensitive skin. Polyquaternium-10 is added to leave a conditioned, soft feel on the skin after rinsing, preventing that tight sensation often associated with gel cleansers. Overall, this is a solid choice for those with healthy, non-reactive skin who want a balance of effective cleansing and hydration. It removes dirt effectively without the harshness of traditional soaps, but the presence of perfume limits its suitability for the most sensitive skin types.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Surfactants & Cleansing Agents / 表面活性剂与清洁成分

🧪 Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine / 椰油酰胺丙基羟基磺基甜菜碱

Purpose: Amphoteric surfactant

Concerns: Generally safe, low irritation.

Notes: A mild cleansing agent that boosts foam.

🧪 Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate / 椰油酰羟乙磺酸酯钠

Purpose: Anionic surfactant

Concerns: None

Notes: Known as ‘Baby Foam’, extremely gentle on the skin barrier.

🧪 Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate / 甲基椰油酰基牛磺酸钠

Purpose: Surfactant

Concerns: None

Notes: A mild, salt-tolerant surfactant often used in sensitive skin products.

🧪 Sodium Hydrolyzed Potato Starch Dodecenylsuccinate / 十二烯基琥珀酸钠水解马铃薯淀粉

Purpose: Surfactant / Cleansing agent

Concerns: None

Notes: A plant-derived cleaning agent.

🧪 Linoleamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate / 亚麻酰胺丙基 PG-二甲基氯化铵磷酸酯

Purpose: Surfactant / Conditioning agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps with foam stabilization and skin feel.

📁 Moisturizers & Humectants / 保湿剂与吸湿剂

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Attracts moisture to the skin.

🧪 Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid / 水解透明质酸

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Low molecular weight form of Hyaluronic Acid for deeper penetration.

📁 Texture Enhancers & pH Adjusters / 质地调节与酸碱调节剂

🧪 Sodium Chloride / 氯化钠

Purpose: Viscosity increasing

Concerns: None in this context.

Notes: Common salt, used to thicken the formula.

🧪 Potassium Acrylates Copolymer / 丙烯酸(酯)类聚合物钾盐

Purpose: Film former / Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Adds structure to the product.

🧪 Polysorbate 20 / 聚山梨醇酯-20

Purpose: Emulsifier / Solubilizer

Concerns: Generally safe.

Notes: Helps mix oil-based ingredients (like fragrance) into water.

🧪 Sodium Hydroxide / 氢氧化钠

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: Irritant in raw form; safe when neutralized.

Notes: Used to balance the acidity of the product.

🧪 Citric Acid / 柠檬酸

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: None

Notes: Used to optimize the product’s pH level.

🧪 Polyquaternium-10 / 聚季铵盐-10

Purpose: Conditioning agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Provides a soft after-feel and antistatic properties.

🧪 Disodium EDTA / 乙二胺四乙酸二钠

Purpose: Chelating agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Binds to metal ions to maintain product stability.

📁 Preservatives & Stabilizers / 防腐剂与稳定剂

🧪 Hydroxyacetophenone / 对羟基苯乙酮

Purpose: Antioxidant / Preservative booster

Concerns: None

Notes: Also has skin-soothing properties.

🧪 Phenoxyethanol / 苯氧乙醇

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Can cause irritation in high concentrations or on very sensitive skin.

Notes: Widely used safe preservative.

🧪 Ethylhexylglycerin / 乙基己基甘油

Purpose: Preservative booster / Skin conditioning

Concerns: Rarely sensitizing.

Notes: Often paired with Phenoxyethanol to improve efficacy.

📁 Solvents / 溶剂

🧪 Water / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: Base of the formula.

📁 Fragrance / 香精

🧪 Fragrance / 香精

Purpose: Scent

Concerns: Common cause of sensitization and allergic reactions.

Notes: Adds smell to the product.