Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Cleansing Gel, Fragrance Free

A gentle, fragrance-free facial cleanser formulated with mild surfactants, Glycerin, and Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate the skin while cleansing without disrupting the moisture barrier.

Performance Rating: 4.5

This formula utilizes a sophisticated and gentle surfactant system (Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate) that effectively cleanses without stripping natural oils. It is a sulfate-free blend often found in high-end derm-cosmetics. The high inclusion of Glycerin (2nd ingredient) provides immediate hydration, while Polyquaternium-10 and Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid ensure the skin feels soft and conditioned rather than tight after washing.

Safety Rating: 4.8

The safety profile is excellent, making it suitable for sensitive and reactive skin. It is free from fragrance, essential oils, drying alcohols, and harsh sulfates (SLS/SLES). The preservative system (Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Ethylhexylglycerin) is well-tolerated, with Hydroxyacetophenone actually offering antioxidant and soothing benefits. The inclusion of Linoleamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate acts as a phospholipid complex to further minimize irritation.

Final Rating: 4.6

This is a chemically elegant formulation that prioritizes skin barrier health. It strikes a near-perfect balance between cleansing efficacy and mildness. It is highly recommended for dry, sensitive, or combination skin types, or for those using active ingredients (like retinoids) who need a non-stripping cleanser to maintain the acid mantle.

Verdict

This facial cleanser represents a sophisticated and dermatologist-friendly approach to daily hygiene, focusing heavily on maintaining the integrity of the skin barrier while effectively removing impurities. At the heart of the formula is a carefully selected blend of mild surfactants, specifically Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, and Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine. Unlike traditional harsh soaps or sulfate-based cleansers (like SLS) that strip natural oils, these ingredients work in synergy to lift dirt and oil gently. This makes the product an exceptional choice for those who often find their skin feeling tight, squeaky, or itchy after washing. The inclusion of Sodium Hydrolyzed Potato Starch Dodecenylsuccinate is a thoughtful addition, acting as a mild surfactant and polymer that further enhances the mildness of the overall surfactant system to ensure a non-irritating lather. Hydration is clearly the secondary goal of this formulation, evidenced by the high placement of Glycerin in the ingredient list. Glycerin is a humectant powerhouse that helps prevent the evaporation of moisture during the cleansing process. This is complemented by Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, a version of hyaluronic acid with a lower molecular weight. While the effects of active ingredients in rinse-off products can be debated, this form allows for better potential absorption, signaling a commitment to the product’s “hydrating” claims. To ensure the skin feels comfortable post-rinse, Polyquaternium-10 is utilized. This cationic polymer deposits a faint, breathable film on the skin, providing a conditioning effect that leaves the face feeling soft and smooth rather than rough. Another standout feature is what is missing from the list: fragrance, essential oils, and drying alcohols. By remaining fragrance-free, this cleanser significantly reduces the risk of contact dermatitis, making it highly compatible with reactive and sensitive skin types. The preservation system relies on Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin, a standard and reliable duo that protects the product without the controversy often associated with parabens. Additionally, the presence of Citric Acid and Sodium Hydroxide indicates that the product is pH-balanced to match the skin’s natural acidity, further protecting the acid mantle. While this cleanser is excellent for daily maintenance, it is important to manage expectations regarding heavy makeup removal. Due to its gentle nature and lack of heavy oils or strong solvents, it may struggle to dissolve waterproof mascara or long-wear foundation on its own. It would function best as a morning cleanser or as the second step in a double-cleansing routine following an oil balm. Ultimately, this is a well-engineered formula that delivers a luxurious, non-stripping cleanse suitable for a wide demographic.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents / 溶剂

🧪 Water / 水

Purpose: Solvent base for the formula.

Concerns: None.

Notes: The primary ingredient in most liquid cleansers.

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

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

Purpose: Amphoteric surfactant that helps clean and foam.

Concerns: Generally mild, but impurities can occasionally cause irritation.

Notes: Often used to reduce the irritation of other surfactants.

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

Purpose: Mild anionic surfactant derived from coconut oil.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Known for being gentle on the skin barrier.

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

Purpose: Mild surfactant that creates creamy foam.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Excellent for sensitive skin.

🧪 Sodium Hydrolyzed Potato Starch Dodecenylsuccinate / 水解马铃薯淀粉十二烯基琥珀酸酯钠

Purpose: Mild cleansing agent and stabilizer.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Derived from natural sources, helps cleanse gently.

📁 Moisturizers & Conditioners / 保湿剂与调理剂

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant that draws moisture into the skin.

Concerns: None.

Notes: A very common and effective moisturizing ingredient.

🧪 Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid / 水解透明质酸

Purpose: Humectant with low molecular weight for deeper penetration.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Helps hydrate and plump the skin.

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

Purpose: Conditioning agent and emulsifier.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Helps leave a soft feel on the skin after washing.

🧪 Polyquaternium-10 / 聚季铵盐-10

Purpose: Antistatic and film-forming agent.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Leaves a conditioning film on the skin.

📁 Preservatives & Stabilizers / 防腐剂与稳定剂

🧪 Hydroxyacetophenone / 对羟基苯乙酮

Purpose: Antioxidant and preservative booster.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Helps stabilize the formula and soothe skin.

🧪 Phenoxyethanol / 苯氧乙醇

Purpose: Preservative to prevent microbial growth.

Concerns: Can be irritating to sensitive skin in high concentrations.

Notes: A widely used safe alternative to parabens.

🧪 Ethylhexylglycerin / 乙基己基甘油

Purpose: Preservative booster and skin conditioning agent.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Often paired with phenoxyethanol.

🧪 Disodium EDTA / 乙二胺四乙酸二钠

Purpose: Chelating agent used to bind metal ions.

Concerns: Environmental concerns regarding biodegradability.

Notes: Helps maintain product stability and effectiveness.

📁 Texture Enhancers & pH Adjusters / 质地调节剂与pH调节剂

🧪 Sodium Chloride / 氯化钠

Purpose: Thickening agent.

Concerns: Can be drying if concentration is very high, but unlikely in cleansers.

Notes: Common table salt, used to adjust viscosity.

🧪 Potassium Acrylates Copolymer / 丙烯酸(酯)类共聚物钾

Purpose: Opacifying agent and thickener.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Adds texture to the product.

🧪 Sodium Hydroxide / 氢氧化钠

Purpose: pH adjuster.

Concerns: Highly corrosive in pure form.

Notes: Used in tiny amounts to neutralize acids and balance pH; safe in final product.

🧪 Citric Acid / 柠檬酸

Purpose: pH adjuster.

Concerns: Can cause irritation if pH is too low.

Notes: Used to ensure the product is compatible with skin’s natural pH.