Neutrogena Hydro Boost Body Gel Cream Fragrance-Free

A fragrance-free gel-cream moisturizer that blends Sodium Hyaluronate with lightweight occlusives to provide deep hydration without a greasy finish.

Performance Rating: 4.4

This formula offers a robust moisturizing system. It combines powerful humectants like Glycerin and Sodium Hyaluronate to draw water into the skin with effective occlusives such as Petrolatum and Dimethicone to prevent water loss. The addition of Isopropyl Palmitate and Cetyl Alcohol serves as excellent emollients, ensuring the product softens the skin and has a cosmetically elegant texture.

Safety Rating: 4.7

The ingredient list is highly favorable for sensitive skin as it is fragrance-free and excludes common irritants like drying alcohols. The preservatives used, such as Phenoxyethanol, are well-studied and safe. The only minor concern is Isopropyl Palmitate, which can be comedogenic (pore-clogging) for individuals prone to body acne, but it is chemically safe.

Final Rating: 4.5

This is a highly effective, utilitarian body moisturizer. It utilizes the gold-standard combination of humectants, emollients, and occlusives to treat dry skin effectively. Its fragrance-free nature makes it a safe choice for broad demographics, including those with sensitive skin.

Verdict

This body moisturizer represents a sophisticated, modern approach to skin hydration, effectively bridging the gap between a refreshing gel and a nourishing cream. The formulation begins with a robust foundation of Water and Glycerin, a humectant powerhouse that immediately saturates the stratum corneum with moisture. This primary hydration mechanism is supercharged by the inclusion of Sodium Hyaluronate. As a salt form of Hyaluronic Acid, this ingredient is celebrated for its ability to hold vast amounts of water relative to its weight, helping to plump the skin and alleviate tight, dry textures instantly upon application.

However, supplying water to the skin is only half the battle; preventing it from evaporating is equally crucial. To counter transepidermal water loss, the product utilizes Petrolatum, widely regarded as the gold standard in occlusive ingredients. While Petrolatum is often associated with heavy, greasy ointments, its inclusion here is balanced masterfully. It provides a necessary seal to lock in moisture without the heavy weight usually associated with balms. This effect is further refined by Dimethicone, a silicone that imparts a smooth, velvety slip to the lotion, ensuring it spreads easily across large areas of the body and dries down to a comfortable, non-sticky finish.

The texture is a significant focus of this formula, evidenced by the use of Sodium Polyacrylate and Carbomer. These ingredients work to create a luxurious, gel-like consistency that feels cooling and light. Furthermore, Cetearyl Olivate and Sorbitan Olivate, derived from olive oil, act as biomimetic emulsifiers. They mimic the fatty acid composition of the skin’s own lipid barrier, enhancing compatibility and helping to repair the skin’s defensive layer alongside Cetyl Alcohol, a fatty alcohol that softens and conditions without stripping the skin.

A major advantage of this ingredient list is the absence of perfume. Being fragrance-free drastically reduces the risk of contact dermatitis, making this an excellent option for reactive skin types. The preservative system is standard and reliable. The only note of caution involves Isopropyl Palmitate; while a fantastic emollient that makes skin feel silky, it has a high comedogenic rating. Consequently, individuals prone to body acne on the chest or back should proceed with caution, as it could potentially clog pores in those specific areas. Overall, this is a highly effective, chemically smart moisturizer ideal for daily maintenance of thirsty skin.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvent / 溶剂

🧪 Water / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The base carrier for the lotion.

📁 Moisturizers & Emollients / 保湿剂与润肤剂

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Attracts moisture from the air into the skin.

🧪 Isopropyl Palmitate / 棕榈酸异丙酯

Purpose: Emollient, Texture Enhancer

Concerns: Comedogenic

Notes: Makes the skin feel silky but can clog pores on acne-prone skin.

🧪 Petrolatum / 矿脂 (凡士林)

Purpose: Occlusive

Concerns: Greasy feel

Notes: Highly effective at sealing in moisture and repairing the skin barrier.

🧪 Dimethicone / 聚二甲基硅氧烷

Purpose: Emollient, Skin Protectant

Concerns: None

Notes: A silicone that creates a smooth, breathable barrier on the skin.

🧪 Cetyl Alcohol / 鲸蜡醇

Purpose: Emollient, Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: A fatty alcohol that softens skin and stabilizes the formula; distinct from drying alcohols.

🧪 Cetearyl Olivate / 鲸蜡硬脂醇橄榄油酸酯

Purpose: Emulsifier, Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Derived from olive oil; helps blend oil and water.

🧪 Sorbitan Olivate / 山梨坦橄榄油酸酯

Purpose: Emulsifier, Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Works with Cetearyl Olivate to mimic the skin’s lipid structure.

🧪 Sodium Hyaluronate / 透明质酸钠

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: The salt form of hyaluronic acid; holds massive amounts of water for hydration.

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

🧪 Sodium Polyacrylate / 聚丙烯酸钠

Purpose: Thickener, Stabilizer

Concerns: None

Notes: A polymer that absorbs water and stabilizes the texture.

🧪 Carbomer / 卡波姆

Purpose: Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps control the viscosity and flow of the product.

🧪 Sodium Hydroxide / 氢氧化钠

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: Irritant (in raw form only)

Notes: Used in tiny amounts to neutralize thickeners (like Carbomer) and balance pH; safe in finished product.

📁 Preservatives & Stabilizers / 防腐剂与稳定剂

🧪 Phenoxyethanol / 苯氧乙醇

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Potential irritant for very sensitive skin

Notes: Prevents bacterial growth.

🧪 Caprylyl Glycol / 辛甘醇

Purpose: Humectant, Preservative Booster

Concerns: None

Notes: Conditions skin while helping the preservative system work effectively.

🧪 Ethylhexylglycerin / 乙基己基甘油

Purpose: Skin Conditioning, Preservative Booster

Concerns: Rare contact allergy

Notes: Often used as a safe alternative to parabens.