I love products that promise to hydrate your skin so the new Neutrogena Hydro Boost range did catch my eye…. and my nose. I knew my blog buddy Giddy Tigress might like to try it too so I sent her the new Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream last month to trial. Here is her review.
Give me any product with the word “hydro” in it, and I will definitely not hesitate to try it out. With the amount of air-conditioning most of us are exposed to, it is safe to say that most of us have some level of dehydrated skin, and can certainly benefit from some extra moisture.
When I first saw the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel, I was reminded of how similar the tub looked like Clinique’s Total Turnaround Cream. The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel 50g comes packaged in a blue crystal tub, with a matte silver cover. I opened it up to discover to my amusement, that the gel-like cream is also a light shade of blue!
Well, the first thing that I noticed was however, not the color of the gel, but rather the VERY strong scent it exudes. It’s not an unpleasant smell, but to me, it felt a tad pungent and quite *sharp*. I immediately tried a little on the back of my hand and was surprised that it made my skin smoother right away.
That same night, I applied the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel after my regular cleanser and toner regime. I still couldn’t get past the strong smell though, and it lingered a long long time. I don’t really like skincare products with strong smells, so this was sort of a turn-off for me. I thought I would get used to the scent as time went on, but I have been using it for 3 weeks now, and I still don’t really like the smell. I wish they’d make it perfume-free though.
In spite of the smell, however, the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel worked wonders to maintain the moisture level in my skin. It has something called the Progressive Release System, which gradually releases moisture into your skin throughout the time the gel is on your skin, and my skin definitely did not feel dry afterward.
The gel is rather light but not sticky. It goes on smoothly on my face and neck, but I found that I have to use quite a lot to make sure it covers my face and neck. Not very economical, I’m afraid.
I used this gel day and night as a replacement for my moisturizer. It didn’t make my skin taut after 3 weeks of usage, which meant that it maintained the moisture levels, and I would recommend it to anyone who feels their skin is dehydrated, because the hydrating effect is almost immediate, and it’s cooling too! At RM59.90 a 50g tub, it’s a value-for-money product if you’re not particular about strong-smelling stuff.
Pros: Light and non sticky texture, Keeps skin moisturized, Has hydrating and cooling effects
Cons: Strong scent
PB Notes: Like Giddy Tigress I found the scent in the Neutrogena Hydro Boost line a little strong too. It would be nice if Neutrogena killed the scent or made it lighter. Have you tried this one? Do you have your own thoughts to share?
This guest review was written by gal-pal Giddy Tigress who blogs at Kaki Shopping and is a lovely WAHM to 2 adorable children.
The Neutrogena Hydro Boost gel cream retails at RM59.90 at all major pharmacies
I was so psyched when this came out but when I smelled it… ugh. cannot. no way. Even my washing detergent doesn’t smell that strong (exaggerated but that’s how I feel!)
Neutrogena should really consider cutting back on the fragrance! Then I’d buy it right away!
Yes I fully agree. Neutrogena should reduce the fragrance – a good product shouldn’t be spoilt by fragrance
Nice review, GT! 😀
Since I’m loving how well Clinique’s Moisture Surge has been treating me I won’t stray in terms of moisturizers but I’m interested in the Hydro Boost foaming cleanser that Plue’s been raving about. 🙂
I’m quite keen on that too but I’m still working through my cleansers. I see the light at the end of the tunnel though!
i’m currently using the foaming cleanser. not too bad. not drying. but yet the scent is way too strong for me as well. u could not imagine that something so light and foamy could produce such a heavy scent !
Oh really? Ok that seriously sucks 🙁
I have been using this one for 2weeks now and it didn’t broke me out which is great but I think it would be bit light to be called a moisturizer? its more like a booster after regular moisturizer but i used it as one since I have oily skin. And the scent makes me feel dizzy each time I use it 🙁
Ah another complaint about the scent! Feeling dizzy doesn’t sound good 🙁 Hope someone from Neutrogena sees this. It’ll be a pity if a good product gets bad rap because it stinks!
Is it a H2O+ Face Oasis dupe? Mine’s about to finish so I was wondering if this can be a short term replacement.
Hubbs can’t stand the smell too…so that’s not a good thing, huh? 😛
i tried out the sample and im lovin’ it too (; plus im not too fussy about the scent. sooooo im considering to drop by my local drugstore to get the retail sized pdt 😀 thanks for the review!
I am so allergic to the smell. It immediately gives me a headache and then I start sneezing. What is that smell? Is there perhaps Lavender in it?