Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Gel Facial Cleanser with Hyaluronic Acid - 7.8 fl oz: Sulfate-Free, Soap-Free, Alcohol-Free, Sensitive Skin
Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This facial cleanser contains beneficial ingredients like glycerin and hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, which are excellent for hydrating and maintaining the skin's moisture barrier. The formula is free from harsh sulfates and alcohol, making it suitable for sensitive skin. However, the presence of phenoxyethanol, a preservative that can cause irritation in some individuals, slightly impacts the overall ingredient safety.
Key ingredients 17
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidVery Good
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is a powerful humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin. It is well-known for its hydrating properties and ability to improve skin texture.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.
Benefits
Provides deep hydration and improves skin elasticity and texture.
GlycerinGood
Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated. It is well-tolerated by most skin types and enhances the skin's natural barrier function.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with glycerin, though it can be sticky in high concentrations.
Benefits
Glycerin helps maintain skin hydration and improves skin barrier function.
WaterNeutral
Water is a common solvent used in cosmetic formulations. It helps dissolve other ingredients and provides a base for the product. It does not have any direct benefits or risks associated with its use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with water in cosmetics.
Benefits
Water helps in the application and spreadability of the product.
Cocamidopropyl HydroxysultaineNeutral
Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine is a mild surfactant used to create foam and cleanse the skin. It is derived from coconut oil and is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
It may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It provides gentle cleansing and foaming properties.
Sodium Cocoyl IsethionateNeutral
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate is a mild surfactant that helps cleanse the skin without stripping natural oils. It is derived from coconut oil and is considered gentle on the skin.
Risks
May cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
Provides gentle cleansing and is less likely to irritate compared to harsher surfactants.
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl TaurateNeutral
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate is a mild surfactant that helps to cleanse the skin. It is derived from coconut oil and is known for its gentle cleansing properties.
Risks
May cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.
Benefits
Provides gentle cleansing and is suitable for sensitive skin.
Sodium ChlorideNeutral
Sodium Chloride, or table salt, is used to adjust the viscosity of cosmetic products. It is generally safe and non-irritating in cosmetic formulations.
Risks
In high concentrations, it may cause dryness or irritation.
Benefits
Helps to thicken the product and improve texture.
Sodium Hydrolyzed Potato Starch DodecenylsuccinateNeutral
This ingredient is used as a thickening agent and to improve the texture of the product. It is derived from potato starch and is generally considered safe.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.
Benefits
Improves product texture and stability.
Potassium Acrylates CopolymerNeutral
Potassium Acrylates Copolymer is used as a film-forming agent and thickener in cosmetics. It helps to stabilize the product and improve its texture.
Risks
May cause irritation if used in high concentrations.
Benefits
Improves product stability and texture.
HydroxyacetophenoneNeutral
Hydroxyacetophenone is an antioxidant used to protect the product from degradation. It helps to maintain the stability and efficacy of the formulation.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.
Benefits
Helps to protect the product from oxidative damage.
Linoleamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride PhosphateNeutral
This ingredient is used as a conditioning agent in cosmetics. It helps to improve the feel of the skin after cleansing.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.
Benefits
Improves skin feel and provides conditioning benefits.
Polyquaternium-10Neutral
Polyquaternium-10 is a conditioning agent that helps to improve the texture and feel of the skin. It is commonly used in hair and skin care products.
Risks
May cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Provides conditioning benefits and improves skin texture.
Sodium HydroxideNeutral
Sodium Hydroxide is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It is effective but must be used in controlled amounts to avoid irritation.
Risks
Can cause irritation if used in high concentrations.
Benefits
Helps to maintain the desired pH of the product.
Citric AcidNeutral
Citric Acid is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic products and as a mild exfoliant. It is generally safe but can cause irritation in sensitive skin.
Risks
May cause irritation in sensitive skin if used in high concentrations.
Benefits
Helps to maintain product pH and provides mild exfoliation.
EthylhexylglycerinNeutral
Ethylhexylglycerin is used as a skin conditioning agent and preservative enhancer. It is generally considered safe and effective in cosmetics.
Risks
May cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Enhances the efficacy of preservatives and conditions the skin.
PhenoxyethanolBad
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. It is effective but can cause irritation in some individuals, especially in high concentrations.
Risks
May cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Prevents microbial growth and extends the shelf life of the product.
Disodium EDTABad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
May cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.
Benefits
Improves product stability and prevents degradation.
Processing
Processed Foods
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