Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gentle Exfoliating Daily Facial Cleanser with Hyaluronic Acid - 5 fl oz: Moisturizes & Cleanses

Common questions

Is Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gentle Exfoliating Daily Facial Cleanser with Hyaluronic Acid - 5 fl oz: Moisturizes & Cleanses healthy?

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gentle Exfoliating Daily Facial Cleanser with Hyaluronic Acid - 5 fl oz: Moisturizes & Cleanses scores 70/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This facial cleanser contains beneficial ingredients like glycerin, glycolic acid, lactic acid, papaya fruit extract, and hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, which are known for their moisturizing and exfoliating properties.

Which ingredients drive Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gentle Exfoliating Daily Facial Cleanser with Hyaluronic Acid - 5 fl oz: Moisturizes & Cleanses' score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Glycerin, Glycolic Acid, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract count in its favor; Sodium Benzoate, Fragrance, Disodium EDTA are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gentle Exfoliating Daily Facial Cleanser with Hyaluronic Acid - 5 fl oz: Moisturizes & Cleanses

Neutrogena
70 Good

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

$29.91 · 5 oz · pack of 3 · $1.99 / ounce
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 4
Harmful ingredients 3
Owned by Kenvue
Category Face Wash
Summary

This facial cleanser contains beneficial ingredients like glycerin, glycolic acid, lactic acid, papaya fruit extract, and hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, which are known for their moisturizing and exfoliating properties. However, the presence of fragrance, which can cause skin irritation and sensitivity, detracts from its overall safety profile. Additionally, the product's processing level and inclusion of synthetic ingredients like acrylates crosspolymer-4 and polysorbate 20 further impact its rating.

Key ingredients 17

Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Very Good

Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is a powerful humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin. It is known for its ability to deeply hydrate and plump the skin. It is highly beneficial for maintaining skin hydration and elasticity.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with hyaluronic acid; it is generally well-tolerated.

Benefits

Deeply hydrates and plumps the skin, improving elasticity and moisture retention.

Glycerin
Good

Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated. It is widely used in skincare for its moisturizing properties. It is considered safe and beneficial for most skin types.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with glycerin; it is generally well-tolerated.

Benefits

Helps to maintain skin hydration and improve skin barrier function.

See more about Glycerin →
Glycolic Acid
Good

Glycolic Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) used for its exfoliating properties. It helps in removing dead skin cells and improving skin texture. It is effective in promoting skin renewal and improving skin appearance.

Risks

Can cause irritation and sensitivity, especially in higher concentrations.

Benefits

Promotes exfoliation and improves skin texture and appearance.

See more about Glycolic Acid →
Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract
Good

Papaya Fruit Extract is known for its exfoliating and skin-brightening properties. It contains enzymes that help in removing dead skin cells and improving skin texture. It is beneficial for promoting a radiant complexion.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive skin due to enzymatic activity.

Benefits

Exfoliates and brightens the skin, promoting a radiant complexion.

See more about Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract →
Water
Neutral

Water is a common solvent used in cosmetics to dissolve other ingredients. It helps in forming the base of the product. It does not have any direct benefits or risks associated with its use in skincare.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with water in skincare products.

Benefits

Water helps in dissolving other ingredients and provides a base for the formulation.

See more about Water →
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
Neutral

Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate is a surfactant used for its cleansing properties. It helps in removing dirt and oil from the skin. It is considered milder than SLS but can still cause irritation in some individuals.

Risks

Potential for skin irritation, especially in sensitive skin types.

Benefits

Effective in cleansing the skin by removing dirt and oil.

See more about Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate →
Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
Neutral

Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine is a surfactant and foam booster derived from coconut oil. It is used to enhance the texture and feel of the product. It is generally considered mild and less irritating than other surfactants.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

Improves the texture and foaming ability of the cleanser.

See more about Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine →
Sodium Hydrolyzed Potato Starch Dodecenylsuccinate
Neutral

This ingredient is used as a film-forming agent and texture enhancer in cosmetics. It helps in providing a smooth application. It is generally considered safe for use in skincare products.

Benefits

Enhances the texture and feel of the product on the skin.

See more about Sodium Hydrolyzed Potato Starch Dodecenylsuccinate →
Acrylates Crosspolymer-4
Neutral

Acrylates Crosspolymer-4 is used as a thickening agent and stabilizer in cosmetic formulations. It helps in maintaining the consistency of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Stabilizes the formulation and improves product texture.

Cellulose
Neutral

Cellulose is used as a thickener and stabilizer in cosmetic products. It helps in providing a smooth texture and consistency. It is derived from plant sources and is generally considered safe.

Benefits

Improves the texture and stability of the product.

See more about Cellulose →
Polysorbate 20
Neutral

Polysorbate 20 is an emulsifier used to mix oil and water-based ingredients. It helps in stabilizing the formulation. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Stabilizes emulsions and improves product consistency.

See more about Polysorbate 20 →
Citric Acid
Neutral

Citric Acid is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It can also provide mild exfoliation benefits. It is generally safe but can cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Risks

Potential for irritation, especially in sensitive skin types.

Benefits

Helps in maintaining the pH balance of the product.

See more about Citric Acid →
Lactic Acid
Neutral

Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.

Risks

May cause irritation and sensitivity, especially in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Exfoliates and hydrates the skin, improving texture and appearance.

See more about Lactic Acid →
Sodium Hydroxide
Neutral

Sodium Hydroxide is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It is effective in maintaining the stability of the product. It is generally considered safe in low concentrations.

Risks

Can be irritating in higher concentrations.

Benefits

Helps in maintaining the pH balance of the product.

See more about Sodium Hydroxide →
Sodium Benzoate
Bad

Synthetic preservative that can form benzene in the presence of vitamin C.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Prevents microbial growth and extends product shelf life.

See more about Sodium Benzoate →
Disodium EDTA
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Improves product stability and prevents degradation.

See more about Disodium EDTA →
Fragrance
Very Bad

Fragrance is used to impart a pleasant scent to cosmetic products. However, it is a common cause of allergic reactions and skin irritation. It is often criticized for its potential to cause skin sensitivity.

Risks

High potential for causing allergic reactions and skin irritation.

Benefits

Provides a pleasant scent to the product.

See more about Fragrance →

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