Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Cleanser 200ml 3 Pack Hydrating Face Wash
Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This face wash contains beneficial ingredients like glycerin and hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, which are excellent for hydration and skin barrier support. However, the presence of phenoxyethanol and fragrance, which can cause irritation and allergic reactions, lowers its safety profile. The product is moderately processed, which further impacts its overall rating.
Key ingredients 18
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 and plumping effects.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.
Benefits
It provides intense hydration and helps to improve skin elasticity and smoothness.
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 in rare cases it may cause irritation.
Benefits
Glycerin helps to maintain skin hydration and improve skin barrier function, making it beneficial for dry skin.
WaterNeutral
Water is a common solvent used in cosmetic formulations. It helps dissolve other ingredients and provides a base for the product. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with water in cosmetic products.
Benefits
Water helps to hydrate the skin and is essential for the formulation of many skincare products.
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 gentle.
Risks
Some individuals may experience mild irritation or allergic reactions.
Benefits
It provides effective cleansing without stripping the skin of its natural oils.
Sodium Cocoyl IsethionateNeutral
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate is a mild surfactant derived from coconut oil. It is used to create a creamy lather and cleanse the skin gently.
Risks
It may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It is effective in cleansing while being gentle on the skin, making it suitable for sensitive skin types.
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
Potential for mild irritation exists, especially in sensitive skin.
Benefits
It provides gentle cleansing and is less likely to irritate the skin compared to harsher surfactants.
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
It helps to stabilize the formulation and improve the product's texture.
Potassium Acrylates CopolymerNeutral
Potassium Acrylates Copolymer is used as a film-forming agent and thickener in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and stability of the product.
Risks
There is a low risk of irritation with this ingredient.
Benefits
It enhances the product's texture and helps maintain its consistency.
HydroxyacetophenoneNeutral
Hydroxyacetophenone is an antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent. It helps to protect the product from degradation and may provide some skin-soothing benefits.
Risks
There is a low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
It helps to stabilize the formulation and may provide antioxidant benefits to the skin.
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 is a low risk of irritation with this ingredient.
Benefits
It helps to condition the skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth.
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
There is a low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
It provides conditioning benefits, leaving the skin feeling smooth and soft.
Polysorbate 20Neutral
Polysorbate 20 is an emulsifier used to stabilize formulations and improve texture. It helps to mix oil and water-based ingredients.
Risks
There is a low risk of irritation with this ingredient.
Benefits
It helps to stabilize the product and improve its texture, ensuring a consistent application.
Sodium HydroxideNeutral
Sodium Hydroxide is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It is effective in small amounts but can be irritating in higher concentrations.
Risks
In high concentrations, it can cause skin irritation or burns.
Benefits
It helps to maintain the pH balance of the product, ensuring it is safe and effective for use on the skin.
Citric AcidNeutral
Citric Acid is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations and as a mild exfoliant. It is generally considered safe in low concentrations.
Risks
In high concentrations, it can cause skin irritation or sensitivity.
Benefits
It helps to maintain the pH balance of the product and can provide mild exfoliation benefits.
EthylhexylglycerinNeutral
Ethylhexylglycerin is used as a skin-conditioning agent and preservative enhancer. It is generally considered safe and effective.
Risks
There is a low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
It enhances the efficacy of preservatives and provides skin-conditioning benefits.
PhenoxyethanolBad
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. It is effective but can be irritating to the skin and eyes.
Risks
It may cause irritation or allergic reactions, especially in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It helps to preserve the product and extend its shelf life by preventing microbial contamination.
Disodium EDTABad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
There is a low risk of irritation with this ingredient.
Benefits
It helps to stabilize the product and enhance its shelf life by preventing metal ion contamination.
FragranceVery Bad
Fragrance is used to impart a pleasant scent to cosmetic products. However, it is a common cause of skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Risks
Fragrance can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and may exacerbate conditions like eczema.
Benefits
It provides a pleasant scent to the product, enhancing the user experience.
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