Our mission has always been to help you find the best products for your skin, no matter your budget or preferences. Beautypedia’s thorough and insightful reviews cut through the hype and provide reliable recommendations for all ages, skin types, and skin tones.
Hydro Boost Gel-Cream Eye
Being almost identical to the brand’s Hydro Boost facial moisturizers, this eye cream is further proof that most eye creams simply aren’t needed. They’re nice to have rather than need to have, but if you’re among those who feel you need a separate eye cream (see More Info for details), this isn’t among the best ones out there.
Hydro Boost Gel-Cream Eye is mostly water, silicones, glycerin, film-forming agent, and preservative. There’s little of substance here and nothing that is the least bit unique for the eye area. It’s fragrance-free, which is great for the eye area, but fragrance-free products will benefit skin anywhere on the face, not just around the more delicate eye area.
Between the blatant similarity to the other Hydro Boost moisturizers and the exclusion of anti-aging ingredients worth your time and attention, this eye cream is simply not worth it—although it can hydrate and smooth skin around the eyes or elsewhere on the face. By the way, the hyaluronic acid called out in claims for this product is present in a very low amount—likely too low to be of much benefit to skin.
Pros:
- Makes skin feel smoother and softer.
- Fragrance-free.
- Packaged in an opaque tube, which is hygienic and prolongs ingredient stability.
Cons:
- Doesn’t differ in any significant way from Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost moisturizers.
- Lacks an impressive mix of anti-aging ingredients.
- The amount of hyaluronic acid (sodium hyaluronate) is likely too low to benefit skin.
More Info:
Most eye creams aren’t necessary. That’s either because they are poorly formulated, contain nothing special for the eye area, or come in packaging that won’t keep key ingredients stable. Just because the product is labeled as an eye cream doesn’t mean it’s good for your eye area; in fact, many can actually make matters worse.
There is much you can do to improve signs of aging around your eyes. Any product loaded with antioxidants, skin-repairing ingredients, skin-lightening ingredients, anti-inflammatory ingredients, and effective emollients will work wonders and those ingredients don’t have to come from a product labeled as an eye cream.
You would be shocked how many eye creams lack even the most basic ingredients to help skin. For example, most eye creams don’t contain sunscreen. During the day that is a serious problem because it leaves the skin around your eyes vulnerable to sun damage and this absolutely will make dark circles, puffiness, and wrinkles worse!
Whatever product you put around your eye area, regardless of what it is labeled, must be well formulated and appropriate for the skin type around your eyes! That may mean you need an eye cream, but you may also do just as well applying your regular facial moisturizer and/or serum around your eyes.
Hydro Boost Gel-Cream for Eyes instantly quenches and keeps the eye area looking smooth and hydrated day after day. The unique water gel-cream formula absorbs quickly, like a gel, but has the long-lasting, intense moisturizing power of a cream. It boosts skin’s hydration level and locks it in all day, and is specially designed to smooth the eye area.
Neutrogena At-A-Glance
Strengths: Inexpensive; several recommended cleansers; retinol options, in stable packaging; vast selection of sunscreens, most of which offer excellent UVA protection; several fragrance-free options; many of the Healthy Skin products are state-of-the-art; the foundations with sunscreen provide sufficient UVA protection; some praiseworthy makeup items.
Weaknesses: An overabundance of overlapping anti-aging products that is perennially confusing for consumers; irritating bar soaps; lackluster to downright bad toners; a handful of bland moisturizers and eye creams; some sunscreens too much alcohol or problematic preservatives; most of the Deep Clean products are terrible; mostly disappointing concealers; the lip balms with sunscreen provide inadequate UVA protection.
Johnson & Johnsonowned Neutrogena has been around for over 50 years, and they’ve come a long way since they launched their first transparent, bronze, detergent-based bar soap (it also contains tallow). The bars are still sold, and while we still don’t recommend them (they are too drying for all skin types), the good news is that Neutrogena has come a very long way from where they started. In fact, several of their products represent truly state-of-the-art options.
Strolling the skin-care aisles of any drugstore or mass-market store reveals that Neutrogena vies for shelf space and prominence with only one other brand, Procter & Gamble’s Olay. For the most part, both companies offer a similar assortment of products, with Olay being slightly more focused on anti-aging products and Neutrogena going for broader appeal, offering a nearly equal amount of antiwrinkle and anti-acne products. Regrettably the latter category presents few viable options.
Where Neutrogena really excels (and has for years) is with water-soluble cleansers, AHAs, retinol, and sunscreen products. Their Healthy Skin lineup offers some beautifully formulated moisturizers with glycolic acid, and the sunscreens offer something for everyone, including some ingenious options for those with oily skin (or anyone who finds the texture of high-SPF products as unappealing as slathering your skin with Crisco).
A recent self-proclaimed advance in sun protection came with Neutrogena’s Helioplex complex. It is not the superior breakthrough Neutrogena makes it out to be. It’s a good system to keep avobenzone stable for longer, but Helioplex isn’t the only way to get the most out of this important UVA sunscreen. If it were, why didn’t Neutrogena scrap all of their other sunscreens that don’t use Helioplex technology? And why do they still offer a handful of SPF-rated products that leave skin vulnerable to UVA damage? Although they offer a proportionately greater number of sunscreens that provide excellent UVA protection, it’s hard to unequivocally deem them a sun-care leader when they still sell inadequate sunscreens.
It’s common to see commercials and magazine ads for Neutrogena’s plethora of products designed to combat breakouts and blackheads. It’s nothing short of amazing that, after all these years, the majority of these products, while well intentioned, still don’t get it right. Far too many of them contain irritating ingredients such as alcohol, witch hazel, and menthol, none of which are the least bit helpful for someone struggling with breakouts. If your dermatologist recommends these products for acne without reservation, definitely consider a second opinion! Even Neutrogena’s on-the-spot benzoyl peroxide product contains some potentially problematic thickening agents. Despite this, if you choose carefully, there are some great products (including a BHA lotion) that can make a positive difference.
What’s most frustrating and, frankly, surprising, is that Neutrogena’s enormous assortment of products represents both the best and the worst the cosmetics industry has to offer. Given their worldwide distribution and research capabilities, they really should be offering a consistent range of effective, irritant-free products to address a variety of skin types and conditions. As things stand now, healthy, protected skin is only assured if you know which Neutrogena products to look for and which ones to never put in your shopping cart.
For more information about Neutrogena, owned by Johnson & Johnson, call (800) 582-4048 or visit www.neutrogena.com.
Neutrogena Makeup
Neutrogena’s “beautiful and beneficial” pronouncement is a great tag line, but most of their makeup doesn’t live up to that assertion. This line was lacking in several key areas when it first hit store shelves in 1999, and although some things have improved, the number of problematic products is a bit startling. (We are not aware of any cosmetic line that uses menthol or its derivatives as often as Neutrogena.) Each product carries on about the vitamins it contains, yet compared to the leading roles played by cosmetic staples like silicones and thickening agents, the vitamins have mere cameo roles, and as such have little to no impact.
There are a few key items to seek out, especially if you’re looking for makeup with excellent sun protection. We also found their lip gloss to be one of the best at any price, and a few of their foundations successfully bridge the gap between skin care and makeup.
The most frustrating aspect of this line is that almost all of it is packaged so you cannot see the color. Even worse, the color swatch on the box is a poor representation, not only of how the color looks in the compact, but also how it looks on your skin. What would truly be beneficial is for Neutrogena to offer more revealing packaging or provide testers or offer trial sizes. Their overall collection and in-store displays aren’t nearly as tempting as most other drugstore makeup lines, so in most cases they’re relying on their constant magazine and television ads to drive shoppers to explore the world of Neutrogena makeup, or they’re relying solely on those who don’t mind guessing what color they are really buying. It’s obviously working, because despite the problematic elements, this is a line that has survived and is very well distributed.
About the Experts
The Beautypedia team consists of skin care and makeup experts personally trained by the original Cosmetics Cop and best-selling beauty author, Paula Begoun. We’re fascinated by skin care and makeup products and thrilled when they meet or exceed our expectations, but we’re also disappointed when they fail to perform as claimed, are wildly overpriced, or contain ingredients scientific research has proven can hurt skin.
Our mission has always been to help you find the best products for your skin, no matter your budget or preferences. Beautypedia’s thorough and insightful reviews cut through the hype and provide reliable recommendations for all ages, skin types, and skin tones.
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Another reviewer in their 40s wrote: “In my 20s, I tanned at the beach and never wore sunscreen or used moisturizer—and now it’s starting to show! Wrinkles on my forehead and around my eyes and starting to have dark circles as well. I’ve used a ton of products the last few years and even had Botox. No product has worked as well as this one and it’s so inexpensive! Wish I would have tried it earlier. I even used it on my forehead lines, as well as my eyes, and it has helped a ton!”
The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Eye Cream Tackles Everything From Fine Lines to Dark Circles—and It’s Only $14
We might be getting an extra hour of sleep this weekend thanks to daylight saving time, but it’s not enough to counteract the dark circles, bags, and puffiness that have accumulated over the past several months. So while we’ll gladly cuddle up in the covers for a little longer, we’ll still need a trusted eye cream to conquer undereye issues.
The product we’re turning to first: Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Gel Eye Cream ($14; amazon.com). The affordable pick was not only previously recommended to Health by Texas-based dermatologist Ted Lain, MD, but it’s a customer favorite, too, with more than 3,200 perfect ratings. In fact, it’s been called everything from “magic in a tube” to the “holy grail of eye cream” by users—and a quick review of the ingredients reveals why.
Unlike most eye creams, the formula is water-based and has a lightweight gel texture. That means instead of sitting on the skin, it quickly absorbs. Despite this, it maintains the long-term moisturizing properties of a cream, mostly due to its hyaluronic acid concentration.
A skincare buzzword, hyaluronic acid is naturally found in skin, where its primary purpose is to keep tissue moist. When applied topically, the humectant attracts and locks in water to keep skin moisturized. Plus, it also prevents irritation, according to Dr. Lain.
Sounds pretty sweet right? Of course, the rest of the formula lives up to these same high standards. It’s fragrance-free and dye-free, as well as opthamologist-tested. Not to mention, it’s made without oils, which makes it an ideal pick for anyone with acne-prone skin or a naturally greasy complexion.
All things considered, it’s obvious why so many reviewers are obsessed. They write it’s not only “the best” undereye treatment, but confirm it’s smooth as silk and actually effective. One reviewer even revealed that it makes her skin appear 10 years younger—and they’re not the only one leaving rave reviews.
“For the past few years, I have tried lotions and creams on my face because I am getting older,” wrote a shopper. “I had very few wrinkles (if any) when I was in my early 50s, but my skin had become so dry and crepey-looking that I decided to give this a try. Rarely do you see a real product that can work on older skin, but this DOES work and I will continue to use this product from now on!”
Another reviewer in their 40s wrote: “In my 20s, I tanned at the beach and never wore sunscreen or used moisturizer—and now it’s starting to show! Wrinkles on my forehead and around my eyes and starting to have dark circles as well. I’ve used a ton of products the last few years and even had Botox. No product has worked as well as this one and it’s so inexpensive! Wish I would have tried it earlier. I even used it on my forehead lines, as well as my eyes, and it has helped a ton!”
Best of all, this Neutrogena eye cream won’t break the bank at only $20. And for a limited time you can grab a tube for 27% off, dropping the final price down to just $14. Needless to say, you’re going to want to clear some vanity space.
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The Hydro Boost Gel Cream has a weightless almost clear gel like texture that glides across the skin with a slight cooling effect and absorbs rather quickly. This version is formulated for extra dry skin so it’s very rich and nourishing but it doesn’t feel greasy or make my skin look oily. In fact, the Hydro Boost Gel Cream almost makes for an excellent summer moisturizer as it’s super lightweight on the skin and gives it a soft matte finish. I think even oily skin gals may like this one. The only drawback of the Hydro Boost Gel Cream (and it’s a big one for many) is that it doesn’t contain SPF so you’ll have to get your sun protection elsewhere. Otherwise, this $20 moisturizer is a must have!
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream Eye & Face Review
The Target curse strikes again! You know, when you go to Target for one thing and end up with way more than you bargained for. But this time, I didn’t even have to go into the store to get cursed. That’s the scary part! A little while ago, I snapped up the Target Beauty Box just for the full sized L’Oreal setting spray but I ended up loving my Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream sample too. So guess what? I took my butt right to Target to grab the full sized version. And the eye cream too. Damn you Target!
The Hydro Boost Gel Cream sample I received in my Beauty Box looked small but I was able to get a little over a week’s use out of it. However, I ran out and grabbed the full size before I could even finish it. The formula is really nice! It’s formulated with glycerin, olive extract and hyaluronic acid which moisturize and lock in moisture while making the skin look plump and youthful. Plus, it’s fragrance free and doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin at all.
The Hydro Boost Gel Cream has a weightless almost clear gel like texture that glides across the skin with a slight cooling effect and absorbs rather quickly. This version is formulated for extra dry skin so it’s very rich and nourishing but it doesn’t feel greasy or make my skin look oily. In fact, the Hydro Boost Gel Cream almost makes for an excellent summer moisturizer as it’s super lightweight on the skin and gives it a soft matte finish. I think even oily skin gals may like this one. The only drawback of the Hydro Boost Gel Cream (and it’s a big one for many) is that it doesn’t contain SPF so you’ll have to get your sun protection elsewhere. Otherwise, this $20 moisturizer is a must have!
Since I loved the Hydro Boost Gel Cream so much I figured I’d go ahead and try the eye cream too. Which turned out to be an excellent idea because it’s just as good as the moisturizer! The Hydro Boost Eye Gel Cream formula is pretty much the same as the moisturizer–just better suited for the eyes. It absorbs just as quickly as the moisturizer and really hydrates and plumps my under eye area. I have two very deep fine lines under my eyes that love to soak up foundation, powder and concealer but the Hydro Boost Eye Gel Cream makes my life a little easier by filling them in a bit. It also has the same cooling effect so it feels super good in the mornings. Like the moisturizer, I highly recommend trying the eye cream too!
Hydrate the delicate eye area with Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Gel-Cream with Hyaluronic Acid. Specially designed to help smooth the delicate skin around the eyes, this gentle eye cream boosts skin’s hydration level and locks it in all day. The unique water gel formula absorbs quickly like a gel, with the long-lasting, intense moisturizing power of a cream. This gel eye cream is formulated with purified hyaluronic acid, which is naturally found in the skin. Hyaluronic acid, a hydrator found naturally in the skin, attracts moisture and locks it in. This under-eye cream provides, supple and smooth skin. This ophthalmologist-tested water gel-cream is oil-free, dye-free, fragrance-free and non-comedogenic. The moisturizing gel can be worn alone or under makeup and makes the perfect addition to your daily skincare routine for an at-home self-care experience. Hydro Boost Collection includes hydrating Hand Cream, Body Gel Cream, Facial Moisturizers and Cleansers.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Gel Eye Cream – 0.5 fl oz
Hydrate the delicate eye area with Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Gel-Cream with Hyaluronic Acid. Specially designed to help smooth the delicate skin around the eyes, this gentle eye cream boosts skin’s hydration level and locks it in all day. The unique water gel formula absorbs quickly like a gel, with the long-lasting, intense moisturizing power of a cream. This gel eye cream is formulated with purified hyaluronic acid, which is naturally found in the skin. Hyaluronic acid, a hydrator found naturally in the skin, attracts moisture and locks it in. This under-eye cream provides, supple and smooth skin. This ophthalmologist-tested water gel-cream is oil-free, dye-free, fragrance-free and non-comedogenic. The moisturizing gel can be worn alone or under makeup and makes the perfect addition to your daily skincare routine for an at-home self-care experience. Hydro Boost Collection includes hydrating Hand Cream, Body Gel Cream, Facial Moisturizers and Cleansers.
- Tube of hydrating Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Gel-Cream with hyaluronic acid
- Moisturizing gel specially designed to smooth skin around the delicate eye area
- With hyaluronic acid, a hydrator found naturally in the skin that attracts moisture and locks it in
- Cream boosts skin’s hydration level and locks it in all day. It can be worn alone or under make-up
- Gel eye cream is oil-free, dye-free, and fragrance-free, so it’s gentle to use on delicate eye area
More Information
| Product Name | Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Gel Eye Cream – 0.5 fl oz |
|---|---|
| Package Count | 1 |
| Container Type | blister pack |
| Form | Gel |
| Country of Manufacture | United States |
| Ingredient Preference | Dye Free, Fragrance Free, Oil free |
| Prop 65 | No |
Use in the morning and at night on cleansed skin. Dot product around the eye area and smooth in until thoroughly absorbed.Questions800-582-4048 Outside US, dial collect 215-273-8755 www.neutrogena.com
Water, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Polyacrylamide, Phenoxyethanol, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Synthetic Beeswax, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Carbomer, Trehalose, Dimethiconol, Chlorphenesin, Laureth-7, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, C12-14 Pareth-12
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This product received a total score of 8.61 out of 10, based on review sentiments and user opinions related to 6 features:
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Comparing Eyes Creams
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream
Neutrogena Hydro Boost
Goodbye dry skin, hello moisturizing hydration! Neutrogena has come out with a new skincare line in which I have heard many say is their new favourite moisturizer. It seemed too good to be true. Seeing the product and results all across social media, I had to get my hands on it and put it to the test. And I must say, I joined the bandwagon and calling Neutrogena Hydro Boost my holy grail moisturizer!
Instantly quenches dry skin and keeps it looking smooth, supple and hydrated all day. Hydro Boost is Neutrogena’s unique light-weight formula which absorbs quickly, like a gel, but has the long-lasting intense moisturizing power of a cream. An oil-free product, won’t clog pores, hyaluronic acid (naturally found in skin) and is wearable under makeup, my skin is already feeling the love!
Neutrogena came out with two Hydro Boost gel creams, one for normal skin, and the other for extra-dry skin. The Hydro Boost Gel Cream has an almost watery consistency with a light fragrance . While the Hydro Boost Extra-Dry Skin has a slightly thicker consistency and is fragrance-free .
With a light-weight runny consistency, my skin felt moisturized and hydrated. It absorbed within seconds and left no greasy residue, a huge plus! It may have been my excitement, but my dry flaky skin was no more by day one. Even after a whole day I come home to notice not a dryness in sight, my makeup stayed on and skin looking forever hydrated.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream – Extra-Dry Skin
Lastly from the Hydro Boost line is their Gel Cream for the Eyes. Just like the gel cream face moisturizer, it is fragrance-free, goes on and absorbs instantly, my under eyes feel smooth, refreshed and awake and best of all, no eye makeup smears all day!
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream – Eye
Overall, I am very impressed. I have always loved Neutrogena but I cannot emphasize enough how much I am loving the Hydro Boost line. No need to invest in high-end moisturizers when Hydro Boost is a fraction of the cost (
$20) but works (possibly) ten times better