Neutrogena Hydro Boost+ Niacinamide Serum for combination skin
Niacinamide
Sodium Hyaluronate
Glycerin
Acetyl Glucosamine
DimethiconeAverage
- HighCombination Skin Fit
- HighEffectiveness
- HighSafety
Works for combination skin; other moisturizers fit it better.
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with combination skin: an oily T-zone, enlarged pores, and dry cheeks. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.
Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works
Lovi Assistant explains
- Offers moderate benefits for your oily shine and combination skin, as niacinamide and acetyl glucosamine help manage oil production and improve skin texture.
- Glycerin and niacinamide provide excellent moisturizing and smoothing effects, making the serum highly suitable for your combination skin's humectant needs.
- The product is safe for your combination skin, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of harsh ingredients and the presence of soothing niacinamide.
How to apply
- Use this moisturizer in your AM and PM routine every day to control shine. Always pair with SPF in the morning.
- Apply this moisturizer after your cleanser and toner, right before your morning SPF.
- Gently press a small amount of the moisturizer into your skin and avoid harsh rubbing. Let it ⏳absorb for a minute.
- Apply the moisturizer on slightly damp skin to help it lock in moisture better. This keeps your combination skin balanced.
- Avoid the eye area when applying the moisturizer. Do a patch test before your first use.
People Say
★4.5Overall rating based on 1.5k+ reviewsThis fragrance-free serum is widely praised for its lightweight, fast-absorbing texture that delivers immediate hydration without greasiness, making it suitable for both oily and dry skin types. Users frequently report improvements in skin texture and brightness, though results regarding dark spots and pore size can vary, with a small minority experiencing breakouts. Based on a very large amount of data, this should be definitely taken into account.
Highlights
Lightweight & fast Mostly Mentioned
- “sinks right in”
- “non-greasy feel”
- “absorbs instantly”
- “lightweight texture”
- “watery consistency”
Effective hydration Often Mentioned
- “skin feels plump”
- “boost of moisture”
- “hydrated all day”
- “fixes dry patches”
- “dewy glow”
Gentle & fragrance-free Often Mentioned
- “no irritation”
- “great for sensitive skin”
- “no strong smell”
- “didn't sting”
- “calms redness”
Improves texture Often Mentioned
- “smoother skin”
- “softens roughness”
- “refines pores”
- “glass skin look”
- “less textured”
Evens skin tone Sometimes Noted
- “brighter complexion”
- “reduced redness”
- “fades acne marks”
- “glowy skin”
- “less dullness”
No visible results Sometimes Noted
- “didn't do anything”
- “average product”
- “no change in spots”
- “lackluster results”
- “waste of money”
Caused breakouts Rarely Noted
- “worst acne”
- “tiny bumps”
- “caused cystic acne”
- “broke me out”
- “bad reaction”
Packaging issues Rarely Noted
- “dropper is terrible”
- “hard to dispense”
- “pump stopped working”
- “can't reach bottom”
- “messy bottle”
Sticky residue Rarely Noted
- “tacky finish”
- “sticky on fingers”
- “leaves a film”
- “feels heavy”
- “pills under makeup”
Sources: lovi.care, neutrogena.com, walmart.com, target.com, iherb.com, hometesterclub.com, and more
Questions and answers
How well does Neutrogena Niacinamide Serum work for combination skin?
This serum is an average fit for combination skin because it helps manage oily shine and keeps dry areas soft with hydrating ingredients like glycerin and niacinamide, though other products fit this skin type better. A product of this type needs effective hydrating and skin-repairing ingredients to balance moisture levels without causing excess oiliness.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021
Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for combination skin?
Niacinamide and acetyl glucosamine help manage oil production and improve skin texture, while glycerin and sodium hyaluronate provide moisture without feeling heavy. A product of this type needs a rich blend of hydrating and skin-repairing ingredients to keep combination skin balanced, smooth, and radiant without causing excess oiliness.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021
What does Niacinamide do for combination skin?
Niacinamide helps balance oily areas by reducing excess shine and pore size while keeping dry patches hydrated and smooth. It also works to calm redness and even out skin tone, making it very suitable for combination skin.
What does Hyaluronic Acid do for combination skin?
Hyaluronic acid is a great fit for combination skin because it quenches dry areas with a boost of hydration while keeping oily zones balanced. Regular use helps smooth out fine lines and makes your skin feel soft and plump without causing irritation.
Dermatology and Therapy, 2021Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011
Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for combination skin?
This serum goes in the evening routine after cleansing and before moisturizing. Combination skin needs products that help manage oil and smooth texture, such as niacinamide and glycerin.
Can I use this serum with retinol, and in what order?
You can use this serum with retinol by applying the serum first to keep your skin soft and smooth while reducing potential irritation. Follow with retinol once the serum absorbs, or alternate nights if your skin is sensitive. This product for combination skin works best when it includes soothing ingredients like niacinamide and lightweight moisturizers such as glycerin.
How often should I use this serum?
You can use this serum in your evening routine, as treatments fit simply and safely there. While it is safe and soothing for your combination skin, this type of skin needs ingredients that also manage oil production and smooth texture for the best possible results.
Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for combination skin?
This serum is unlikely to irritate your skin, but some reviewers have reported breakouts, so it may not be the best fit for your combination skin. A product of this type needs lightweight hydrators like glycerin and hyaluronic acid along with oil-balancing ingredients like niacinamide to keep pores clear without feeling heavy.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021
Can I use this serum around the eyes or on my body?
You can safely use this moisturizing treatment on the thin skin around your eyes and on your body, as its gentle ingredients are well tolerated. However, because it only offers moderate benefits for combination skin, treating these areas effectively often requires a product containing richer hydrating ingredients and barrier-supporting lipids.
Is this serum fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.
What the research says
A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017Topical post-laser application of human adipocyte-derived mesenchymal stem cell media combined with niacinamide significantly improved wrinkle index, melanin index, patient satisfaction, and investigator esthetic improvement scores compared to vehicle cream in patients with aging skin.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021Topical nicotinamide prevented solar-simulated UV-induced immunosuppression in healthy volunteers, and men experienced immunosuppression at solar-simulated UV doses three times lower than those required for women.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2008Topical 5% niacinamide applied twice daily for 12 weeks reduced fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmented spots, red blotchiness, and skin sallowness, and improved skin elasticity compared to vehicle control in 50 female white subjects with facial photoaging.
Dermatologic Surgery, 2005Topical 2% niacinamide significantly decreased sebum excretion rate in Japanese individuals and casual sebum levels in Caucasian individuals compared to placebo or baseline.
Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 2006Topical application of 0.1% hyaluronic acid formulations of different molecular weights led to significant improvements in skin hydration and elasticity, with low-molecular-weight formulations also significantly reducing wrinkle depth in seventy-six female subjects compared to a vehicle control.
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011Topical application of hyaluronic acid in conjunction with free gingival graft significantly reduced donor site postoperative pain until day 7 compared to normal saline, with no significant differences in graft dimensions or patient satisfaction.
Clinical Oral Investigations, 2022Treatment with a hyaluronic acid-containing mouth rinse or topical gel led to significant lesion reduction, pain relief, and normalization of lesion color in adult patients with minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis, with the gel formulation showing an earlier healing onset at 3 days.
BMC Oral Health, 2019The emollient V0034CR significantly reduced TEWL compared to vehicle and vehicle plus glycerol, and significantly increased corneometry scores compared to vehicle and vehicle plus petrolatum in healthy volunteers with dry skin, demonstrating combined barrier function improvement from petrolatum and hydration improvement from glycerol.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020Ten days of treatment with a cream containing 20% glycerin significantly increased skin hydration measured by corneometer values in 17 healthy volunteers compared to a placebo cream, but showed no influence on transepidermal water loss or skin sensitivity to an irritating surfactant.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2001Niacinamide/glycerin body moisturizers provided better rapid and prolonged improvement of cosmetic xerosis through functional improvement of stratum corneum barrier function compared to no treatment and conventional moisturizers in female subjects.
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2012Topical 2% N-acetyl glucosamine reduced facial hyperpigmentation in an 8-week split-face clinical test, with an even greater effect observed when combined with 4% niacinamide.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2007N-acetyl-glucosamine-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers successfully delivered the hydrophilic agent through the skin and reduced melanin distribution in healthy volunteers.
Advanced Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 2016Topical cosmetic products containing hyaluronic acid, N-acetyl glucosamine, and gamma-amino butyric acid improved skin hydration by 24.28% to 33.60%, elasticity by 11.98%, and skin lightening by 5.26% over 2 months in 20 female participants.
Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 2019Wearing an N95 mask alone compared to using dimethicone cream or hydrocolloid dressing caused more adverse skin reactions among 73 military health care workers, with no significant differences in fit test failure rates between groups.
Military Medicine, 2024A dimethicone skin protectant lotion significantly decreased visual scoring and transepidermal water loss compared to vehicle control and SLS-only treated sites in 12 healthy humans exposed to sodium lauryl sulfate.
Skin Research and Technology, 2000Treatment with a moisturizer containing dimethicone and glycerine increased epidermal thickness by 0.019 mm, improved barrier function by decreasing transepidermal water loss by 13%, decreased melanin intensity, and induced keratins 6 and 16 in fifteen women with moderately photoaged forearms.
Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 2007
Ingredients
Water, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Acetyl Glucosamine, Pentylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Carbomer, Disodium Edta, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dimethicone Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Amodimethicone
Behind this fit score
Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
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PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
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Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
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Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
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Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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