🇪🇸Spain

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Exfoliating Cleanser for oily acne-prone skin

Rated by Lovi · Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Exfoliating Cleanser

High

  • HighOily Skin Fit
  • HighEffectiveness
  • HighSafety

A great choice for oily acne-prone skin; a few cleansers fit it even better.

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily acne-prone skin: shine, breakouts, blemishes, and enlarged pores. 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 high suitability for your oily skin due to the presence of glycolic acid and lactic acid, which promote skin renewal and improve texture by shedding corneocytes.
  • The cleanser provides moderate exfoliation for your acne-prone skin, with sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonate and glycolic acid effectively removing impurities and managing oiliness.
  • The product is safe for your oily skin, as it lacks harsh ingredients and carries no risk of irritation.

How to apply

  • Use this cleanser as part of your AM and PM routine. Start using it daily to help clear your breakouts.
  • Apply this cleanser as the first step in the morning and right after your pre-cleanser in the evening. Follow it with your toner and moisturizer.
  • Gently massage a small amount of the cleanser onto your face using circular motions. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry.
  • Apply the cleanser on slightly damp skin to help clean deeply and remove excess oil. This works best for oily skin types.
  • Avoid the sensitive eye area during application. Do a patch test before your first use.

People Say

★4.3Overall rating based on 1.5k+ reviews

Based on a very large amount of data, this cleanser is frequently praised for its gentle exfoliation, leaving skin feeling soft and refreshed, particularly for those with combination and dry skin. A moderate number of users report it causes dryness or tightness, and a low number of users with sensitive skin experienced irritation or breakouts, suggesting the exfoliating agents and fragrance may be too potent for reactive skin types.

Highlights

  • Gentle exfoliation Mostly Mentioned
    • “The exfoliating particles are a perfect size- not too large or small, and not too abrasive.”
    • “It truly exfoliates the skin but it does so gently.”
    • “Has just enough exfoliation without being too harsh and it goes a long way.”
    • “Gentle enough for me to use every day.”
  • Refreshing feel Often Mentioned
    • “My face looks so bright, fresh and clean when I am finished.”
    • “Feels so clean and fresh.”
    • “The gel texture feels super refreshing.”
    • “Leaves no residue and my skin is free from large pores.”
  • Softens texture Often Mentioned
    • “My skin feels smooth and looks so healthy!”
    • “Leaves my skin feeling soft, fresh and glowing.”
    • “Gets rid of all the roughness and my skin is smooth.”
    • “Instantly soft, supple, and refreshed skin.”
  • Pleasant scent Sometimes Noted
    • “Has a very pleasant, light and fresh scent that I love.”
    • “Smells fine and feels fine.”
    • “Light fresh scent : Has a non-overpowering fragrance.”
    • “The scent is a fresher aquatic scent that was pleasant.”
  • Causes dryness Sometimes Noted
    • “It'll also leave you feeling a little tight and dry after using.”
    • “Made my skin pretty tight after using it.”
    • “It's not hydrating, it's just really drying.”
    • “My lips feel dry and cracked.”
  • Ineffective/gentle Rarely Noted
    • “Do not give it any help or you over-exfoliate!”
    • “Formula doesn't break down as easily as I would like.”
    • “Nothing unique or special... same cookie cutter exfoliating cleanser.”
  • Irritation/breakouts Rarely Noted
    • “After 3 uses I got a horrible breakout of tiny pimples.”
    • “It's almost like an irritated rash.”
    • “Damaged my skin... beware.”
    • “My eyes would be burning and scratching and irritated.”
  • Strong fragrance Rarely Noted
    • “The fragrance is a little loud... people with sensitive skin have to be careful.”
    • “Contains a good deal of fragrance... quite strong.”
    • “Family member that cannot handle most of any kind of smell.”

Sources: lovi.care, walmart.com, neutrogena.com, ulta.com, target.com, hometesterclub.com, and more

Questions and answers

What makes Neutrogena Hydro Boost Exfoliating Cleanser a great fit for oily acne-prone skin?

This cleanser is a great fit for oily acne-prone skin because it features glycolic and lactic acids that gently remove dead skin cells and clear out impurities. It helps manage extra oiliness without harsh ingredients, keeping your skin smooth and calm with a safe, gentle touch.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019

Which ingredients make this cleanser a good fit for oily acne-prone skin?

This cleanser is a great fit for your oily acne-prone skin because it contains glycolic acid, lactic acid, and sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonate. These ingredients help remove impurities, manage oiliness, and improve your skin texture by gently shedding dead skin cells.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019

What does Hyaluronic Acid do for oily acne-prone skin?

Hyaluronic acid helps calm oily acne-prone skin by reducing sebum production and lipid synthesis in sebaceous glands. It also supports skin barrier function and improves hydration while helping deliver treatments without causing irritation.

The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2017Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022

What does Glycolic Acid do for oily acne-prone skin?

Glycolic acid helps clear acne-prone skin by reducing pimples and soothing breakouts. It exfoliates the surface to keep pores clear and leaves the skin feeling smooth.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019Dermatologic Surgery, 2014

Where does this cleanser go in a skincare routine for oily acne-prone skin?

This cleanser fits well in both your morning and evening skincare routines to help manage oiliness and clear away impurities. It is generally safe and unlikely to cause irritation when used on oily acne-prone skin.

Can I use this cleanser with retinol, and in what order?

You can use this cleanser in your routine alongside retinol, but apply it at a different time of day or on alternating days to prevent dryness. This product helps manage oiliness, while retinol supports cell renewal, so spacing them out keeps your skin comfortable and smooth.

How often should I use this cleanser?

You can start using this cleanser once a week, and if your skin feels comfortable and you see good results, you can carefully use it more often. It helps clear away oil and impurities while keeping your skin safe from harsh irritation.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019

Can this cleanser clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily acne-prone skin?

This cleanser is unlikely to cause breakouts on oily skin, as it has a very low risk of irritation and lacks harsh ingredients. It helps manage oiliness and clear impurities, though some users may experience moderate dryness.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019

Can I use this cleanser around the eyes or on my body?

This cleanser is generally designed for the face, so using it around the thin skin of the eyes may lead to irritation, though it can safely manage oiliness and texture on the body. It lacks harsh ingredients and carries a very low risk of irritation when used properly.

Is this cleanser fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

What the research says

  • Topical 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, 2011

  • Topical 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, 2022

  • Treatment 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, 2019

  • Repeated short-contact 70% glycolic acid peels provided superior results in atrophic acne scars compared to daily low-strength glycolic acid cream or placebo in 58 women over 24 weeks.

    International Journal of Dermatology, 2000

  • Serial glycolic acid peels combined with a modified Kligman formula significantly reduced facial PIH severity in Indian patients compared to the modified Kligman formula alone.

    Dermatologic Surgery, 2017

  • Application of a cream containing lactic acid 12% and pramoxine HCl 1% significantly improved skin dryness, hydration, and itch compared with a nontreated control in 24 women with a history of dry itchy skin.

    Cutis, 2004

  • Topical 12% ammonium lactate produced a significant sparing of epidermal and dermal atrophy induced by clobetasol propionate in human volunteers, without influencing the corticosteroid's bioavailability or antiinflammatory properties.

    Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 1992

  • A lactic acid/ceramide lotion significantly improved skin moisturization and desquamation compared to no treatment in women with dry, rough skin on the anterior shins.

    The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020

  • Topical papain treatment may slightly decrease pain within 30 minutes in humans stung by Chrysaora chinensis compared to placebo.

    Wilderness & Environmental Medicine, 2016

  • A fixed combination of hydroxypinacolone retinoate, retinol glycospheres, and papain glycospheres in aqueous gel applied once daily for 12 weeks achieved a 41% mean reduction in GAGS score and a 40.8% mean reduction in total lesions, with 15.3% of patients experiencing mild to moderate local side effects, in 94 evaluable patients with comedonal-papular, mild to moderate acne of the face.

    Giornale Italiano Di Dermatologia E Venereologia, 2015

  • Reflux extraction of Carica papaya leaves yielded higher antioxidant capacity and superior in vitro wound-healing activities including fibroblast proliferation, cell migration, and collagen synthesis in human skin fibroblasts compared to ultrasonic-assisted extraction and agitation.

    Molecules, 2020

  • 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, 2017

  • The 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, 2020

  • Ten 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, 2001

Ingredients

Water, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Glycerin, Sodium Hydrolyzed Potato Dodecenylsuccinate Starch, Acrylates Crosspolymer-4, Cellulose, Polysorbate 20, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium Edta, Carica Papaya Fruit Extract, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid

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.

  • Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Co-founder, Medical Director

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer

  • Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Co-founder, CEO and CTO

    PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex

  • Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Medical Board

    Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine

  • Aishani Shah, MD

    Aishani Shah, MD

    Medical Board

    Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD

  • Asya Zubkova, MS

    Asya Zubkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member

  • Hanna Kurets, MD

    Hanna Kurets, MD

    Medical Board, Medical Advisor

    Dermatology MD

  • Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Medical Board

    Dermatology and diagnostic consultant

  • Victoria Derkova, MS

    Victoria Derkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist

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Prices checked 17 Oct 2026

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for Spain.

How does it fit your skin?

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