# Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream for combination skin

**Lovi Fit: Average fit for combination skin.**
Combination Skin Fit: High · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: Excellent.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/neutrogena/hydro-boost-gel-cream/for/combination-skin

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

Brand: [Neutrogena](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/brands/neutrogena)
Category: [Moisturizers and moisturizing serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/best/moisturizers)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with combination skin: an oily T-zone, enlarged pores, and dry cheeks. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

Works for combination skin; other moisturizers fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate moisturizing for your combination skin, as glycerin and hyaluronic acid provide hydration without excessive richness, which can help manage oily shine.
- Dimethicone and hyaluronic acid work synergistically to hydrate and plump the skin, supporting your combination skin's need for balanced moisture.
- The product is safe for your combination skin, featuring soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and lacking harsh or prohibited substances.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/neutrogena/hydro-boost-gel-cream/for/oily-skin): Low
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/neutrogena/hydro-boost-gel-cream/for/dry-skin): High
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/neutrogena/hydro-boost-gel-cream/for/combination-skin): Average (this page)
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/neutrogena/hydro-boost-gel-cream/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/neutrogena/hydro-boost-gel-cream/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/neutrogena/hydro-boost-gel-cream/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/neutrogena/hydro-boost-gel-cream/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/neutrogena/hydro-boost-gel-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Average
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/neutrogena/hydro-boost-gel-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Low

## Key ingredients

Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid

## 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, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31532576/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18498456/))
- Niacinamide/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, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22206073/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22052267/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34623507/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31311529/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, this moisturizer is widely celebrated as a "holy grail" for dry and sensitive skin due to its lightweight, fragrance-free formula that delivers deep hydration without a greasy finish. While the vast majority of users report plump, dewy skin and improved texture, a small minority experienced breakouts or found it insufficient for extremely arid conditions.

- Liked: Intense lightweight hydration (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Fast absorption non-greasy (often mentioned)
- Liked: Gentle for sensitive skin (often mentioned)
- Liked: Improves skin texture (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Price vs. quantity (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Burning sensation (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Causes breakouts (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Insufficient for severe dryness (rarely noted)

## 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.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/2f72f5d69f07beeafc30237f829efbff.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream work for combination skin?

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream works moderately well for combination skin, offering hydration through glycerin and hyaluronic acid without feeling overly rich, which helps manage oily shine. To work best for this skin type, a moisturizer also needs effective brightening ingredients, multiple peptides, soothing agents, and antioxidants to target diverse skin concerns while reducing shine.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### Which ingredients make this cream a good fit for combination skin?

Glycerin and hyaluronic acid make this cream a fit by providing hydration without excessive richness, which helps manage oily shine. To work best for combination skin, a moisturizer of this type also needs effective brightening and nourishing ingredients, soothing agents, and antioxidants that target multiple concerns without causing irritation or imbalance.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### What does Water do for combination skin?

Water helps keep combination skin hydrated, though a product of this type needs additional barrier-protecting ingredients like ceramides or petrolatum to lock in that moisture and support overall skin health.

### What does Glycerin do for combination skin?

Glycerin helps keep combination skin soft and smooth by pulling moisture in and keeping it there. It improves hydration and supports your skin barrier, which is unlikely to cause irritation.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18510666/), [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### Where does this cream go in a skincare routine for combination skin?

This moisturizer goes after your cleanser and hydrating toner in the morning, and after your makeup remover, cleanser, cleansing toner, and treatment in the evening. Combination skin needs a balanced hydrator with ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid to provide moisture without feeling too heavy or making oily shine worse.
Sources: [The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32239984/), [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

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

You can use this cream with retinol by applying your retinol treatment first and following with the moisturizer to help keep the skin hydrated and comfortable. Using a barrier-enhancing moisturizer alongside retinoids is supported by studies showing it facilitates the skin adjustment process and reduces irritation.
Sources: [Cutis, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17121065/)

### How often should I use this cream?

You can use this moisturizer twice a day, morning and evening, to keep your combination skin hydrated and balanced. Regular daily application helps improve skin moisture and supports the skin barrier.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32141711/), [Health Science Reports, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34141902/)

### Can this cream clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for combination skin?

This cream is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts on your combination skin because it provides balanced hydration without excessive richness. However, a product for this skin needs lightweight hydrators like glycerin and hyaluronic acid alongside oil-controlling ingredients to keep pores clear and skin smooth.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

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

You can use this cream around the eyes and on the body because it has a gentle safety profile, though it works only moderately well for combination skin and other products may fit better. Combination skin needs a moisturizer with ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid to deliver balanced hydration without feeling too heavy or making oily shine worse.
Sources: [Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12375070/), [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### Is this cream fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol. Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol, which soften the skin.

## Alternatives for combination skin

- [Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/some-by-mi/yuja-niacin-brightening-moisture-gel-cream/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €18.99 at Amazon
- [Anua Heartleaf 78% Soothing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/anua/heartleaf-78-soothing-cream/for/combination-skin) — High fit — €35.21 at Amazon
- [ANUA Heartleaf 70% Soothing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/anua/heartleaf-70-soothing-cream/for/combination-skin) — High fit — €35.21 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [Fresh Soy Face Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/fresh/soy-face-cleanser/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €56.86 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [La Mer The Tonic](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/la-mer/the-tonic/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €115.30 at Amazon
- Pre-Cleanser: [Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/pyunkang-yul/deep-cleansing-oil/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €22.67 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.ie: €9.94 (https://www.amazon.ie/dp/B01M1G3W04?tag=lovi-care-web-product02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- Notino: €14.90 (https://www.notino.ie/neutrogena/hydro-boost-face-moisturizing-facial-cream/p-15666840/)
Prices checked 16 Oct – 5 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Dimethicone Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Hyaluronic Acid, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Carbomer, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Laureth-7, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its 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. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/neutrogena/hydro-boost-gel-cream/for/combination-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/neutrogena/hydro-boost-gel-cream/for/combination-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/neutrogena/hydro-boost-gel-cream/for/combination-skin (this page)
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/neutrogena/hydro-boost-gel-cream/for/combination-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/neutrogena/hydro-boost-gel-cream/for/combination-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/neutrogena/hydro-boost-gel-cream/for/combination-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/neutrogena/hydro-boost-gel-cream/for/combination-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/neutrogena/hydro-boost-gel-cream/for/combination-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/neutrogena/hydro-boost-gel-cream/for/combination-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/neutrogena/hydro-boost-gel-cream/for/combination-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/neutrogena/hydro-boost-gel-cream/for/combination-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/neutrogena/hydro-boost-gel-cream/for/combination-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/neutrogena/hydro-boost-gel-cream/for/combination-skin