# Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Gel Cleanser for combination skin

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

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/neutrogena/hydro-boost-hydrating-gel-cleanser/for/combination-skin

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

Brand: [Neutrogena](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/brands/neutrogena)
Category: [Cleansers](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/best/cleansers)

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.

A great choice for combination skin; a few cleansers fit it even better.

## Why this fit

- Highly suitable for your combination skin as Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate and Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate effectively cleanse pores and manage oiliness, while Glycerin and Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid provide essential hydration without heaviness.
- This formula offers excellent cleansing and pore decongestion, supporting your goal of managing oily shine.
- The product is safe for your combination skin, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of harsh ingredients.

## Fit by skin type

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

## Key ingredients

Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate

## 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/))
- Sodium cocoyl isethionate micelles are too large to penetrate stratum corneum aqueous pores, resulting in significant steric hindrance that prevents skin barrier perturbation and explains its skin mildness. ([Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17598025/))
- 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/))
- 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/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, this cleanser is highly praised for its hydrating gel formula that effectively cleanses without stripping the skin. It is frequently recommended for dry, sensitive, and acne-prone skin, leaving it soft and refreshed. While most users find it gentle, a moderate number of reviews mention the original formula's strong scent, and a low number report packaging issues, a stinging sensation, residue, or that it is too drying for very dry skin.

- Liked: Hydrating and gentle (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Good for sensitive skin (often mentioned)
- Liked: Effective makeup removal (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Fragrance-free option (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Pleasant texture (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Strong scent (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Leaves residue (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Packaging issues (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Stinging sensation (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Too drying (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use this cleanser AM and PM as part of your daily routine. Start 3×/week and build up to daily use if your skin tolerates it well.
- Apply this cleanser as the very first step in your morning routine and right after your pre-cleanser in the evening.
- Gently massage a small amount of cleanser onto your skin using circular motions. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
- For the best results , apply the cleanser directly onto slightly damp skin to help lift away excess oil.
- Avoid the immediate eye area and do a patch test before your first use to check for any sensitivity.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/6a08416bd9315041c09c72f61cf27cc1.mp4

## Questions and answers

### What makes Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cleanser a great fit for combination skin?

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cleanser is a great fit because Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate and Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate effectively clean pores and manage oiliness, while Glycerin and Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid provide light hydration. This formula offers great pore clearing to help manage oily shine, and it is unlikely to cause irritation since it lacks harsh ingredients.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17598025/), [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

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

Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate and Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate make this cleanser a great fit by effectively cleaning pores and managing oiliness, while Glycerin and Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid provide essential hydration without feeling heavy. These gentle ingredients help cleanse your skin safely without causing irritation or disrupting your skin barrier.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/), [Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17598025/)

### 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.
Sources: [Dermatology and Therapy, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34176098/), [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22052267/)

### 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 cleanser go in a skincare routine for combination skin?

This cleanser goes as the first step in your morning routine and the second step in your evening routine after makeup removal. It effectively cleans pores and manages oily shine while providing essential hydration without feeling heavy.
Sources: [The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32239984/), [Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17598025/)

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

You can use this cleanser with retinol by applying the cleanser first on your skin, followed by your retinol treatment. This mild routine helps manage oiliness while keeping your skin comfortable without added heaviness.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17598025/)

### How often should I use this cleanser?

You can use this cleanser twice a day as part of your morning and evening routine. It effectively cleans pores and manages oiliness while providing essential hydration without heaviness, and it is safe for combination skin without risks of irritation.
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 this cleanser clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for combination skin?

This cleanser is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts on your combination skin because it effectively clears pores and manages oiliness without heavy ingredients. It also has a safe profile with no harsh ingredients, meaning it is very unlikely to cause irritation.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17598025/)

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

You can use this cleanser on your body, but you should use caution around the eyes because the skin there is much thinner than almost anywhere else on the body. The gentle ingredients and mild cleansing agents help clean the skin without causing irritation or disrupting the skin barrier.
Sources: [Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12375070/), [Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17598025/)

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

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

## Alternatives for combination skin

- [IS Clinical Cleansing Complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/is-clinical/cleansing-complex/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €60.72 at Amazon
- [Missha Super Aqua Ultra Hyalron Cleansing Foam](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/missha/super-aqua-ultra-hyalron-cleansing-foam/for/combination-skin) — High fit — €11.35 at Amazon
- [Lagom Cellup Gel To Water Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/lagom/cellup-gel-to-water-cleanser/for/combination-skin) — High fit — €37.70 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €36.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [SKIN1004 Centella Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/skin1004/centella-cream/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €19.20 at Amazon
- SPF: [make p:rem UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/make-p-rem/uv-defense-me-blue-ray-sun-cream/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €33.70 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.nl: €5.08 (https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B082VPVQZS?tag=lovi-care-web-product085-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- Notino: €7.50 (https://www.notino.nl/neutrogena/hydro-boost-face-gezichtsreinigend-gel/p-15666838/)
Prices checked 10 Oct – 4 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hydrolyzed Potato Dodecenylsuccinate Starch, Potassium Acrylates Copolymer, Hydroxyacetophenone, Phenoxyethanol, Linoleamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Polyquaternium-10, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium Edta, Citric Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
## 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-hydrating-gel-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/neutrogena/hydro-boost-hydrating-gel-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/neutrogena/hydro-boost-hydrating-gel-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/neutrogena/hydro-boost-hydrating-gel-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/neutrogena/hydro-boost-hydrating-gel-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/neutrogena/hydro-boost-hydrating-gel-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/neutrogena/hydro-boost-hydrating-gel-cleanser/for/combination-skin (this page)
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/neutrogena/hydro-boost-hydrating-gel-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/neutrogena/hydro-boost-hydrating-gel-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/neutrogena/hydro-boost-hydrating-gel-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/neutrogena/hydro-boost-hydrating-gel-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/neutrogena/hydro-boost-hydrating-gel-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/neutrogena/hydro-boost-hydrating-gel-cleanser/for/combination-skin