Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 50

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 50
5.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
8.1 Humectancy icon Humectancy
2.2 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
50
SPF icon
SPF

Review

Does Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 50 work?

Based on the ingredient list analysis by CreamScan AI, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 50 :

  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 5.2 out of 10.
  • Very high sun protection for prolonged sun exposure, such as spending the day at the beach, hiking, or outdoor sports.

Lightweight moisturizer perfect for oily to normal skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 50 is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.2 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 2.2 out of 10 and a very high humectancy of 8.1 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈7.5%).

This type of moisturizer is ideal for people with oily skin who want maximum hydration in a relatively lightweight, non-greasy formula. It combines a significant amount of humectants with a limited amount of occlusive ingredients to boost moisturizing efficacy without feeling too heavy.

This product may also be a good choice for people with normal skin who prefer fast-absorbing textures, as it balances significant moisturizing potential with a relatively lightweight texture.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Very high sun protection for prolonged sun exposure, all skin types, and high-risk conditions

With an SPF of 50, Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 50 provides very high sun protection, suitable for intense sun exposure in tropical climates, beach vacations, or high-altitude environments.

This level of SPF blocks 98% or more of UVB rays, offering the highest level of defense against sunburn. Broad-spectrum formulations also provide strong protection against UVA rays, which are responsible for skin aging, pigmentation, and DNA damage.

For optimal protection, choose products labeled broad-spectrum to ensure defense against both UVA rays, which contribute to skin aging and pigmentation, and UVB rays that cause sunburn.

This level of SPF is ideal for all skin types, particularly fair, sensitive, or post-treatment skin (e.g., after laser or chemical procedures). It is also highly recommended for individuals at greater risk of skin cancer.

For extended outdoor activities or water exposure, choose a water-resistant formula and reapply every two hours for maximum effectiveness.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
70
7.5
5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol Denat.
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Methicone
Function:
Origin:
Diisopropyl Adipate
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Polyurethane-62
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyacetophenone
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Chlorphenesin
Function:
Origin:
Menthyl Lactate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Trideceth-6
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
HC Violet No. 2
Function:
Origin:
Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090)
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
8.1
7.5
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
4.3
3.0
1.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 8.1 10
8.1
7.5
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 4.3 20
2.2
3.0
1.3
Moisturizing rating
5.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
7.5
0.3
0.3
All humectants 8.1 10
8.1
All humectants
8.1
7.5
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
3
1.3
All occlusives 4.3 20
2.2
All occlusives
4.3
3.0
1.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
None
Total
0
None
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 0.9 3 No
All antioxidants
0.9
Hydroxyacetophenone
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
None
All soothing 0 5 No
All soothing
0
None
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %70
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Glycerin
Est. %7.5
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Alcohol Denat.
Est. %5
Function
Origin
Alcohol Denat.

Denatured alcohol is ethanol that contains additives that make it unsafe to consume. It is mainly used as a solvent and an antimicrobial agent. A major drawback to alcohol denat. is that it dries out the skin.

Caprylyl Methicone
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl MethiconeA liquid silicone with occlusive moisturizing properties. Being compatible with natural oils is a challenge for most silicones, but caprylyl methicone plays well with all types of oils.
Diisopropyl Adipate
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Diisopropyl AdipateA synthetic oil-like ingredient with a light feel and softening effect not just on skin, but for products as a whole.
Silica
Est. %2
Function
Origin
SilicaA widely used cosmetic ingredient with the same chemical composition as the sand found on beaches. A common function of silica is its ability to control viscosity. In certain chemical forms, it can effectively thicken cream-style products.
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Dicaprylyl CarbonateA very fast-spreading emollient that gives a product an incredibly lightweight feel. Dicaprylyl carbonate works well as a solvent for suspending insoluble solids such as mineral sunscreens or iron oxide pigments.
Dimethicone
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
DimethiconeThe most common silicone in skincare. It forms a silky, smooth film on the skin’s surface and can help to prevent water loss. It also aids in wound healing and can treat and soften scars. Dimethicone is considered to be very safe for use.
Polyurethane-62
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Polyurethane-62
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Hydroxyacetophenone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
HydroxyacetophenoneAn antioxidant compound that can be found in many plants, although it is manufactured synthetically for skincare purposes. It can boost the preservative action of other conservants.
Pentylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pentylene Glycol

A naturally or synthetically derived preservative that exhibits effective antifungal and antibacterial traits. It also acts as a booster for more traditional preservatives. Pentylene glycol can also serve as a moisturizing humectant and solvent.

Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aluminum Starch OctenylsuccinateAn absorbent that takes in oils from the skin to reduce the oily sheen. It can also absorb oils from the skincare product itself, resulting in a softer, less greasy product, normally with better spreadability and less tack.
Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Crosspolymer
Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acrylates/Dimethicone CopolymerA synthetic polymer that produces protective films across the skin and prevents caking in powdered products.
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl StearateAn emollient and emulsifier typically derived from vegetable sources through a chemical reaction with glycerin. It provides stability, texture, and consistency to formulations. Its main function is to allow oil and water to mix.
Fragrance
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
FragranceUnder trade secret law, manufacturers have the right not to disclose what exactly went into the fragrance and use the unspecific word Fragrance or Parfum instead. Many fragrances are highly allergenic.
Chlorphenesin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ChlorphenesinA preservative and broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that protects products from a wide range of bacteria and fungi.
Menthyl Lactate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Menthyl LactateA derivative of menthol that has the same fresh, cooling effect on the skin, but that is less sensitizing and doesn’t have the strong mint scent of menthol.
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Acetate

An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol.

Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
Trideceth-6
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Trideceth-6
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidA smaller-molecule version of the regular hyaluronic acid. It is a powerful humectant that absorbs into the skin and offers moisturizing, smoothing, and anti-wrinkle effects. It is also slightly anti-inflammatory and displays subtle antioxidant properties.
Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hydroxide

An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin.

HC Violet No. 2
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
HC Violet No. 2
Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090)