Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel
vs Olay Age Defying Gel Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid Gel Mositurizer is compared in our Best Drugstore
Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid Review.
Neutrogena has spent a lot of time and money marketing their gel based moisturizer that touts Hyaluronic Acid , color free, paraben free, and non comedogenic moisturizer that continues to hydrate the skin continuously for up to 48 hours.
It has many great reviews on how the product feels great on their skin. Many online reviewers love how it feels and it makes their skin so smooth.
So, let’s decode the ingredients list to see how it stacks up against the Olay Age Defense Gel Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid (HA).
***DISCLAIMER***
Many companies will change their ingredients list from time to time . As of this writing of this post, both the ingredients list on the product at Target and the ingredients list on the main website of their product, was slightly different.
This is the ingredients list that is from the website (***However, it does say on the website to refer to the product packaging for the most accurate list of ingredients.)***
Water, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Cetearyl Olivate, Polyacrylamide, Sorbitan Olivate, Phenoxyethanol, Dimethicone/vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Synthetic Beeswax, C13-14 isoparafin, Dimethiconol, Carbomer, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Chlorphenesin, Laureth-7, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ethylhexylglycerin, C12-14 pareth-12, Sodium Hydroxide
Hyaluronic Acid: Neutrogena Hydro Boost
The ingredients listed on the packaging listed as the 2nd to the LAST ingredient in the list right before Blue 1. If you are looking specifically for a product that is high in Hyaluronic Acid, this is NOT it.
It also lists the product as being dye free. Maybe the newer version no longer has Blue 1 added. Blue 1 is derived from petroleum and is synthetically derived color additive. So for those of you who have sensitive skin, this may not work for you.
Hyaluronic Acid: Olay Age Defying Moisturizer Gel with Hyaluronic Acid
Olay Age Defying Moisturizer Gel with Hyalruronic Acid title communicates that it is a moisturizer gel but doesn’t emphasize the Hyaluronic Acid as much as the Neutrogena Hydro Boost .
Ironically, according to their label, Hyaluronic Acid is listed HIGHER on the list than their Neutrogena counterpart. It is listed as the seventh ingredient.
Is Gycerin the MAIN Humectant?
BOTH products list Glycerin HIGHER than the Sodium Hyaluronate. Glycerin is also a very strong humectant.
In most moisturizers, glycerin is the main humectant.
This is a very good example of how the Beauty Industry promotes Hyaluronic Acid in their products for their powerful humectant properties when in most cases, Glycerin is the actual main humectant. In many cases, the beauty industry will charge a bit more when advertising that their product has Hyaluronic Acid.
If you haven’t watched the video: Hyaluronic Acid: What the Beauty Industry Doesn’t Want you to Know
HOW TO TREAT DRY vs DEHYDRATED SKIN
BEST MOISTURIZER FOR DRY SKIN IN THE WINTER
Neutrogena Hydro Boost lists Glycerin as the third ingredient right after Dimethicone.
Olay Age Defying lists Glycerin as the 2nd ingredient and Dimethicone as the fifth ingredient. So you can see, that the main humectant is Glycerin and NOT Sodium Hyaluronate. However, they are NOT emphasizing they Hyaluronic Acid, they are simply saying in their title “with Hyaluronic Acid”.
Best Moisturizer for Sensitive, VERY DRY skin:
If you have dry, cracked, sensitive skin that may be break out prone, sensitive to fragrances, colorants, parabens, etc then the Advanced Yu Be Pure Hydration Cream is a great product. It can be used on the face, body, hands, and even on the lips.
Both the Neutrogena Hydro Boost and the Olay Age Defying Gel moisturizer uses several forms of silicone to make the product feel smooth and silky. It also has an occlusive effect to keep the moisture in. Water does not permeate silicons except for water vapor.
The Neutrogena Hydro Boost also lists Petroleum as its fourth ingredient for its occlusive properties to keep the hydration retained in the skin. This may not be recommended for acne prone or bumpy prone skin.
Olay uses Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, and Proplyparaben to preserve their product where the Neutrogena Hydro boost gel uses Phenoxyethanol as a preservative and stabilizer. For some people who have Eczema, it can cause flare ups.
The different silicone derivatives for the Neutrogena Hydro Boost include:
-Dimethicone-silicon based polymer-can form a plastic like film over skin. Non biodegradable so can be troublesome to remove.
-Vinyl Dimethicone-silicon polymer-used to adjust the viscosity or thickness of the product.
Polyacrylamide– Acrylic Resin that dissolves in water. Used as a stabilizer/ binder/ thickener
Olive Benefits???
–Cetearyl Olivate– derived from olive oil. Cetaryl Alcohol + Fatty acids derived from olive oil-Emulsifier to kepp water and oil together. Not a benefit as listed from olives.
In my opinion, it would be a benefit if it was Squalene (also can be derived from olives) which is an emollient for the skin.
–Sobitan Olivate– Olive Oil and Sorbitol based surfactant.
***PRO TIP*** If you are looking for the benefits of Hyaluronic Acid, then the best value for your money is a Hyaluronic Acid Serum. This may be better suited for oilier, break out prone skin types.
Olay does have a slight edge in that in addition to the humectants of Glycerin and Sodium Hyaluronate , it also has Niacinimide and Vitamin E for anti aging ingredients. Niacinimide has been known to increase the anti aging properties of Vitamin A , C, and E.
The RESULTS ARE IN:
Out of the two, it would seem the Olay has a higher percetage of both humectants of glycerin and Sodium Hyaluronate. Not as high as I would like to see but still on the list.
Olay does use parabens so may not be for those with break out prone or sensitive skin.
Both use Silicones to give the product a smooth velvety feel.
Olay does also have the added benefit of 2 anti aging ingredients- Niacinimide and Vitamin E.
MOISTURIZER GENTLE ENOUGH TO BE USED WITH RETIN A AND FRAXEL
If you are looking for a Moisturizer to deal with very dry , irritated skin, soothing and calming skin, there is a moisturizer that is created specifically for post treatment such as laser (fraxel), acid peels, microdermabrasion, and anyone using Retin A.
Beta Glucan-derived from oats to calm and soothe irritated skin
Ethlhexl Palmitate-Fatty Ester emollient
Tribenin-Soothing Lubricant and Humectant combination of glycerin and behenic acid.
Squalene- Skin protectant derived from Olives
Evening Primrose Extract- Great for dry, itchy skin-soothes dryness, itchiness and redness
Camellia Sinesis Leaf-Green Tea Extract known for powerful healing agent and antioxidant
Vitamin E-Antioxidant
Sodium Hyaluronate- powerful humectant
Glycerin-powerful humectant
By my professional experience administering acid peels, this is one of the BEST healing moisturizers for Retin A users, post peel , post microdermabrasion, and Fraxel.
It is fragrance free and paraben free. There are no artifical colors.
