Neutrogena
Hydro Boost Water Gel
Oil-free gel moisturizer with hyaluronic acid that continuously releases hydration for 48 hours. Clinically tested for sensitive skin.
Contains 1 potentially harmful ingredient
Ingredient Snapshot
3 beneficial ingredients detected with no known safety concerns.
1 potentially harmful ingredient — DMDM Hydantoin has known concerns based on regulatory data.
Ingredients (4)
Sodium Hyaluronate(Hyaluronic Acid Salt)
Benefits
- ✓Low-molecular-weight hyaluronate penetrates deeper into the dermis
- ✓Holds up to 1000× its weight in water for intense hydration
- ✓Plumps skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines
- ✓Suitable for all skin types including oily and acne-prone
Sources
FDA Briefing on Hyaluronic Acid in Topical Formulations: Sodium hyaluronate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) as a cosmetic ingredient. It functions as an effective humectant and skin-conditioning agent suitable for all skin types.
Glycerin(Glycerol / Glycerin)
Benefits
- ✓Powerful humectant that draws moisture from the environment into the skin
- ✓Improves and maintains skin barrier function
- ✓Non-comedogenic and suitable for all skin types
- ✓Accelerates wound healing
Sources
FDA GRAS Database — Glycerin: Glycerin (glycerol) is affirmed as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA. As a cosmetic ingredient, it is one of the most widely used and well-tolerated humectants, drawing moisture from the environment to the outer layers of the skin.
Niacinamide(Vitamin B3)
Benefits
- ✓Visibly reduces enlarged pores over time
- ✓Improves uneven skin tone and fades dark spots
- ✓Strengthens the skin barrier by supporting ceramide synthesis
- ✓Reduces excess sebum production — helpful for oily and acne-prone skin
- ✓Well-tolerated by most skin types including sensitive skin
Potential concerns
- !At very high concentrations (>5%), may cause temporary flushing or redness in sensitive individuals
- !Rarely, may cause mild irritation or breakouts during the first few weeks of use
Sources
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) — FDA Cosmetic Ingredient Review: Niacinamide is considered safe for use in cosmetics. It is a well-established skin-conditioning agent with evidence supporting its role in improving skin texture, tone, and barrier function.
CTPA Ingredient Library — Niacinamide: CTPA lists niacinamide as a safe and effective skin-conditioning agent widely used across cosmetic formulations, with a strong safety profile across concentrations typically used in cosmetics (2–10%).
DMDM Hydantoin
Benefits
- ✓Broad-spectrum preservative against bacteria and fungi
Potential concerns
- !Releases small amounts of formaldehyde, a known human carcinogen
- !Potential cause of allergic contact dermatitis
- !Prohibited or restricted in several countries
Sources
FDA — Formaldehyde-releasing Preservatives in Cosmetics: DMDM hydantoin releases formaldehyde as part of its preservative mechanism. Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen (IARC Group 1). The FDA states that trace levels may be acceptable but recommends manufacturers consider alternatives.
CTPA — Formaldehyde Donors and Preservative Safety: Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives including DMDM hydantoin are subject to EU Annex V restrictions. The CTPA recommends formulation at the lowest effective concentration and has noted that consumer sensitisation may occur with repeated exposure.
Ingredients listed in order of concentration (highest first).
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