Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer SPF 50 versus Neutrogena Hydro Boost City Shield Water Gel SPF 25 .
Published on April 18, 2022
Overview
What they are
These products are both day moisturizers. They have a total of 14 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain hyaluronic acid, SPF and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin and brightening skin
Free From
They both do not contain any common allergens, oils, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain silicones
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.
Day Moisturizer
Day Moisturizers are marketed to hydrate the skin during the daytime.
Day Moisturizer
Day Moisturizers are marketed to hydrate the skin during the daytime.
Price
Ingredient Info
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer SPF 50 28 ingredients
Neutrogena Hydro Boost City Shield Water Gel SPF 25 21 ingredients
Contains Alcohol
Ingredients in this product that are types of alcohol:
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Not Reef Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not reef safe:
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Not Reef Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not reef safe:
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer SPF 50 28 ingredients
Neutrogena Hydro Boost City Shield Water Gel SPF 25 21 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
This product contains 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Notable Ingredients
This product contains 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer SPF 50 28 ingredients
Neutrogena Hydro Boost City Shield Water Gel SPF 25 21 ingredients
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3% • Homosalate 15% • Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5% • Octocrylene 10% • Water • Butyloctyl Salicylate • Glycerin • Alcohol Denat. • Silica • Caprylyl Methicone • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate • Dimethicone • Polyurethane-62 • Phenoxyethanol • Pentylene Glycol • Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer • Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Crosspolymer • Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer • Glyceryl Stearate • Chlorphenesin • Menthyl Lactate • Tocopheryl Acetate • Disodium EDTA • Trideceth-6 • Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid • Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone • Sodium Hydroxide
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 2% • Homosalate 4% • Ethylhexyl Salicylate 4% • Octocrylene 2% • Water • Glycerin • Caprylyl Methicone • Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer • Propylene Glycol • Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Crosspolymer • Phenoxyethanol • Glyceryl Stearate • Chlorphenesin • Tocopheryl Acetate • Sodium Hyaluronate • Disodium EDTA • Ethylhexylglycerin • Parfum • Sodium Hydroxide • Blue 1 Lake • CI 16035
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Also known as Avobenzone, this ingredient is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-A range.
Avobenzone is globally approved and is the most commonly used UV-A filter in the world.
Studies have found that avobenzone becomes ineffective when exposed to UV light (it is not photostable; meaning that it breaks down in sunlight). Because of this, formulations that include avobenzone will usually contain stabilizers such as octocrylene.
However, some modern formulations (looking at you, EU!) are able to stabilize avobenzone by coating the molecules.
Avobenzone does not protect against the UV-B range, so it's important to check that the sunscreen you're using contains other UV filters that do!
The highest concentration of avobenzone permitted is 3% in the US, and 5% in the EU.
Learn more about Butyl MethoxydibenzoylmethaneNeutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 1.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost City Shield Water Gel SPF 25 contains this as ingredient number 1.
Homosalate is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-B range (280nm - 320 nm), with a peak protection at 306 nm. It is internationally approved for use in sunscreens.
Homosalate is not photo-stable, meaning it's strength as a UV filter degrades over time with exposure to the sun. Because of this, it's often used in combination with other chemical sunscreen filters as avobenzone (which protects from the UV-A range). Homosalate also helps act as a solvent for harder-to-dissolve UV filters.
(Part of the reason that sunscreens need to be frequently re-applied is due to the photo instability of many chemical sunscreen filters)
Currently, homosalate is approved in concentrations up to 10% in the EU and 15% in the US. The FDA is currently doing further research on the effects of homosalate, and it is possible that these approved concentrations will change in the future.
Learn more about HomosalateNeutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 2.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost City Shield Water Gel SPF 25 contains this as ingredient number 2.
Ethylhexyl Salicylate is an organic compound used to block UV rays. It primarily absorbs UVB rays but offers a small amount of UVA protection as well.
Commonly found in sunscreens, Ethylhexyl Salicylate is created from salicylic acid and 2-ethylhexanol. You might know salicylic acid as the effective acne fighter ingredient and BHA.
The ethylhexanol in this ingredient is a fatty alcohol and helps hydrate your skin, similar to oils. It is an emollient, which means it traps moisture into the skin.
According to manufacturers, Ethylhexyl Salicylate absorbs UV wavelength of 295-315 nm, with a peak absorption at 307-310 nm. UVA rays are linked to long term skin damage, such as hyperpigmentation. UVB rays emit more energy and are capable of damaging our DNA. UVB rays cause sunburn.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl SalicylateNeutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 3.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost City Shield Water Gel SPF 25 contains this as ingredient number 3.
Octocrylene protects skin from sun damage. It absorbs UV-B with peak absorption of 304 nm. It is a common sunscreen ingredient and often paired with avobenzone, a UVA filter. This is because octocrylene stabilizes other sunscreen ingredients by protecting them from degradation when exposed to sunlight. Octocrylene is a photostable ingredient and loses about 10% of SPF in 95 minutes.
Octocrylene also acts as an emollient, meaning it helps skin retain moisture and softens skin. It is oil-soluble and hydrophobic, enhancing water-resistant properties in a product.
Those who are using ketoprofen, a topical anti-inflammatory drug, may experience an allergic reaction when using octocrylene. It is best to speak with a healthcare professional about using sunscreens with octocrylene.
The EU allows a maximum of these concentrations:
Learn more about OctocryleneNeutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 4.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost City Shield Water Gel SPF 25 contains this as ingredient number 4.
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterNeutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 5.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost City Shield Water Gel SPF 25 contains this as ingredient number 5.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinNeutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 7.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost City Shield Water Gel SPF 25 contains this as ingredient number 6.
Caprylyl Methicone is a type of silicone.
It helps soften and soothe the skin by creating a thin film on top. This film helps trap moisture, keeping your skin hydrated.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 10.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost City Shield Water Gel SPF 25 contains this as ingredient number 7.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 15.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost City Shield Water Gel SPF 25 contains this as ingredient number 11.
We don't have a description for Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Crosspolymer.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 18.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost City Shield Water Gel SPF 25 contains this as ingredient number 10.
Glyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
Glyceryl Stearate is used to stabilize the mixing of water and oil ingredients. By preventing these ingredients from separating, it can help elongate shelf life. It can also help thicken the product's texture.
As an emollient, it helps soften skin and supports barrier-replenishing ingredients.
In cosmetics, Glyceryl Stearate is often made from vegetable oils or synthetically produced. The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearateNeutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 20.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost City Shield Water Gel SPF 25 contains this as ingredient number 12.
Chlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative. It helps protect a product against bacteria in order to extend shelf life. In most cases, Chlorphenesin is paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol.
Chlorphenesin is a biocide. This means it is able to help fight the microorganisms on our skin. It is also able to fight odor-releasing bacteria.
Chlorphenesin is soluble in both water and glycerin.
Studies show Chlorphenesin is easily absorbed by our skin. You should speak with a skincare professional if you have concerns about using Chlorphenesin.
Learn more about ChlorphenesinNeutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 21.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost City Shield Water Gel SPF 25 contains this as ingredient number 13.
Tocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateNeutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 23.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost City Shield Water Gel SPF 25 contains this as ingredient number 14.
Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTANeutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 24.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost City Shield Water Gel SPF 25 contains this as ingredient number 16.
Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideNeutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 28.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost City Shield Water Gel SPF 25 contains this as ingredient number 19.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer SPF 50 28 ingredients
Neutrogena Hydro Boost City Shield Water Gel SPF 25 21 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer SPF 50 28 ingredients
Neutrogena Hydro Boost City Shield Water Gel SPF 25 21 ingredients
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