Versus

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel - US Versus COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream

General Moisturizer
General Moisturizer
American Brand United States
Korean Brand South Korea

Updated on May 29, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe general moisturizers. They have a total of 8 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain hyaluronic acid

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for dry skin, sensitive skin, scar healing and dark spots

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, 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 needs an update? Let us know.

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

What's inside (and what isn't)

What's inside (and what isn't)

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Benefits

Concerns

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water
Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Dimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.

What it does:

Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:

Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.

Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.

This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.

Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.

Learn more about Dimethicone

Cetearyl Olivate is an emulsifier and texture enhancer. It is derived from the fatty acids of olive oil and Cetearyl alcohol, and is biodegradable.

As an emulsifier, it is used to prevent oils and waters from separating. It can also

Manufacturers use the name Olivem 1000. This ingredient has been found to preserve the natural microbiome of skin. Having a healthy microbiome helps keep our skin healthy and protects against harmful bacteria. This ingredient is grouped with Sorbitan Olivate under the name Olivem 1000.

Learn more about Cetearyl Olivate
Emulsifying

Sorbitan Olivate is created from the fatty acids in olive oil and sorbitol.

This ingredient is an oil in water emulsifier. It helps stabilize a product by preventing oils and waters from separating. Sorbitan Olivate also helps hydrate the skin.

Manufacturers sell sorbitan olivate under the name OliveM 1000. OliveM 1000 a multifunctional ingredient. It is self-emulsifying. According to a manufacturer, OliveM 1000 does not disrupt natural skin biome.

Due to its olive oil base, this ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.

Learn more about Sorbitan Olivate
Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.

Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.

Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.

These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:

Learn more about Sodium Hyaluronate
Masking, Skin Conditioning

Arginine is an amino acid that is important for human development. Your body uses is it to produce hair keratin and skin collagen.

As a cosmetic ingredient, Arginine has antioxidant properties and can also help repair damaged skin. This ingredient is derived either synthetically or from animals.

Arginine isn't fungal acne safe when used in the presence of other lipids (fats, fatty acids, oils, esters, etc). Oils and fats occur naturally within the skin, so take caution when using Arginine if you're prone to fungal acne.

Learn more about Arginine
Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Betaine is a common humectant (a substance that promotes retention of moisture). It's known to be gentle on the skin and can help balance hydration.

This ingredient is best for improving hydration and soothing irritated skin. Studies also show it helps even out skin tone.

Fun fact: Betaine is naturally created in the skin and body. The kind found within cosmetic products can be either plant-derived or synthetic.

Learn more about Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Soothing

Allantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.

Some studies have shown this ingredient can promote wound healing with higher concentrations.

Allantoin is derived from the comfrey plant but produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.

Learn more about Allantoin

When to use

2,462 Routines
55% use in am
45% use in pm
98% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
1,956 Routines
47% use in am
53% use in pm
95% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel 34 ingredients

3.3 /5
from 38 ratings
Light (15) Absorbs Well (12) Strong Scent (10)
bvechiato's avatar

bvechiato

2 years ago
Review

Burnssssss
Broke me out, made me really really itchy

BaiFengxi's avatar

BaiFengxi

12 months ago
Review

I got this because it was one of the products I used two years ago that moisturized my skin without making me oily. However, they came out with a new formula earlier this year. I decided to try it anyways and right off the bat I could tell it was different. The old formula was unscented. I'm sensitive to scents, and the new one smells like strong herbal shampoo. I put it on and it stung a little. Show more

#irritating
#strong scent

COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream 22 ingredients

2.7 /5
from 45 ratings
Sticky (29) No Scent (24) Light (16)
sjordan74's avatar

Shane Jordan

7 months ago
Review

6-Month Update: Honestly, I may have spoken too soon—I actually like the CosRX Snail Mucin All-in-One Cream! I had to accept that not every product is meant for daily use, and I find myself reaching for this more in warm weather. It layers well under sunscreen and is perfect for days when I want something lighter. I love the way it feels, and since I’m just about done with my original jar, a Show more

#great value
#light
#absorbs well
#no scent
arminr.'s avatar

Min

10 months ago
Review

like thicker snail mucin, personally it works great for me especially in the summer. i have dry sensitive skin so this has helped with my barrier. i don't use this as my last step (only on exfoliation day tho) and usually put my sunscreen overtop or use it with the sandwich method for my retinol

#light
#sticky
#no scent
#works well