Versus

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Pro+ .5% Power Serum Versus Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Cleanser

Serum
Face Cleanser
American Brand United States
American Brand United States

Updated on September 14, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 2 ingredients in common

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin and scar healing

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils, parabens, silicones or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain fragrances

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

Key Ingredients

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.

Emulsifying

Polysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.

As a surfactant, it helps collect dirt and oils for washing. Emulsifiers prevent oils and water from separating.

Polysorbate 20 also adds scent to a product. Since it is made using sorbitol, it has a sweet scent. Sorbitol can also be found in fruits such as apples and peaches.

The lauric acid used to create Polysorbate 20 is often derived from coconuts.

Polysorbate 20 may not be fungal acne safe.

Learn more about Polysorbate 20
Masking, Perfuming

Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.

Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.

For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.

The term 'parfum' or 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.

For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance by INCI standards.

One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.

Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.

Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.

The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.

Learn more about Parfum

When to use

34 Routines
9% use in am
91% use in pm
85% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
497 Routines
45% use in am
55% use in pm
98% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Pro+ .5% Power Serum 12 ingredients

5.0 /5
from 1 rating
Absorbs Well (1) Great Value (1) Light Scent (1)
ZarephLae's avatar

ZarephLae

7 months ago
Review

Slightly on the oily side which is undesirable for my skin type, but overall good. It has a good consistency, spreads nicely, and works amazing.

#great value
#absorbs well
#light scent
#works well

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Cleanser 18 ingredients

3.4 /5
from 9 ratings
Works Well (2) Drying (2) Great Value (2)
USAFGal09's avatar

USAFGal09

2 years ago
Review

Super Nice...
This is a good cleanser as a 2nd step in double cleansing. I use it in the evenings to ensure all my makeup is removed. It does not strip my skin and doesn't irritate it either. There are others I prefer, but this is one of my favorites from the drugstore.

laila.21's avatar

Laila

2 months ago
Review

Absolutely love everything about this cleanser!
It’s basic with HA but feels hydrating, doesn’t dry my skin and even removes makeup without needing any double cleansing.
I will stick to this one since it does the job perfectly and I don’t like cleansers with actives as i have to be more careful with what products to use after them.
100/10

#great value
#hydrating
#light scent
#works well