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Looking for quality skincare on a budget?

The Neutrogena skincare brand is known all over for it’s science backed approach to skincare and Dermatologist approval. If you’re on a budget but still want to look after your skin, then this one is for you. They have a wide variety of ranges and best sellers to suit every skin type and skin condition, including best sellers such as the Neutrogena Hydro Boost water gel and the Rapid Tone Repair range to brighten skin.

If you’ve not heard of Neutrogena then it’s time to get to know. What better place to start than with the tried and trusted favorites by the brand. I’ve compiled a list of my top 5 favorite products by Neutrogena including the Hydro Boost water gel, so you can try it out without breaking the bank.

But wait.

The Neutrogena brand harnesses the power of Hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and Retinol as well as other powerful active ingredients to transform your skin into being healthy and glowy. Whether you’re struggling with texture and scarring, or wrinkles and fine lines, its worth a look at. I’m going to take you through the best products in this collection, as well as whether its worth the hype or not.

It’s easy to see why Neutrogena has been winning the hearts of many, both skincare fans on a budget and those who usually swear by high end skincare. Read on to find out why, but if you want my opinion head straight to number 3 for a great serum you can easily incorporate into your routine.

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A Review of the Best Neutrogena Skincare Products

1.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost water gel

Easily one of their most famous best sellers, the Neutrogena Hydro Boost water gel is known for its Hyaluronic acid and gentle formula that works on all skin types. If you want to give your skin a big drink of water without making your skin greasy, then you’re going to love this one.

The Neutrogena hydro gel provides an easily absorbed hydration that has hyaluronic acid for a boost of moisture. It’s light enough that you can wear it daily without leaving behind a greasy residue, but will still lock in moisture and hydrate for a smooth skin finish.

Now listen to this.

This gel moisturizer is ideal for keeping your face super hydrated. The hyaluronic acid is found naturally in the skin and works with water to trap moisture in the skin’s barrier. This means that although it is a lightweight formula, it performs double duty in richness and relieving intense dryness for a long time so you won’t even know it’s there.

Intensive hydration that is easily absorbed and doesn’t trigger your skin? Yes please! Neutrogena has been winning the skincare game with this one, so it’s no wonder it’s in top position in this list.

Check it out by clicking the button below!

Pros
  • Contains hyaluronic acid
  • Fast absorbing
  • Suitable for sensitive skin
  • Oil free and non comedogenic
Cons
  • May not be good for extremely dry skin

Latest deal: Neutrogena Hydro Boost water gel

2.

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Cream Cleanser

Neutrogena’s Rapid Repair anti aging range is amazing, but there is one product that stands out. This cream is ideal if you want a gentle cream that also helps to rejuvenate the skin without wearing it out.

The Neutrogena Rapid repair face cream is amongst the top recommended by dermatologists, and with good reason. This is ideal as a skin prep before doing the rest of your skincare routine, and provides a fresh base so your skin can absorb all the good stuff. It contains wrinkle fighting ingredients for a smooth skin finish.

So, what else?

The Neutrogena face cream contains accelerated retinol in the form of Retinol SA, plus Hyaluronic Acid and Glucose complex. It also has glycolic acid to help exfoliate your skin and get rid of dirt and dead skin cells for smoother, brighter looking skin. It has been a staple for many years when it comes to looking youthful.

Made with pure retinol, it helps fight dullness, fine lines, and wrinkles. Smoothing out the skin’s surface and fading dark spots to have everyone guessing your age. Plus with a glucose complex to strengthen the skin’s barrier, it’s everything you’re looking for.

I would add this one to your basket, trust me.

Pros
  • Pure Retinol
  • Fights dullness
  • Anti aging
  • Glucose complex
Cons
  • Contains fragrance

 

 

Latest deal: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Cream Cleanser

3.

Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser

No one wants to spend hundreds of dollars on a skincare product just to then get irritation from it. The good news is with this Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Cleanser, you don’t have to. Made with a very gentle, simple formula, it does the job of breaking down bacteria but without triggering your skin.

If you have sensitive skin, you don’t have to spend loads of money to get a mild skincare cleanser. The Ultra Gentle Hydrating cleanser is free from harsh surfactants while at the same time removing dirt and makeup without irritating the skin.

Here’s why I love it.

This is a fragrance free, soap free and hypoallergenic formula which can do wonders if you have dry or sensitive skin, or even skin concerns like eczema. My favorite part of this cleanser is that it contains only 10 ingredients. That means there’s less chance of it irritating your skin, which is always good.

With a cleanser like this at a price like that, you can’t go wrong. The Neutrogena Ultra hydrating cleanser is great if you have skin conditions, sensitive skin, or simply want to be extra cautious of what goes onto your skin.

It’s an all round winner!

Pros
  • Simple ingredients
  • No fragrance
  • Suitable for sensitive skin
  • Soap free
Cons
  • Could have hydrating ingredient like HA

Latest deal: Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser

4.

Rapid Tone Repair 20% Vitamin C Serum Capsules

Don’t let me get started on these Vitamin C capsules.

If you already have a skincare routine you love, but want to inject all the goodness of vitamin c into your skin, then this is for you. The rapid tone repair vitamin c serum comes in convenient capsules that means none of the product gets oxidised or damaged from air so you don’t need to remember to tighten cap.

Simply burst the capsule and then apply to the skin in gentle massaging strokes. If you want brighter looking skin in just one week, and faded dark spots, then this is for you. Made with 20% of Vitamin C to help reduce the look of dark spots and signs of aging.

But wait there’s more.

Its been clinically proven to provide an even complexion and smoother skin texture as well as minimizing the appearance of fine lines. Plus, the capsules are made from biodegradable seaweed derived and are also oil free and non comedogenic for those who struggle with acne or breakouts.

Its also free from common irritants such as fragrance or alcohol, making it ideal for all skin types including sensitive skin. I mean, who couldn’t do with having more vitamin c in their life? With these cute and practical capsules, there’s no excuse not to.

Check it out by clicking on the button!

Pros
  • Hygienic and protects
  • Stronger concentration of vitamin c
  • Naturally biodegradable capsules
  • Oil free and non comedogenic
Cons
  • Some prefer a serum rather than capsules.

Latest deal: Rapid Tone Repair 20% Vitamin C Serum Capsules

5.

Neutrogena Oil Free Moisture Glycerin Face Moisturizer

Looking for the best moisturizer for combination skin? Look no further.

Neutrogena is ideal if you are on a budget but want oil-free, everyday hydration. I’m talking about moisture with a light, non-greasy feel that you can wear under your makeup. It provides everyday hydration without clogging your pores or leaving your skin shiny.

I love that this moisturizer has been dermatologically tested to keep shine at bay, including mattifying the skin and refining pores. It contains oil absorbing technology, so you can say goodbye to excess oil, without drying out your skin.

But let me tell you about this.

A great feature of this is that it doesn’t contain oil, and is non-comedogenic providing lightweight moisture that leaves your skin matte. It’s perfect if you have blemish-prone skin and clogged pores. This moisturizer will help to tighten your pores after cleansing, to prevent breakouts.

What more can I say? Neutrogena is also fragrance free and alcohol free so you won’t be irritating your skin or drying it out. If you’re looking for an all day matte finish that nourishes your skin with all the right ingredients in their products so you can keep your skin hydrated. It’s a winner!

Click on the blue button below to take a look for yourself!

Pros
  • Non comedogenic
  • Oil free and alcohol free
  • All day matte finish
  • Oil control system
Cons
  • Can leave skin shiny in warm weather

Latest deal: Neutrogena Oil Free Moisture Glycerin Face Moisturizer

Best Products by Neutrogena – A Buyer’s Guide

Looking after your skin is no easy feat, but thanks to Neutrogena it doesn’t have to be costly.

Neutrogena products are formulated for all skin concerns, so you can look after your skin’s moisture barrier. For instance, use the Neutrogena fresh foaming cleanser as a stubborn makeup remover.

Going to the dermatologist’s office, you may be surprised that they also recommend Neutrogena products. You can use their sunscreen to prevent sun damage from both uva and uvb rays, it’s ultra sheer and won’t leave a white cast whilst giving you adequate protection.

Many of neutrogena’s products have an oil free formula, chemical exfoliants such as retinoic acid, a creamy formula, spot treatment to help you get clear skin or other anti aging products.

No need to be a greasy mess, with gentle cleansers, mineral sunscreen, makeup remover and a gel cream, your skin care has never been easier or cheaper.

Best drugstore skincare routine

Who said skincare had to be expensive? You can look after your skin type by creating a tailor made drugstore skincare routine that won’t break the bank. Here are different skincare routines for your skin types.

Skincare routine for Dry skin

Does your skin often feel tight or even itchy after cleansing or throughout the day? Chances are you have dry skin. This skin type needs to be extra careful to keep their skin moisturized and avoid stripping ingredients that could damage your skin’s natural barrier.

Special ingredient- Find products that contain Hyaluronic acid as a main ingredient. It is naturally found in the skin to cushion and lubricate joints, hair, skin and eyes. In skincare it seals moisture in the skin, attaching itself to water to plump.

Cleanser

The first step in almost any skincare routine is a skin cleanser. A good option is CeraVe hydrating cleanser that is not stripping and gentle to use on dry skin. They include vital ingredients such as ceramides and hyaluronic acid to help restore moisture to the skin’s barrier.

Toner

You can then use a moisturizing toner with water as a first ingredient to restore moisture after cleansing. A toner with a lightweight liquid texture is ideal for dry skin types.

Serum

After this, you can also choose to include a hydrating hyaluronic acid serum to restore moisture directly into the skin. The Ordinary produce some excellent facial serums, but for dry skin types I’d recommend hyaluronic acid.

Moisturize

A moisturizer with water as a first ingredient is key. My favorites include CeraVe daily moisturizing lotion or even Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Water Gel. It’s important to find one that contains hyaluronic acid and a thicker texture for better hydration. You may prefer to use a lightweight texture for day, and a heavier night cream for optimal hydration. Use ingredients like shea butter or soy complex that is rich in fatty acids or petroleum jelly for soothing dry skin. Of course always use sun protection to prevent chapped lips and protect the skin.

Here’s a tip- if your skin gets dry during the day, it’s a good idea to invest in a face mist that hydrates and replumps the face.

Oily or Acne prone skin routine

If your skin gets shiny throughout the day, or if you suffer with constant breakouts and acne, then you might want to give this skin routine a try. If you have combination skin, try mixing products for dry skin and oily skin if necessary. Try this routine for acne prone skin types.

Special ingredients- Salicylic acid. This ingredient actively fights acne and helps to keep shine at bay.

Cleanser

As a face cleanser, I’d recommend CeraVe smoothing cleanser that contains salicylic acid. This will help to target acne daily and unclog pores. You’ll find it helps prevent breakouts and deep clean your face.

Facial Serum

For acne prone skin, a niacinamide facial serum is a good idea. It’s a form of vitamin and can help to nourish the skin whilst preventing and treating breakouts at the same time.

Treatment

For active acne, you may need to speak with a dermatologist to treat your acne if it is more severe. This is the time to use this acne treatment, bear in mind you may only need to use it in the evening.

Retinol

Retinol can be powerful against acne, just check with your dermatologist if you are using another acne treatment. Retinol can be used at the same time as niacinamide. Just make sure to build up use of it and only use it in the evening.

Moisturizer and SPF

Every skin routine finishes off with a moisturizer. In this case, it’s a non comedogenic moisturizer with oil-absorbing qualities. Of course, even with oily skin needs moisture, so you need to find a moisturizer that won’t turn you into a shiny mess by midday. You need to include a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 to prevent hyper[pigmentation and scarring, Many acne treatments are sensitive to the sun, so using sunscreen is vital, especially for retinol.

Sensitive Skin routine

Trust me, you would know if you had sensitive skin. Many products often leave your skin red, itchy, blotchy and even a burning sernsation at times. Or you may find these symptoms come up later, making your eyes water. That usually means your skin doesn’t like the products, and so you have sensitive skin my friend.

Special ingredient- An ingredient to look out for, or I should say a lack of ingredient is fragrance. Make sure your products are fragrance free and non comdeogenic, and free from lanolin, dye, parabens, or preservatives. You need to be using gentle products and reading the ingredients list to avoid harsh ingredients that could set off your skin allergies.

Cleanser

Find a cleanser that is suited to sensitive skin. What isn’t in it is actually more important than what is. You want to ensure it isn’t too stripping, and is gentle for everyday use. Some good options include the Vanicream cleanser or a CeraVe hydrating cleanser. A face wash for a gentle cleanse to remove makeup and toning with glycolic acid can help.

Face Serum

For sensitive skin, keeping a healthy moisture barrier is a good idea, which is why using a hyaluronic acid serum is great. This will not irritate your skin and can be a great way of restoring moisture. I would also recommend using an oil based serum such as a rosehip oil to nourish your skin, just ensure there are no added ingredients. Natural oils can help skin cell turnover and collagen production.

Moisturizer

Finally, finish off with a moisturizer that is free from irritants. Some good examples are pharmacy brands such as La Roche Posay that has developed a range, especially for sensitive skin. A fragrance free formula with vitamin e is great for an eye cream. Of course, finish off with sunscreen to prevent free radical damage.

If you have normal skin, then congratulations, you can pretty much use whatever you want. Go for simple products that are not made for extremes of dry or oily skin.

Final Thoughts- Best Neutrogena products

There are so many products out there, whether you’re looking for a broad spectrum spf sunscreen or a retinol cream with beta hydroxy acid, Neutrogena products have you covered.

Many of them are fragrance free so you won’t get skin irritation, and they contain good ingredients such as the Neutrogena sunscreen ultra sheer for sun protection and benzoyl peroxide in spot cream.

If you’re looking for your next gel cream or hand cream for your skin care, then take a look at this buyer’s guide for my top recommendations. Even skin conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis can find good gentle products.

The brand claims to deliver quality at affordable prices… what do we think?

I’d say they have it spot on.

jess rowley

Jess Rowley

Cheif Editor & Nail Technician Expert

ABOUT

Jess Rowley, a veteran nail tech, has been studying beauty over the last 11 years and has completed the nail technology program in California. Watching the latest trends in beauty, Jess searches for the highest quality products that make your nails feel loved.