Cerave Hydrating Cleanser vs Neutrogena Hydro Boost Cleanser

This post will compare the Cerave Hydrating Cleanser with the Neutrogena Hydroboost Cleanser.

I’m so excited about this post because I’ll be pitting my all-time favourite cleanser, the Neutrogena Hydroboost Cleanser, with the current cult favourite, Cerave Hydrating Cleanser.

The first time I tried the Cerave Hydrating Cleanser before it blew up on TikTok, I absolutely hated it! I didn’t think it was hydrating enough despite the presence of hyaluronic acid.

As such, I swore that I was never going to buy it, but here we are.

I was at Boots the other day, and Cerave was on sale. It took everything within me to not buy it.

I eventually succumbed and decided to give the product another chance.

Plus, I had to write this review as well.

I’ve been using the cleanser for a few days now, and it looks like I have a change of heart.

As always, I’ll compare these products side by side and help you make an informed decision before purchasing.

My criteria for reviewing them will be based on the following;

• Ingredient List
• Texture & Consistency.
• How To Use
• Availability, Price & Size.

Review: Cerave Hydrating Cleanser

If you have not heard about any of the Cerave cleansers yet, you’re probably living under a rock.

The brand is currently the face of everything good about drugstore skincare.

It’s cheap, affordable and accessible.

Even more importantly, their products are fragrance-free and can be used across all skin types.

It’s tough not to like at least one of the Cerave products.

I currently use three Cerave products, and they include the Cerave SA Smoothing Cream, Cerave Healing Ointment, Cerave Moisturizing Cream and the Cerave Smoothing Cleanser which I’m yet to use.

Ingredient List

I don’t know about you, but I’m particular about the ingredient list for the products I use for my dry dehydrated skin.

I look out for ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, Glycerin, Beta-Glucan and Snail Mucin in all my products that hydrate my skin. Cleansers are no exception.

This cleanser is formulated with Glycerin, three essential Ceramides and Sodium Hyaluronate, which is a form of Hyaluronic Acid.

It has no fragrance or irritating ingredients. It’s as basic as they come.

So, if you have dry skin and are not particularly experienced with hydrating cleansers, it’s so easy to reach out for this product and really enjoy it.

But if you’re like me and know the difference between hydrating and moisturizing cleansers, then this product might be underwhelming for you.

Texture & Consistency

It has a creamy texture that comes in a lightweight consistency.

It also comes in the perfect pump bottle, which doesn’t feel heavy.

Except you’re generous with your application.

Even at that, it gradually absorbs into your skin.

Since it’s not a foaming cleanser, it doesn’t lather. Instead, it gently cleanses your skin without stripping it of all its moisture.

It’s a gentle cleanser that is perfect for daily use.

Check out Cerave Foaming vs Hydrating Cleanser: Are they different?

How to Use

Personally, I’ve found that this product is best used as an AM cleanser.

Every time I used it in the mornings, it was just perfect.

It didn’t do too much or even too little. It was just right.

It leaves my skin nicely moisturized, which I’m guessing is a result of the Ceramides.

On the other hand, I would not use this cleanser alone as a PM cleanser because it will simply not be enough to get rid of dirt, grime sunscreen or makeup from the day.

This is where the double cleansing method comes in.

You want to go in first with cleansing oil or a balm and then follow up with the Cerave Hydrating Cleanser.

It is not advisable to use this cleanser alone at night.

You need to make sure you’re properly cleansing your face to get rid of the dirt that clogs pores and causes acne.

Availability, Price & Size.

As a popular product, it will probably be challenging to get it at your local drugstore because it flies off the shelves quickly.

I know how hard it was to get mine.

You’re better off getting your online where you’re guaranteed of the stock.

As for price and size, they’re pretty reasonable for a drugstore brand.

Just make sure you buy the correct size depending on your usage.

Review: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Cleanser

When Cerave was flying off the shelves, I was just chilling because people hadn’t really noticed my Neutrogena Hydroboost, which has been serving me for about two years.

At the moment, I’ve probably run through about four bottles, and I always have a spare. That’s how much I love it.

Ingredient List

Unlike the Cerave Hydrating Cleanser, the Neutrogena Hydroboost has a fragrance that, I’m guessing, turned many people off.

But my skin isn’t susceptible, so fragrance barely affects me.

The cleanser has Glycerin and actual Hyaluronic Acid and not Sodium Hyaluronate.

I’m guessing this is why it is more hydrating than its Cerave counterpart.

Texture & Consistency

This cleanser has a clear gel texture that also has a lightweight consistency.

One or two pumps are usually okay to thoroughly cleanse my entire face. It lathers lightly but also manages to be non-stripping.

Rather than stripping your skin, it will deeply and gently cleanse while leaving your skin hydrated and supple. My skin almost always feels so good after cleansing.

How To Use

The beauty of this cleanser is that anytime you decide to use it, it will do its job.

Unlike the Cerave cleanser, which is better used in your AM routine, the Neutrogena Hydroboost Cleanser can be used in both your AM & PM routines.

Whether you want a quick, easy cleanse or you want to combine it with your cleansing oil for your deep cleanse, the Neutrogena cleanser is perfect.

Availability, Price & Size

Unlike Cerave, you will almost always find the Neutrogena cleanser in significant drugstores.

The 200ml bottle lasts me a few months, so it’s worth the price.

Personal Verdict

As you can see, I personally prefer the Neutrogena Hydroboost Cleanser, but I’ll definitely still be using the Cerave Hydrating Cleanser in my AM Routine.

I’ve realised that both can be used side by side, one for the AM and the other for the PM, particularly if you have dry skin like me.