Head to head
CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion vs Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
Same comparison whichever way you searched it: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel vs CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion.
The bottom lineCeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion does more across the board (it leads on barrier repair, brightening / tone, oil-control & blemishes), while Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel is the simpler, more pared-back pick.
Reach for CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion if you want the actives; Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel if you want fewer ingredients doing less, gently.
Which should you pick?
Pick PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion if
- dark spots, dullness or an uneven tone are your focus
- you are dealing with breakouts and oiliness
- your skin is sensitive or reacts to fragrance
Pick Hydro Boost Water Gel if
- you want the more affordable option
- you prefer a simpler, more minimal formula
What each delivers
Side by side
| PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion | Hydro Boost Water Gel | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Moisturizer | Moisturizer |
| Key actives | Glycerin, Niacinamide, Ceramide 3 | Glycerin, Hyaluronic acid |
| Texture | A smooth, silky lotion that spreads easily and leaves a soft, near-blurred finish. | A smooth, silky lotion that spreads easily and leaves a soft, near-blurred finish. |
| Fragrance | None detected | Contains fragrance |
| Fungal-acne safe | Not likely | Not likely |
| Pregnancy | No flagged actives | No flagged actives |
| Ingredients | 24 listed | 20 listed |
| Price | ~€15 | ~€9 |
What's in one but not the other
Only in PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
Both share
Only in Hydro Boost Water Gel
Nothing the other doesn't also have.
The molecule doing the work
Better for…
- Dark spots & uneven tonePM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
- Fine lines & firmnessPM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
- Breakouts & congestionPM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
- Dryness & dehydrationEither works
- Sensitive, reactive skinPM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel is the cheaper of the two (~€9 vs ~€15).
Ready to pick one?
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Common questions
Is CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion or Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel better for dark spots & uneven tone?
For dark spots & uneven tone, CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion is the stronger pick by our read of the two formulas. CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion does more across the board (it leads on barrier repair, brightening / tone, oil-control & blemishes), while Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel is the simpler, more pared-back pick. Reach for CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion if you want the actives; Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel if you want fewer ingredients doing less, gently.
Which is cheaper, CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion or Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel?
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel is the cheaper of the two (~€9 vs ~€15).
Can I use CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion and Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel together?
They are both moisturizers, so you would normally pick one rather than layer both in the same step. You can keep both and alternate them (morning and night, or on different days) if you like variety, but you do not need two.
Compare it with…
All 18 comparisons
- PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion vs CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
- PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion vs CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
- PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion vs Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream
- PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion vs The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
- PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion vs La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+
- PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion vs Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Baume
- PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion vs CeraVe SA Lotion for Rough & Bumpy Skin
- PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion vs Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion
- PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion vs La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+ M
- Hydro Boost Water Gel vs CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
- Hydro Boost Water Gel vs CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
- Hydro Boost Water Gel vs Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream
- Hydro Boost Water Gel vs The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
- Hydro Boost Water Gel vs La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+
- Hydro Boost Water Gel vs Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Baume
- Hydro Boost Water Gel vs CeraVe SA Lotion for Rough & Bumpy Skin
- Hydro Boost Water Gel vs Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion
- Hydro Boost Water Gel vs La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+ M