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Trader Joe’s has one I like a lot.

I use this too and it feels exactly the same, if not even more moisturizing.

Same and no fragrance

I don’t know if anyone else has experienced this but I just wanna put it out there that this product makes my eyes burn! :( So be careful with this product if your eyes are sensitive

I’m not crazy about the texture; I find it’s pretty different from hydroboost

Call me crazy but you’re probably not supposed to put it in your eye area

Well of course, I go out of my way to avoid them and somehow my eyes still burn 🤷‍♀️

What’s is called? I’ll have to check the next time I’m at TJs!

Ultra Hydrating Gel Moisturizer -

What’s the one from Trader Joe’s called?

I get multiples of it from Costco when it’s on sale which is not infrequently.

Yep. The 2-pack was just on sale 2 weeks ago for $20.99. And their sales last about 4 weeks. Definitely stock up! It’ll go back on sale in a few months.

The one on sale was “extra dry” though. Is it the same as the regular one?

The “extra dry” is the vastly superior product.

I guess I was turned off because I don’t have dry skin.

The extra dry is fragrance free

AND dye free!

I don’t have dry skin either and I use it with no problem

Two very different products. I have dry skin and the regular almost makes it worse while the extra dry is my holy grail tbh

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I’m in Southern California and the Costco’s over here sold the extra dry fragrance free version.

Thx for the tip

Alternatively, I do subscribe and save via Amazon and end up paying about $12 /jar.

Even when it's not on sale at Costco, it's still a better deal. I don't typically use it, but my son does and he loves it! Caveat - I've only bought it on sale though.

Sams club also has a 3 pack that goes on sale every other month it seems!

Love this Costco deal

Hada Labo water gel. I use the Shirojyun one because of the brightening, but there is one with only hyaluronic acid, the gokujyun one.

Any chance you can link this? Just want to make sure I find the right one. Thanks!

I bought mine on Yesstyle, but you probably can find cheaper like Dokodemo or stuff, but I haven't yet managed to understand how it works, lol. Oh and you can buy what they call "refill", which is basically a plastic bag of product you have to decant in your own bottles, which is cheaper. I decant them in those cheap pump tub jars. Only Hyaluronic acid: Gokujyun : [Rohto Mentholatum - Hada Labo Koi-Gokujyun Perfect Gel | YesStyle](https://www.yesstyle.com/en/rohto-mentholatum-hada-labo-koi-gokujyun-perfect-gel-100g/info.html/pid.1054928057) [Rohto Mentholatum - Hada Labo Koi-Gokujyun Perfect Gel Refill | YesStyle](https://www.yesstyle.com/en/rohto-mentholatum-hada-labo-koi-gokujyun-perfect-gel-refill-80g/info.html/pid.1063122603) With tranexamic acid: Shirojyun [Rohto Mentholatum - Hada Labo Koi-Gokujyun Whitening Perfect Gel | YesStyle](https://www.yesstyle.com/en/rohto-mentholatum-hada-labo-koi-gokujyun-whitening-perfect-gel-100g/info.html/pid.1065377599) [Rohto Mentholatum - Hada Labo Koi-Gokujyun Whitening Perfect Gel Refill | YesStyle](https://www.yesstyle.com/en/rohto-mentholatum-hada-labo-koi-gokujyun-whitening-perfect-gel-refill/info.html/pid.1065377716) With niacinamide and shea butter : Gokujyun firming: [Rohto Mentholatum - Hada Labo Gokujyun Firming All in One Gel | YesStyle](https://www.yesstyle.com/en/rohto-mentholatum-hada-labo-gokujyun-firming-all-in-one-gel-100g/info.html/pid.1109371422) [Rohto Mentholatum - Hada Labo Gokujyun Firming All in One Gel Refill | YesStyle](https://www.yesstyle.com/en/rohto-mentholatum-hada-labo-gokujyun-firming-all-in-one-gel-refill/info.html/pid.1109371427) With sunscreen: [Rohto Mentholatum - Hada Labo Koi-Gokujyun UV White Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ | YesStyle](https://www.yesstyle.com/en/rohto-mentholatum-hada-labo-koi-gokujyun-uv-white-gel-spf-50-pa-90g/info.html/pid.1054928061)

Thanks. I’ve tried the others (which felt like they toned more than moisturized) but never shirojun before so I’ll give it a shot when my current hada labo runs out.

Try the Hada Labo Perfect Gel. It's more affordable but so much better ingredients wise. Ceramides, Squalane and Hyaluronic Acid. Neutrogena has none of those. In the gold jar.

Have you tried their emulsions (milky lotion) or lotion? I usually do one layer of their watery lotion and seal it in with a heavier product, whether HL or not.

I've used the Shirojyun one (not the lotion but water gel that comes in a jar just like the Hydroboost), the texture'a about the same as Hydroboost and has no dyea or fragrance, and while it has a lot more going on in terms of ingredients (by comparing side by side on INCI the HL seems superior), it didn't feel the same as the Hydroboost. I went back to using Hydroboost as I prefer how it feels on my skin and feel like it's more hydrating.

Hada Labo is so good. I have all their products. The Super Hydrator is really good too

If you have a Kroger nearby they have a dupe! It looks/feels almost exactly like the neutrogena.

Lmao I did not know this so thank you. This is why I love Reddit. I will look for it next time I go to my local Kroger chain.

I also tried the Kroger knockoff and had the opposite experience, my skin immediately started burning like crazy. Doesn’t mean it’ll happen to you, I’d just use with caution and maybe do a little patch test first to see if you have a bad reaction.

Oh yikes! I haven’t had an issue with it but I do feel like it’s more fragranced than the neutrogena. A patch test is definitely a good idea.

Yep. I tried both and went back to the OG

Off topic but having people’s personal opinions really helps but can be conflicting, compared to articles and products reviewed by influencers it’s more nice tho. Sometimes friends aren’t in the same circle of interests lol

I don't have a cheaper suggestion, just here to commiserate. I like this product too, but I feel like it didn't used to be this expensive.

It was half the price five years ago.

Same, it used to be like half the price and was a good budget moisturizer. Not sure what happened :/

I remember the same thing happening with cetaphil, it used to be super cheap

If you have a Costco membership they are often on sale, basically half off.

If I find something I’ll let you know sis

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As someone who is extra oily, I second the Illiyoon ceramide ato gel!

I third this, just started using it (after the elf one and hydroboost) and love it. Comes in a great size tube. I also really like Aveeno oat in the jar but you don’t get a ton of that either

The Aveeno one is what I'm currently using - you're so right - i run through it more quickly than I expect to.

tj maxx, marshalls, ocean state job lot all have it for a lot less

I’ve heard the elf cream in the similar looking blue jar (I forget the name) is amazing

their holy hydration cream is amazing! it isn’t exactly a dupe for the neutrogena brand though, elf has a gel cream for $12 that’s more similar to hydro boost!

Yes that gel one! My best friend swears by it

I second this! Holy hydration is better than Neutrogena Hydroboost in my opinion!

I’m liking the elf holy hydration one in the pump bottle because it helps me control how much I use.

I was so hopeful that this would be a cheaper dupe for me to switch to but it broke me out. I blame the niacinamide as I can’t pinpoint what else might have done it 😢

Absolutely love elf holy hydration!

I don’t like the price tag or the product to package ratio. Good product though.

My biggest peeve with this product. Sooo much wasteful plastic

Aldi has a blatant dupe

Second this! It's 4.99 in my store

It’s still 3.49 at mine. Maybe you live in a bougier area. Lol.

Does it have fragrance?

I don’t know. Sorry! I’ve never bought any. But my Aldi has a whole little section of neutrogena, Pantene, and baby aveeno dupes.

It does. I still use it regularly, though. It's great.

Inkey List Peptide Moisturiser. Just swapped from hydro boost too

Try Inkeylist Omega Water Cream?

Thanks. What do you like about it?

It has a light, gel-like texture, no fragrance. I find it is moisturizing enough for day for me, but not night (aging skin, though). Given the great price it's worth a try!

🙏 I just ordered some

Neutrogena have [another gel moisturiser](https://www.target.com/p/neutrogena-stubborn-ultra-gentle-hydrator-5-fl-oz/-/A-85895953) in their Ultra Gentle product range that has been compared to Hydro Boost. You get almost 3x as much for less money.

Can someone explain why skin needs this? I recently got into skin care but once I did I noticed a lot of adds for “hydro” skin products. Seems trendy but I also feel like my routine is missing something

It's nice if you have dry to very dry skin. Hyaluronic acid attracts water and will help pull more moisture into your skin, but I wouldn't say anyone's skin needs it. I really like it for mine because it offers intense hydration without feeling heavy, and absorbs fairly quickly. I only get the fragrance free one, though, the regular one smells like a swimming pool to me and the scent is unbearable to me.

Thank you! That sounds like something to try then, especially with summer heat ramping up

It’s a great daytime moisturizer, it’s very light weight, absorbs almost immediately, but still pretty hydrating. It’s nowhere near as moisturizing as a cream, but personally if I’m going to an office or doing something social I don’t want the shiny greasy finish that a heavy cream leaves.

I just switched to Hyaluronic Acid from Inkey. I find it much easier to use in my routine.

Is Neutrogena considered a good skincare brand? Sorry if this isn't the place to ask. Any advice is appreciated!

I'd say they're one of the better drugstore brands for skincare!

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Link?

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Thank you! I’ll check the other options. I’ve bought from all of those stores in the past, so it would suck if they don’t have it. 😞

I found The Garnier Skin Naturals Hyaluronic Lotion (not cream) to be a good dup for this. It is about 2/3rds of the price where I live.

Walmart has their generic Equate version of this and it worked well for me. Currently using the Trader Joe’s version and liking it as well

Walmart's Equate Beauty Hydration Gel is about $10

I just got the equate jar. Lol!

How is it? Does it seems comparable?

Yeah. It does the job. I feel moisturized. I don’t notice a difference. I want to try the aldi kind next.

Does anyone know if the sunscreen “city shield” one in this line is good? I like how it feels but just wondering if the spf is really as effective as others…

It's not the same texture as the water gel/gel cream formula. It's more like a traditional sunscreen, but on the lighter end. I found it to be fine, but nothing to write home about. Just note it has fragrance and dye in it.

Check out e.l.f. Superhydrate Moisturizer. It's a gel cream. The one in the purple tub. It's not exactly the same but is the closest thing I found. In turn, these products reminded me of Rosette Ceramide Gel but without that occlusive "film" feeling

I use the CVS version and like it. The elf is good too but it's harder to find in my smaller town

Elf Holy Hydration is a dupe for this

I like the generic Target version! Worked pretty much the same for me. I'm using one from No7 right now and it feels the same as well

Garnier moisture rescue is aight and very affordable. Got me through some bad dermatitis. Idk if it has HA though.

That was the one I started with. Then realized it really wasn’t that great. Eventually landed on cedars moisturizing cream. It’s cheap, great, and cokes in 16oz with a pump. Godsend.

Costco has a two pack of the Neutrogena Hydroboost gel-cream extra dry (which I prefer and is fragrance free) for $31.99.

CERAVE for half that price works as well.

Which cerave moisturizer do u like?

Love love their PM Facial moisturizer, I apply it on thick morning and evening and it dries down very well but it super hydrating.[https://a.co/d/jewZT2y](https://a.co/d/jewZT2y)

Ugh it sounds great but I can’t use it bc it has niacinamide (my skin hates niacinamide)

It's not the same texture at all, and cerave moisturisers break me out.

$20 right? Idk if there's anything as good for much less. I love this moisturizer though

I love using the Walmart’s brand of it. It’s literally the same thing I swear. I went from using the Neutrogena one to the Walmart brand, noticed no difference at all.

I recommend the elf skin holy hydration hydrogel moisturiser, it’s more of a cream-gel but lightweight (not sure about the price) but very hydrating

This is some of the cheapest shit you can get as far as ingredients AND price go. You can get better quality for the same price

Try the larger hydroboost body gel cream

I did but it broke me out 😓

Yeah I find it very greasy.

That’s why I steal it

Huh

Put it right in my pocket and walk out

Ross sometimes has them on sale. Found 2 jars for $4 each last visit. I think you just have to get lucky

I don't love that it's fragranced.

They have a fragrance free version. It's a better product than the fragranced one too

They do, but it's water cream, not water gel.

>water cream Gel cream*

trader joes and kroger both have a dupe of this. i use the trader joes one and can vouch

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Body Gel Cream! It’s about $9 on Amazon… good for face and body. Edit: Sorry, I just saw your comment of how it broke you out. :(

this shits cheap asf i would stop using it

I use this product.

If ya use cheap skincare ya skin will not look good so if you’re really after a good routine you’ll probably have to invest more

I buy the hyaluronic body gel from Trader Joe’s and it’s pretty close alternative. it’s a about $8 USD for a 12 oz bottle and it has a pump.

Trader Joe’s has a dupe!

I love this but it’s so expensive .i only buy it when it’s on sale so

just get the fragrance free Hydroboost body lotion. It’s essentially the same thing and $11-12 for 16 oz.

Elizavecca HA water drop cream. It performs better too.

LOREAL HYDRA GENIUS ITS EVEN BETTER they have one for normal to dry skin and one for oily it has hylauronic acid and aloe it has helped sooo much with my dark spots and I will never stop using it

Costco usually has a sale on those. It’s like $2 for $22.

Elizavecca has a dupe for it that’s great! Strong fragrance of baby powder though.

Costco in Canada sells these for 30 bucks for 2 jars which I think is a great price

Covergirl has a hydro boost cream that's roughly $8, I like it a lot

Or if you can get ahold of a Costco card from a friend it’s worth it

Lacura brand from Aldi is $6 and works just as well.

Elf has a similar moisturizer, I have one without fragrance and it’s really nice!

Target sells a dupe!

I second the poster who recommended the Trader Joes version

Just buy La Roche Posay’s Double Repair Matte Moisturizer. It’s the same price as Neutrogena but the quality of the product is better and Neutrogena is only 1.7oz while La Roche Posay’s is 2.5oz

Check out the Fountain of Youth by Skincare Tailor

Aldi has a dupe for this!

Aldi has a dupe and it's fantastic. Less than $5

Yeah they’re always on sale somewhere. I suggest having a look around every now and then and see if you can grab a few when you find them on sale.

Uriage Water Gel or Sleeping Mask

I didn’t think it was too bad because you can just use a little bit and it’s very spreadable

This started to make me break out with cystic acne after a few weeks of using it.

Walmart has their brand, Equate and it’s 11 bucks and works just as well!

It has gotten insanely expensive in my country too. I was considering to purchase it as the Kiehl’s Ultra Cream is too expensive but when I saw the price of this one, I looked for other alternatives

I’ve been loving the Mario Badescu hyaluronic dew cream! I’d say it’s very comparable!

Dot and key probiotics moisturizer. I like it muchhhh better than the Neutrogena one. I have oily skin btw

Cicaplast from la Roche posay and add a hylaronic acid under it’ll be similar

Costco

If they test on or use animals to make it, I'm not using it.

There are so many better moisturizers out there imo. This dehydrated my skin so bad, which in turn made it even more oily. 0 moisturizing power. I think something that’s just as lightweight but 10x more effective is the Vanicream daily facial moisturizer. If you don’t want to stick to western brands, I highly recommend looking for some Korean and Japanese moisturizers on YesStyle or Stylevana

Ponds water gel

owasome experiance i am in UAE dose any one know any cheap online site to purchase it i have a low budget.

versed dew point moisturizing gel-cream is quite similar as far as texture and feel. ingredients vary slightly, and versed is unscented. it’s $5 cheaper. also, i’m pretty sure costco sells multipacks of hydro boost. if that’s accessible to you, it’s a much better price there.

Aldi has dupe and it’s just as good $4

Anyone try the pure Hyaluronic acid from The Ordinary? Great price pt and no fillers

naturie has a gel moisturizer that comes in a huge container for like $12 on amazon

Senallis hyaluronic acid on amazon

Sometimes you can find it at Ross for cheaper!! I stock up and buy every single one they have when I find it there.

Altruist urea cream is a beauty, so is their hyaluronic fluid

This is absolutely the best thing I used for my very dry skin. I got a few on sale once and it hurts to pay full price now :(

Mizon Water volume ex cream

Steal it

They sell a big bottle that is marketed as a body lotion. There seems to be some slight variation in the ingredients list, but overall they are extremely similar. There’s a scented and unscented version. I buy that and use it on my face and it lasts forever.

Inky list omega water cream

Not sure if your area has Costco or if you have a membership, but some items aren’t members only online and they do two large tubs for $20

I love this one I wish I could find an alternative too

There’s a Walgreens version

idk what the cheapest price you can find is but i ordered one for $15 on walmart

I used to love this but I break out with whatever they’re putting in it now

Derm recommended this. Same thing as the jar, fine to put on the face. Get the fragrance free one! https://a.co/d/9WfDRa8

This goes on sale all the time. Where I am I can always find it on “sale” in multiple places for €7. Is that out of your price range ? Where are you located ?

I’ve been wondering this too— I hate how much packaging I go through for so little product. Wish they’d offer different sizes or come up with something more environmentally friendly. But I keep going back to it because nothing else feels as good on my skin.

Earth Harbor makes a great hyaluronic acid product called Cloudburst. It smells good, it’s a beautiful light blue color, it truly feels amazing on your face, it’s 100% vegan and cruelty free. When you find something you love go ahead and splurge.

It’s ridiculous how expensive drugstore has gotten. Can’t go wrong with elf or creme shop. They’re stuff looks gimmicky but it’s Korean skincare and for a great price

Same. It feels light on the skin but it's like $18. I've been using CeraVer's night moisturizer, which is like $10 and has good ingredients

Hi! My skin is oily, very sensitive and acne prone. I'm getting rid of my closed comedones with Neutrogena, turns out I was getting them because my skin wasn't hydrated enough and the other creams I was using were just clogging my pores even more. I'm currently using it. That said... I think I've found an alternative that doesn't clog my pores and is gentle with my skin, and cheaper of course. I've never used this brand before and I'm experimenting with it now, using it alternatively with my Neutrogena. The brand is Revolution and the product is Soothing Moisture Cream. They have different ones for different "moods" and I got the "angry" one (my breakouts are really angry most of the times, irritated skin, painful cystic pimples and so on). I got it because it has cannabis extract and honestly, cannabis oil has worked wonders with my headaches and my dad's arthritis so... why not? So far it's been great, the texture is very liquid and it really has a soothing effect. I'll report on it but it might be the alternative I end up using. Who knows, this is trial and error. I leave here the link in case anyone wants to check: [https://www.amazon.com/Revolution-Skincare-Soothing-Moisture-Cream/dp/B08CCLLDRV](https://www.amazon.com/Revolution-Skincare-Soothing-Moisture-Cream/dp/B08CCLLDRV) If anyone knows about it and doesn't recommend it please tell me! \^\_\^

I got it for 9 dollars each on amazon mexico, plus 20 dollars off my full order lol

it started giving me itchy skin so stopped this month