I’ve been a fan of Neutrogena’s products for a while now, and I especially admire the diversity of their collection. Unfortunately, that diversity can sometimes be confusing for new customers.
For example, some people aren’t clear about the difference between the Neutrogena water gel and gel cream.
So I took it upon myself to compare Neutrogena water gel vs gel cream to highlight the differences, helping you decide on the best option for you.
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Neutrogena Water Gel vs Gel Cream: A Detailed Comparison
At first glance, I didn’t see that much of a difference between both products. They’re both smooth, oil-free, and fast-absorbing.
However, when I tried them simultaneously, I realized there were clear differences. Sure, they may not be obvious from afar, but they’re definitely big enough to make this comparison.
Fragrance
If you’re new to the world of skincare products, you might think fragrance is a weird criterion to compare. You’d be surprised how important it is, though.
You see, not only do some consumers dislike skincare products’ fragrance, but some are allergic to it.
It’s called contact dermatitis, and it can stimulate various allergic symptoms, including redness, swelling, itching, and more.
So, you shouldn’t overlook fragrance when you buy skincare products. Now, let’s see how Neutrogena’s water gel and gel cream compare in fragrance.
Neutrogena Water Gel
The moment I opened Neutrogena’s water gel bottle, I was surprised by how powerful its scent was.
Don’t get me wrong. I didn’t mind it that much. It was nice and fresh, but I know some people would have a problem with such a fragrant product.
Neutrogena Gel Cream
I won’t lie; a part of me was hesitant to try the gel cream variant because I know many beauty brands tend to fake these non-fragrant labels. I was pleasantly proven wrong, though.
I opened the gel cream bottle and didn’t get that overwhelming scent. It was nothing but the smell of raw ingredients, and I was all for it.
So, if you don’t like the powerful fragrance of skin care products, have any allergies, or prefer your skin to smell natural, I can’t recommend the gel cream enough.
Dye
We all know that countless skincare products come in unnatural, vibrant colors. While that makes them visually attractive and more likely to be bought, It poses more threats to the skin than most consumers think. Like what?
Well, these dyes often contain harmful toxins that can irritate the skin, clog its pores, and disrupt its oil balance. That’s a recipe for a severe case of acne right there.
Of course, not all dyes are that harmful, but I wouldn’t want to take that risk.
Neutrogena Water Gel
Neutrogena never really tried to hide the fact that it incorporated a synthetic dye in its water gel. I opened the bottle and saw a light, vibrant blue moisturizer. It was as clear as the ocean.
The dye is called CI 42090 or Blue 1, a common ingredient in beauty products and foods. While it’s not as harmful as the dyes in other products, I wouldn’t say it’s risk-free.
That said, I know plenty of people use this product with no issues whatsoever, so if you want to test it yourself, I won’t stop you.
Neutrogena Gel Cream
Yes, Neutrogena’s gel cream is both fragrance-free and color-free. It comes in a classic white tint, meaning no dies were added at any point during manufacturing.
That’s excellent news for people with sensitive skin!
Texture
When I apply a skincare product to my skin, I like it to spread as smoothly as room-temperature butter.
Unfortunately, not all products deliver that, and that was particularly true when I compared the water gel’s and gel cream’s textures.
Let’s see what that means.
Neutrogena Water Gel
I’ve tested countless beauty products throughout the years and only a few of them can compete with Neutrogena’s water gel’s texture.
It’s everything I look for in a skincare product: Light, smooth, and silky.
Part of this unique texture comes from the dimethicone in its formula, which is famous for offering a silky texture and enhancing the application of these products.
Neutrogena Gel Cream
I can’t say that Neutrogena’s gel cream doesn’t have a smooth texture, but it doesn’t compete with the water gel in terms of smoothness of application. Why?
Two components: the synthetics beeswax and C13-14 isoparaffin. These two act as thickening agents that give the gel cream its unique consistency.
However, they also make it less smooth than the water gel. So, you lose one thing to win another.
Wrapping Up
Ultimately, putting Neutrogena water gel vs gel cream, my personal preference is the gel cream because I prefer fragrance-free and dye-free skincare.
That said, both products have their pros and cons, and they both offer a different experience.
To determine which one is right for you, you want to consider your needs and allergies, and choose the one that appeals to these needs the most.
Do you have a favorite between Neutrogena water gel and gel cream? Let me know in the comments below!