Skip to Content

Neutrogena vs L'Oreal (The Definitive Guide)

We're positive you've seen Neutrogena Hydro Boost and L'Oreal Revitalift on the shelves at your local beauty store before. But which is best? And which should you choose?

Come with us as we compare these best-selling, award-winning lines side-by-side to help you decide which is the best for you and your skincare routine!

This post contains affiliate links; as an Amazon Associate we earn commission from qualifying purchases.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost vs L'Oreal Revitalift Serum

Though both brands offer loads of different skincare products, let's be honest, we're all here for their best-selling hydrating products. So let's dive straight in!

A serum is a lightweight moisturizer that penetrates deeper to deliver high concentrations of active ingredients to the skin. With hydration in mind, this means that the deepest layers of the skin will be intensely hydrated, plumping up and firming the skin from within.

Two of the very best hydrating serums on the market are Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum and L'Oreal Revitalift Hyaluronic Acid Serum, but which is the better of the two?

As I'm sure you're well aware, Hyaluronic Acid has an unbelievable ability to retain moisture; in fact, it can bind up to 1000 times its weight in water! This simple-yet-powerful property is the reason why you see it listed under the 'Key Ingredients' section of nearly every skincare product these days (because it keeps skin very hydrated). Surprise, surprise, both the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Serum and the L'Oreal Revitalift Serum contain Hyaluronic Acid.

Fundamentally, both serums work in precisely the same manner. Each serum contains two different sizes of HA molecules (macro and micro). The larger molecules sit at the top of the skin's surface to boost surface hydration, while the smaller molecules penetrate deeper into the epidermis to boost hydration levels from deep within.

The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Serum takes it one step further, though, with their aptly named 'Hydration Complex'. This includes Vitamin B5 (which stablizes your skin's barrier function, increasing the amount of water your skin holds on to) and more importantly, Trehalose, *another* magnet for water that mimics the sugars found in the Natural Moisturizing Factor of our skin.

And if all that wasn't enough, Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum is also around half the price of the L'Oreal Hyaluronic Acid Serum.

So, if you hadn't guessed already, our favorite is the Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum. The only exception is if you're looking for a brightening/anti-aging serum with Hyaluronic Acid, in which case the L'Oreal Hyaluronic Acid Serum *with Vitamin C* would be best.

Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum by Neutrogena; deeply quench your skin with pure Hyaluronic Acid.

Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum by Neutrogena

Shop Check price on amazon.com

Our rating: ★★★★★

Price: $$$$

Deeply quench your skin with pure Hyaluronic Acid.

What makes it special? Formulated with Neutrogena's 17% Hydration Complex, this serum contains high & low weight hyaluronic acid to absorb and hold water to the skin. Dermatologist recommended glycerin penetrates nine layers deep within skin’s surface. Vitamin B5 and water-magnet trehalose attract moisture and lock it in.

Which skin types? For all skin types.

Find the best price on Amazon

Revitalift Hyaluronic Acid Serum by L'Oreal, the ultimate anti-wrinkle serum, charged with 1.5% pure Hyaluronic Acid to intensely hydrate and replump skin.

Revitalift Hyaluronic Acid Serum by L'Oreal

Shop Check price on amazon.com

Our rating: ★★★★★

Price: $$$$

The ultimate anti-wrinkle serum, charged with 1.5% pure Hyaluronic Acid to intensely hydrate and replump skin.

What makes it special? This is no ordinary serum; the formula contains two types of Hyaluronic Acid for high performance. Macro Hyaluronic Acid molecules are larger, sit at the top of the skin's surface to boost with hydration. Micro Hyaluronic Acid molecules are smaller and penetrate deeper into the epidermis, to boost from within Smooth, non-greasy and non-sticky, the formula absorbs quickly so it can be layered with your regular day or night care regime.

Which skin types? For all skin types.

Find the best price on Amazon

Neutrogena Hydro Boost vs L'Oreal Revitalift Face Mask

Much like a serum, a sheet mask delivers active ingredients deep below the skin's surface thanks to the fact that they create a seal on your skin (which prevents the moisture and vitamins from escaping!).

For this match-up, we’ll be comparing Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrogel Mask to L'Oreal Revitalift Overnight Face Mask.

First and foremost, while the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrogel Mask is a sheet mask to be worn for 15-30 minutes, the L'Oreal Revitalift Overnight Mask is actually a cream to be worn, well... overnight.

Without trying to turn this comparison into a sheet mask vs cream mask debate, it has to be noted that sheet masks improve absorption of active ingredients, whereas cream masks can contain more active ingredients overall. Your preference here will be a big factor when it comes to deciding between the two.

Further to this point, Neutrogena's Hydrogel Mask is geared entirely towards hydration, with the only active ingredient being skin-quenching Hyaluronic Acid, and the mask being made out of a unique hydrogel material that enhances hydration. L'Oreal's Revitalift Overnight Mask on the other hand contains multiple actives (thanks to it being a cream mask), namely: Hyaluronic Acid (hydrating), Vitamin C (brightening), Pro-Retinol (anti-aging).

Evidently, if you're purely looking for a hydration boost, you will be better served with Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Hydrogel Mask. However, if you are looking to visibly reduce wrinkles and other signs of aging, the L'Oreal Revitalift Overnight Mask is the one for you.

Hydro Boost Hydrogel Mask by Neutrogena, this moisturizing face mask instantly quenches dry skin and contours to your skin for optimal absorption.

Hydro Boost Hydrogel Mask by Neutrogena

Shop Check price on amazon.com

Our rating: ★★★★★

Price: $$$$

This moisturizing face mask instantly quenches dry skin and contours to your skin for optimal absorption.

What makes it special? This innovative hydrogel mask instantly quenches dry skin, leaving it hydrated, smooth, and supple. Made from a unique 100 percent hydrogel material, this moisturizing face mask sheet holds up to 50 percent more essence than a paper face mask. The formula contains hyaluronic acid. Once applied, the face mask contours to your skin and seals in its hydrating formula for optimal absorption to deliver clinically proven results.

Which skin types? All skin types.

Find the best price on Amazon

Revitalift Overnight Face Mask by L'Oreal, overnight mask with pure Hyaluronic Acid..

Revitalift Overnight Face Mask by L'Oreal

Shop Check price on amazon.com

Our rating: ★★★★★

Price: $$$$

Overnight mask with pure Hyaluronic Acid.

What makes it special? The 1st mask from L'Oréal Paris with hundreds of plumping beads to infuse the skin with Hyaluronic Acid. After using this mask the skin feels instantly bouncier, and it feels hydrated for 48hrs. Day after day the skin feels firmer and fine lines are smoothed out.

Which skin types? For all skin types.

Find the best price on Amazon

Neutrogena Hydro Boost vs L'Oreal Revitalift Moisturizer

Finally, the moisturizers. They beautifully round off the Hydro Boost and Revitalift lines and enhance the effects of their respective serums and sheet masks.

For this match-up, we’ll be comparing Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer to the L'Oreal Revitalift Moisturizer.

The most glaring similarity between the two is their keen focus on the moisture barrier. While there’s plenty of great moisturisers out there that quickly and effectively bind moisture to the skin, surprisingly few address the actual root cause of dryness, dullness, and dehydration: a weakened or damaged moisture barrier. Both Neutrogena’s and L'Oreal’s moisturisers contain dermatologist-recommended ingredients that actively work to strengthen your skin’s natural protective barrier so as to enhance your skin’s ability to retain hydration, consequently yielding that coveted radiant glow we all yearn to attain.

The similarities just about end there, though, since - once again - the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Moisturizer is primarily focussed on delivering hydration benefits, whereas the L'Oreal Revitalift Moisturizer delivers anti-aging benefits thanks to the inclusion of Pro-Retinol and Vitamin C.

Ideally, you should pick the moisturizer that will best complement your full skincare routine. So if you're already committed to the L'Oreal Revitalift range (i.e. if you're seeking anti-aging benefits), then the L'Oreal Revitalift Moisturizer is the one for you (and vice versa for the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturizer). However, if you're looking for a standalone moisturizer, you'll be better off choosing the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturizer, as it contains more well-rounded moisturizing benefits.

Hydro Boost Water Gel by Neutrogena, a best-selling skin replenishing water gel moisturizer.

Hydro Boost Water Gel by Neutrogena

Shop Check price on amazon.com

Our rating: ★★★★★

Price: $$$$

A best-selling skin replenishing water gel moisturizer.

What makes it special? When your skin’s moisture barrier is weakened, the water content of your skin decreases, leading to drier and more tired-looking skin. Step up your skin’s hydration with Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel, designed to intensely hydrate skin and help strengthen the resilience of your skin’s moisture barrier. The fresh water-like texture leaves skin evenly hydrated with a supple, dewy glow that lasts all day long.

Which skin types? For normal to combination skin types.

Find the best price on Amazon

Revitalift Moisturizer by L'Oreal, anti-aging face moisturizer to visibly reduce wrinkles, firm and brighten skin.

Revitalift Moisturizer by L'Oreal

Shop Check price on amazon.com

Our rating: ★★★★★

Price: $$$$

Anti-aging face moisturizer to visibly reduce wrinkles, firm and brighten skin.

What makes it special? Revitalift Triple Power Moisturizer is formulated with 3 of the top dermatologist-recommended ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C, and Pro-Retinol to visibly reduce wrinkles, firm and brighten skin in 1 week. After use, skin feels softer, smoother, and hydrated for 24 hours.

Which skin types? For all skin types.

Find the best price on Amazon

This article was originally published on May 5th 2022, but it has been reviewed and updated with the latest available information on February 5th 2024 by Sara Mckay, MA.

Related articles

L'Oreal Revitalift vs No 7 (The Definitive Guide)

L'Oreal vs Olay (The Definitive Guide)

L'Oreal Midnight Serum vs Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair (The Definitive Guide)

Neutrogena vs La Roche Posay 2023 (The Definitive Guide)

Cetaphil vs Neutrogena 2023 (The Definitive Guide)

Neutrogena vs Clean and Clear 2023 (The Definitive Guide)

Neutrogena vs Olay 2023 (The Definitive Guide)

CeraVe vs Neutrogena 2023 (The Definitive Guide)

Aveeno vs Neutrogena 2023 (The Definitive Guide)

Clinique Moisture Surge vs Neutrogena Hydro Boost (The Definitive Guide)

RoC vs Neutrogena Retinol 2023 (The Definitive Guide)

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel vs Gel Cream (The Definitive Guide)

Neutrogena vs No 7 (The Definitive Guide)

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream vs Serum (The Definitive Guide)

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair vs Triple Age Repair (The Definitive Guide)

Read more

L'Oreal vs Olay (The Definitive Guide)

Aveeno vs Neutrogena 2023 (The Definitive Guide)