Comparisons
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Cleansing Gel, Fragrance-Free VS Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Enriched Calming Toner
ProductComparison
Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more ofNeutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Cleansing Gel, Fragrance-FreeversusPaula's Choice Skin Recovery Enriched Calming Toner.
Last updated on September 24, 2023.Published on April 29, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe .They have a total of 5 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain hyaluronic acid
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin and brightening skin
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, parabens or sulfates
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research.Spot a product that need an update?Let us know.
NeutrogenaHydro Boost Hydrating Cleansing Gel, Fragrance-Free
Paula's ChoiceSkin Recovery Enriched Calming Toner
Face CleanserAmerican Brand 
TonerAmerican Brand
Face Cleanser
Face cleansers are used to remove makeup, dead skin cells, pollutants, oil, dirt, and/or clean out pores on the skin. Face cleansers may specialize in having one function (exa. just removing makeup) or may have multiple functions (exa. Removing makeup and cleaning pores).
Toner
Toners are used as a “last-step” cleanser, a pH balancer, add moisture to the skin, or may help in reducing impurities on the skin. They have a liquid consistency and are usually used after cleansers but before treatments.
Price
Ingredient Info
Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
NeutrogenaHydro Boost Hydrating Cleansing Gel, Fragrance-Free17 ingredients
Paula's ChoiceSkin Recovery Enriched Calming Toner28 ingredients
alcohol-free
Alcohol Free
Some harsh forms of alcohol can break down your skin's natural barrier with prolonged use.
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
silicon-free
Silicon Free
Silicones are a colorless substance derived from the silicon mineral used to help boost the appearance and feel of a product.
This product is free of silicons 🎉
fragrance-free
Fragrance Free
Fragrances are the ingredients in your skincare that either neutralize bad scents or are used to make a product smell good. Fragrances come in 3 forms: synthetic, natural, or essential oils.
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
sulfate-free
Sulfate Free
Sulfates are a type of salt mainly used as cleaning agents in skincare.
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
paraben-free
Paraben Free
Parabens are a type of preservative to preserve shelf-life and prevent growth of bacteria in products.
This product is free of parabens 🎉
oil-free
Oil Free
Oil is a hydrophobic (water-repelling) substance that can help regulate sebum production in skincare.
This product is free of oils 🎉
fungal-acne safe
Not Malassezia Safe
Malassezia (Pityrosporum) folliculitis is a skin condition with acne-like breakouts caused by malassezia, a type of yeast.
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
- Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
- Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
reef-safe
Reef Safe
Many factors affect if a product is reef safe, including the particle size of ingredients. We do our best to ensure our data is accurate, so please get in touch if you spot an error.
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
eu-allergen-free
EU Allergen Free
A list of the most-known allergic substances from the European Union’s Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009.
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
vegan
Non Vegan
Vegan products are formulated without animal products including honey, dairy, eggs, and more.
This product is not vegan 😥
cruelty-free
Not Cruelty Free
Cruelty-Free is a label that certifies a brand is not testing products on animals.
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
alcohol-free
Alcohol Free
Some harsh forms of alcohol can break down your skin's natural barrier with prolonged use.
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
silicon-free
Contains Silicon
Silicones are a colorless substance derived from the silicon mineral used to help boost the appearance and feel of a product.
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
- Cyclopentasiloxane
fragrance-free
Fragrance Free
Fragrances are the ingredients in your skincare that either neutralize bad scents or are used to make a product smell good. Fragrances come in 3 forms: synthetic, natural, or essential oils.
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
sulfate-free
Sulfate Free
Sulfates are a type of salt mainly used as cleaning agents in skincare.
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
paraben-free
Paraben Free
Parabens are a type of preservative to preserve shelf-life and prevent growth of bacteria in products.
This product is free of parabens 🎉
oil-free
Contains Oils
Oil is a hydrophobic (water-repelling) substance that can help regulate sebum production in skincare.
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
- Oenothera Biennis Oil
- Borago Officinalis Seed Oil
- Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
fungal-acne safe
Not Malassezia Safe
Malassezia (Pityrosporum) folliculitis is a skin condition with acne-like breakouts caused by malassezia, a type of yeast.
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
- Oenothera Biennis Oil
- Borago Officinalis Seed Oil
- Ascorbyl Palmitate
- Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
reef-safe
Reef Safe
Many factors affect if a product is reef safe, including the particle size of ingredients. We do our best to ensure our data is accurate, so please get in touch if you spot an error.
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
eu-allergen-free
EU Allergen Free
A list of the most-known allergic substances from the European Union’s Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009.
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
vegan
Non Vegan
Vegan products are formulated without animal products including honey, dairy, eggs, and more.
This product is not vegan 😥
cruelty-free
Cruelty Free
Cruelty-Free is a label that certifies a brand is not testing products on animals.
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
NeutrogenaHydro Boost Hydrating Cleansing Gel, Fragrance-Free17 ingredients
Paula's ChoiceSkin Recovery Enriched Calming Toner28 ingredients
Benefits
Hydrating
Hydrating
Dry skin is often characterized by redness, itchiness, tightness, flaking, peeling, and cracking. Dryness can be caused by a variety of factors: genetics, over-exfoliating, climate, diet, age, and skin conditions.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
- Glycerin
Brightening
Brightening
Dull skin is temporary; all it usually will need is a little perk-me-up, such as extra hydration, some exfoliation, and vitamin nourishment.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
- Glycerin
Concerns
Drying
Drying
Dry skin is often characterized by redness, itchiness, tightness, flaking, peeling, and cracking. Dryness can be caused by a variety of factors: genetics, over-exfoliating, climate, diet, age, and skin conditions.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
- Sodium Chloride
Acne Trigger
Acne Trigger
Common acne is known as Acne vulgaris. Acne forms when skin follicles are clogged by sebum, hair, skin cells, or oils. There are several types of acne: whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
- Sodium Chloride
Rosacea
Rosacea
Rosacea may be genetic or triggered by mites, bacteria, or blood vessel issues. The most common symptom is redness of the face.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
- Sodium Chloride
Notable Ingredients
Vitamin C
Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps to diminish fine lines, brighten the skin, boost hydration, and can even out skin tone.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
- Ascorbyl Palmitate
Vitamin E(2)
Vitamin E
Vitamin E contains loads of antioxidants which help protect your skin from pollution and reduce hyperpigmentation.
This product contains2 ingredientsthat may have this attribute:
- Tocopheryl Acetate
- Tocopherol
Niacinamide
Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 that is present in many skin repairing processes. It can help boost your skin’s natural barrier and increase levels of ceramides.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
- Niacinamide
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic Acid is a humectant, meaning it has the ability to hold water and rehydrate skin.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
- Sodium Hyaluronate
Benefits
Hydrating(2)
Hydrating
Dry skin is often characterized by redness, itchiness, tightness, flaking, peeling, and cracking. Dryness can be caused by a variety of factors: genetics, over-exfoliating, climate, diet, age, and skin conditions.
This product contains2 ingredientsthat may have this attribute:
- Tocopherol
- Glycerin
Good For Oily Skin
Good For Oily Skin
Oily Skin is determined by your genetics, but can also be influenced by factors such as stress levels, changing hormonal levels, and humidity.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
- Niacinamide
Redness Reducing(3)
Redness Reducing
Redness and irritation may be caused by several reasons, although there is no definitive answer. Reasons may range from physical exertion to sun exposure, allergies, or Rosacea.
This product contains3 ingredientsthat may have this attribute:
- Ascorbyl Palmitate
- Allantoin
- Niacinamide
Reduces Irritation(4)
Reduces Irritation
Skin irritation can arise from a number of reasons: very dry skin, sensitivity to certain ingredients, allergies, dermatitis, bug bites, eczema, rosacea, and illness are common factors.
This product contains4 ingredientsthat may have this attribute:
- Oenothera Biennis Oil
- Borago Officinalis Seed Oil
- Panthenol
- Allantoin
Skin Texture
Skin Texture
The most common cause of textured skin is a build up of dead skin cells. The easiest way to get rid of textured skin is to exfoliate and give your skin the proper nutrients.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
- Ascorbyl Palmitate
Reduces Large Pores
Reduces Large Pores
Pores are little openings on the skin that let out sweat and oil. They can become enlarged from excessive sebum production, acne, sun damage, and by using pore-clogging ingredients.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
- Niacinamide
Anti-Aging(2)
Anti-Aging
Decreased natural production of oils, degraded collagen, UV exposure, and lifestyle all contribute to how your skin looks over time. Although we cannot stop aging, there are ingredients that have been shown to slow the process: retinoids, antioxidants, and some peptides.
This product contains2 ingredientsthat may have this attribute:
- Tocopherol
- Ascorbyl Palmitate
Dark Spots(2)
Dark Spots
Dark spots are areas where the skin has changed color due to sun exposure.
This product contains2 ingredientsthat may have this attribute:
- Ascorbyl Palmitate
- Niacinamide
Scar Healing(3)
Scar Healing
A scar is an area of fibrous tissue that remains after the skin has been wounded and healed.
This product contains3 ingredientsthat may have this attribute:
- Tocopherol
- Ascorbyl Palmitate
- Allantoin
Acne Fighting
Acne Fighting
Common acne is known as Acne vulgaris. Acne forms when skin follicles are clogged by sebum, hair, skin cells, or oils. There are several types of acne: whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
- Niacinamide
Brightening(5)
Brightening
Dull skin is temporary; all it usually will need is a little perk-me-up, such as extra hydration, some exfoliation, and vitamin nourishment.
This product contains5 ingredientsthat may have this attribute:
- Tocopheryl Acetate
- Tocopherol
- Ascorbyl Palmitate
- Glycerin
- Niacinamide
Concerns
May Worsen Oily Skin
May Worsen Oily Skin
Oily Skin is determined by your genetics, but can also be influenced by factors such as stress levels, changing hormonal levels, and humidity.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
- Laureth-4
Irritating
Irritating
Skin irritation can arise from a number of reasons: very dry skin, sensitivity to certain ingredients, allergies, dermatitis, bug bites, eczema, rosacea, and illness are common factors.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
- Tocopherol
Eczema(2)
Eczema
Eczema is also known as Atopic Dermatitis. Common symptoms include redness of the skin, itchiness, patches of rough skin, and small bumps.
This product contains2 ingredientsthat may have this attribute:
- Benzoic Acid
- Sorbic Acid
Join our community
Build your routine, track which ingredients work for you, and much more with your free account.
Join SkinSort
Ingredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
NeutrogenaHydro Boost Hydrating Cleansing Gel, Fragrance-Free17 ingredients
Paula's ChoiceSkin Recovery Enriched Calming Toner28 ingredients
Water • Glycerin • Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine • Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate • Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate • Sodium Chloride • Sodium Hydrolyzed Potato Starch Dodecenylsuccinate • Potassium Acrylates Copolymer • Hydroxyacetophenone • Phenoxyethanol • Linoleamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate • Polyquaternium-10 • Sodium Hydroxide • Disodium EDTA • Citric Acid • Ethylhexylglycerin • Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Water • Cyclopentasiloxane • Butylene Glycol • Glycereth-26 • Dimethiconol • Oenothera Biennis Oil • Borago Officinalis Seed Oil • Sodium Hyaluronate • Tocopheryl Acetate • Tocopherol • Ascorbyl Palmitate • Panthenol • Allantoin • Glycerin • Hydrogenated Lecithin • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Niacinamide • Superoxide Dismutase • Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil • Linoleamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate•Laureth-4 • Laureth-23 • Disodium EDTA • Sodium Benzoate • Chlorphenesin • Phenoxyethanol • Benzoic Acid • Sorbic Acid
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1
Water
What it does:Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating:Loved
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterNeutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Cleansing Gel, Fragrance-Free contains this asingredient number1.
Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Enriched Calming Toner contains this asingredient number1.
2
Glycerin
What it does:Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Solvent
Community Rating:Loved
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinNeutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Cleansing Gel, Fragrance-Free contains this asingredient number2.
Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Enriched Calming Toner contains this asingredient number14.
3
Phenoxyethanol
What it does:Preservative
Community Rating:Very Disliked
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Cleansing Gel, Fragrance-Free contains this asingredient number10.
Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Enriched Calming Toner contains this asingredient number26.
4
Linoleamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate
What it does:
We don't have a description for Linoleamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Cleansing Gel, Fragrance-Free contains this asingredient number11.
Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Enriched Calming Toner contains this asingredient number20.
5
Disodium EDTA
What it does:
Community Rating:Disliked
Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTANeutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Cleansing Gel, Fragrance-Free contains this asingredient number14.
Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Enriched Calming Toner contains this asingredient number23.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
NeutrogenaHydro Boost Hydrating Cleansing Gel, Fragrance-Free17 ingredients
Paula's ChoiceSkin Recovery Enriched Calming Toner28 ingredients
24%are loved or liked
12%have mixed ratings
47%are disliked or very disliked
18%have no rating yet
39%are loved or liked
14%have mixed ratings
39%are disliked or very disliked
7%have no rating yet
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
NeutrogenaHydro Boost Hydrating Cleansing Gel, Fragrance-Free17 ingredients
Paula's ChoiceSkin Recovery Enriched Calming Toner28 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
NeutrogenaHydro Boost Hydrating Cleansing Gel, Fragrance-Free17 ingredients
Hydro Boost Hydrating Cleansing Gel, Fragrance-Free hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it nowPaula's ChoiceSkin Recovery Enriched Calming Toner28 ingredients
3.5/5
from 4 ratings
Hydrating (2)Irritating (2)Doesn't Work (1)Absorbs Well (1)Works Well (1)No Scent (1)
MymyLe
1 month ago · Dry Skin
Review
A lovely moisturizing milky toner. I've put it in a spray bottle and like to apply two layers
1 person liked thisMichelleR
6 months ago · Dry Skin
Review
Holy Grail.
I started using this toner when I was on Isotretinoin. I got off Isotretinoin one year ago and have refused to let it go. This toner is...
Holy Grail.
I started using this toner when I was on Isotretinoin. I got off Isotretinoin one year ago and have refused to let it go. This toner is what water drench and hydro boost are trying to be. After using this my skin feels like a desert that finally got rain. I don't even use cotton pads anymore. I pour it in my hands and directly apply.
Pro Tip: Use two applications during the winter! = )
Of note, I have a lot of allergies. Check my profile for the rundown!
Alternatives
Our Dupe Finder hasfound 50potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Cleansing Gel, Fragrance-Free.
See 50 alternatives
Our Dupe Finder hasfound 44potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Enriched Calming Toner.
See 44 alternatives
Try our other tools
Track your products and build your routine with SkinSort.
Get started - it's free!
