Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Gel Cleanser (Fragrance-Free) vs CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

Eight weeks of a low-molecular-weight "nano" hyaluronic acid lotion, serum and cream reduced measured periorbital wrinkle depth by up to 40% and raised corneometer hydration by up to 96%.

Human trial · 2014 · 33 people · Women with a mean age of 45.2 years · A three-step regimen (lotion, serum, cream) built on a low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid, used for eight weeks on women with a mean age of 45.2. · The percentages are within-group changes. 33 participants in one centre, and the material is described as "nano" hyaluronic acid.

PMID 24688623

Hyaluronic acid and its salt bind water at the skin surface, giving a plumper look immediately after application.

Brand claim · Leave-on hydrating products. · The effect is largely surface and temporary. In dry air a humectant. · Finding · Sodium hyaluronate · Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid

In 88 women with sensitive skin, a face cream containing Centella asiatica leaf extract, ceramide NP and panthenol lowered the SS-10 symptom score by 66% at week 2 and 76% at week 4, with irritation, tautness, itching and redness all significantly reduced.

Human trial · 2025 · 88 people · women with sensitive skin · Chinese women with sensitive skin applying the cream to the whole face, followed up at day 2, weeks 1, 2 and 4. · Observational and self-controlled.

PMID 40682399

In a randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled split-body trial of 50 people with sensitive skin, an emollient containing Ceramide NP C15 significantly reduced transepidermal water loss in participants with an impaired skin barrier over 6 weeks.

Human trial · 2026 · 50 people · people with sensitive skin · People with sensitive skin applying the emollient in a split-body design for 6 weeks; the barrier improvement was clearest in those whose barrier was already impaired. · Exploratory; both the ceramide formulation and the vehicle improved subjective symptoms, and the significant TEWL reduction was seen specifically in the impaired-barrier subgroup.

PMID 41758783

In adults with mild-to-moderate xerosis (senile xerosis), a cream containing ceramides 1, 3, 6-II improved stratum corneum hydration, transepidermal water loss and skin pH more than a hydrophilic cream, measured at 24 hours and after 28 days of twice-daily use.

Human trial · 2019 · 24 people · adults (91.7% female, mean age ~55) with mild-to-moderate senile xerosis · Leave-on moisturizers for dry skin. The study enrolled adults with mild-to-moderate xerosis. · Small single-site study (24 participants), split-site comparison on the shins, 28 days. It shows the tested formula outperformed a basic hydrophilic cream on measured skin parameters.

PMID 31585489

In 40 people with mild-to-moderate acne all using topical benzoyl peroxide plus adapalene, a moisturiser with ceramides and niacinamide significantly improved non-inflammatory, inflammatory and total acne lesions on that side of the face versus a hydrophilic cream after 8 weeks, and decreased cutaneous irritation.

Human trial · 2024 · 40 people · patients with mild-to-moderate acne, all on topical anti-acne treatment · People on topical anti-acne medication who add a moisturiser alongside treatment, in a split-face, double-blind, randomized design for 8 weeks. · All participants used prescription/OTC anti-acne drugs (5% benzoyl peroxide + 0.1% adapalene). TEWL, hydration, sebum, pH and other biophysical measures stayed close between the two creams. This is adjunctive care.

PMID 38299457