Beauty
In Our Hydration Era: The Skin Routine That Delivers
24 June '25
6 min read
Meet the hydration duo your routine’s been waiting for: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel and Niacinamide Serum. Lightweight, effective, and dermatologically-tested – here’s why they’re worth the shelf space (and the hype).
Since you’re already reading this, we can assume you’re an avid consumer of beauty content (like us). Your TikTok algorithm’s probably serving up the latest in makeup and skincare, and your shelf’s stacked with products inspired by every new trend.
Glass skin, slugging, double cleansing, skin cycling – each comes with its own set of hyped new products to achieve that FYP-worthy result. Between this and just navigating well… life, it can be overwhelming can’t it? Turns out singer, song writer, dancer and Global Hydro Boost Brand Ambassador, Tate McRae, agrees.
The secret’s out: Tate’s go-to for juicy, hydrated skin?
Hydro Boost. Whether she’s on stage or in- studio, it’s her ride-or-die. So what makes it that good – and how do you work it into your routine?
Whether you’re new to #beautytok or already deep in your skincare era and chasing that clean girl aesthetic, these fast-working, no-fuss formulas are worth the hype. Let’s break it down.
Hydro Boost Water Gel: your daily hydration hit
There’s been a lot of buzz on socials about the Hydro Boost Water Gel – and it’s well deserved. This cult-favourite formula has been reformulated to deliver five times the hydration[1], and is packed with skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid (HA) – often called the MVP of hydration for its ability to hold up to 1000 times its weight in water[2].
The result? Skin that feels plump, smooth and seriously quenched. As well as HA, the Water Gel also contains amino acids that help support and strengthen the skin's moisture barrier.
Next, there are electrolytes. We know that you usually consume them in your sports drinks – but when it comes to skincare, they’re known to boost ingredient absorption – meaning quenched skin and a dewy looking complexion.
Refill your glow
There’s something so satisfying about finishing a product you love and there’s now an easy way to keep the glow going – with less waste. The Hydro Boost Water Gel is now available in a Refill Pod that uses 89% less plastic[3] than the regular jar. It’s a simple switch if you’re looking to lower your empties and keep that shelfie feeling fresh.
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Hydro Boost Niacinamide Serum: brighten, smooth, glow
In case you missed it, niacinamide is one of the most trending ingredients in skincare right now. It pairs perfectly with hyaluronic acid, acting as the ultimate supporting cast member for skin that looks visibly smooth, even and hydrated.
Hydro Boost Niacinamide Serum visibly refines the look of pores, evens out texture and improves the appearance of dry spots. After just two weeks, 86% of users said their skin felt more hydrated[4], and 81% saw an improvement in skin texture[5]. A product that brightens and hydrates? Bye bye dull skin – you can glow now.
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Glow get it: here’s the routine
After experimenting with a fair share of skincare products and routines, we have come to realise that less truly is more. Not sure where to start? We’ve got you. Enter the Neutrogena Hydro Boost range.
Step 1. Start fresh
Whether it’s the first thing you do when you wake up or the newest addition to your “everything shower”, washing your face is how every good skincare routine starts. The Hydro Boost Cleanser Water Gel transforms into a silky lather that effectively lifts away dirt, oil and makeup without disrupting the skin barrier. All it takes is one pump to leave skin feeling fresh, clean and hydrated.
Step 2. Mask moment
When it comes to self-care, nothing says ultimate relaxation like a sheet mask. Use the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Mask after cleansing and before serum – it’s your secret weapon for a quick glow-up before a big event, or the finishing touch on a wind-down night with Netflix and snacks.
After you remove it, the concentrated formula keeps working beneath the surface – because your skin deserves a main character moment, too.
Step 3. The glow-getter
Layer on the Hydro Boost Niacinamide Serum – the glow-getter that deserves top-shelf status. With 10% niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, it smooths, visibly brightens and supports your skin’s moisture barrier like the overachiever it is. Want to really maximise the glow? Use it before your Water Gel for 2.9 times the plumping power[6]. Together, they’re a true power couple – delivering hydration and bounce without the 10-step routine.
Step 4. Lock it in
Hydration hero incoming – next step is the Hydro Boost Water Gel. Cool, lightweight and instantly feeling hydrated, this oil-free gel brings serious bounce to your skin and creates a seamless canvas for makeup or support for post-shave dryness.
Step 5. SPF = self-care
If you’re heading outside (or even sitting near a window), don’t skip this step. The Hydro Boost Face Lotion Sunscreen SPF 50 is a broad-spectrum, high protection sunscreen that hydrates while helping to prevent sunspots, premature ageing and some skin cancers. Basically, your future self will thank you.
Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Prolonged sun exposure should be avoided. Frequent use and re-application in accordance with directions is required for effective sun protection.
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Your shortcut to juicy skin
Whether you’re on stage like Tate, deep in your skincare era, or new to it all entirely – Hydro Boost is your shortcut to juicy skin. These no-fuss, efficient formulas are powered by proven ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to deliver hydration that goes deep (within the skin’s surface) – and a glow that lasts. Shop now in-store or online at Chemist Warehouse today.
References
Instrumental test. 5x hydration vs untreated control.
Neutrogena. Unpacking Hyaluronic Acid for Skin.
Neutrogena internal data. Compared to the regular Hydro Boost Water Gel jar.
Consumer study. Twice daily use of Hydro Boost Niacinamide Serum for 2 weeks.
Consumer study. Twice daily use of Hydro Boost Niacinamide Serum for 2 weeks.
In vitro study. Comparing skin plumping effect of Hydro Boost Niacinamide Serum + Water Gel.
