Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer
Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer
Product Description
Boots Ingredients Hyaluronic Acid Moisturiser is a lightweight, fast-absorbing daily moisturiser powered by plant-derived hyaluronic acid (sodium hyaluronate). One of the most affordable face moisturisers on the British high street, it delivers a burst of weightless hydration with a slightly dewy, non-greasy finish โ ideal for oily and combination skin on a budget.
โจ Texture & Feel
Intense Hydration
Plant-derived hyaluronic acid acts as a moisture magnet, drawing water into the upper layers of skin for a plumper look.
Weightless Feel
Sinks in almost instantly with no sticky or greasy residue โ sits beautifully under makeup or SPF.
Ultra-Affordable
At around ยฃ5, it's frequently cited as one of the cheapest facial moisturisers on the UK high street.
Vegan & Cruelty-Free
No animal-derived ingredients and not tested on animals, with a simple fragrance-free formula.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
Contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreen filters โ generally considered suitable. Always confirm with your doctor.
Not malassezia-safe. Contains esters and polysorbate 80, which can feed malassezia yeast in those prone to fungal acne.
Ethylhexyl palmitate (3.6โ5.4%) has a high comedogenic rating, so very breakout-prone skin should patch test.
Plays well with vitamin C, niacinamide, retinol, AHAs and BHAs. A neutral, soothing buffer with no conflicting actives.
Uses methylparaben as a preservative. Considered safe at regulated levels, but flagged for those who prefer paraben-free formulas.
Fragrance-free with a low overall irritation profile, though it's not a fully minimalist formula.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐ง Sodium Hyaluronate <1% Proven
The salt form of hyaluronic acid and the product's hero ingredient. It's a powerful humectant that binds water in the upper layers of skin for an instantly plumper, smoother surface.
- Source: Hyaluronic acid can hold up to ~1,000 times its weight in water.
- Function: Smaller molecular size than pure HA, which formulators favour for stability and feel.
๐ฟ Glycerin ~5% Proven
Listed second, meaning it's present in a meaningful amount. Glycerin is one of the most studied and reliable humectants, drawing moisture into the skin and supporting the barrier.
- Source: A gold-standard humectant used across dermatology for decades.
- Function: Works alongside sodium hyaluronate to layer multiple moisture magnets.
๐ซ Squalane 1โ3% Proven
A lightweight, skin-identical emollient that mimics the skin's own oils. It softens and helps reduce water loss without a heavy or occlusive feel.
- Source: Naturally found in skin's sebum; the plant-derived version is stable and non-irritating.
- Function: Acts as an emollient and light occlusive to seal in hydration.
๐ก๏ธ Dimethicone 2.8โ4.2% Proven
A cosmetic silicone that gives the moisturiser its silky slip and helps lock moisture in. It forms a breathable film that smooths the skin's surface.
- Source: Widely used occlusive valued for its smooth, non-greasy finish.
- Function: Reduces transepidermal water loss and improves makeup grip.
21 ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Squalane, C14-22 Alcohols, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Carbomer, PEG-100 Stearate, Methylparaben, Glyceryl Stearate, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Isohexadecane, Disodium EDTA, Polysorbate 80, Sorbitan Oleate.
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
Apply after serums to seal in hydration. In the morning, always finish with SPF; at night, a richer cream or oil can be layered on top if your skin is dry.
๐ How to Use
Cleanse first
Start with clean, slightly damp skin to give the hyaluronic acid water to bind to.
Dispense a small amount
A pea-to-almond sized amount is plenty for face and neck โ a little goes a long way.
Massage in
Gently massage into face and neck until fully absorbed, morning and night.
Finish with SPF (AM)
In the daytime, follow with a broad-spectrum sunscreen as your final step.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You have oily or combination skin
- You want lightweight daily hydration on a tight budget
- You prefer fragrance-free, fast-absorbing textures
- You want a neutral base layer under makeup or SPF
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding and want a simple moisturiser
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry skin needing rich, lasting moisture
- You're prone to fungal acne (malassezia)
- You want a paraben-free formula
- You break out easily from comedogenic esters
- You want barrier-repair ceramides in your moisturiser
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
Lightweight and fast-absorbing โ hydrates without adding shine or greasiness.
Balances hydration across an oilier T-zone and drier cheeks comfortably.
A reliable everyday hydrator that keeps skin soft without feeling heavy.
Hydrating but may not be rich enough alone โ layer a serum or richer cream over very dry areas.
Fragrance-free with low irritation risk, but patch test as it contains parabens and esters.
๐ Results Timeline
Instant comfort
Skin feels softer and more comfortable as the moisturiser absorbs, with a light dewy finish.
90% noticedSmoother surface
Daily use leaves skin feeling consistently hydrated; fine dehydration lines look softened.
70% noticedReliable base layer
Skin stays balanced through the day; many find one tube lasts roughly a month with twice-daily use.
60% noticedEveryday staple
Continued use maintains a soft, hydrated complexion โ a dependable budget workhorse rather than a transformative active.
55% noticedโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Exceptional value โ one of the cheapest face moisturisers around
- Lightweight, sinks in fast with no greasy residue
- Completely fragrance-free
- Great under makeup and for oily/combination skin
- Vegan and cruelty-free
โ Criticized
- Not rich enough on its own for very dry skin
- Contains methylparaben
- Not fungal-acne safe
- Includes a higher-comedogenic ester
- Small 30ml tube runs out fast
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Similar lightweight hydration with NMFs and HA, but paraben-free and fragrance-free. A touch heavier in feel and aimed more at normal-to-dry skin.
Adds three ceramides plus HA for barrier repair, non-comedogenic and paraben-free. Bigger bottle and better for dry/sensitive skin, but slightly richer.
HA-focused lightweight gel-cream with added squalane. A near-identical brief at a slightly higher price, with a more spa-like finish.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
Boots Hyaluronic Acid Moisturiser (This Product)
~ยฃ5 / $9.99CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
~$13.99The Ordinary NMF + HA
~$8.90Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
~$19.99๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
Squeeze tube (30ml), black and white design
Yes โ 30ml is well under the 100ml carry-on limit
โ Frequently Asked Questions
Generally yes. The formula contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreen filters โ the ingredients most often avoided during pregnancy. Its core actives are hyaluronic acid, glycerin and squalane, all considered low-risk. As always, check with your doctor or midwife about your full routine.
No. It contains ethylhexyl palmitate and other esters, plus polysorbate 80 and stearate emulsifiers, which can feed malassezia yeast. If you're prone to fungal acne, you may prefer a stripped-back, ester-free formula.
Yes. This is a neutral hydrating moisturiser with no conflicting actives, so it layers comfortably with vitamin C in the morning and retinol or exfoliating acids at night. It can even act as a soothing buffer to reduce irritation from stronger actives.
It shines on oily and combination skin thanks to its lightweight, fast-absorbing texture. Normal skin does well too. Very dry skin may find it insufficient on its own and may want to layer a richer cream or facial oil on top.
Hydration is immediate โ skin feels softer and looks dewier right after applying. With consistent twice-daily use over 1โ4 weeks, most users notice a smoother, more comfortable, consistently hydrated complexion. It's a maintenance moisturiser rather than a transformative treatment.
Apply it after cleansing, toning and any serums, as one of your final steps. In the morning, follow with sunscreen. At night, you can layer a heavier cream or oil on top if your skin needs extra richness.
It carries a moderate comedogenic rating (around 3/5), mainly due to ethylhexyl palmitate, which has a high comedogenic score. Many people use it with no issues, but if you're very breakout-prone, patch test first or consider a lighter, oil-free gel.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and replace it once you reach the 12-month mark for best results.
Verdict: Boots Ingredients Hyaluronic Acid Moisturiser is an outstanding budget buy that punches well above its sub-ยฃ5 price. Its lightweight, fragrance-free, fast-absorbing formula makes it a genuine staple for oily and combination skin and a great everyday base under makeup or SPF. It won't satisfy very dry skin on its own, isn't fungal-acne safe, and contains parabens and a comedogenic ester โ but as affordable, no-fuss daily hydration, it's hard to beat.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skinโs own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging ยซpromisesยป it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 2 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Skin Conditioning, Perfuming, Emollient, Fragrance
|
|
|
| 3 |
Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Antifoaming Agent, Skin Protecting
|
|
|
| 1 |
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
|
Hydrating
|