Skip to content

Hydro Boost+ Glycolic Acid Overnight Peel Fragrance Free

Hydro Boost+ Glycolic Acid Overnight Peel Fragrance Free

Product Description

Product overview

Made in USA DRUGSTORE

A potent yet hydrating overnight chemical peel featuring 10% glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid that works while you sleep to exfoliate dull, uneven skin and reveal a smoother, brighter complexion by morning. Fragrance-free, paraben-free, and gentle enough for daily use once skin adjusts.

10% Glycolic Acid Hyaluronic Acid Fragrance-Free Paraben-Free Alcohol-Free Dye-Free Phthalate-Free Cruelty-Free Dermatologist Recommended
Pregnancy
Caution
Fungal Acne
Yes
Comedogenic
0/5
Volume
3.2 fl oz (94ml)
Key Active
10% Glycolic Acid
Targets
Dull Skin, Texture
Use Time
PM Only
pH Level
~3.5-4.0
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Professional-Strength AHA

10% glycolic acid concentration used by dermatologists and aestheticians for effective chemical exfoliation.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Watery Liquid
Scent
Fragrance-Free
Absorption
30-60 seconds
Finish
Slightly Tacky

Professional-Strength AHA

10% glycolic acid concentration used by dermatologists and aestheticians for effective chemical exfoliation.

Hydrating Formula

Contains hyaluronic acid and glycerin to counteract potential dryness from exfoliation.

Overnight Action

Leave-on formula works while you sleep to complement skin's natural renewal process.

Minimal Formula

Only 10 ingredients – no unnecessary additives, fragrance, or potential irritants.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Glycolic acid at 10% is at the upper limit of what's considered safe during pregnancy. Most sources recommend 7% or lower. Consult your doctor before use. Low systemic absorption makes topical use generally considered safe for breastfeeding.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Safe

Contains no oils, fatty acids, esters, or fermented ingredients that feed malassezia yeast. Glycolic acid may actually help manage fungal acne by exfoliating and unclogging pores.

Non-Comedogenic

Lightweight water-based formula with no pore-clogging ingredients. Comedogenic rating of 0/5 makes it suitable for acne-prone skin.

Sun Sensitivity Warning

AHAs increase photosensitivity. Always use SPF 30+ during the day when using this product. Apply only at night.

Sensitive Skin Advisory

May cause mild tingling or slight peeling initially. Start every other night and gradually increase to daily use as tolerated. Discontinue if irritation persists.

Allergy-Friendly Formula

Free from common allergens, fragrances, parabens, dyes, and phthalates. Suitable for sensitive skin types when introduced gradually.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Glycolic Acid 10%Proven

The gold standard of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), derived from sugar cane. Has the smallest molecular size among AHAs, allowing deeper penetration for superior exfoliation.

  • Mechanism: Dissolves bonds between dead skin cells, accelerating cell turnover
  • Benefits: Reduces fine lines, fades hyperpigmentation, smooths texture, brightens complexion
  • Research: Concentrations of 5-20% proven effective in clinical studies
Increases sun sensitivity. Always apply sunscreen SPF 30+ during daytime use. Start slowly if new to acids.

Sodium Hyaluronate HydratorProven

The salt form of hyaluronic acid with smaller molecular weight for better skin penetration. Can hold up to 1000x its weight in water.

  • Function: Humectant that draws moisture into the skin
  • Benefits: Counteracts potential dryness from glycolic acid, plumps fine lines
  • Synergy: Glycolic acid actually helps skin produce more natural hyaluronic acid
Naturally found in skin. Safe for all skin types including sensitive and acne-prone.

Glycerin MoisturizerProven

Classic humectant that attracts water from the environment and deeper skin layers to the surface, keeping skin hydrated and supple.

  • Function: Humectant and skin conditioning agent
  • Benefits: Prevents transepidermal water loss, maintains skin barrier
  • Safety: One of the most well-studied and safest skincare ingredients

Arginine pH BufferSupporting

An amino acid that helps neutralize glycolic acid to achieve the optimal pH for efficacy while minimizing irritation.

  • Function: pH adjuster and skin conditioning agent
  • Benefits: Helps maintain product stability and effectiveness
  • Bonus: May support wound healing and collagen synthesis

10 ingredients

Water, Glycolic Acid, Propanediol, Arginine, Glycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Polyquaternium-10, Disodium EDTA

FREE FROM: Fragrance, Parabens, Phthalates, Alcohol, Dyes, Sulfates, Silicones, Oils, Essential Oils, Formaldehyde, Mineral Oil, Petrolatum
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Cleanser
2
This Peel
3
Serum
4
Moisturizer
5
Face Oil

Use at night only. Apply immediately after cleansing on dry skin. Wait 1-2 minutes before layering other products. Do NOT use with retinol on the same night when first starting.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Cleanse

Wash face with a gentle cleanser and pat dry completely. Product works best on clean, dry skin.

2

Apply with Cotton Pad

Saturate a cotton pad and sweep across face, avoiding the eye area. Do not rinse off.

3

Let Absorb

Allow 1-2 minutes for full absorption. Some tingling is normal, especially when first starting.

4

Follow with Moisturizer

Apply your regular night moisturizer. Consider using the Hydro Boost Gel-Cream for extra hydration.

5

Sunscreen Next Morning

Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen in the morning. AHAs increase sun sensitivity for up to a week.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You have dull, lackluster skin that needs brightening
  • You struggle with uneven skin texture or rough patches
  • You want to fade hyperpigmentation or dark spots
  • You're looking for an affordable at-home chemical peel
  • You prefer fragrance-free, minimal-ingredient products
  • You have oily or combination skin
  • You want to refine enlarged pores
  • You're experienced with acids and want a stronger formula

Consider alternatives if:

  • You have very sensitive or reactive skin
  • You're new to chemical exfoliants (start with lower %)
  • You have active eczema, rosacea flares, or broken skin
  • You're pregnant and prefer extra caution (consult doctor)
  • You use prescription retinoids daily
  • You're unable to commit to daily sunscreen use
  • You have extremely dry or compromised skin barrier
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Oily Skin
Excellent

Lightweight watery formula absorbs quickly without adding shine. Helps control excess oil and minimizes pore appearance.

Dry Skin
Moderate

May increase dryness initially. Pair with a rich moisturizer and start slowly. Hyaluronic acid helps but may not be enough for very dry skin.

Combination Skin
Excellent

Ideal for combination skin – balances oily T-zone while smoothing texture. Lightweight formula won't overwhelm dry areas.

Sensitive Skin
Moderate

10% concentration may be too strong. Start with every 3rd night and build tolerance slowly. Patch test first. Consider lower-strength alternatives.

Acne-Prone
Excellent

Non-comedogenic, fungal acne safe formula. AHAs help unclog pores and prevent breakouts. May cause initial purging as skin adjusts.

Mature Skin
Good

Excellent for addressing fine lines, dullness, and uneven tone. Promotes collagen production. Pair with hydrating products for best results.

08

Results timeline

3+ MONTHS
Week 1-2

Initial Adjustment

Skin may feel slightly tight or experience mild tingling. Some users notice an initial purging phase as congestion rises to the surface. Subtle improvement in skin smoothness begins.

70% noticed softer skin texture
Week 3-4

Visible Brightness

Noticeable improvement in skin radiance and clarity. Rough patches begin to smooth out. Dark spots start to fade. Skin looks more refreshed upon waking.

85% reported brighter complexion
Week 6-8

Significant Improvement

Major reduction in dullness and uneven texture. Hyperpigmentation noticeably lighter. Pores appear refined. Skin feels consistently smooth and even.

90% saw improved skin texture
3+ Months

Long-term Benefits

Continued use maintains results and prevents new texture issues. Fine lines appear softer due to increased cell turnover. Overall healthier, more youthful-looking complexion.

95% would repurchase
09

Ratings by platform

3K+ REVIEWS
Amazon
4.4
Rating
2,800+
Reviews
Main complaint: Too strong for sensitive skin; some experienced irritation
iHerb
4.5
Rating
150+
Reviews
Main complaint: Bottle size could be larger for the price point
Home Tester Club
4.7
Rating
500+
Reviews
Main complaint: Not as dramatic as professional peels
CVS Pharmacy
4.3
Rating
200+
Reviews
Main complaint: Mild tingling may concern first-time acid users
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Effective 10% glycolic acid concentration
  • Noticeably smoother, brighter skin
  • Clean, minimal 10-ingredient formula
  • Completely fragrance-free
  • Contains hydrating hyaluronic acid
  • Affordable drugstore price point
  • From dermatologist-recommended brand
  • Cruelty-free and paraben-free
  • Lightweight, non-greasy texture
  • Fungal acne and non-comedogenic safe

Criticized

  • May be too strong for sensitive skin
  • Can cause initial purging period
  • Requires diligent sunscreen use
  • Slightly tacky feeling after application
  • Cotton pad application wastes product
  • Not suitable for use with retinol initially
  • Results take several weeks to appear
  • May cause dryness without proper moisturizing
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
85% Match
Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
$8.90
Budget Pick

Lower concentration (7% vs 10%) but similar water-based formula. Contains amino acids and aloe for soothing. Larger 240ml size offers better value. May be gentler for beginners.

75% Match
Glow Tonic
$15.00
Similar Price

Gentler 5% glycolic acid with ginseng and aloe. Contains fragrance (unlike Neutrogena). Better for sensitive skin but less potent results. Cult-favorite status.

70% Match
AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid
$22.00
K-Beauty

Uses apple water and 7% glycolic acid. Contains niacinamide for added brightening. Fungal acne safe. More hydrating formula popular in K-beauty routines.

65% Match
Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant
$33.00

Higher price but excellent gel texture. Contains green tea and chamomile antioxidants. 8% glycolic acid with optimal pH. Better for those who prefer gel over liquid format.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Glycolic Acid 7%
Glycolic Acid % 7%
Size 8 fl oz (240ml)
Fragrance None
Fungal Acne Safe No (Polysorbate)
Price per oz $1.11/oz
Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant
Glycolic Acid % 8%
Size 3.3 fl oz (100ml)
Fragrance None
Fungal Acne Safe Yes
Price per oz $10.00/oz
Glow Tonic
Glycolic Acid % 5%
Size 8.5 fl oz (250ml)
Fragrance Yes
Fungal Acne Safe No
Price per oz $3.41/oz
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening. Check bottle for PAO symbol.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. No refrigeration needed but avoid heat and humidity.

Packaging

Opaque plastic bottle with flip-top cap. Protects formula from light degradation.

Travel Friendly

Yes, under 100ml TSA limit (94ml). Secure cap prevents leaks.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Use with caution during pregnancy. At 10% concentration, this product is at the upper limit of what's generally considered safe for topical use during pregnancy (most sources recommend 7% or lower). Glycolic acid has minimal systemic absorption, but it's best to consult your OB-GYN before use. For breastfeeding, it's generally considered safe as minimal amounts would transfer to breast milk, but avoid applying near the breast area.

Yes! This product is fungal acne safe. It contains no oils, fatty acids, esters, polysorbates, or fermented ingredients that feed malassezia yeast. The simple, water-based formula with glycolic acid may actually help manage fungal acne by exfoliating dead skin cells and unclogging pores where the fungus thrives.

When first starting, avoid using on the same night as retinol to prevent over-exfoliation and irritation. Once your skin adjusts (4-6 weeks), you can alternate nights. Vitamin C can be used in the morning when this product is used at night. Don't layer multiple AHAs/BHAs together. If using other exfoliants, reduce frequency of this peel. Listen to your skin – if you experience irritation, cut back.

This peel is best suited for oily, combination, and normal skin types that want to address dullness, uneven texture, enlarged pores, and hyperpigmentation. It's excellent for acne-prone skin due to its non-comedogenic formula. Those with dry or sensitive skin should start slowly and pair with a rich moisturizer. Very sensitive skin types may want to consider a gentler alternative with lower glycolic acid concentration.

Most users notice softer, smoother skin within 1-2 weeks. Visible brightness and improved texture typically appear by weeks 3-4. Significant improvement in hyperpigmentation and overall skin quality is usually seen after 6-8 weeks of consistent use. Results compound with continued use – many see their best results after 3+ months. Be patient and consistent!

Apply at night only, immediately after cleansing on dry skin. Use a cotton pad to sweep across the face, avoiding the eye area. Don't rinse – let it absorb for 1-2 minutes, then continue with the rest of your routine (serum, moisturizer, facial oil). Always follow with SPF 30+ the next morning as AHAs increase sun sensitivity.

No, this product has a comedogenic rating of 0/5 and will not clog pores. In fact, glycolic acid actively helps unclog pores by dissolving the "glue" that holds dead skin cells together. The water-based formula contains no oils or heavy occlusives. It's specifically beneficial for those prone to blackheads and congestion.

The product has a 12-month Period After Opening (PAO). Once opened, use within one year for optimal effectiveness. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain stability. The 3.2 oz bottle typically lasts 2-3 months with nightly use, so you should easily use it within the shelf life.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.4 / 5 ★★★★☆

Verdict: The Neutrogena Hydro Boost+ Glycolic Acid Overnight Peel delivers professional-grade exfoliation at a drugstore price. With 10% glycolic acid paired with hydrating hyaluronic acid in a clean, 10-ingredient formula, it effectively tackles dullness, uneven texture, and hyperpigmentation. The fragrance-free, fungal acne-safe formula makes it suitable for most skin types, though sensitive skin should proceed with caution. While it may be too strong for beginners (consider The Ordinary 7% first), experienced acid users will appreciate its potency and minimal ingredient list. An excellent value for anyone seeking brighter, smoother skin without the premium price tag.

Browse related

Product Overview

question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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.

Awesome, I Understand!

Quick Product Notes

Click on icons for more information
question
lightbulb 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 «promises» 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.

muscle 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

Awesome, I Understand!

Notable Effects & Ingredients

anti-aging Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Glycolic Acid
brightening Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Glycolic Acid Glycerin
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 4 ingredient(s):
Glycolic Acid Arginine Glycerin Sodium Hyaluronate
ache Ache-fighting from 1 ingredient(s):
Glycolic Acid
question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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!

Awesome, I Understand!

Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
2
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
1
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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.

Awesome, I Understand!

Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
80% 20%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 10 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
4 B
Glycolic Acid
Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent, Exfoliant, Exfoliating, Buffering
brightening Brightening
ache Ache-fighting
anti-aging Anti-Aging
Promotes Wound Healing
Dark Spots
Texture
Pores
1 Unknown
Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent
1 A
Arginine
Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning
Promotes Wound Healing
2 A
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
brightening Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS