In the ever-evolving world of skincare, finding a moisturizer that offers both effective hydration and a lightweight feel can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Enter Honest Beauty’s Hydrogel Cream, a product that promises to revolutionize your skincare routine with its unique blend of ingredients like hyaluronic acid, jojoba, and squalane. In this review article, we’ll dive deep into the features, benefits, and potential downsides of this vegan and cruelty-free gel cream, backed by user experiences that range from glowing praise to cautious criticism. Whether you’re battling dry skin, fine lines, or simply seeking a refreshing boost, we’ll explore if this product truly lives up to its reputation as a hydration hero.
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Pros:
- Lightweight formula that provides deep hydration without feeling greasy or heavy on the skin
- Contains beneficial ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Squalane, and Jojoba that suit various skin types, including dry, oily, and sensitive skin
- EWG Verified and free from harmful chemicals, making it a safe choice for consumers looking for clean beauty products.
Cons:
- Some users find the cream leaves a greasy feeling on the skin, especially for combination skin types.
- The product’s texture may initially feel resistant when applying, which could be off-putting to some users.
- While the moisture-release feature is praised, it might feel too heavy for those who prefer ultra-lightweight formulations.
How does it work?
Honest Beauty’s Hydrogel Cream functions as a lightweight moisturizer that utilizes a unique blend of ingredients to provide effective hydration and nourishment to the skin. This innovative cream includes two types of Hyaluronic Acid which play a crucial role in moisture retention; the larger molecules sit on the skin’s surface to provide immediate hydration, while the smaller molecules penetrate deeper into the epidermis for lasting effects. Additionally, the cream is infused with Jojoba and Squalane, which are known for their emollient properties, helping to soothe and soften the skin without clogging pores. Upon application, the Hydrogel Cream refreshes and cools, transforming from a thicker texture into a more water-like consistency, making it easy to spread and absorb. This fast-absorbing formula is oil-free and leaves a dewy finish, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive or acne-prone skin. By incorporating this moisturizer into a daily skincare routine, users can enjoy a boost of hydration and help reduce the appearance of fine lines, all while adhering to clean beauty standards.
Shop the Lightweight Moisturizer

Who is it for?
The Honest Beauty Hydrogel Cream is designed for consumers seeking a lightweight, hydrating skincare solution that works on all skin types, particularly those with dry, oily, acne-prone, or sensitive skin. It is ideal for individuals who prefer clean, vegan, and cruelty-free beauty products, as it avoids harmful ingredients and is dermatologist-tested. The product appeals to those who want an effective moisturizer that leaves a dewy finish without feeling heavy or greasy. The witty and professional writing style targets skincare enthusiasts who appreciate informative yet engaging content about beauty products.
Top positive review
People are guessing the amount of product in their jars simply by eye-balling it which is never accurate. Attached is a pic of an empty pod and a video of a pod refill. I have yet to see a verified 0.90 fl. oz review. No, I don’t work for Honest Co. I have not had any problems with ingredient separation, missing product, or receiving previously used and returned products. Always verify the seller as there are a lot of shady ones out there.Pricing for the full jar is fair. Pricing for the pod refill is even better. It is well worth it when I compare Honest Hydrogel to luxury brands that fail the basic field test and try to make you pay for 20+ excessive/unnecessary ingredients. Hydrogel is blowing them out of the water.There is some resistance when spreading the cream at first, but the cream ‘bursts and melts’ and becomes much more water-like. My skin feels dewy (some may describe it as oily or gross) and has the gloss of the moisturizer on it which I like. I don’t try to powder it because that’s the moisturizer at work. The bigger hyaluronic molecule sits on top of the skin while the smaller-sized molecule sinks into the epidermis. I recommend this for dry, oily, acne-prone and sensitive skin, of which I have all four conditions. The ingredients of this hydrogel don’t aggravate my skin. Sometimes, I reapply another layer later in the day but usually do not. When reapplying, the melting sensation doesn’t happen because there is already moisturizer on my skin. Hydrogel is my primary moisturizer both day and night and stays put (no pilling) under my sunscreen, whether tinted or not, and with bronzer drops mixed in. I don’t know how it is under foundation since I don’t wear foundation.This is unscented and not occlusive so this doesn’t clog my pores. I think people need to go over their skincare routines, products and procedures before blaming other products. If you put a high-quality product, such as Honest hyrdogel cream, on top of 1) unprepped or unclean skin along with 2) an already bad product on it, you will always get bad results from the first two issues no matter what you put over them. Then again, this product could really be garbage on any individual. My personal experience with Honest Hydrogel is clear, dewy, moisturized skin that is soothed and calm. It’s not the cure for everything, but it is an essential part of my routine. I have been using it since 2019
Top critical review
I read some mixed reviews about this Honest Beauty moisturizing cream, so I decided I’d try it out with the smaller size option, and I’m glad I did. I like that it has a neutral scent. It feels silky going on, but it left my combination (part oily-part dry) skin on my face greasy, which was disappointing. I did find that it works great (not greasy) on my neck, so that’s a plus. Still looking for the perfect, clean, affordable moisturizer to wear daily for these fine lines.

Honest Beauty’s Hydrogel Cream stands out in the crowded skincare market as a lightweight yet powerful ally in the quest for hydration. Its efficacy lies not only in its unique formulation infused with high-quality ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Jojoba, and Squalane, but also in its versatility across various skin types. Reviews reflect a general appreciation for its performance, particularly for its dewy finish and non-comedogenic properties. While individual experiences may vary—some noting greasiness on certain skin types—the overall consensus highlights this cream as a worthy addition to any beauty regimen. For those seeking a balance between hydration and a lightweight feel, this hydrogel cream is a prime contender, making it a suitable option for both everyday use and special occasions.
