Sunday Riley Tidal Versus Neutrogena Hydro Moisturizer Comparison.

I’m a Sunday Riley girl, or at least I am when it comes to moisturizer. For the past couple of weeks, I have been doing a Sunday Riley Tidal versus Neutrogena Hydro moisturizer comparison. I wasn’t looking for a dupe, but for something to supplement what I’ve already been using.

I already have very dry skin and, in the depths of winter, it needed saving. It needed something different. When I received some samples of Sunday Riley Tidal from Sephora I knew this would be my chance. Tidal had been getting rave reviews everywhere I looked, and I was not disappointed. After one week I was hooked. My skin felt smoother and I had no more dry patches. The only drawback was the price tag. Sixty-five dollars for 1.7 oz is nothing to sneeze at, but for my winter skin, it was worth it.

Having made it through winter and into spring and summer, I came across the Neutrogena Hydro moisturizer. For twenty dollars you get the same amount as the Sunday Riley Tidal I had been buying and reviews were looking pretty good. I thought that I would test them side-by-side to see how they compared. After a few weeks of comparison, here are my thoughts.

Details

Both moisturizers are water based creams and have hyaluronic acid, which helps to pull water into the skin and boosts hydration. Tidal has the bonus of also brightening the appearance of hyperpigmentation and dark spots. Since that is another issue that I deal with, I appreciate it in any product that I use.

Comparison

Sunday Riley Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream is a cream, while Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream is definitely a gel cream. Because of the gel consistency, Hydro immediately feels more watery than Tidal. As you smooth it across your face, Tidal sinks so easily into the skin. You don’t have to worry about it smearing onto your pillow because it’s already fully absorbed. The Neutrogena Hydro takes a bit longer. With my side-by-side comparison, there were definitely a few minutes when one side of my face was still a bit moist and the other was ready for bed, or for me to apply make-up.

When both have fully sunken into my skin, I couldn’t even tell the difference. By the end of the day or the next morning, my skin still felt super smooth and super soft. With either one, I didn’t have to worry about my skin being parched halfway through the day.

Final Thoughts

The time it takes for the Neutrogena Hydro to absorb is a small drawback, but not a deal breaker. Both moisturized my dry skin extremely well. The double-duty that Tidal pulls for moisturizing and dark spots is also appreciated. I will be keeping the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream in rotation, but the Sunday Riley Tidal cream is definitely still my go-to.

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Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream $20

Sunday Riley Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream $65