Finally, something that can be reviewed that doesn't need to be eaten. Don't get me wrong, I love doing this, but once in a while it is so much fun to do something other than just cook and eat. Here is the newest addition to the Health and Beauty aisle: Trader Joe's Ultra Hydrating Gel Moisturizer.
Review
Now that winter is over, we will be seeing the disappearance of a perennial seasonal favorite: Trader Joe's Rose Oil. That oil, if you can get past the fragrance, is what I would call ultra-hydrating. This product only smells of the ingredients without any additional fragrance. So there is a smell to this, but I wouldn't describe it as a fragrance. If anything, it smells more like aloe than anything else.
Trader Joe's Ultra Hydrating Gel Moisturizer is not an oil, it's a gel. But can it be "ultra-hydrating?"
My answer is no.
But I still like it. Hear me out on this.
First off, this is priced at $8.99. So for Trader Joe's, this is one of their higher-priced items. But go into your local CVS and you'll see quite a few moisturizers in the double digits. This is also a generously sized bottle at 2.5 ounces.
Then there is the packaging on this. Unlike say, Trader Joe's Blueberry Acai Scrub which feels expensive. This is as plastic-y as it gets. But on the flip side, the packaging eventually is discarded.
So despite the packaging feeling cheap. The product here is pretty decent. In fact, it's pretty good as long as your hopes for ultra-moisturizing are kept in check.
I used this for the past week. I only used it once a day, in the evening after a shower.
The next morning my face wasn't what I would call moisturized. It was more balanced. Not oily, no breakouts to report. So would I use this as a "depth of winter, my skin is parched" moisturizer. Heck no.
But after a week, is this a great non-winter moisturizer. Heck yeah. At the size of this jar, this is going to last me quite a while, so it is a good value. My face wasn't dry and it wasn't oil. It was ready to go for the makeup and get ready for the work routine without needing an additional primer.
Now, with any skincare item, your results are going to vary. My skin tends to be dry and sensitive.
Overall
But if you are looking for an affordable skincare item to try, I'd recommend this. And when I run out, I'll probably be picking up another one. It doesn't compete with my First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream in terms of moisturizing ability. But, it left my skin balanced and neither dry nor oily in the morning. A total win at under $9.
You can buy this at Trader Joe's or through third-party sellers on Amazon.
Did you try it? Let me know what you think in the comments section!
Product photos
The jar of Trader Joe's Ultra Hydrating Gel Moisturizer:
Ingredients and instructions
Want to see more items I've reviewed from Trader Joe's? Click on Thoughts & Reviews of Trader Joe’s for a searchable list.
Trader Joe's Ultra Hydrating Gel Moisturizer
Product Name: Trader Joe's Ultra Hydrating Gel Moisturizer
Product Description: Trader Joe's Ultra Hydrating Gel Moisturizer is a gel moisturizer
Price: $8.99
Summary
Trader Joe's Ultra Hydrating Gel Moisturizer is an affordable moisturizer, that is sold in a generous quantity, in lackluster packaging.
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- Left my skin balanced with in most cases is better than "ultra hydrated."
- After a week I had no break outs
Cons
- Not as "ultra" as the label would suggest
- The fragrance wasn't something I was wild about.
Alek says
Also the package design is so simple. It is affordable for sure and a nice gift idea too.
becomebetty says
Hey Alek! This absolutely makes a great gift idea. Thanks so very much for stopping by!
Dagmar says
Oh my gosh you beaten me to a new product again LOL! I haven't even seen this at my Trader Joe's yet but I will surely be looking for it. My skin has gotten dry over time but at the same time oily over the dryness. I also have sensitive skin prone to breakouts. I think this is definitely worth a try for me and thank you so much for reviewing it.
becomebetty says
Hey Dag! I didn't love this at first, but after a week it really grew on me. I was more concerned with the breakout aspect to things. Can't wait to hear what you think of it.
bethieb@comcast.net says
I looked at this yesterday and thought about buying it but I know I'd go back to CeraVe. However, I did buy their new hyaluronic serum and am very impressed with it. I'll be interested to see if you review it. Love your blog!.
becomebetty says
I haven't tried the hyaluronic serum yet. It's on the to do list for this year of things to try. Thanks for the suggestion and kind words!
Heidi Rose says
I tried this on my 60 year old face and I agree with your review! Used alone after showering, my face felt a bit taut but I liked how smooth my skin felt. I think this will be great in warmer weather as the gel feels so nice and cool and light on my skin. However, I am putting a little bit of my usual moisturizer over this one and it works just perfect together.
becomebetty says
Hey Heidi! Thanks so very much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts on this. I'm glad you enjoyed it as much as I do!
Carrie Anderson says
This review was helpful! I'm trying to replace my Origins Oil Free Gel Moisturizer (crying inside) with something cheaper. For only $9 it sounds like it's worth it!
becomebetty says
Hey Carrie! Thanks for stopping by. Let me know how you like it. It falls short on the Ultra Moisturizing aspect, but it left my skin feeling nice. I'd love to hear your thoughts on it!
Shari says
Bought it last week. It’s amazing and hard to believe how good it is for something which only costs $8.99. When you put it on, your skin may initially seem more dry. An hour later and the moisture is unbelievable and continues that way all day and evening.
Shari says
Should note that I was referring to the comment concerning the Hyaluronic Moisture Boost Serum.
becomebetty says
No worries. I haven't reviewed that yet. It's on the to do list.
becomebetty says
Hey Shari! Thanks for stopping by and sharing your experience.
Rose Sanchez says
Love this moisturizer, comparable to Clinique moisture surge at 1/3 the price! Will save Clinique for night and use this with some sunscreen for day. Excellent value!
becomebetty says
Hey Rose! Thanks so much for sharing this! I can't possibly use every moisturizer out there, so it so great to hear from someone to compare. Thanks so very much for taking the time out of your day to stop by and share!
Erika says
I just bought it on a whim, and out of necessity as my skin has been so dry lately. It’s amazing! I have rosacea and very sensitive skin. It did not make me red, and even helped reduce my usual redness. Additionally, my make up sets very nicely over it, something I’m very picky about. Very pleased with my purchase!
becomebetty says
Hey Erika! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. Glad to hear you enjoyed it as much as I do.
JNG says
Wow. I love this stuff. I use different products for my face, but do use it in btwn occasionally. What DO I use it for? My body!! Arms, hands, legs. It's fabulous! Goes on easily. Not greasy. Makes my skin soft and feel hydrated instantly! Container lasts long making it a great deal. Thank you, TJs. Can always count on you.
becomebetty says
Hey JNG! Thanks for sharing!
Erin R. says
Yes, this is good stuff. It's comparable to the Neutrogena Hydro Boost gel stuff, except this one doesn't have fragrance (yay!). I actually found out the hard way that these humectant gels aren't meant to be standalone moisturizers because they're so light. They actually need to go under your regular moisturizer because they need something a bit more occlusive to hold them in place so they don't evaporate. I use it around my eyes and on my neck and love it. Try putting it on damp skin after washing and immediately putting moisturizer over it before it dries. See if it doesn't knock your socks off.