The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Hyaluronic Acid, Lightweight Hydrator for Skin Barrier Support & Hydration
The Ordinary
Key Benefits
- Provides effective hydration and moisturization for dry and dehydrated skin.
- Supports and strengthens the skin barrier with natural moisturizing factors and fatty acids.
- Helps maintain skin softness and elasticity through humectants and emollients.
Apply a small amount to cleansed face and neck, morning and/or evening, as the last step in your skincare routine or before sunscreen. Suitable for most skin types, especially normal to dry or dehydrated skin. Not recommended for those with fungal acne-prone skin due to the presence of certain fatty acids and esters. Always patch test prior to full use.
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Detailed Product Scores
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Benefits & Concerns
Key Benefits (3)
- Provides effective hydration and moisturization for dry and dehydrated skin.
- Supports and strengthens the skin barrier with natural moisturizing factors and fatty acids.
- Helps maintain skin softness and elasticity through humectants and emollients.
Concerns & Limitations (5)
- Contains fatty acids and esters (oleic acid, linoleic acid, triolein, phytosteryl canola glycerides) which may not be suitable for fungal acne-prone skin.
- Contains urea, which may cause irritation in very sensitive or compromised skin.
- Contains phenoxyethanol and chlorphenesin, which can be sensitizing to some individuals.
- Contains multiple amino acids and humectants, which are generally safe but may cause irritation in rare cases.
- Source of some ingredients (e.g., glycerin, stearic acid, cetyl alcohol) is not specified; may not be suitable for strict vegans.
Complete Ingredient Analysis
Total Ingredients
Emollients
Fragrances
Unsafe
Complete Ingredient Breakdown
Listed in order of concentration with detailed analysis
Product Attributes
Usage Instructions & Guidelines
Official Usage Instructions
Manufacturer's recommended application
Apply to clean face morning and evening. Use a pea-sized amount and gently massage into skin until absorbed.
Ideal For:
- •Daily skincare routine
- •Sensitive skin types
- •Natural product enthusiasts
Avoid If You Have:
- •Known allergies to listed ingredients
- •Very sensitive or reactive skin
- •Strict vegan lifestyle requirements
- •Preference for fragranced products
Skin Type Compatibility
How well this product works for different skin types
Contains hydrating ingredients like glycerin and sodium hyaluronate, and emollients like caprylic/capric triglyceride and cetyl alcohol, which are beneficial for dry skin. However, as a lightweight moisturizer, it may not be rich enough for very dry or severely dehydrated skin.
Lightweight, non-comedogenic ingredients and absence of heavy oils make it suitable for oily skin. The formula hydrates without being greasy, but some with very oily skin may prefer a gel texture.
Fragrance-free and minimal irritants, but the presence of multiple amino acids and alcohols could potentially cause mild irritation in extremely sensitive skin. Overall, generally well-tolerated.
Balances hydration with a lightweight texture, making it suitable for both dry and oily areas. May require layering with a richer product on very dry zones.
Non-comedogenic and lightweight, but contains fatty alcohols (cetyl, stearyl) which, while generally safe, can rarely trigger breakouts in highly sensitive, acne-prone individuals. No known acne triggers otherwise.
Well-balanced formula that provides adequate hydration and barrier support without excess oiliness or heaviness. Suitable for daily use on normal skin.
Seasonal Usage Recommendations
How to use this product throughout the year
Winter
Increase application to twice daily if not already, and consider layering with a richer cream or facial oil to combat dryness from cold air and indoor heating. Apply immediately after cleansing to lock in moisture.
Spring
Continue regular use, but monitor for any irritation due to allergies or increased sensitivity. Adjust frequency if skin feels oilier with rising humidity, and pair with sunscreen for daytime protection.
Summer
Use once daily or as needed, as skin may produce more oil in heat and humidity. Apply in the evening after sun exposure to help rehydrate and support the skin barrier. Always follow with sunscreen in the morning.
Fall
Maintain twice-daily use to prepare skin for colder, drier weather. Consider adding a hydrating serum underneath if skin feels tight, and start transitioning to a richer moisturizer as temperatures drop.
Enhanced Usage Instructions
Detailed usage guidance for different skin concerns and best practices
Usage by Skin Concern
Dry Skin
Apply a slightly larger amount (about a nickel-sized dollop) to clean, damp skin both morning and night. For extra hydration, layer over a hydrating serum or mist. Focus on areas prone to flakiness. Consider sealing with a facial oil if skin feels very dry.
Oily Skin
Use a small, pea-sized amount on clean skin, focusing on drier areas and using less on the T-zone. Apply once or twice daily as needed. Avoid over-layering with other heavy products to prevent congestion.
Sensitive Skin
Patch test before first use. Apply a thin layer to clean, slightly damp skin once daily at night for the first week, then increase to twice daily if tolerated. Avoid rubbing or massaging vigorously; gently press into skin.
Combination Skin
Apply a pea-sized amount, using more on dry areas (cheeks) and less on oily zones (forehead, nose, chin). Use morning and evening. Adjust amount as needed seasonally or if skin feels tight.
Acne-Prone Skin
Use a pea-sized amount on clean, dry skin. Opt for once daily at night if skin is very oily, or twice daily if using drying acne treatments. Avoid applying thick layers and ensure skin is not left greasy. Non-comedogenic formula, but monitor for breakouts.
Usage Tips & Best Practices
Daily Use
Apply to clean face after cleansing and any serums, morning and evening. Always follow with sunscreen in the morning.
Night Use
Apply as the last step in your nighttime routine, after serums or treatments. Can be used alone or under a facial oil for extra nourishment.
Frequency
Use twice daily (morning and evening). Sensitive or acne-prone users may start with once daily and increase as tolerated.
Amount
Use a pea-sized amount for the entire face. Increase slightly for very dry skin or if applying to neck and décolletage.
Best Time
Best applied immediately after cleansing, while skin is still slightly damp, to lock in moisture. Use in the morning before sunscreen and at night as the final step.
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