β‘οΈ Quick Verdict - THE ORDINARY Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
- Best For: General daily hydration for most skin types.
- Strengths: Non-greasy, lightweight, effective hydration, compatible with other products.
- Drawbacks: May not be sufficient for very dry skin, basic packaging.
- Verdict: Reliable daily moisturizer.
βοΈ Pros & Cons Explained
| Aspect | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Hydration | Provides lasting surface hydration without heaviness. Users report skin feels soft and supple. | Some users with very dry skin found it insufficient for intense moisture needs, requiring reapplication or layering. |
| Texture & Feel | Lightweight, non-greasy, and absorbs quickly. Ideal for layering under makeup or other skincare. | A few users reported a slightly tacky feeling initially before full absorption. |
| Compatibility | Plays well with various serums and actives, reducing pilling. Suitable for sensitive skin. | No significant cons reported regarding compatibility, but individual reactions can vary. |
π§ Whatβs Included? & Why It Matters
| Component/Ingredient | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMFs) | A complex blend of amino acids, fatty acids, triglycerides, urea, ceramides, phospholipids, glycerin, saccharides, sodium PCA, and hyaluronic acid. These are components naturally found in the skin that help maintain its outer protective layer and keep it hydrated. Replenishing them supports skin barrier function and overall skin health. |
| Hyaluronic Acid (HA) | A powerful humectant molecule known for its ability to attract and hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water from the environment. It provides multi-depth hydration to the skin, helping to plump and reduce the appearance of fine lines, contributing to a smoother skin texture. |
π° Is It Worth It? β Value & Cost Efficiency
| Aspect | Positive | Negative |
|---|---|---|
| Efficacy vs. Price | Users find it highly effective for its price point, delivering comparable results to more expensive moisturizers. It provides essential hydration and barrier support without a premium cost. | For those needing very rich, occlusive creams, the need to layer or use a larger amount might make it less 'cost-efficient' per application if a single layer isn't sufficient for their needs. |
| Longevity | A little goes a long way, making a tube last a reasonable amount of time for daily use, contributing to its overall value. | Not applicable; generally seen as long-lasting for its size and daily application. |
βοΈ Alternatives vs THE ORDINARY Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
| Aspect | CeraVe Moisturizing Cream | La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer | THE ORDINARY Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Key Hydrating Ingredients | Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid | Niacinamide, Prebiotic Thermal Water, Glycerin | NMFs (Amino Acids, Urea, HA) |
| Texture | Rich cream, non-greasy | Lightweight lotion | Lightweight cream, non-greasy |
| Skin Barrier Support | Excellent (Ceramides) | Good (Niacinamide, Prebiotics) | Good (NMFs) |
| Suitability for Oily Skin | Can be heavy for very oily skin | Excellent (Lightweight) | Good (Lightweight) |
| Overall Value | High (large quantity) | Good | High (Potent formula) |
π‘ FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Is The Ordinary NMF + HA suitable for oily skin? Yes, its lightweight, non-greasy formulation makes it suitable for oily skin types, providing hydration without feeling heavy or clogging pores.
- Can I use this moisturizer with retinoids or Vitamin C? Yes, this moisturizer is formulated to be compatible with other active ingredients like retinoids and Vitamin C. Its simple, barrier-supporting ingredients can help to mitigate potential irritation from stronger actives.
- How often should I use it? It can be used both in the morning and evening as the last step in your skincare routine, after serums and treatments.
- Does it contain fragrance? No, The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA is formulated without fragrance.
- Is it non-comedogenic? While The Ordinary does not explicitly state "non-comedogenic" for all products, this formula is generally considered unlikely to clog pores due to its non-occlusive nature and simple ingredient list.
π Positive Reviews - What Users Love
- This moisturizer is my everyday staple. It feels light but keeps my skin hydrated all day without any greasiness.
- Perfect for my sensitive skin. No irritation, just calm, moisturized skin.
- I love how it sinks in quickly, making it easy to layer under sunscreen and makeup.
- It's incredible how effective this is for its price point. Definitely a repurchase.
- My skin feels plump and healthy since I started using this. It really helps maintain my skin barrier.
π Negative Reviews - What Could Be Better
- While it's good for light hydration, my very dry skin still feels tight, especially in winter. I need something richer.
- It sometimes leaves a slightly tacky residue for a minute or two after application, which I don't love.
- The packaging is very basic; I wish it had a pump or was more aesthetically pleasing.
- It's fine, but I haven't noticed any significant improvement in my skin beyond basic hydration.
- For mature skin, I think it might not be enough. I need more anti-aging benefits alongside hydration.
π Key Details & Specifications
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Facial Moisturizer |
| Sizes Available | 30ml, 100ml |
| Key Ingredients | Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMFs) including Amino Acids, Fatty Acids, Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid (HA), Glycerin, Urea, Sodium PCA |
| Skin Type Suitability | All skin types, especially normal, combination, and slightly oily. Also suitable for sensitive skin. |
| Texture | Lightweight cream |
| Fragrance-Free | Yes |
| Alcohol-Free | Yes |
| Oil-Free | Yes |
| Cruelty-Free | Yes |
| Vegan | Yes |
| pH | 6.50-7.00 |
π Summary β Is This the Right Choice for You?
- The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA is a reliable, no-frills daily moisturizer designed to replenish the skin's natural hydrating components.
- Its lightweight texture makes it suitable for most skin types, particularly normal, combination, and oily, or for those who prefer layering their skincare.
- While excellent for basic, effective hydration and barrier support, individuals with very dry skin might find it insufficient on its own, especially in drier climates or seasons.
- It excels in compatibility with other active skincare ingredients and offers significant value for its efficacy.
- This product is a solid choice for anyone seeking an accessible, efficacious, and straightforward hydrating cream for everyday use that focuses on maintaining skin health.
