Which Moisturizer is Right For You

With an array of options available, understanding your skin type, concerns, and the ingredients that work together with your skin is crucial. A well-chosen moisturizer not only hydrates but also complements other skincare products, ensuring a custom routine that works for your skin.

All of our moisturizers rely on the presence of Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMFs), a collection of water-soluble compounds that attract and retain moisture, which helps to keep the skin hydrated. These include amino acids, Sodium lactate, urea, sugars, minerals, and hyaluronic acid.

Now, what’s the difference between hydration and moisturization? Although they might sound the same, hydration and moisturization actually have distinct differences. When we talk about hydration, we’re talking about increasing the water levels within the skin using humectants like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, urea and beta glucan.

Moisturization on the other hand refers to supplying the skin with both hydration (increased water levels) and lipids to help prevent water from leaving the skin. Common examples of lipids used in skincare are triglycerides, ceramides and fatty acids. We refer to them as emollients, which is the collective term given to oil-loving molecules that help hold water in to smooth and soften skin.

At The Ordinary, our moisturizers provide immediate and long-term hydration, support the skin barrier, and are non-comedogenic (meaning they should not clog pores). Identifying the right one, comes down to your skin type, main skin concerns, and even the time of year.

Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

Good for all skin types, this moisturizer works with your skin to support its natural hydration barrier, and provides both immediate and lasting effects, making it a great option for a variety of users. This cream formula is our original surface hydrator that keeps the outer layer of your skin protected and well-hydrated, without feeling greasy.

Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides

This moisturizer is our richest formula yet. It immediately boosts skin hydration, helps strengthen the skin barrier, and offers all-day hydration. It contains nearly four times the level of moisturizing emollients, and twice as many hydrating humectants than our Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA formula. Users across all skin types can use this product, but it may be especially suited for dry skin.

Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan

Our first gel moisturizer and due to its lightweight gel texture, it may be especially suited to oily and combination skin. This lightweight formula strengthens the skin barrier after one application and barrier support is maintained throughout the day. This formula provides topical delivery of natural moisturizing factors, ceramides and beta glucan. Beta glucans are sugar-based molecules found in grains, bacteria, yeasts and fungi. The Ordinary sources its Beta Glucan from Reishi mushrooms, which contain over 400 active biomolecules, and have been investigated for a wide range of benefits.

Rice Lipids + Ectoin Microemulsion

Our first fluid-format moisturizer offers an ultra-lightweight blend of oil and water-based ingredients—rice lipids, jojoba oil, ectoin, and Natural Moisturizing Factors—for heavyweight hydration with a barely-there feel. It delivers 24 hours of soothing hydration with one use, reduces visible skin redness, and repairs the skin barrier. Formulated for all skin types, this moisturizer has a serum-like texture that doesn’t feel heavy or greasy.