Hello All! – Are you just as confused about The Ordinary’s Moisturisers as I was?
- Did you not understand when each bottle says ”Natural Moisturising Factors” and you don’t know what that actually means?
- Do you not want to buy all three just to see which moisturiser would suit YOUR skin?
Well, hopefully I can answer those questions in this new Youtube Video; swatching and reviewing, comparing and contrasting The Ordinary’s Three Moisturisers:
- The Natural Moisturising Factors + HA
- The Natural Moisturising Factors and PhytoCeramides
- The Natural Moisturising Factors and Beta Glucan Moisturisers.
So, if you wanted to know the difference between these moisturisers, which one would suit your skin type and if there are any better dupes and alternatives available, then keep on watching!
Youtube Video:
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What are Natural Moisturising Factors [or NMFs] and what are they?
NMFs are naturally produced by our bodies and reside in the skin but decrease with age. They help boost the skin’s moisture, keep the skin hydrated and prevent further moisture loss. They are largely composed of water-attracting molecules called humectants such as: Amino acids and derivatives of these amino acids including Urea (which I’m sure you’ve heard before), sugars and Lactic Acid (As well as Inorganic Salts, Uronic Acid and PCA). They are loaded in the skin’s corneocytes to help trap moisture in the skin, so it doesn’t dry out.
NMFs also help keep water in the skin which helps prevent the skin looking flaky. They also support the skin’s barrier, helping to prevent breakouts (acne). So, this is why NMFs and moisturising the skin (even oily skin), is important.
Another brand that focuses on NMFs is the popular J-beauty Brand Curel, which I would recommend and have talked about in the video below.
What are the similarities between these moisturisers?:
Well, they are all fragrance and essential oil free, Vegan and Cruelty-Free and they all suit Sensitive Skins.
These creams all contain (almost) the same integral natural moisturising factors (please see the list in the Youtube Video). These include Amino Acids (which are proteins) and their derivatives as well as Urea, PCA and Sodium PCA.
They also contain other integral hydrating and moisturising ingredients such as sugars which are great at drawing moisture into the skin (Fructose, Maltose, Glucose, Trehalose), as well as Hyaluronic Acid [Sodium Hyaluronate] and Lactic Acid.
So, these all have a very similar function which is to hydrate and moisturise the skin while retaining that moisture in the skin and re-building and reinforcing the skin’s barrier to prevent irritation, hence why all three of these moisturisers suit sensitive skins.
The biggest difference between these products are their textures, thicknesses and their finishes, so they suit different skin types and conditions.
Now, let’s get into the products!
First up is the Natural Moisturising Factors + HA, the original and first addition to The Ordinary’s moisturiser lineup.
- EU-Allergen Safe + Malassezia Suitable / £9.90 for 100ml.
Available at: The Ordinary: LINK / Look Fantastic: LINK / Cult Beauty: LINK
(Please see the video for the list of Hydrating Ingredients)
Using natural moisturising factors and other ingredients that appear naturally in the skin [amino acids, fatty acids, triglycerides, urea, ceramides, phospholipids, glycerine, saccharides, sodium PCA, and hyaluronic acid], this cream works to help support and improve the skin’s hydration barrier (with long-term use), ensuring the outer layer of the skin is protected and moisturised.
As stated previously; this contains Numerous NMFs which include the Amino Acids (Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Valine, Isoleucine, Proline, Threonine, Histidine, Phenylalanine) and the other NMF’s: Sodium PCA and PCA as well as Urea and Linoleic Acid to moisturise. These are great at drawing moisture into the skin. For example, Urea is an excellent NMF that helps soften the skin. And I’m sure you’ve heard of Linoleic Acid, an omega-6 polyunsaturated, essential fatty acid which not only moisturises the skin, but lightens pigmentation.
Apart from the Moisturising Ingredients, Allantoin is included which is soothing, Chlorphenesin (antioxidant) which is antibacterial and emollients like Oleic Acid and Capric Triglyceride (and Palmitic Acid) are also included. This also contains sugars as they are excellent at drawing in water into the skin like the key ingredient in this moisturiser; Hyaluronic acid [which is a big sugar molecule, and a potent humectant], Maltose, Fructose and Trehalose.
The additional NMF this product contains is the Amino Acid: Histidine, that may protect the skin from infections. So overall this is an effective moisturiser, forming a barrier on top of the skin to prevent water loss.
In terms of the scent: this isn’t fragranced, so it simply smells like a regular moisturiser.
In terms of the texture: this feels like a basic moisturiser. It is creamy and is not sticky or tacky. It does take a while to absorb fully into the skin and I am left with a film on top of the skin that can feel slightly uncomfortable and almost sort-of greasy for Oily and Oily-Combination Skins (like mine). Due to the silicone in here, this results in a velvety finish, softening the skin and filling in fine lines.
Overall; Normal, Dry, Dry-Combination and Very Dry Skins may prefer this over oilier skins due to the thicker viscosity and water-ratio of this cream.
I actually find this to be quite similar in texture to the CeraVe Moisturising Cream for Dry and Very Dry skins (if you have tried that). It too is an emollient cream containing Ceramides.
In terms of other alternatives: The Glossier Priming Moisturiser is even more lightweight and has a whipped texture that feels more luxurious on the skin and works under makeup (Swatches + Review HERE).
Furthermore, the Be Plain Multi Hyaluronic Acid Moisturiser (which I am currently using right now) is loaded with even more Hyaluronic Acid derivatives than this Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid cream, and feels lighter and more hydrating [suitable for oily-combo skins].
The Purito B5 Re-barrier cream is a great dupe that has a higher water content and is excellent for Combination and Oily-Combination skin like mine. Swatches + Review HERE.
Moisturisers for Sensitive Skins! – Fragrance + Essential Oil-Free Recommendations
Another excellent alternative is the Geek and Gorgeous 101 Hydration station which has a higher ratio of water in it and so feels more hydrating while remaining an emollient cream and sits fine under makeup.
Next up is the Natural Moisturising Factors + PhytoCeramides Cream
- EU-Allergen Free: Yes / Malassezia suitable: No / £15.40 for 100ml
Available at: The Ordinary: LINK / Look Fantastic: LINK / Cult Beauty: LINK
This cream is the most nourishing out of the three, containing almost 4x more moisturising emollients and 2x more humectants than the Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA Cream. This works to strengthen the skin’s barrier and provide it all-day hydration with NMFs, Skin Lipids [fatty ingredients naturally found in the skin], Making this product more smoother and fattier too, and PhytoCeramides, to plump the skin. [This allegedly ”Immediately boosts skin hydration by 68%*”].
Emollients: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Glycosphingolipids, Linoleic Acid, Oleic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Lecithin].
What are PhytoCeramides?: In short, they are Ceramides derived from plants such as wheat, corn, oats and rice via fermentation. [They don’t all necessarily match the natural ceramides found in the skin] They help to repair the skin’s barrier.
This moisturiser also contains hyaluronic acid and sugars which help draw in moisture and water into the skin. And includes Urea and Sodium PCA and Palmitic Acid (NMFs).
Other Notable Hydrating / Moisturising Ingredients: Glycerin, Propanediol, Glutamic Acid, Betaine, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, Glucose, Maltose, Fructose, Trehalose, Sodium PCA, Pca, Sodium Lactate, Urea, Sodium Hyaluronate, Pentylene Glycol].
Interestingly, this has an ingredient called Isosorbide Dicaprylate which synergistically works with glycerin to make sure the outer layer of the skin is hydrated and prevent Trans-epidermal water loss. And also contains Chlorphenesin for its antibacterial and antioxidant effects.
In terms of the texture: This has a lot more emollients compared to the HA moisturiser, so it feels like it has less silicone and is creamier and is more similar to a Nivea cream for instance, where it’s slightly more greasy. However, it’s not sticky or tacky and even though it is greasy, even my combination skin did not find this thick, it didn’t make my skin feel as uncomfortable as the Natural Moisturising Factors + HA Cream did, as this sits less on top of the skin and absorbs better. It does have a shinier finish and you can feel the oils in this cream.
This is aimed at Dry skins, however normal, combination, dehydrated and even oily-combination skins could use this in the dry, cold months.
In terms of the scent: this probably has the nicest, subtle scent out of the three creams.
In terms of a Dupe: The Vegreen Nature Mucin cream has a very similar emollient, non-sticky or tacky, creamy, lightweight texture and is also vegan and cruelty-free. [Fragrance + EO Free].
The Curel Intensive Moisture Facial Cream (Swatches + Review HERE) also contains Ceramides Natural Moisturising Factors and feels equally fatty / emollient. You can see its texture in this video.
Furthermore, the Krave – Oat so Simple Water cream (Swatches + Review HERE) is slightly thicker or heavier in texture, but is smooth, creamy, moisturising and hydrating, and is also vegan and cruelty-free [Fragrance + EO free].
Video Swatch of the Krave – Oat So Simple Water Cream (And more!)
Next up is the Natural Moisturising Factors + Beta Glucan Moisturiser
- EU-Allergen Free: Yes / Malassezia Suitable?: No / £12 for 100ml
Available at: The Ordinary: LINK / Look Fantastic: LINK / Cult Beauty: LINK
This gel moisturiser contains the same NMFs, amino acids and sugars as the previous two creams. It is also meant to provide all-day hydration through the use of natural moisturising factors and ceramides to fortify the skin’s barrier. A key ingredient in here that’s different from the other two is the inclusion of Beta Glucan.
What is Beta-Glucan?: It’s a large sugar molecule (a polysaccharide) found in cereals, seaweed and yeast. It is skin-repairing and wound-healing, is soothing and moisturising and can even help reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It is a great key ingredient for sensitive and damaged skins. This also contains phospholipids which are emollient, skin-identical ingredients. This also contains Chlorphenesin (antibacterial) and Allantoin (soothing). Furthermore, this has the least amount of emollients (it does contain phospholipids + sphingolipids. out of all three moisturisers which is why it’s a gel and not a cream.
List of moisturising and hydrating ingredients: Propanediol, Betaine, Beta-Glucan, Glutamic Acid, Glucose, Maltose, Fructose, Trehalose, Xylitol, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitylglucoside, Sodium PCA, Pca, Sodium Lactate, Urea, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol.
The Scent: Is kind of chemical-y but it does dissipate once rubbed in.
In terms of the texture: This is a Gel, so it instantly feels cooling and soothing on the skin and when spreading, it almost turns into water on the skin and spreads out smoothly and easily.
You can feel this on top of the skin, it doesn’t disappear and leaves the skin feeling dehydrated, it sinks in and stays on top. This is not sticky or tacky and does not feel greasy. It feels comfortable to wear, particularly on my [oily] combination skin.
This is aimed at oily and combination skins and even those in hot and humid weathers could use this easily (Good for: Sensitive, Dehydrated, Normal, Combination, Oily + very-oily skins).
In terms of a Dupe: The Corthe Moisture RX Recharging Gel (which I have reviewed here) is an excellent Gel Cream that is just as lightweight and equally hydrating [and Fragrance + EO free].
- The SVR Aloe Soothing Gel is also an excellent dupe. It is great for damaged and irritated skins (Swatches + Review HERE).
If you’re looking for a hybrid (i.e. cross between a gel and a cream – a Gel Cream) that provides both emollients and humectants which is excellent for Oily and Combination skins, then the Purito Breeze Water Gel Cream is a great alternative and has a comfortable, hydrating lightweight and smooth texture.
- Something slightly more emollient but still creamy, cooling to the touch and just as smooth, is the Numbuzin 1 purple complex soothing cream is highly recommended; it’s loaded with hydrating and soothing ingredients which make for a comfortable texture, you can check out the review HERE.
Numbuzin Favourites – Swatches + Review
Moisturiser Swatch Comparisons:
As you can see from the swatch comparisons, when viewing all these creams together: They have differing textures and finishes. The most obvious being the Beta-Glucan moisturiser, which is the least emollient, and has a lightweight, watery-gel finish, it spreads far, feels like water and is instantly cooling and soothing on the skin. The HA moisturiser and the Phytoceramides cream is slightly more difficult to tell apart, but the Phytoceramides cream is slightly smoother, it has less of a velvet texture like the HA cream, and the Phytoceramides cream feels more emollient and disappears more into the skin quicker, whereas the HA cream takes more time absorbing into the skin, forming more of a barrier on top of the skin to prevent water loss.
Conclusion:
Overall; each of these moisturisers all suit sensitive skins, and have their own textural advantages and drawbacks: The PhytoCeramides cream is smooth, rich and creamy without being to heavy for even my oily-combo skin in the winter [Good for Normal, Dry, Combination and Oily-Combo Skins, but only in the winter for oily-combo skins]. The HA Moisturiser, although more velvety, I find it sits more on top of the skin and takes longer to fully absorb and would suit Normal, Dry and Dry-Combo skins the best. The Beta-Glucan Moisturiser is the least emollient [does not feel oily or greasy], albeit the most hydrating and has the lightest finish; it suits Oily and Oily-combination and Dehydrated skins the best.
– A little hack and what I like to do with all my moisturisers is mix them [not moisturisers containing actives, basic moisturisers). You can mix and match them to create an ideal texture you want (instead of throwing them away if you don’t like them).
E.g. If it’s quite hot outside but I would like a moisturising gel-cream then I can mix a gel like the beta-glucan with the HA moisturiser or the phytoceramides cream [creates a light gel-cream finish] Or, if I want a lightweight makeup primer that’s less watery but still lightweight and spreads further, I can mix the HA moisturiser with the phytoceramides cream to create a good base [this technique isn’t restricted to just these moisturisers.
Other Moisturiser Videos:
My Skin Type: I am acne prone and have slightly dehydrated combo skin. My skin is usually tight where the cheeks and eye area is and the outer parts of my face. My T zone is oily. My skin isn’t a fan of thick/heavy formulas so I opt for lightweight formulas to prevent it from clogging up. My skin doesn’t like essential oils either and I try to avoid fragrance when I can.
Disclaimer: I am a skincare enthusiast and not a skin expert. I am not qualified to give out dermatological advice. This type of advice should only be given by a medical practitioner. Upon trying / using any of the reviewed products on the blog, please follow the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings and please seek medical advice if needed.
My Skincare Regime 