The Ordinary has just introduced its third moisturizer. This newest moisturizer is a lightweight gel that is ideal for combination to oily skin types looking for light surface hydration.
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan was first launched through the O. Lab, The Ordinary’s incubator for new skincare products.
I have slightly oily skin, so of all The Ordinary’s moisturizers, this moisturizer is best suited to my skin. So I quickly placed my order to test it for this The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan review.
Let’s start with the formula and its benefits:
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The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan is a clear gel moisturizer formulated to provide lightweight surface hydration lasting 8 hours.
The moisturizer is formulated for all skin types, including sensitive skin. But due to the nongreasy gel texture, it’s especially good for oily and combination skin types.
Like The Ordinary’s other moisturizers, the gel contains Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMFs), which are compounds found naturally in our skin that help keep it hydrated and support our skin barrier function.
Our skin’s NMF levels decline as we age, and environmental exposure can further deplete them, leading to dryness and a weakened skin barrier. So replenishing NMFs topically can help restore moisture levels.
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan contains NMFs like sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid), amino acids, urea, and sodium lactate that work together to hydrate and protect the skin.
The moisturizer also contains beta-glucan, a polysaccharide derived from oats and certain mushrooms and seaweeds that helps soothe and protect the skin.
Beta-glucan is an ingredient that has wound-healing benefits, making it excellent for damaged skin. It’s also a humectant and film-forming moisturizer and has some antioxidant benefits.
Scientific research has also shown that it can even help the signs of aging, the look of wrinkles, and skin roughness.
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan Review
I have a hard time finding the perfect day moisturizer for my skin because it always ends up oily by the end of the day.
So I was excited to try The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan moisturizer since it is best for combination to oily skin types.
The gel texture is lightweight and nongreasy, and it absorbs quickly into my skin. It reminds me a lot of aloe vera gel.
It works well under makeup too. Once it dries, there is no shine, stickiness, or dewiness.
Of course, the main drawback is that it doesn’t provide hydration that lasts as long as The Ordinary’s other moisturizers, so it’s a trade-off. You get nongreasy surface hydration, but it isn’t long-lasting.
I might not need this in the winter months, but I can see myself reaching for this on hot and humid days when a typical moisturizing cream or lotion might melt off my face or leave me feeling greasy or oily all day.
If you have combination, oily, or very oily skin, you may like this moisturizer’s lightweight texture and wear.
One of the best things about The Ordinary’s Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan is its affordability. At just $13.50 for a 3.38 oz (100 ml) tube, it’s a great option for those of us on a budget.
How To Use The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan
Apply a small amount of Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan gel to your face/neck in your morning and/or evening skincare routine.
Apply as the last step before sunscreen in your morning routine and the moisturizing step of your evening routine. Use only as directed on unbroken skin.
Of course, with any new skincare product, it’s a good idea to patch test before using it for the first time to make sure you don’t experience an adverse initial reaction.
Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan’s shelf life is 12 months after opening.
Related Post: The Ordinary Expiration Dates (With PDF)
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan Conflicts
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan does not conflict with any other products.
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan Alternatives
Since The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan is a gel moisturizer and doesn’t provide deep hydration, you might want to consider a few other moisturizer alternatives:
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA is The Ordinary’s original moisturizer formulated for all skin types.
It contains active ingredients like amino acids, hyaluronic acid, triglycerides, urea, ceramides, phospholipids, saccharides, sodium PCA, and fatty acids to hydrate the outer layer of your skin without leaving it feeling greasy.
It provides immediate hydration that lasts and will improve your skin’s moisture barrier function with continued use.
You’ll get longer-lasting moisture from Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA compared to Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan.
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides
If you have normal to dry skin and typical moisturizers just don’t seem to provide enough hydration, then you may want to try The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides.
Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides provides almost four times more moisturizing emollients and two times more humectants than Natural Moisturising Factors + HA.
It provides rich moisture from multiple sources, including skin-identical Natural Moisturizing Factors, PhytoCeramides, and skin lipids.
PhytoCeramides are a plant-derived version of ceramides, a type of lipid (fat) molecule found naturally in the skin’s outer layer that plays a crucial role in maintaining the skin’s moisture barrier and preventing water loss.
The texture of Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides is nearly the opposite of Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan, as it’s a creamy, buttery moisturizer that hydrates the skin for up to 48 hours (vs. Beta Glucan’s 8 hours of moisture).
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan vs The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA vs The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides
All three The Ordinary moisturizers contain NMFs that moisturize your skin, but the texture, feel, and wear on your skin will vary by formula depending on your skin type.
Generally speaking, each The Ordinary moisturizer will appeal to various skin types:
- The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA: Normal to Combination Skin
- The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan: Combination to Oily Skin
- The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides: Normal to Dry Skin
Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Face Gel Hydrator
Another alternative, excellent for acne-prone skin, is this lightweight moisturizer that strikes a nice balance between a lightly hydrating moisturizer and a rich moisturizer: Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Face Gel Hydrator.
It is a fragrance-free gel moisturizer that helps protect your skin from dryness caused by acne treatments.
It’s formulated with 4% niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, to balance oil production and reduce the look of pores while soothing redness and brightening a dull complexion.
The gel also contains acetyl glucosamine, a moisturizing amino acid sugar that can help improve the look of hyperpigmentation when combined with niacinamide.
The gel also contains hydration-boosting glycerin and pro-vitamin b5, also known as panthenol, to help lock in moisture while soothing your skin.
This moisturizer provides immediate hydration, won’t clog your pores or cause breakouts, and is suitable for sensitive skin.
This moisturizer has a lightweight texture that delivers longer-lasting moisture than Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan.
The Bottom Line
I think Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta-Glucan is an ideal choice if you’re looking for lightweight and nongreasy hydration.
While it may not offer long-lasting hydration compared to other alternatives, it can be an excellent option for those seeking a budget-friendly and lightweight moisturizer, especially acne-prone or oily skin types.
As always, consider your skin type and specific needs when choosing the right moisturizer for you.
Read more about The Ordinary products:
Thanks for reading!