The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

Giorgia Guazzarotti from Beautiful With Brains highlights The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA as a quietly effective, science-backed moisturizer ideal for dry and sensitive skin. She emphasizes the product’s strength in restoring and reinforcing the skin’s natural protective barrier through a rich blend of natural moisturizing factors and sodium hyaluronate, delivering deep hydration without irritation. While the formula lacks anti-aging actives and has a thick texture that some may find less pleasant, its fragrance-free nature and affordability make it a practical choice for those needing reliable moisture, especially in harsh climates. Guazzarotti appreciates how it layers well under sunscreen and makeup, though she notes the packaging is utilitarian rather than stylish. She also values the brand’s transparency and cruelty-free stance. Overall, the review conveys a balanced, moderately positive tone, recognizing the moisturizer’s core benefits while candidly addressing its limitations and positioning it as a solid, budget-friendly hydration solution rather than a multi-functional anti-aging product.

Beauty and the Biome highlights The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA as a scientifically grounded, affordable moisturizer that effectively supplements the skin’s natural moisturizing factors (NMFs) with a rich blend of amino acids, fatty acids, urea, and hyaluronic acid. The review praises its non-greasy hydration, vegan and cruelty-free sourcing, and simple, hygienic packaging. However, the reviewer expresses clear reservations about the product’s slightly alkaline pH (around 7.1), which is higher than the skin’s natural acidic range and may compromise the skin barrier and reduce the efficacy of other skincare actives. Additional criticisms include the moisturizer’s thick texture, tendency to ball up under sunscreens or other products, and inconvenient packaging near the end of use. Despite these drawbacks, the review offers a detailed, research-backed analysis of the ingredients and their skin benefits, providing a balanced perspective that values the product’s formulation and affordability while cautioning about potential long-term skin health concerns.

Sarah Roberts from A Beauty Edit highlights The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA as an effective, affordable daily moisturizer suitable for normal, combination, and oily skin types. She praises its lightweight, non-greasy texture that absorbs quickly and leaves a natural finish—not too matte or dewy—making it ideal for warmer weather and as a makeup base. The review emphasizes the product’s rich blend of natural moisturizing factors, including amino acids, hyaluronic acid, and other hydrators that support skin barrier function and hydration without strong actives like retinol or vitamin C. Roberts notes its fragrance-free, gentle formula may also benefit sensitive skin. However, she points out that those with dry skin might find it insufficiently rich and may need to supplement with serums or oils. The review offers practical usage tips, ingredient insights, and budget-friendly comparisons, ultimately recommending the moisturizer as a no-frills, reliable option for maintaining skin hydration and barrier health.

Really Ree highlights The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA as a lightweight, oil-free cream ideal for normal to combination skin, offering a natural matte finish that mimics the skin’s own moisturizing factors with added hyaluronic acid. The review situates this product within The Ordinary’s broader moisturizer lineup, explaining how each formulation targets different skin types—from the rich, emollient Phytoceramides for dry skin to the ultra-light Beta Glucan gel for oily skin. Ree praises the affordability and quality hydration across the range, emphasizing that the HA formula balances effective moisturization without heaviness or shine. The review provides practical guidance on choosing the right moisturizer based on skin type and finish preference, while also explaining the science behind Natural Moisturizing Factors and their role in skin health. Though the tone is measured and informative rather than exuberant, the review conveys confidence in the product’s value and versatility for everyday use.

Carmine Montalto from Skincarma praises The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA as a solid, functional moisturizer ideal for normal, balanced skin, but highlights its limitations for oily or dry skin types. The review emphasizes The Ordinary’s recent expansion of its moisturizing line, introducing two new variants—Beta Glucan for oily and acne-prone skin, and Phytoceramides for dry skin—addressing previous gaps in the brand’s offerings. Montalto provides detailed insights into Beta Glucan’s soothing, anti-inflammatory, and hydrating properties, noting the new formula’s lightweight, non-sticky texture and near oil-free composition, making it especially suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin. The reviewer appreciates the product’s versatility across varying climates and skin conditions, while wishing for added niacinamide for antioxidant benefits. Overall, the tone is enthusiastic yet measured, valuing The Ordinary’s commitment to skin health and innovation without hype, and highlighting the brand’s growing sophistication post-Estée Lauder acquisition.

Users on Sephora widely praise The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA for its effective hydration, affordability, and gentle, fragrance-free formula. Many highlight how it suits a variety of skin types, especially oily and combination skin, providing moisture without greasiness or shine. Reviewers with sensitive and acne-prone skin often report that it calms irritation and doesn’t clog pores, making it a reliable choice even when layering with serums and oils. Several customers emphasize that the moisturizer works best when applied over damp skin or combined with facial oils, enhancing absorption and boosting hydration. Its texture, described as whipped or creamy with a slight white cast initially, requires minimal product and some users note it takes time to fully absorb, but it ultimately leaves skin soft, smooth, and balanced. Unique insights from Sephora reviewers include its versatility beyond the face—some use it on hands, cuticles, and even as a lipstick primer. The product’s glycerin base means it sits on the skin to lock in moisture rather than fully sinking in immediately, which some find unusual but effective. While many find it excellent for daytime use under makeup due to its non-pilling and non-clogging nature, a few mention it may feel heavy or less moisturizing for very dry skin or harsh winter conditions unless paired with oils. A common wish among users is for the addition of SPF to streamline their routine. Despite overwhelmingly positive feedback, a minority of users with very sensitive or dry skin report adverse reactions such as redness, burning, or increased dryness, underscoring the importance of patch testing. Still, the consensus on Sephora is that this moisturizer delivers high-quality, skin barrier-supporting ingredients at an unbeatable price, making it a staple for those seeking simple, effective hydration without luxury markup.

Users on Ulta Beauty widely praise The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA for its effective hydration, affordability, and gentle formulation. Many highlight how it absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy or heavy residue, making it suitable for oily and combination skin types. Reviewers appreciate its fragrance-free, silicone-free, and non-comedogenic nature, which helps prevent breakouts and irritation, especially for sensitive or acne-prone skin. Several customers find it excels as a layering moisturizer, working well over serums and under makeup without pilling or causing texture issues. Unique insights from Ulta reviewers reveal that the moisturizer’s texture initially feels thick and can appear streaky or white upon application, but with gentle, patient blending—often on damp skin—it melts into a natural, satin finish that looks like bare skin. Users also share a popular “hack” of pairing it with antioxidant serums like Resveratrol + Ferulic Acid to improve blendability and boost skin glow. Others enjoy mixing it with facial oils such as rosehip or squalane, noting the fatty acids complement each other and create a smooth, non-oily finish. While many call it a “holy grail” product that keeps skin soft, supple, and balanced, some reviewers caution that it may not provide enough moisture for very dry or severely dehydrated skin without additional oils or heavier creams. A subset of users with sensitive or acne-prone skin report occasional breakouts or clogged pores, suggesting it may not suit everyone’s skin barrier condition. However, those who experience dryness or irritation from active treatments like tretinoin find it helpful for skin recovery due to its lipid-replenishing ingredients. Overall, Ulta Beauty customers value this moisturizer as a simple, reliable, and customizable staple that supports skin health without unnecessary additives. Its combination of natural moisturizing factors and hyaluronic acid delivers consistent hydration, making it a favorite for daily use, especially when layered thoughtfully within a skincare routine.

Amazon users praise The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA for its lightweight, non-greasy texture that absorbs quickly and leaves skin soft, smooth, and well-hydrated throughout the day. Many highlight its effectiveness under makeup and its ability to soothe dry or sensitive skin without clogging pores. Reviewers appreciate the product’s simple, fragrance-free formula and generous size, noting it delivers high-end moisturizing benefits at a budget-friendly price. Several customers with reactive or sensitive skin, including those dealing with conditions like Keratosis pilaris, find it gentle and safe, emphasizing its low ingredient count and EWG safety rating. While most users report no irritation or breakouts, a minority mention sensitivity issues, reflecting mixed experiences in that regard. Overall, Amazon reviewers value this moisturizer as a reliable, everyday staple that balances quality, performance, and affordability.

Users on Target praise The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA for its lightweight, non-greasy texture that soothes and hydrates sensitive and combination skin effectively. Many highlight its fragrance-free formula and affordability as key benefits, noting it absorbs quickly without leaving a sticky residue or clogging pores. Reviewers with dry or rosacea-prone skin report that consistent use improves skin plumpness and smoothness, while makeup applies flawlessly over it, often eliminating the need for a primer. Some users recommend layering it with serums or oils for enhanced moisture, especially in drier climates or seasons. Several customers appreciate its versatility beyond facial use, with some calling it their favorite hand cream due to its quick absorption and non-oily finish. However, a subset of reviewers with oily or mature skin find the moisturizer too thick or heavy, sometimes causing breakouts, white cast, or a greasy feel. A notable number of users mention a recent formula change that diminished its moisturizing effectiveness, leading to dryness or irritation. Despite these concerns, many skincare enthusiasts on Target consider it a reliable, no-nonsense daily moisturizer that balances hydration without overwhelming the skin.