This post will review The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides.
Anyone who uses Tretinoin in their routine knows how hard it is to deal with one of the major side effects: dryness.
As someone with dry, dehydrated skin who has their hydration routine on lockdown, Tretinoin dryness still beats my ass sometimes.
But for most of my two-plus-year journey, I’ve managed the dryness by using great hydrating products, with a key focus on toners and moisturisers.
Last year, The Ordinary released two new moisturisers.
Naturally, I had to try them to compare them to their previous ones.
While I loved both formulas for different reasons, the one that stood out to me most was the Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides.
Winter was around the corner, and I needed something emollient that would sustain me.
As we approach Spring, I’m about 80% done with the moisturiser, and I thought I should share my thoughts before exhausting it.
First Impressions of The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides
According to The Ordinary;
Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides is our most nourishing moisturizer, formulated with nearly four times more moisturizing emollients and two times more humectants than our Natural Moisturising Factors + HA. This rich and replenishing cream immediately boosts skin hydration by 68%,* helps strengthen the skin barrier, and offers all-day hydration, making it ideal for dry skin.
Ingredient List & Fragrance
One of the key ingredients that attracted me to this product was the addition of Phytoceramides.
I generally gravitate towards moisturizers with Ceramides because they’re usually more nourishing for my skin.
But for the sake of this post, I took a look deep dive into the ingredients list to see what made this product tick.
The Ordinary says:
It offers a triple-action approach to targeting dryness with the inclusion of skin-identical Natural Moisturizing Factors, PhytoCeramides and skin lipids. The inclusion of plant-derived PhytoCeramides helps to improve the look of skin quality for a fresher, more plumped appearance.
This is pretty much all you need to know about the product.
Other ingredients include Urea, Vitamin E, Allantoin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Amino Acids and Sodium PCA.
As always, this moisturizer is alcohol, essential oil and fragrance-free.
Packaging, Texture & Consistency
Unlike its predecessor, this moisturizer only comes in a 100ml size.
While I personally don’t mind it, I don’t think it’s a great idea to not have a 30ml tub for people who want to test it out before committing to the full bottle.
100ml is a lot to waste if it doesn’t work for your skin.
If you find yourself in this situation, I’ll advise you to just use it on your body.
Don’t be deceived by the thick emollient texture, as it sinks immediately into the skin on application and gives a natural finish.
As someone who layers multiple hydrating products under the moisturizer, I absolutely love the more dewy finish it gives me.
While this product could potentially work across all skin types, some people might find it too heavy.
Which is why I’d recommend it only to those with dry or dehydrated skin.
It’s also a perfect supplement in a barrier repair routine with The Ordinary Soothing & Barrier Support Serum.
Price & Availability
This moisturizer currently retails for $22.50/£20, which I think is fair.
I’m sure we have all moved passed the phase of The Ordinary products being cheap.
They have adjusted their prices to match the current economic climate, and honestly, we can’t blame them.
As always, the moisturizer is available everywhere you can purchase The Ordinary products.
Review of The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides
As I mentioned earlier, I’m currently using Tretinoin 0.1%, which I started a couple of days ago.
For most of the winter, I’ve been using 0.5%, which I have now exhausted.
I mostly use this in my PM routine because it’s quite emollient, as I prefer to use fewer products in the morning to ensure I’m generous with SPF.
My PM routine typically looks like this;
- First & Second Cleanse
- 1st layer of Hydrating Toner
- Hydrating Essence
- 2nd layer of Hydrating Toner
- Treatment Serum
- Tretinoin
- Moisturiser.
I use the moisturizer as the last step to seal in all the hydration.
Previously, I usually finished up with an occlusive like the Cerave Healing Ointment or Aquaphor, but I haven’t had to use them at all because this moisturizer is usually adequate, which is honestly amazing.
Performance
What can I say?
I love it!
Similar to the original Natural Moisturizing Factors formula, my skin absolutely loves this one with PhytoCeramides.
In fact, I prefer the latter to the former. Then again, it depends on the season.
I’ve found that some emollient moisturisers are too heavy for the warmer months.
Whatever way you choose, The Ordinary has all three moisturisers that you can use throughout the seasons for various skin types.
So, if you’re using Tretinoin or any prescription skincare which makes your skin prone to (excessive) dryness, this moisturizer is perfect for you.
Yes, it is thicker and heavier than your typical moisturizer, but it packs a punch and absolutely delivers, so don’t sleep on it.
Finally,
While the new releases from The Ordinary have been a hit-and-miss for me, this has definitely been a big hit.
It’s been a while since I’ve fallen in love with a moisturizer so much that I actually exhaust it on my face rather than more body,
Yes, there’s only one 100ml size available, but honestly, it is worth every penny.
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