The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA Review

Name: The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA Review
Item: The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Rating: 77
Author: DermApproved

Verdicts

How well it fits each concern

Verdict by concern tap a concern for the case

Good choicefor DehydrationSodium PCA is a reference standard by mechanism for dehydration; this cream carries it high in the ingredient list.Moderate evidenceGentleNo reviews collected yet

The case for it

Sodium PCA + PCA has trial-supported standing for this concern.
It is present at an effective concentration, declared or high in the ingredient list.
The formula carries none of the triggers this concern is sensitive to.

Same rule for everyone. “Good choice” is the verdict on 9,564 of 45,024 concern verdicts across the catalog; rule R5 decided 9,072 of them. Unchanged since September 5, 2026, engine 5.1.1.

Brand or formulator? Disclose a concentration or correct a fact →

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Rule: R5 — Trial-supported or guideline-supported active, adequately or plausibly dosed. · the full register
Carrying active: Sodium PCA + PCA
Standing: supported — its mechanism is established
Form: adequate — studied range 0.2–4%, from the trials on the row; needs leave-on contact
Tolerability: gentle
Row checked: against its sources on July 17, 2026 (evidence table ev-2026.09-r228)

The studies behind the evidence row

International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook — declared function — Personal Care Products Council
Harry's Cosmeticology / Baran & Maibach Textbook of Cosmetic Dermatology — humectant, emollient and occlusive classification — standard reference text

All dehydration products →

Supporting rolefor Compromised Skin BarrierNothing here targets compromised skin barrier directly; barrier lipids and occlusion is the recognised companion to treating it, and this cream does that without known triggers.Not yet assessedGentleNo reviews collected yet

The case for it

Sodium Hyaluronate has no evidence row yet for this concern — it is in the research queue.
The formula carries none of the triggers this concern is sensitive to.

What would change this: A researched evidence row for the lead active would replace this with a verdict.

Same rule for everyone. “Supporting role” is the verdict on 8,197 of 45,024 concern verdicts across the catalog; rule R8 decided 4,250 of them. Unchanged since September 5, 2026, engine 5.1.1.

Brand or formulator? Disclose a concentration or correct a fact →

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Rule: R8 — The category's job (barrier care, humectant hydration, gentle cleansing, photoprotection) is the documented supportive role for this concern. This is the honest verdict for a moisturizer on an acne page. · the full register
Carrying active: Sodium Hyaluronate
Standing: not assessed
Form: plausible
Tolerability: gentle

All compromised skin barrier products →

Good choicefor SensitivityNo fragrance, drying alcohol, declarable allergens or sensitising preservatives in this cream — the profile sensitive skin looks for.Not yet assessedGentleNo reviews collected yet

The case for it

Sodium Hyaluronate has no evidence row yet for this concern — it is in the research queue.
The formula carries none of the triggers this concern is sensitive to.

What would change this: A researched evidence row for the lead active would replace this with a verdict.

Same rule for everyone. “Good choice” is the verdict on 1,938 of 45,024 concern verdicts across the catalog; rule F2 decided 1,938 of them. Unchanged since September 5, 2026, engine 5.1.1.

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Rule: F2 — Gentle = no weighted deduction fired and fit ≥ 90. · the full register
Carrying active: Sodium Hyaluronate
Standing: not assessed
Form: plausible
Tolerability: gentle

All sensitivity products →

Supporting rolefor EczemaUrea has early evidence for eczema, and emollient therapy is the recognised companion to treating it — a reasonable supporting choice, short of a recommendation.Moderate evidenceGentleNo reviews collected yet

The case for it

Urea has early or mechanistic evidence for this concern, not trial-backed standing.
It is plausibly present at a working level, though the concentration is not declared.
The formula carries none of the triggers this concern is sensitive to.

What would change this: A declared concentration would move this to a firmer reading of the dose.

Same rule for everyone. “Supporting role” is the verdict on 8,197 of 45,024 concern verdicts across the catalog; rule R8a decided 1,489 of them. Unchanged since September 5, 2026, engine 5.1.1.

Brand or formulator? Disclose a concentration or correct a fact →

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Rule: R8a — A plausible-tier active in a category with a supportive job: the sentence names the active instead of saying nothing targets the concern (the AmLactin / CeraVe SA case for keratosis pilaris, where no guideline and single trials leave the keratolytics at early evidence). · the full register
Carrying active: Urea
Standing: plausible — trials support it
Form: plausible — studied range 5–10%, from the OTC monograph or label; needs leave-on contact; judge it after ~2 weeks
Tolerability: gentle
Row checked: against its sources on July 17, 2026 (evidence table ev-2026.09-r228)

The studies behind the evidence row

Emollients and moisturizers for eczema: abridged Cochrane systematic review including GRADE assessments — British Journal of Dermatology (abridged Cochrane systematic review, CD012119) (2017), opened July 17, 2026
Comparison of Moisturizing Creams for the Prevention of Atopic Dermatitis Relapse: A Randomized Double-blind Controlled Multicentre Clinical Trial — Acta Dermato-Venereologica (2015), opened July 17, 2026

All eczema products →

Supporting rolefor DrynessNothing here targets dryness directly; humectant and occlusive hydration is the recognised companion to treating it, and this cream does that without known triggers.Not yet assessedGentleNo reviews collected yet

The case for it

Sodium Hyaluronate has no evidence row yet for this concern — it is in the research queue.
The formula carries none of the triggers this concern is sensitive to.

What would change this: A researched evidence row for the lead active would replace this with a verdict.

Same rule for everyone. “Supporting role” is the verdict on 8,197 of 45,024 concern verdicts across the catalog; rule R8 decided 4,250 of them. Unchanged since September 5, 2026, engine 5.1.1.

Brand or formulator? Disclose a concentration or correct a fact →

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Rule: R8 — The category's job (barrier care, humectant hydration, gentle cleansing, photoprotection) is the documented supportive role for this concern. This is the honest verdict for a moisturizer on an acne page. · the full register
Carrying active: Sodium Hyaluronate
Standing: not assessed
Form: plausible
Tolerability: gentle

All dryness products →

Promisingfor DullnessHyaluronic Acid has trial-level evidence for dullness but no guideline or regulatory standing yet — promising, short of a recommendation; the other actives here are not yet assessed for it.Moderate evidenceGentleNo reviews collected yet

The case for it

Sodium Hyaluronate has trial-level evidence for this concern but no guideline or regulatory standing yet.
It is present at an effective concentration, declared or high in the ingredient list.
The formula carries none of the triggers this concern is sensitive to.

What would change this: Guideline or regulatory standing for the active on this concern would move this from a promising bet to a recommendation.

Same rule for everyone. “Promising” is the verdict on 7,858 of 45,024 concern verdicts across the catalog; rule R9p decided 7,858 of them. Unchanged since September 5, 2026, engine 5.1.1.

Brand or formulator? Disclose a concentration or correct a fact →

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Rule: R9p — 0.5.0: 'Unproven' beside three filled dots read as one question answered twice with opposite words (7,018 rows). The chip measures standing, the dots measure trial volume; where the row carries at least one RCT or a tier-2 source (moderate dots) and the active is present at a working level, the honest word is Promising. Unproven is reserved for plausible-standing rows with limited or weak evidence, or an under-dosed form. Same rank as Unproven — a bet either way; the dots order them. · the full register
Carrying active: Sodium Hyaluronate
Standing: plausible — trials support it
Form: adequate
Tolerability: gentle
Row checked: against its sources on July 17, 2026 (evidence table ev-2026.09-r228)

The studies behind the evidence row

Benefits of topical hyaluronic acid for skin quality and signs of skin aging: From literature review to clinical evidence — Dermatologic Therapy (2022), opened July 16, 2026

All dullness products →

Does the jobDoes what a moisturizer is for: draws in water, softens and smooths.

Where our review and the verdict differ. The review below was written on the formulation and the published trials; the verdicts above apply the stricter standing test in our methodology — an active earns a recommendation only with guideline or regulatory standing for the concern. Where the two disagree, the verdict is DermApproved’s position.

A verdict is DermApproved’s assessment of how well a product’s ingredients fit a concern — never a claim about what the product treats. Evidence dots and collected reviews sit beside it and are never blended in. Rules 0.5.1 · evidence table ev-2026.09-r228 · how we decide

Assessment

Pros & Cons

Pros

✓ Systematically replicates the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor with amino acids, PCA, urea, and sugars
✓ National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance validates suitability for compromised skin
✓ Extraordinary value at $6.70 for 30 mL or 4.00 for 100 mL
✓ Zero conflicts with any active ingredient — works over retinoids, acids, vitamin C, and peptides
✓ Fragrance-free, silicone-free, oil-free, and vegan
✓ Available in two sizes with the 100 mL offering excellent per-unit value
✓ Semi-matte finish works well under makeup and sunscreen for most skin types

Cons

✗ Not moisturizing enough for very dry skin without an additional occlusive or oil layer
✗ Slightly thick application texture does not spread as effortlessly as silicone-based moisturizers
✗ Can pill when layered over thick water-based serums if not fully absorbed
✗ The 30 mL tube runs out in approximately one month with twice-daily use
✗ No treatment benefits beyond hydration — purely a maintenance moisturizer

Review

Full Review

The science of skin hydration is not complicated. Your stratum corneum produces a cocktail of small, water-attracting molecules — amino acids, pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, urea, sugars, minerals — collectively called Natural Moisturizing Factor. These compounds hold water in your skin cells, keeping them plump and functional. When NMF levels drop — from aging, harsh cleansing, UV exposure, or low humidity — your skin gets dry. A good moisturizer replenishes those molecules and provides a lipid layer to slow their evaporation. That is the entire science. Everything else is marketing.

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA takes this science literally. The ingredient list reads like a transcription of a dermatology textbook chapter on stratum corneum hydration: eleven amino acids, PCA, sodium PCA, sodium lactate, urea, allantoin, four sugars including trehalose, sodium hyaluronate, lecithin, and a blend of fatty acids. These are the actual components of NMF, supplemented by hyaluronic acid for additional humectant capacity and phospholipids for barrier support. It is the moisturizer equivalent of replacing lost electrolytes with an electrolyte solution — giving your skin back what it already uses, in the proportions it already uses it.

The product launched in 2017, early in The Ordinary's existence, and it was designed to be the brand's default moisturizer — the product you recommend first, the one that works for everyone, the base layer that makes all the treatment serums feel comfortable. It has succeeded at this goal quietly and consistently, accumulating nearly 20,000 reviews and the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance along the way.

The cream itself is medium-weight. It is not the airy, whipped texture of a Korean gel-cream, nor is it the rich, dense consistency of a nighttime barrier repair cream. It sits in the middle — thick enough to feel substantive, light enough to absorb within a minute and leave a non-greasy, semi-matte finish. The application requires a brief moment of working; it does not glide on with the effortless slip of silicone-based moisturizers because it does not contain silicones. Once it settles, it is comfortable and nearly invisible under sunscreen or makeup.

For normal, combination, and oily skin types, NMF + HA provides all the hydration most days require. The amino acids and PCA draw moisture into the stratum corneum, the hyaluronic acid binds additional water at the surface, and the fatty acids and cetyl/stearyl alcohols provide a mild occlusive layer that prevents transepidermal water loss without feeling heavy. For sensitive and eczema-prone skin, the NEA certification is meaningful — this product meets clinical standards for barrier compatibility and contains none of the common triggers (fragrance, essential oils, harsh preservatives) that reactive skin types must avoid.

For dry skin, the honest assessment is that NMF + HA may not be enough on its own. The occlusive layer is mild, and in dry climates or during winter, the water-binding ingredients need something heavier on top to lock in their work. Layering a few drops of squalane or a facial oil underneath — or applying an occlusive like Aquaphor over it at night — transforms the experience for drier skin types. Used this way, NMF + HA becomes an excellent first moisturizing layer, but it needs backup.

The conflict-free profile is perhaps this product's most underrated feature. NMF + HA contains no actives that interact problematically with any other skincare ingredient. You can use it over retinol, after AHA exfoliation, under vitamin C in the morning, or on top of a peptide serum at night. The arginine in the formula even creates a beneficial interaction with AHAs, producing a time-release effect that can reduce acid irritation. For people with complex multi-product routines, having a moisturizer that never causes problems is practically priceless.

The two available sizes — 30 mL at .70 and 100 mL at 4.00 — represent different value propositions. The 100 mL tube costs roughly 36% less per milliliter and lasts three to four months with twice-daily use. The 30 mL exists primarily for trial purposes, running out in about a month of regular use. If you have used this product once and know it works for your skin, the 100 mL is the obvious choice.

At $6.70 for the standard size, The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA makes a quiet but devastating argument against the prestige moisturizer market. The amino acids, PCA, urea, and hyaluronic acid in this formula are the same compounds — chemically identical — in moisturizers that cost 0, 0, even 00. The fatty acids and phospholipids serve the same barrier-support function. The difference is the packaging, the marketing budget, and the brand story. None of those things make your skin less dry.

This is not the most exciting product The Ordinary makes. It does not have a novel mechanism like EUK 134 or a cutting-edge peptide complex like Matrixyl. It is a moisturizer. It moisturizes. It does so using the same molecules your skin naturally produces, in a formula that the National Eczema Association has certified as safe for compromised skin, at a price that rounds to a large coffee. There is nothing to argue with.

Formula

Key Ingredients

The hero actives that drive this product's performance.

Ingredient	Function	Evidence
Amino Acid Complex (11 amino acids)	Eleven amino acids — arginine, aspartic acid, glycine, alanine, serine, valine, isoleucine, proline, threonine, histidine, and phenylalanine — that replicate the single largest component of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor (~40% of NMF by weight). In this cream format, they are delivered to the stratum corneum where they draw and hold water, directly supplementing the hydration system that declines with age and environmental stress.	Not yet assessed
Sodium Hyaluronate	The sodium salt form of hyaluronic acid, providing humectant hydration that works alongside the amino acid NMF complex. While the amino acids operate within the stratum corneum's natural hydration architecture, sodium hyaluronate forms a moisture-binding layer that bridges the gap between the NMF system and the cream's emollient base.	Established mechanism for Dehydration · established mechanism
Sodium PCA + PCA	Pyrrolidone carboxylic acid is the single most abundant component of natural NMF, comprising approximately 12% of total NMF. It is one of the most effective naturally occurring humectants in human skin. In this formula, PCA and its sodium salt directly replenish this critical hydration molecule that depletes with age, washing, and UV exposure.	Established mechanism for Dehydration · established mechanism
Urea	A natural NMF component (~7% of total NMF) that acts as both a humectant and a mild keratolytic. At the low concentration in this formula, urea primarily supports hydration by drawing water into the stratum corneum, while also subtly improving skin texture through gentle exfoliation of dry, flaky skin.	Established mechanism for Dehydration · established mechanism
Phospholipids (Lecithin) + Fatty Acids	Lecithin and a blend of fatty acids (linoleic, oleic, palmitic, stearic) replicate the lipid matrix of the skin barrier. While the amino acids and PCA address water-phase hydration, these lipids provide the emollient and occlusive layer that prevents transepidermal water loss — completing the full barrier-repair picture.	Not yet assessed

Full INCI List

Aqua (Water), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Alcohol, Propanediol, Stearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Valine, Isoleucine, Proline, Threonine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Glucose, Maltose, Fructose, Trehalose, Sodium PCA, PCA, Sodium Lactate, Urea, Allantoin, Linoleic Acid, Oleic Acid, Phytosteryl Canola Glycerides, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Lecithin, Triolein, Tocopherol, Carbomer, Isoceteth-20, Polysorbate 60, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Pentylene Glycol, Triethanolamine, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin

Safety & Formulation Facts

✓ Pregnancy Safe ✓ Fragrance Free✓ Alcohol Free✓ Oil Free✓ Silicone Free✓ Paraben Free✓ Sulfate Free✓ Cruelty Free✓ Vegan✗ Fungal Acne Safe

Compatibility

Skin Match

Best For

normal combination sensitive oily

Works For

dry

Routine Step

moisturizer

Time of Day

AM & PM

Layering Tips

Use as the last step of your skincare routine before sunscreen (AM) or as the final step (PM). Works over all The Ordinary serums and treatments. For dry skin, layer a facial oil underneath or mix a few drops of squalane into the cream. Allow previous products to absorb before applying to reduce pilling risk.

Results Timeline

Immediate: skin feels hydrated and comfortable. 1-2 weeks: barrier feels more resilient and skin appears less dull. Long-term: maintained hydration and barrier support. This is a maintenance moisturizer — expect consistent comfort and barrier support rather than dramatic visible changes.

Pairs Well With

All serums and treatmentsFacial oilsRetinoidsAHA/BHA exfoliantsNiacinamideVitamin CSunscreen

Planning a combo? Check it against what you already use

Sample AM Routine

Gentle cleanser
Hydrating serum
Treatment serum
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Sunscreen SPF 30+

Sample PM Routine

Gentle cleanser
Treatment serum or retinoid
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Facial oil (if dry skin)

Evidence

Science & Expert Perspective

The Science

Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF) is a complex of hygroscopic molecules found within corneocytes — the terminally differentiated keratinocytes that form the stratum corneum. NMF is primarily derived from the proteolysis of filaggrin, a structural protein that breaks down into its constituent amino acids and their derivatives as keratinocytes mature and flatten. NMF components constitute approximately 20-30% of the dry weight of the stratum corneum and are essential for maintaining cell hydration even at relatively low environmental humidity.

The composition of NMF has been well-characterized in dermatological literature. Free amino acids account for approximately 40%, with PCA (pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, derived from glutamic acid) comprising another 12%, lactate 12%, urea 7%, and various sugars, organic acids, and minerals making up the remainder. Research reported in the British Journal of Dermatology (Rawlings and Harding, 2004) established that NMF levels decline with age, UV exposure, and impaired filaggrin expression — the latter being a genetic factor in atopic dermatitis.

This moisturizer replicates the NMF composition topically: eleven amino acids, PCA and sodium PCA, sodium lactate, urea, allantoin, and sugars including trehalose — a disaccharide with unique protein-stabilizing properties that has been shown to protect cellular structures from dehydration stress. The supplementary sodium hyaluronate adds humectant capacity beyond what endogenous NMF provides, while the lipid components (lecithin, linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid) replicate the intercellular lipid matrix of the stratum corneum.

The clinical relevance of topical NMF supplementation is supported by research showing that application of NMF components measurably increases stratum corneum hydration and reduces transepidermal water loss. The National Eczema Association's certification of this product further validates its barrier compatibility, as NEA standards require demonstration of non-irritancy on compromised, atopic skin.

Dermatologist Perspective

Dermatologists widely recommend barrier-supporting moisturizers as a foundational element of any skincare routine, and NMF + HA aligns closely with the principles of barrier-repair moisturization that have been established in dermatological practice. Dermatology practitioners consistently acknowledge that the NMF-mimicking approach — topically replenishing the same molecules the skin naturally produces — is pharmacologically sound and supported by decades of stratum corneum research. The NEA certification makes this a practical recommendation for patients with atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and post-procedure skin. Dermatologists often recommend this as a gentle, conflict-free moisturizer during retinoid initiation, when the barrier is most vulnerable to disruption.

Guidance

Usage & Recommendations

How to Use

Apply a pea-to-nickel-sized amount to the face and neck after all serums and treatments have fully absorbed. Use in the morning before sunscreen and at night as the final step (or before an occlusive for dry skin). Pat gently into the skin rather than rubbing to minimize pilling risk over water-based serums. For dry skin, mix a few drops of squalane or facial oil into the cream before applying. For oily skin, a thin layer is sufficient — the semi-matte finish will not contribute to shine.

Value Assessment

At $6.70 for 30 mL and 4.00 for 100 mL, this is one of the most affordable moisturizers on the market that replicates the full NMF complex with hyaluronic acid support. The 100 mL size offers excellent per-unit value at approximately $0.14/mL, lasting 3-4 months with twice-daily use and keeping the annual cost under 0. Comparable NMF-based or barrier-repair moisturizers from pharmacy and prestige brands typically cost 5-50 for similar volumes. The value here is not just about price — it is about getting clinically validated barrier support at a price point that removes any excuse for skipping moisturizer.

Who Should Buy

Anyone who wants a reliable, no-frills daily moisturizer that works with every skin type and every active ingredient. Particularly valuable for sensitive and eczema-prone skin (NEA certified), for budget-conscious skincare routines, and for people who want their moisturizer to support barrier function without competing with their treatment products.

Who Should Skip

If you have very dry skin and want a single product that provides rich, heavy-duty hydration without layering, this cream will feel insufficient. Also not the right choice if you derive enjoyment from luxurious textures, pleasant scents, and beautiful packaging — NMF + HA is purely functional and makes no effort to be aesthetically appealing.

Details

Product Details

Texture

A medium-weight cream that is slightly thick on initial application but absorbs within a minute to a comfortable, non-greasy finish. Not as lightweight as a gel-cream but not as heavy as a night cream — sits in the middle ground that works for most skin types.

Scent

No discernible scent — truly fragrance-free

Packaging

Opaque white plastic squeeze tube with flip-top cap. Standard The Ordinary minimalist black-and-white design. Foil seal under cap for freshness. Available in 30 mL and 100 mL sizes. Hygienic tube format prevents contamination.

Finish

satinnon-greasy

What to Expect on First Use

On first use, the cream may feel slightly thicker than expected. It requires a moment of working to spread evenly, but absorbs within a minute and leaves skin feeling hydrated and comfortable. There is no tingling, no adjustment period, and no risk of irritation. Some users experience pilling if applying over thick water-based serums — allow each layer to absorb before applying.

How Long It Lasts

1-2 months with twice-a-day use face application (30 mL); 3-4 months (100 mL)

Period After Opening

12 months

Opened yours? Track the toss-by date

Best Season

All Year

Certifications

VeganCruelty-FreeNational Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance

Background

The Story Behind This Product

DECIEM developed NMF + HA to be The Ordinary's entry-level moisturizer — the product you recommend to someone who has never used the brand and wants a no-frills, works-for-everyone daily cream. The formulation draws on decades of dermatological research into Natural Moisturizing Factor, translating published science about the stratum corneum's endogenous hydration system into a consumer product at a fraction of the price competitors charge for similar concepts. It has since become one of the brand's highest-volume products.

About The Ordinary Established Brand (5–20 years)

The Ordinary launched under DECIEM in 2016 and rapidly became the most disruptive force in skincare by offering clinical-grade actives at unprecedented price points. Now owned by Estée Lauder Companies, the brand has built nearly a decade of consumer trust through ingredient transparency and accessible pricing.

Brand founded: 2016 · Product launched: 2017

Myth vs. Reality

Common Myths

Myth

A .70 moisturizer cannot possibly be as effective as a 0 one

Reality

The ingredients in this moisturizer — amino acids, PCA, urea, hyaluronic acid, phospholipids, fatty acids — are the same compounds found in moisturizers costing 5-10 times more. The price difference reflects marketing, packaging, and brand positioning, not ingredient quality or efficacy. The National Eczema Association does not certify products based on their price tag.

Myth

Natural Moisturizing Factors are just another name for hyaluronic acid

Reality

NMF is a complex of approximately 20+ different molecules that the skin naturally produces. Hyaluronic acid is one component, but the amino acids, PCA, urea, sugars, and minerals that make up the bulk of NMF are equally important. This moisturizer replicates the full NMF complex, not just the HA component — which is why it lists over a dozen NMF-specific ingredients alongside sodium hyaluronate.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA moisturizing enough for dry skin?

On its own, NMF + HA provides moderate hydration that may feel insufficient for very dry skin or in dry climates. However, it works excellently as a base moisturizer when layered over a hydrating serum (like The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5) and sealed with a few drops of facial oil or squalane. For severely dry skin, consider adding an occlusive like Aquaphor at night.

Can I use The Ordinary NMF + HA with retinol?

Yes — this moisturizer has no conflicts with any active ingredient. Apply your retinol first, allow it to absorb, then layer NMF + HA on top. The amino acids and urea in the formula can actually help buffer retinol irritation, making the adjustment period more comfortable.

What are Natural Moisturizing Factors?

Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF) are water-soluble humectant molecules naturally present in your skin's outermost layer. They include amino acids (~40%), pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (~12%), lactate (~12%), urea (~7%), and various sugars and minerals. This moisturizer replicates these compounds topically, supplementing the hydration system that declines with age, UV exposure, and harsh cleansing.

Is The Ordinary NMF + HA good for oily skin?

Yes. Despite being a cream rather than a gel, NMF + HA is lightweight enough for oily skin and absorbs to a non-greasy, semi-matte finish. It provides hydration without adding oils or heavy occlusives that could contribute to congestion. The oil-free, silicone-free formula will not clog pores.

Which size of NMF + HA should I buy?

The 100 mL tube (4.00) offers significantly better value per milliliter — approximately $0.14/mL vs. $0.22/mL for the 30 mL (.70). If you already know you like the product, the 100 mL lasts 3-4 months and saves money long-term. The 30 mL is better for first-time testing.

Does The Ordinary NMF + HA cause pilling?

Some users experience pilling when layering NMF + HA over thick, water-based serums. To prevent this, allow each previous product to fully absorb before applying the moisturizer. Pat rather than rub during application. If pilling persists, try applying NMF + HA to slightly damp skin without a serum layer underneath.

Reviews

What Reviewers Tend to Say

Recurring themes our editors read across retailer reviews of this product — summaries in our words, not quotations, and not a substitute for your own patch test.

Common Praise

Exceptional value — .70 for a well-formulated daily moisturizer

Lightweight, non-greasy hydration that works well under makeup and sunscreen

Fragrance-free and gentle enough for sensitive and eczema-prone skin

Works beautifully as a base layer over The Ordinary serums

NEA Seal of Acceptance provides clinical credibility for barrier support

Common Complaints

Not moisturizing enough for very dry skin or dry climates as a standalone

Can feel thick and draggy during application — does not spread as easily as gel-creams

Occasional pilling when layered over thick water-based serums

The 30 mL tube runs out quickly with twice-daily use

Utilitarian packaging lacks the premium feel of competing moisturizers