I don’t often wear make-up, but I do apply every day without fail, both day and night – and I’ve done so since I was around 14 years old.
Back then, Boots Baby Lotion was enough and remained my go-to skincare product way into my 20s. As we all know though, at a certain point in time, age catches up and there’s a shift: what once worked no longer does and it’s time to move on.
During my 30s and 40s I tried all kinds of face creams, the brand and type often very much dependent on my budget. At the same time I’ve also been very fortunate as I’ve got to try skincare products in the course of my job that otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to afford.
Then a few years ago I discovered The Ordinary. I didn’t really discover it, rather a girl at work told all of us in the office about it one day and we all gave it a try. I was over the moon to find a moisturiser at such a great price that seemed good for my skin. Their ethics and brand values resonated with me also, which is always something I look for.
So I started using their Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA, along with various serums. Since then the serums have pretty much fallen by the wayside for me – I didn’t really see any improvement in my skin using them – except for the resveratrol (the subject of an upcoming review) and the hyaluronic acid.
The first time I tried hyaluronic acid, it must have been around 12 years ago and the price at the time was ridiculous. Now you can buy it anywhere and the cost has come right down. The Ordinary’s version is available in two sizes – 30, 60 and 120ml – and it starts from £7.90. Prices have gone up sadly, same as with everything else, but it’s still a budget buy. Same for the moisturiser – at £9.90 for 100ml (which is twice the amount you usually get in a jar), it’s a bargain.
What’s it like?
The cream is light in texture and absorbs quite quickly. It doesn’t feel heavy or thick and I think it’s better as a day moisturiser as for me, it lacks the richness I look for in a night cream.
The serum is quite watery and spreads easily over your skin. The method of delivery is a little wasteful I find, as product tends to drip out of the end of the glass dispenser while you’re busy applying it.
What’s in it?
According to The Ordinary website, Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA supports your skin’s natural hydration barrier, and has immediate and lasting effects when used regularly. It contains fatty acids, amino acids, ceramides, hyaluronic acid and glycerine, among other ingredients.
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 supports hydration across multiple skin layers, reduces the appearance of wrinkles and textural irregularities, and, through the pro-vitamin B5, enhances hydration and plumpness. Results show after one week, with noticeably smoother skin after using for four weeks. It contains low, medium and high-molecular weight hyaluronic acid molecules, as well as “a next-generation HA crosspolymer to support hydration to multiple layers of your skin.”
What’s it like to use?
The serum sinks into my skin pretty quicky. It can feel a little sticky for a second or two, usually when I’ve applied too much, but that’s momentary.
The moisturiser absorbs better when applied on its own. When applied after the serum it seems to spread rather than sink in, and it can take a minute or two to absorb properly. I don’t find that a problem though and I’d rather use both products together for maximum effect.
I’ve used both of these pretty much daily for the past four or five years. I think I’m at a stage now though where my skin seems to be changing again – bloody ageing has absolutely nothing to recommend it – so I’ve started trying out new moisturisers, looking for my next favourite.
At the same time, The Ordinary has upped the ante with its new Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides, which is a lot richer and which the company claims, boosts skin hydration by 68%!
According to the website: “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 help to improve the look of skin quality, for a fresher, more plumped appearance.”
You can use it during the day, but it’s a little too greasy for me at this stage in my life. For nights though, it’s ideal.
Obviously you pay more for the greater intensity of ingredients and that extra richness, but at £20 for 100ml it’s still a great price and a lot less than you’d pay for many other comparable creams. I’m now on my second tube of this and so far so good. I think it’s a keeper.