2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Decanoic acid, ester with 1,2,3-propanetriol octanoate; Glycerides, mixed decanoyl and octanoyl
The Ordinary
Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides
face moisturizer
The Ordinary
face moisturizer
Added Last edited
Fit by skin type
General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.
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Take the skin testAn intensely nurturing, replenishing moisturizer ideal for dry skin
Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides is a lightweight moisturizer from The Ordinary, a brand based in Canada. The formula is built mainly around hydration and soothing. The ingredient list runs to 53 ingredients, each broken down in full below.
By its ingredient list the formula reads as light: water and humectants lead, with emollients kept lower in the order. Hydration is handled by Glycerin, Propanediol and Betaine, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.
Hydration: Very high. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Glycerin, Propanediol, Betaine and Trehalose.
Soothing: High. Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity, and here that comes from Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Allantoin and Xylitylglucoside.
On richness alone it suits Balanced skin best, and is the least natural fit for Dry and Combination (dry) skin. Nothing in the list is flagged as a common irritant, which is a reasonable starting point for reactive skin — though a patch test is still the only way to know.
The formula contributes little or nothing on antioxidant protection, oil control and firmness signalling. That is not a fault — most products are not meant to do everything — but if one of those is your priority, this is not the product that will address it.
Reading the full list, the formula is fragrance-free, essential-oil-free, no drying alcohol, paraben-free, silicone-free and microplastic-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging.
It can be used morning and evening. In a routine it goes after serums. Seal in your serums with it; in the morning, sunscreen still goes on top.
This summary is generated from the product's ingredient list. It is not a review, it is not the brand's own marketing claims, and it does not replace advice from a dermatologist.
Drawn purely from the ingredient list
Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.
Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy
Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin
Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance
Refines texture by gently exfoliating rough, uneven patches
None of the ingredients in this formula are associated with these benefits. This is not unusual, as most products are designed to target a limited number of concerns.
The actives, UV filters and benefit-carrying ingredients in this formula, in the order they are listed.
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Decanoic acid, ester with 1,2,3-propanetriol octanoate; Glycerides, mixed decanoyl and octanoyl
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Hexadecyl 2-ethylhexanoate
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Propanoic acid, 2,2-dimethyl-, isodecyl ester
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
1,3-dihydroxypropane
7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Complex ester of hexaglycerol and polyricinoleic acid
8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Oils, vegetable, hydrogenated
15th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (9Z, 12Z)-
18th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Stearic acid
19th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
L-Arginine
20th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Glycine
21st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Alanine
Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.
Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin
Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity
Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution
Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine
Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks
Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity
Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover
Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support
"Active" here means an ingredient carrying a recorded active type or a recognised UV filter.
Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.
Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.
Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.
Nothing in this formula belongs to a group our rules can put in conflict, so it layers freely. Order still matters — thinnest texture first.
This product is the "Moisturise" step.
Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.
Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 53 ingredients on the label.
Draws water into the upper layers of skin
Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells
Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula
Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together
Sets the acidity the formula needs to work
Dissolves and carries everything else
Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels
Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula
Forms a film that slows water loss
Keeps the product free of microbial growth
Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution
Calms visible redness and irritation
Loosens or dissolves dead surface cells
Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.
1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.
Water
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Decanoic acid, ester with 1,2,3-propanetriol octanoate; Glycerides, mixed decanoyl and octanoyl
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Hexadecyl 2-ethylhexanoate
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Propanoic acid, 2,2-dimethyl-, isodecyl ester
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
1,3-dihydroxypropane
7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Complex ester of hexaglycerol and polyricinoleic acid
8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Oils, vegetable, hydrogenated
9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Ester of diglycerol and isostearic acid
10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Isosorbide Dicaprylate is the diester of isosorbide and caprylic acid
11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
1-Octadecanaminium, N,N-dimethyl-N-octadecyl-, chloride, reaction products with hectorite
12th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Glycerides, canola oil, reaction products with plant phytosterols
13th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Sphingolipids, glycosides
14th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Glycolipids are mixed substances which contain carbohydrates covalently attached to a lipid
15th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (9Z, 12Z)-
16th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
9-Octadecenoic acid (9Z)-
17th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Hexadecanoic acid
18th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Stearic acid
19th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
L-Arginine
20th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Glycine
21st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Alanine
22nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
2-Amino-3-hydroxypropanoic acid
23rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
2-Pyrrolidinecarboxylic acid, (S)-
24th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
2-Amino-3-hydroxybutanoic acid
25th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
(S)-2-Aminopentanedioic acid
26th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
27th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Methanaminium, 1-carboxy-N,N,N-trimethyl-, hydroxide, inner salt
28th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Xylitylglucoside
29th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
D-Xylitol, 1,4-Anhydro-
30th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Xylitol
31st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Glucose
32nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
D-Glucose, 4-O-.alpha.-D-glucopyranosyl-
33rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Fructose
34th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
alpha-D-Glucopyranoside, alpha-D-glucopyranosyl
35th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Sodium 5-oxo-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate
36th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
L-2-Pyrrolidone-5-carboxylic acid
37th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Sodium lactate
38th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Urea
39th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Urea, (2,5-dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl)-
40th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Hyaluronic acid, sodium, salt
41st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Lecithins. The complex combination of diglycerides of fatty acids linked to the choline ester of phosphoric acid
42nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
1,2,3-Propanetriyl trioleate
43rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
1,4:3,6-Dianhydro-2,5-di-O-methyl-D-glucitol
44th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
1,2-Dihydroxypentane
45th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
3,4-Dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-2H-benzopyran-6-ol; .alpha.-tocopherol; Vitamin E
46th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
3-Decanone, 1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-,[6]-Gingerone
47th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid
48th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
L-Aspartic acid, N,N'-1,2-ethanediylbis-, trisodium salt
49th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Magnesium sulphate
50th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Sodium chloride
51st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Sodium hydroxide
52nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Phenoxyethanol
53rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,2-Propanediol, 3-(4-chlorophenoxy)-
Products in the same category that share this formula's distinguishing ingredients.
The Ordinary
Shares 10 key ingredients with Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides: Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Propanediol, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Arginine
The Ordinary
Shares 9 key ingredients with Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides: Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Propanediol, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Sodium Hyaluronate
House of Hur
Shares 8 key ingredients with Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides: Propanediol, Glycerin, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycine
VT Cosmetics
Shares 7 key ingredients with Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides: Propanediol, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Stearic Acid, Arginine, Sodium Hyaluronate
The Ordinary
Shares 7 key ingredients with Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides: Propanediol, Arginine, Glycine, Alanine, Sodium Hyaluronate
KLAVUU
Shares 6 key ingredients with Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides: Glycerin, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Propanediol, Citric Acid
AQUA, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, CETYL ETHYLHEXANOATE, ISODECYL NEOPENTANOATE, GLYCERIN, PROPANEDIOL, POLYGLYCERYL-6 POLYRICINOLEATE, HYDROGENATED VEGETABLE OIL, POLYGLYCERYL-2 ISOSTEARATE, ISOSORBIDE DICAPRYLATE, DISTEARDIMONIUM HECTORITE, PHYTOSTERYL CANOLA GLYCERIDES, GLYCOSPHINGOLIPIDS, GLYCOLIPIDS, LINOLEIC ACID, OLEIC ACID, PALMITIC ACID, STEARIC ACID, ARGININE, GLYCINE, ALANINE, SERINE, PROLINE, THREONINE, GLUTAMIC ACID, LYSINE HCL, BETAINE, XYLITYLGLUCOSIDE, ANHYDROXYLITOL, XYLITOL, GLUCOSE, MALTOSE, FRUCTOSE, TREHALOSE, SODIUM PCA, PCA, SODIUM LACTATE, UREA, ALLANTOIN, SODIUM HYALURONATE, LECITHIN, TRIOLEIN, DIMETHYL ISOSORBIDE, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, TOCOPHEROL, HYDROXYMETHOXYPHENYL DECANONE, CITRIC ACID, TRISODIUM ETHYLENEDIAMINE DISUCCINATE, MAGNESIUM SULFATE, SODIUM CHLORIDE, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, PHENOXYETHANOL, CHLORPHENESIN.
SODIUM HYALURONATE, CITRIC ACID.
-Apply a small amount to your face in the morning and evening after applying serums.
Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Balanced skin best. It is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry) skin.
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
3 ingredients could feed malassezia: Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Polyglyceryl-2 Isostearate, Isosorbide Dicaprylate. That describes the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that they will cause a breakout.
Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not medical clearance — check anything you use daily with your doctor or midwife.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is fragrance-free.
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is no drying alcohol.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is silicone-free.
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is essential-oil-free.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.
It layers well with Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), Retinoids (retinol, retinal), AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone), Benzoyl peroxide.
Use it morning and evening, after serums.
It lists 53 ingredients, of which 2 are recorded as actives.
The Ordinary, a brand based in Canada.
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