The Ordinary may be relatively new to the world of skincare but it has rapidly gained a large following thanks to its emphasis on efficacy and cost. One of them is their Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA moisturizer (NMF+HA for short), which claims to restore the balance of the skin and provide an additional dose of hyaluronic acid. But does this science-backed formula (The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors) work in real life? Being a huge fan of skincare, I quickly grabbed a tube of NMF+HA to know what the fuss was all about. Here’s the low down on everything from the consistency to how effectively it moisturizes.

First Impressions:

The Ordinary does not deviate from this ethos with NMF+HA. The packaging that is used is a simple white tube with clear printing in black ink. There are no frills. But the tube is portable for travel or to take with you when you put it in your gym bag. The moisturizer itself is sheer, applying like a lotion without feeling greasy or sticky in the least. It penetrates the skin quickly and does not leave it feeling greasy, which is an advantage.

The Good Stuff:

Lightweight and Comfortable:
This is a daily moisturizer that is ideal for people with oily or combination skin types. This lotion is non-greasy and has a thin texture, which allows it to be easily absorbed by the skin.
Hydration Hero:

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

The NMF+HA formula includes components that enable the skin to draw moisture and retain it while the hyaluronic acid merely boosts the level of hydration. It left my skin feeling more supple and healthy when used on a daily basis.
Affordable Option:
Similar to most of Ordinary’s line of products, NMF+HA is incredibly affordable. You get a lot of product for the money you spend which always makes it a good bargain.
Simple, Fragrance-Free Formula: Lacking fragrance and other potentially aggravating agents, this lotion should be suitable for people with sensitive skin.

The Not-So-Good Stuff: A Few Things to Consider

Might Not Be Enough for Dry Skin:
The only weakness found in the proposed NMF+HA is that it did not appear to be moisturizing enough for patients with very dry skin especially when the climate becomes very cold. You might need a richer cream for a more bomb VIP treatment on your skin.

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

Lacks SPF:
This moisturizer has no sun protection factor, so it has no added SPF. Very often people neglect using sunscreen even when they spend the day inside a car, at the office, or home and this is a big mistake as skin is exposed to UV radiation at all times. As I stated before, don’t forget to remember it and make it really thick.
Not the Most Exciting Formula:
Another potential drawback some may report is that the texture of the formula might feel more ordinary compared to other opulent creams. People with NMF+HA are really not bothered with how the product feels or sounds. Everybody just wants things to work.

The Final Verdict: 

Therefore, is the Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA a hype-worthy product? Here’s my take:

To sum up, NMF+HA would be perfect for those who have oily, combo, or normal skin type in their 20s and 30s, and who want a non-scented, lightweight moisturizer that will provide decent levels of hydration with an addition of hyaluronic acid. And there is another one: It penetrates through the skin easily; delivers moisture well; and it is quite non-irritating. Still, if you have extremely dry skin or if you wish to have a velvety feeling on your skin then you might require a base oil which is slightly on the nourishing side.