The Ordinary

NMF+HA Review

I’ve had some requests for my thoughts on the Natural Moisturizing Factors + Hyaluronic Acid from Deciem brand, The Ordinary. Ask… and you shall receive. Contrary to the brand’s name, this formula is far from ordinary and the price is EXTRAORDINARY! This moisturizer is designed to protect and hydrate the epidermis, the outer layer of your skin. I’ve so far been unable to find a moisturizer anywhere near this price point with this array of ingredients.

 What is NMF?

An essential element in keeping skin feeling and looking healthier is making sure the outer layer of skin is intact. These elements are often called natural moisturizing factors (NMF) or ingredients that mimic the substances found in healthy skin. No doubt- this product is chock full of NMF.

 NMF Highlights:

Most obviously is the insanely low price of $5.80 USD for 1 oz or 30 ml of product

Contains:

• Triglycerides in the form of Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides as an emollient to replenish moisture and prevent moisture loss
• Contains Sodium Hyaluronate (a smaller molecule size compared to Hyaluronic Acid, which means it penetrates your skin more easily)
• Contains 11 amino acids (quite simply building blocks for your skin)
• Contains Sodium PCA as a skin conditioning agent
• Contains Ceramide precursors
• Contains Urea. Urea is hygroscopic and a natural moisturizer. This means it improves barrier function and is a natural mild exfoliant while also having anesthetic properties (not to be confused with the awful preservative IMIDAZOLIDINYL UREA which is a proven formaldehyde releaser)
• Contains phospholipids in the form of lecithin, which is hygroscopic (attracts moisture from the air)
• Multiple fatty acids including alpha/beta/gamma (supplying omegas 3, 6 and 9)
• Sterols and Sterol Esters for skin conditioning

*Hygroscopy

The GOOD:

• Everything I mentioned above
• Non-greasy Hydration (great for daytime use including oily skin)
• Cheap AF

 The possibly NOT SO GOOD:

• Anyone concerned with a Phenoxyethanol allergy
• Contains Triethanolamine as (I’m guessing as a pH adjuster)
• The texture is a bit reminiscent of sun cream, starts white and takes a minute to rub in, but does absorb with no white cast.

 Final thoughts:

This formula isn’t dripping with technology or fancy ingredients. It doesn’t feel like an expensive, ultra smooth, usually silicone ladened moisturizer. It is, however, jam packed with a long list of skin-loving ingredients and it simply WORKS! It is by no means luxe. It is simply effective, which aligns itself perfectly with The Ordinary brand’s modus operandi. I will be keeping this in my arsenal.

 Rating: 4/5