If you’re a fan of The Ordinary, you know the brand has been busy, releasing five new skin-care products in the past few months.
First, we had the Glucoside Foaming Cleanser, a gentle cleanser that’s so effective that it’s replaced all the micellar waters and cleansing balms in my skin-care routine. Then came the Peptide Eye Serum, which Refinery29 senior affiliate writer Karina Hoshikawa rated 11/10 for its hydrating and skin-strengthening properties.
Since then, we’ve seen the Natural Moisturizing Factor + Phytoceramides (a rich moisturizer for dry skin), the Aloe 2% + Nag 2% Solution (to minimize acne-induced blemishes), and the Glycolipid Cleanser. The milk was so good that I used up every last drop. But The Ordinary has a new member in its thriving skin-care dynasty, and the company has already received five-star reviews online.
What is Beta-Glucan? And what benefits does it have for skin care?
The star ingredient in The Ordinary’s new moisturizer is one you’ve probably never heard of: beta-glucan. But you shouldn’t underestimate it. In fact, some dermatologists and TikTok skincare enthusiasts say it could replace hyaluronic acid as the next big “moisture magnet.”
In short, celebrity aesthetician and skincare expert Cynthia Franco recently told R29: “Beta-glucan is a nice big molecule that’s made up of lots of smaller sugar molecules called polysaccharides. Interestingly, studies show that beta-glucan hydrates 20 percent more than hyaluronic acid.” “Both are great skin moisturizers that, with regular use, will reduce the appearance of fine lines over time,” Cynthia added. Many skincare products actually combine hyaluronic acid and beta-glucan to boost moisture levels and make skin look plumper.
The beta-glucan in The Ordinary’s moisturizer comes from the Lingzhi mushroom, which has been used in traditional Chinese culture for over 2,000 years. Not only is beta-glucan an effective humectant that locks in skin moisture and prevents it from becoming dry and tight, but it’s also an excellent antioxidant. Antioxidants help protect the skin from environmental stressors like dulling pollution.
While beta-glucan is the main ingredient, this moisturizer also contains ceramides that help keep the skin barrier intact and amino acids that repair skin damage over time. These are also known as “natural moisturizing factors” (NMFs) because they actually occur naturally in the skin, hence the name on the tube. In theory, this is all you want or need in a moisturizer (except for sunscreen, of course, but most dermatologists usually recommend targeted sunscreens).
Does The Ordinary’s NMF + Beta Glucan work?
I have combination skin that tends to get oily, so I can’t use most moisturizers without getting breakouts. However, this one looks promising. Not only is it a water-based gel, but it’s also oil- and silicone-free, so it’s not heavy at all.
The texture is very light, more like a hydrating serum. Plus, it’s completely transparent, unlike any other moisturizer I’m using so far.
In the morning, I applied a natural moisturiser + beta glucan (L’Oreal Revitalift Clinical SPF50+ Invisible Fluid, £19) under my sunscreen and I really liked it. Usually using moisturiser and sunscreen together is too much for my skin and if I apply two layers my make-up disappears. This combination provided just the right amount of hydration and ensured my foundation lasted till the end of the day.
In the evening, however, things looked different. I use Retina regularly, which leaves my cheeks relatively dry and sometimes (if overused) very flaky. So I needed something to soothe and smooth my dry patches without leaving my face glued to my pillow before bed. I was convinced this was the right thing to do. After cleansing, I applied a generous amount of product but as it absorbed into the skin, I noticed a slight tightness around my eyes, cheeks and forehead. This suggested it wasn’t strong enough for me as a nighttime moisturiser. However, I found that applying moisturiser on damp skin a few minutes after washing my face helped retain more moisture, which meant my skin felt less stiff.
When it comes to The Ordinary’s moisturising trio, the texture of the Natural Moisturising Factor + Beta Glucan is by far the thinnest. The brand’s Natural Moisturising Factor + Phytoceramides (£20) is the thickest, giving skin a subtle glow, while the Natural Moisturising Factor + Hyaluronic Acid (£9.90) is somewhere in between. The latter is just right for me: it absorbs quickly, banishes unpleasant tightness and leaves a subtle, dewy finish. The new Natural Moisturising Factor + Beta Glucan is a bigger winner for my partner, with whom I often share skincare products. His skin is oily, acne-prone combination, and he hates the feeling of his face feeling covered or greasy after applying moisturiser. I like products that give my skin a little TLC, but he loves the feeling of this moisturiser feeling like nothing. Once moved in, it’s hardly noticeable. There are no obvious signs that you’ve used a moisturiser, such as shiny cheekbones or a damp forehead. For him, it does its job of providing ample, yet calming hydration. He also has fewer breakouts, and he believes the lighter texture is the reason his skin feels clearer. All in all, NMF + Beta-Glucan isn’t for everyone. However, if you’re looking for a product that’s easy to use, leaves absolutely no marks, and is unlikely to aggravate oily skin and rashes, then this might be for you.
