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 more than 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 as well).
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 currently.
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 covered-up or greasy sensation on his face 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.
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
