Beta-Glucan: The Star Ingredient in The Ordinary’s New Moisturizer That Might Just Replace Hyaluronic Acid
If you’re a fan of The Ordinary, you’re probably well aware of the brand’s commitment to affordable, effective skincare backed by science.
In recent months, the company has been busy expanding its line with a slew of new product launches that have taken the beauty world by storm.
From lightweight cleansers to deeply hydrating serums, these recent additions have resonated with both longtime fans and skincare newcomers alike.
Among the most recent releases are:
The Glucoside Foaming Cleanser – a mild yet effective cleanser that’s quickly gained cult status.
The Multi-Peptide Eye Serum – an eye treatment packed with skin-fortifying peptides.
Natural Moisturizing Factors + Phytoceramides – a rich moisturizer designed specifically for dry, compromised skin.
Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution – a blemish-targeting serum that soothes and reduces post-acne marks.
Glycolipid Cream Cleanser – a gentle, non-stripping cleansing milk that became a staple in many routines.
Now, The Ordinary has added a new member to its moisturizing family—Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta-Glucan, and the buzz is already mounting.
With a unique combination of hydrating ingredients and antioxidant properties, this moisturizer is being hailed as a lightweight yet powerful hydrator, especially for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types.
Let’s explore why beta-glucan is garnering so much attention and whether this new moisturizer truly lives up to the hype.
What Is Beta-Glucan?
If you’re unfamiliar with beta-glucan, you’re not alone.
Despite being widely used in pharmaceuticals and health supplements, it’s only recently started gaining mainstream recognition in the skincare world.
According to celebrity esthetician and skincare expert Cynthia Franco, beta-glucan is a large sugar molecule (a polysaccharide) composed of many smaller sugar units.
It’s typically derived from sources like oats, mushrooms, and yeast, but in The Ordinary’s formulation, it comes from Ganoderma lucidum, commonly known as reishi mushroom—a staple in traditional Chinese medicine for more than 2,000 years.
So, what makes beta-glucan special? Several things:
Moisture Retention: Beta-glucan has been shown in studies to deliver up to 20% more hydration than hyaluronic acid, long considered the holy grail of skin hydration.
Barrier Repair: It aids in skin recovery, making it ideal for those with a compromised skin barrier or irritation due to environmental factors or overuse of actives like retinoids.
Antioxidant Protection: It neutralizes free radicals, reducing oxidative stress from pollution and UV exposure.
Soothing Benefits: It’s known for calming redness, reducing inflammation, and helping sensitive or reactive skin.
In short, beta-glucan does more than just hydrate. It protects, soothes, repairs, and rejuvenates—all in a single ingredient.
Inside The Ordinary’s Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta-Glucan
While beta-glucan is the headline ingredient, the formula also includes a blend of ceramides, amino acids, and other Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMFs)—components that naturally occur in the skin and help maintain its hydration and elasticity.
Let’s break down the key players:
Beta-Glucan: Hydrates, soothes, and strengthens the skin barrier.
Ceramides: Lipid molecules that seal in moisture and protect the skin’s outermost layer.
Amino Acids: Essential building blocks that aid in repair and maintain the skin’s hydration balance.
Oil- and Silicone-Free Base: Ideal for those who dislike heavy creams or are prone to breakouts.
The texture is described as a lightweight, water-based gel, making it ideal for oily and combination skin types.
It’s designed to absorb quickly without leaving a greasy or sticky residue, making it perfect for layering under sunscreen or makeup.
A Personal Review: Testing the Moisturizer on Combination Skin
As someone with combination skin, I approach new moisturizers with caution. Too rich, and I break out.
Too light, and my skin feels tight and uncomfortable—especially when using strong actives like retinoids. So naturally, I was intrigued by this product.
Morning Use: Lightweight Yet Effective
In the morning, I applied Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta-Glucan underneath my sunscreen (L’Oréal Revitalift Clinical SPF 50+).
Usually, layering a moisturizer and sunscreen results in a heavy feeling and makes my foundation slide throughout the day. But not this time.
This gel-cream absorbed instantly, leaving my skin soft but not sticky. No greasy film, no excessive shine—just the right level of hydration to keep my skin balanced and prepped for makeup.
My foundation stayed in place all day without any midday oil slicks.
Night Use: Needs a Little Boost for Drier Areas
Nighttime was a slightly different story. I regularly use retinoids, which leave my cheeks dry and occasionally flaky.
After cleansing and toning, I applied a generous layer of the beta-glucan moisturizer, expecting it to calm and replenish my skin overnight.
While it initially felt soothing, I noticed a mild tightness around my eyes and cheeks about 30 minutes later.
It wasn’t uncomfortable, but it told me the moisturizer wasn’t quite enough for the level of dryness caused by my retinoid routine.
However, applying it to slightly damp skin improved the results significantly, helping it lock in more moisture and reduce tightness.
How It Compares to The Ordinary’s Other Moisturizers
With three different moisturizers in its lineup, it’s helpful to understand where Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta-Glucan fits:
Product Texture Key Benefits Best For
Natural Moisturizing Factors + Hyaluronic Acid Medium Hydrating, dewy finish Normal to slightly dry skin
Natural Moisturizing Factors + Phytoceramides Rich Deep hydration, barrier repair Dry to very dry skin
Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta-Glucan Light Fast absorption, calming, non-greasy Oily, combination, acne-prone skin
The beta-glucan formula is the lightest of the trio, making it ideal for warmer weather or oilier skin types.
If you need more intense hydration, especially during colder months or if you use actives frequently, you may want to pair it with a thicker product at night.
Ideal for Sensitive, Acne-Prone Skin
My partner, who has oily, acne-prone skin, also tried the product and became an instant fan. His biggest complaint about moisturizers is that they “sit on the face” or feel greasy.
This formula passed the test—it felt like nothing after it absorbed.
There were no shiny cheekbones, no forehead gleam, and best of all, no breakouts. In fact, his skin has looked clearer, calmer, and more balanced since using it consistently.
He now uses it morning and night as his go-to hydrator.
Is It for Everyone? Not Quite
While this product has a lot going for it, it might not be the best match for everyone. Here’s who it’s most suited for:
Best for:
Oily or combination skin
Acne-prone or sensitive skin
People who dislike heavy moisturizers
Those looking for a gentle hydrator under makeup or SPF
❌ Might not be enough for:
Very dry or flaky skin
Retinoid users with peeling or irritation
Harsh winter conditions where more occlusive products are needed
If you fall into the latter category, consider using it as a light daytime moisturizer and opting for something richer, like the Phytoceramides version, at night.
Final Thoughts: Should You Try It?
The Ordinary’s Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta-Glucan is a solid, no-fuss moisturizer that ticks many boxes for people with oily, acne-prone, or combination skin.
Its lightweight texture, calming ingredients, and affordable price point make it a welcome addition to The Ordinary’s lineup.
While it may not completely replace hyaluronic acid for everyone, beta-glucan certainly deserves a place in the hydration conversation—and potentially, your skincare routine.
So, if you’ve been hunting for a moisturizer that feels like nothing, delivers meaningful hydration, and won’t clog your pores or interfere with your active treatments, this could be exactly what your routine is missing.
