Since its launch in 2017, The Ordinary has quickly become famous for its purse-friendly, fuss-free beauty solutions, with new launches racking up 10,000+ strong waitlists and hero products selling out within hours of a restock. With over 50 products, there’s something suitable for every skin type and every skin concern, including dry skin.
To find out more about building a dry skin skincare routine, we spoke with The Ordinary’s Scientific Communications Manager, Joe Basham. So if you have dry skin and want to combat it, discover the best The Ordinary products below to keep your skin hydrated, nourished, and glowing.
What’s the best ingredient for dry skin?
Hydrating products are best for dry skin. Joe from The Ordinary told us: “It’s important to use a combination of hydrators to increase the skin’s water content, and emollients (oils or oil-like ingredients) to help seal water inside.”
He recommends “hyaluronic acid and niacinamide for your dry skin skincare routine as they help promote skin hydration and support the barrier.” And he added: “Emollients can be used alone, like 100% Plant-Derived Squalane. Or, they can be ingredients found within moisturisers like ceramides or lipids, which are in The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors moisturisers.”
What products should those with dry skin avoid?
The key to eliminating dry skin is to use hydrating products, which means avoiding “stripping cleansers and high pH products like soap”, Joe told us. He also recommends minimal exfoliation and avoiding over-using direct acids, as this can cause disruption to the skin barrier and leave skin feeling irritated and dryer. Instead, Joe advises opting for gentle cleansers to protect the skin barrier.
7 Dry Skin Must-Have Products From The Ordinary
From hydrating cleansers to rich, creamy serums, meet The Ordinary products you need to nourish and repair your dry skin.
1. Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides
The Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides is a rich moisturiser featuring a medley of elements that are naturally found in the skin, so they’ll hydrate without causing irritation or congestion. The creamy lotion is made up of amino acids, ceramides, fatty acids, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin, which all combine to strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier.
2. Natural Moisturizing Factors + Inulin Body Lotion
For anyone wanting to hydrate their body as well as their face, the Natural Moisturizing Factors + Inulin Body Lotion immediately softens and reduces the look of dry flaky skin as well as keeping skin from drying out after washing. The formula includes the prebiotic inulin, which supports the skin’s microbiome by helping promote the moisture barrier. And for bonus points – it has a lightweight and non-greasy texture for hydration without the stickiness.
3. Glycolipid Cream Cleanser
Cleansers so often fall short for dry complexions because most will strip moisture from your skin, but The Ordinary Glycolipid Cream Cleanser hydrates while it cleanses. So skin is left makeup-free and clean without feeling tight and dehydrated. Glycolipids cleanse and refresh skin without stripping, for a soft and balanced finish.
4. Hyaluronic Acid + B5
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is the perfect product for dry skin as hyaluronic acid works by attracting moisture, drawing it into skin, and preventing it from escaping. It’s formulated with multiple sizes of hyaluronic acid, alongside ceramides, to help provide hydration to multiple layers of the skin’s surface. Use twice daily and layer it under your moisturiser to maximise its benefits.
5. Lactic Acid 5% + HA
Chemical exfoliation will help to smooth dry skin that experiences flaky patches and peeling, but some acids can be too strong and cause further dryness. Lactic Acid 5% + HA offers a gentle exfoliation and the added bonus of hyaluronic acid to hydrate skin at the same time.
6. Soothing & Barrier Support Serum
The Soothing & Barrier Support Serum is thick, rich, and creamy in texture, supporting the skin barrier to prevent moisture loss. With cooling and soothing properties for skin, it’s ideal for dry skin that’s also prone to redness and sensitivity.
7. 100% Plant-Derived Squalane
Squalane is a plant-derived substance which is similar to skin’s own oil – so 100% Plant-Derived Squalane is a great skincare routine addition for skin experiencing dryness and dehydration with ageing. It’s also a favourite for those who have dry skin but hate the feel of facial oils, since its texture is light, dry, and non-greasy.
FYI: This article was previously published at an earlier date and has since been updated
