The Best The Ordinary Products For Dry Skin

Since its launch in 2017 The Ordinary has fast 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.  

However, with over 50 SKUs (the majority in identical glass bottles and with clinical sounding names) it can be confusing to know which to use, and which will be best for your skin type.  

If you have dry skin and regularly experience symptoms like flakiness, irritation, rough patches, and a tight sensation after cleansing, then these are the best The Ordinary products for you. 

NATURAL MOISTURISING FACTORS + HA

This rich moisturiser is a medley of elements that are naturally found in the skin and so will hydrate without causing irritation or congestion. The creamy lotion is made up of amino acids, ceramides, fatty acids, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin, all of which combine to strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier. 

100% PLANT-DERIVED SQUALANE

Squalane is naturally found in the skin, but as we age it decreases – this is a great one for skin that is experiencing dryness and dehydration as you age. It’s also a favourite for those who have dry skin but hate the feel of facial oils, since (although it’s an oil) its texture is light, dry, and non-greasy. 

SQUALANE CLEANSER

Cleansers so often fall short for dry complexions because most will strip moisture from your skin, but this one hydrates while it cleanses – leaving skin makeup-free and clean but without sucking it dry. The hero ingredient is squalane which packs the moisture back in, leaving skin feeling soft and balanced. 

HYALURONIC ACID + B5

The perfect ingredient for dry skin, since it works by attracting moisture, drawing it into skin, and preventing it from escaping. In fact, each molecule can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water. Use twice daily and layer it under your moisturiser to maximise its benefits. 

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 offers a gentle exfoliation and the added bonus of hyaluronic acid to hydrate skin at the same time. 

‘B’ OIL

This light, silky oil sees traditional hydrators like marula, argan, rosehip, and borage oils blended with micro-algae and squalane to boost hydration on multiple levels. The addition of vitamin B5 helps to soothe and heal skin, since dryness can often result in irritation and inflammation.