Is The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA good for oily skin?

Will the cream feel too heavy?

Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA is a cream rather than a gel, despite a name that sounds like the entire contents of a bathroom cabinet. It is designed to hydrate without leaving a greasy residue. That makes it an option if you want a cream finish without choosing a richer moisturiser. If you prefer a gel texture, choose a gel moisturiser instead; general guidance for oily and acne prone skin favours that format. There is no need to force a cream into your routine just because it is suitable for all skin types.12

Does oil free mean it will not clog pores?

Do not treat oil free as a promise that a moisturiser will never cause breakouts. For oily skin with frequent clogged pores, look for an explicit noncomedogenic label, meaning the product is designed not to block pores. Oil free describes a different feature. Oily skin is not a reason to rule out moisturiser altogether, including when you have acne. The useful decision is which moisturiser fits your skin and texture preference, rather than whether oily skin is allowed to have one.345

How to use it on oily skin

1. 1Wash with a gentle cleanser and pat your face dry. Avoid washing more than twice a day, because frequent washing can irritate skin.
2. 2Apply your usual serums and treatments first. The Ordinary places Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA after these products in the moisturising stage.
3. 3Apply the cream as needed. It is suitable for daily use in morning and evening routines; the directions do not specify a fixed amount for your face.
4. 4Include sunscreen with at least SPF 30 when you are outside. Moisturising and sun protection are separate jobs in your routine.

What should you expect?

The formula contains glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, amino acids, sodium PCA and urea, ingredients used in its approach to supporting the skin's natural hydration system. Hyaluronic acid helps draw moisture into the skin. The cream is designed to provide immediate and lasting hydration, with softer, smoother skin and better moisture retention through regular use. Its job is hydration, which is a fairly modest assignment for a product name with a plus sign. There is no specified number of days for those longer term improvements.6

Patch test before using it

The Ordinary advises patch testing before use. Apply a small amount to a clean area of your upper forearm, keep the area dry, and rinse off after 24 hours. Do not use the cream if redness, burning, itching, blistering or irritation develops during the test. Use the product only on unbroken skin. If irritation occurs during normal use, rinse it off, stop using it and consult a physician. Sensitive skin needs particular care when choosing a cream, because an ingredient or its concentration can cause a reaction.36

If breakouts are your main concern, keep moisturiser separate from acne treatment decisions. A pharmacist can advise on a few spots or blackheads. See a doctor for widespread or painful acne, particularly if pharmacy treatments have not worked, rather than repeatedly changing moisturiser and waiting for it to do a treatment's job.27