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Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan Lightweight Gel Moisturizer
The Ordinary
$13.50
View Product ↗Ingredients
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Glycerin is a naturally derived humectant—a ingredient that draws moisture from the air into your skin. It's one of the most widely used and well-studied moisturizing agents in skincare, helping skin feel softer and more hydrated.
Benefits
- Attracts and retains moisture in the skin
- Improves skin hydration and softness
- Helps strengthen skin barrier function
- Suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin
Science: The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel concluded glycerin is safe as used in cosmetics across all concentrations. Research shows glycerin effectively improves skin hydration and is well-tolerated with minimal irritation risk. It is also referenced in clinical guidelines for managing inflammatory skin conditions and maintaining skin integrity.
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Trehalose is a naturally occurring sugar (disaccharide) used in skincare products for its stabilizing and protective properties. It helps preserve the integrity of skin cells and other ingredients, particularly when exposed to environmental stressors like heat or dryness.
Benefits
- Helps stabilize and protect skin cells from damage
- May improve skin barrier function and reduce moisture loss
- Supports ingredient stability in formulations
Science: Trehalose is widely recognized in biopharmaceutical and cosmetic industries for its cryoprotective and stabilizing properties. While peer-reviewed evidence specifically for topical skincare benefits is limited, research demonstrates its effectiveness as a cellular protectant and its ability to enhance the uptake and efficacy of other beneficial compounds in tissues.
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Sodium hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance found in your skin that acts like a moisture magnet. In skincare products, it absorbs water from the environment and binds it to your skin, helping to hydrate and plump the skin's surface.
Benefits
- Delivers intense hydration to the skin
- Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines by improving skin moisture
- Supports skin barrier function
- Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and oily skin
Potential concerns
- In very dry climates with low humidity, it may draw moisture from deeper skin layers if not sealed with an occlusive product
- Rare allergic reactions are possible but extremely uncommon
Science: While the provided research focuses on intra-articular injections for joint health (showing good safety and efficacy), hyaluronic acid and its salt form are well-established in dermatology for topical hydration. The molecule's safety profile is well-documented across decades of use in medical and cosmetic applications, with severe adverse reactions being extremely rare.
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Citric acid is a naturally occurring organic acid commonly used in skincare products as an exfoliant and pH balancer. It belongs to a group of ingredients called alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) that help remove dead skin cells from the surface.
Benefits
- Gentle exfoliation to improve skin texture and appearance
- Helps reduce the appearance of keratosis and acne
- Balances product pH to maintain skin compatibility
Potential concerns
- Can cause irritation, redness, or sensitivity in some users, especially with prolonged or frequent use
- May increase sun sensitivity — sunscreen use is recommended when using AHA products
- Not suitable for very sensitive or compromised skin without caution
Science: Citric acid is an established AHA used in cosmetics for superficial peeling and skin appearance improvement, though research emphasizes that caution should be exercised due to potential adverse reactions. It is widely produced industrially and well-established in skincare formulations.
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Sodium citrate is a salt derived from citric acid that acts as a pH buffer and preservative in skincare products. It helps stabilize formulations and maintain skin compatibility by regulating acidity levels.
Benefits
- Helps maintain optimal pH balance in skincare formulas
- Preservative that extends product shelf life
- Gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types
Science: Sodium citrate is recognized as safe for topical use in cosmetics and has a long history of food and pharmaceutical applications. The research provided relates to its use as an anticoagulant in medical settings and as a buffering agent in sports nutrition, demonstrating its established safety profile across multiple industries.
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Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that prevents bacteria, yeast, and mold from growing in skincare products, helping them stay fresh and safe to use. It has been used safely in cosmetics for decades and is effective at very low concentrations.
Benefits
- Prevents microbial contamination and product spoilage
- Broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria and yeast
- Minimal impact on beneficial skin bacteria when used at approved levels
Potential concerns
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals
- May cause irritation if used in products at concentrations above 1%
Science: The European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety considers phenoxyethanol safe for all consumers, including children, at concentrations up to 1%. Adverse effects observed in animal studies required exposure levels approximately 200 times higher than those in cosmetic products, and it is classified as one of the most well-tolerated preservatives in cosmetics.
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Water is the primary ingredient in most skincare products, serving as a solvent that dissolves and carries other active ingredients to your skin. It helps hydrate the skin surface and provides the base texture for creams, serums, and lotions.
Benefits
- Hydrates and plumps skin
- Dissolves and delivers active ingredients
- Maintains skin barrier moisture
Science: Water is the most extensively studied skincare ingredient with a century of dermatological evidence confirming its safety and essential role in skin hydration and product formulation.
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Propanediol is a lightweight humectant—a molecule that draws water into the skin to keep it hydrated. It's also used in cosmetic formulations as a solvent and preservative booster, helping products stay stable and feel smooth on the skin.
Benefits
- Hydrates and moisturizes the skin
- Improves product texture and spreadability
- Helps preserve formulations naturally
Science: Propanediol can be produced through bio-based fermentation (from glycerol using microorganisms), making it an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional chemical synthesis. It is widely recognized as safe in cosmetic and food applications, with established use as both a humectant and preservative enhancer.
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Aminomethyl Propanol (AMP) is a pH buffer and preservative used in skincare formulations to maintain product stability and prevent microbial growth. It helps keep products at a safe pH level while extending shelf life.
Benefits
- Helps preserve product and prevent bacterial contamination
- Balances pH to prevent irritation
- Allows brands to reduce reliance on traditional preservatives
Potential concerns
- May interact with amino acids naturally present in skin (taurine), potentially affecting biological function—though significance in topical skincare remains unclear
- Can cause contact dermatitis or irritation in sensitive individuals
- Limited safety data for use in products for infants and very sensitive skin
Science: Recent research (2024) suggests AMP forms hydrogen bonds with taurine, an important amino acid in the body, which could affect its biological functions—though this was studied in controlled laboratory conditions and the relevance to topical skincare exposure is not yet established. AMP is increasingly used as a preservative alternative in cosmetics, including infant formulations, but dermatologists note it may pose irritation risks for sensitive populations.
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Alanine is a simple amino acid—a building block of proteins—used in skincare products to support skin hydration and provide conditioning benefits. It helps maintain the skin's natural moisture barrier and is generally used in small concentrations as part of formulation systems.
Benefits
- Supports skin hydration and moisture retention
- Helps condition and soften skin texture
- May contribute to the skin's natural amino acid profile
Science: Limited peer-reviewed data available specifically for alanine in topical skincare applications. Alanine is a naturally occurring, non-essential amino acid that is well-tolerated by skin and widely recognized as safe in cosmetic formulations.
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Glycine is a simple amino acid that serves as a building block for collagen, the protein responsible for skin structure and elasticity. In skincare, it helps support skin firmness and may contribute to anti-aging benefits when used as part of collagen-based formulations.
Benefits
- Supports collagen production and skin structure
- May help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Contributes to skin firmness and elasticity
Science: Research indicates that glycine, as a key amino acid in marine collagen supplements, plays a role in combating skin aging by supporting collagen integrity and minimizing oxidative stress. However, most anti-aging benefits are demonstrated when glycine is consumed as part of collagen peptides rather than applied topically alone.
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Serine is a naturally occurring amino acid that your skin produces on its own. In skincare products, it helps support the skin's natural moisture barrier and may contribute to overall skin hydration and structure.
Benefits
- Supports skin hydration and moisture retention
- Helps maintain skin barrier function
- May improve skin texture and smoothness
Science: Limited peer-reviewed data available for this ingredient in cosmetic skincare applications. Serine is a fundamental amino acid involved in skin biology, but the provided research focuses on disease mechanisms (fibrosis and pemphigus) rather than cosmetic benefits in healthy skin.
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Proline is an amino acid that serves as a building block for collagen, the protein responsible for skin firmness and structure. Your body uses proline (along with vitamin C) to create and repair collagen in the skin, which naturally declines with age.
Benefits
- Supports collagen production and skin structure
- May improve skin firmness and elasticity
- Helps with skin repair and wound healing
Science: Proline is an essential amino acid in collagen synthesis; vitamin C-dependent hydroxylation of proline is a critical step in forming stable collagen. Limited direct human studies exist on topical proline alone, though it is recognized as a key structural component in skin biology and collagen formation.
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Threonine is an amino acid that your body cannot produce on its own, so it must come from diet or skincare products. In skincare, it functions as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent, helping to attract and retain moisture in the skin.
Benefits
- Helps maintain skin hydration and moisture balance
- Supports skin barrier function as a natural amino acid
- May improve skin texture and softness
Science: Limited peer-reviewed data available for threonine as a direct skincare ingredient. The provided research focuses on threonine as part of BRAF protein kinase pathways in melanoma treatment and fibrosis research, which are not relevant to topical cosmetic use. Threonine is generally recognized as safe in skincare applications.
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Glutamic acid is a naturally occurring amino acid that functions as a humectant in skincare, helping to draw moisture into the skin and support its natural hydration barrier. It's often used in the form of poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA), a biodegradable biopolymer derived from bacterial fermentation that enhances the moisturizing properties of skincare formulas.
Benefits
- Humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin
- Supports skin hydration and barrier function
- Biodegradable and generally well-tolerated by most skin types
Science: Poly-γ-glutamic acid is a well-documented, biodegradable biopolymer with good biocompatibility and non-toxic profile, widely used in cosmetic formulations. Research confirms it is safe and effective for moisture-binding applications in skincare.
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Arginine is a naturally occurring amino acid that is a building block of proteins found in skin. In skincare products, it's used to support skin hydration and may help improve skin barrier function and elasticity.
Benefits
- Supports natural skin hydration
- Helps maintain skin barrier health
- May improve skin firmness and elasticity
Science: Arginine is a naturally occurring amino acid in human skin with a strong safety profile. Research shows it is a normal metabolite excreted by skin and is used in clinical diagnostics, indicating its natural presence and compatibility with skin biology.
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PCA (pyroglutamic acid) is a naturally occurring amino acid derivative that acts as a humectant, helping skin retain moisture. It's often used in skincare formulas to support hydration and skin barrier function.
Benefits
- Humectant that draws moisture into the skin
- Supports natural skin hydration
- Generally well-tolerated by most skin types
Science: PCA is a component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF) and has a long history of safe use in cosmetics. Research indicates manganese PCA may support hair follicle health and growth signaling pathways, though human skincare efficacy data remains limited.
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Sodium PCA is a naturally occurring humectant (moisture-attracting ingredient) that helps skin retain water and stay hydrated. It's a sodium salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, a compound found naturally in healthy skin.
Benefits
- Draws moisture into the skin and helps maintain hydration
- Improves skin's natural moisture-retention ability
- Generally well-tolerated and safe for regular use
Science: A 2019 Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel assessment confirmed sodium PCA and related salts are safe in cosmetics at current use levels. Recent research shows sodium PCA concentrates effectively in the outermost skin layer (stratum corneum) where it provides hydration benefits.
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Sodium lactate is a salt derived from lactic acid that acts as a humectant and pH buffer in skincare products. It helps draw moisture into the skin and maintain the product's stability.
Benefits
- Humectant that attracts and retains water in the skin
- Helps maintain skin hydration and plumpness
- Gentle pH buffer that stabilizes formulations
Science: Limited peer-reviewed data available specifically for topical skincare use. The provided research focuses on medical applications (intravenous use in shock treatment) and cellular mechanisms unrelated to cosmetic skincare; these do not directly inform safety or efficacy for topical skin application.
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Fructose is a simple sugar naturally found in fruits and honey. In skincare products, it functions as a humectant—a moisture-binding ingredient that helps the skin retain water—and as a sweetener or preservative in formulations.
Benefits
- Humectant properties that help skin retain moisture
- Gentle sweetening agent in formulations
- Contributes to skin-conditioning effects when sourced from honey-based ingredients
Potential concerns
- May promote bacterial growth if used in high concentrations without proper preservation
- Can be sticky or uncomfortable in high amounts on skin
- Limited evidence for meaningful skincare benefits beyond basic humectancy
Science: Fructose is a component of honey, which has documented antimicrobial and humectant properties in dermatological applications. However, standalone fructose in skincare lacks substantial peer-reviewed research demonstrating unique benefits beyond standard humectant function.
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Glucose is a simple sugar that acts as a humectant in skincare products, meaning it helps draw moisture into the skin and keep it hydrated. It's a naturally occurring ingredient commonly found in honey and other botanical sources.
Benefits
- Hydration and moisture retention
- Humectant properties that help skin feel softer
- Generally well-tolerated by most skin types
Potential concerns
- May contribute to glycation (sugar binding to proteins) with prolonged exposure, potentially affecting skin aging
- Can feed acne-causing bacteria in susceptible individuals
- May cause irritation or sensitivity in some users
Science: Glucose is a key component of honey, which has established antimicrobial, emollient, and humectant properties in dermatological applications. However, the scientific literature raises concerns about sugar and glycation's role in skin aging, suggesting that while glucose provides short-term hydration benefits, excessive or chronic exposure may have negative effects on skin aging.
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Urea is a naturally occurring compound found in healthy skin that helps maintain hydration and skin barrier function. In skincare products, it works as a humectant at lower concentrations (drawing water into the skin) and can help remove dead skin cells at higher concentrations.
Benefits
- Hydrates and moisturizes dry skin
- Supports skin barrier function and integrity
- May reduce itching and discomfort from dry skin conditions
- Helps improve skin smoothness
- Can enhance penetration of other active ingredients when used in combination products
Potential concerns
- At high concentrations (>10%), may cause irritation or a slight stinging sensation in sensitive individuals
- Can increase skin sensitivity temporarily due to its exfoliating properties at higher doses
Science: Urea is a component of skin's natural moisturizing factor and has strong clinical evidence supporting its safety and efficacy. At concentrations of 10% or lower, it functions as a gentle moisturizer; at higher concentrations, it acts as a mild exfoliant and is recognized for improving conditions like xerosis, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis.
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Sodium chloride is common table salt, used in skincare products as a texture modifier, preservative, and to help balance formulations. In small amounts, it's generally well-tolerated by skin.
Benefits
- Helps preserve product stability
- Can enhance skin hydration when used in appropriate concentrations
- Improves product texture and consistency
Potential concerns
- High concentrations may irritate sensitive or compromised skin
- Excessive topical salt exposure can potentially disrupt skin barrier function
- May cause dryness or tightness in some individuals
Science: Sodium chloride is a naturally occurring electrolyte essential to skin physiology. Research indicates the skin actively regulates sodium levels through complex mechanisms involving the endothelium, immune cells, and lymphatics; however, peer-reviewed data specifically addressing topical sodium chloride in cosmetic formulations at typical use levels is limited.
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Pentylene glycol is a lightweight humectant—a ingredient that draws water into the skin to improve hydration and texture. It's commonly used in serums, sunscreens, and moisturizers as a preservative booster and skin-conditioning agent.
Benefits
- Improves skin hydration by attracting moisture
- Lightweight feel, absorbs quickly without heaviness
- Helps preserve product stability and extends shelf life
Potential concerns
- Rare contact allergy reported in sensitive individuals
- Emerging evidence suggests it may be an uncommon cosmetic allergen—if you have sensitive or reactive skin, patch test first
Science: Safety studies show a high margin of safety at standard use levels (87–671 in adults), with minimal skin penetration due to the ingredient's volatility. However, recent dermatological reports flag pentylene glycol as an emerging contact allergen in some individuals, warranting attention for those with sensitive skin.
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Phospholipids are natural fat-like molecules found in plant oils and cell membranes that help strengthen your skin's protective barrier. They work by binding water to the skin and supporting the structure that keeps moisture locked in.
Benefits
- Strengthens skin barrier function
- Improves skin hydration and moisture retention
- Supports wound healing
- Has anti-inflammatory properties
Science: Research shows phospholipids are natural constituents of beneficial plant oils and support healthy skin barrier function with anti-inflammatory effects. They are well-tolerated ingredients commonly derived from natural sources like seeds and plant oils.
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Sphingolipids are a family of fat-like molecules naturally found in your skin's outer layer that help form a protective barrier. They work alongside other lipids to lock in moisture and keep irritants out, making them essential for healthy skin function.
Benefits
- Strengthens skin's natural moisture barrier
- Helps skin retain water and stay hydrated
- May improve symptoms of dry, sensitive, or compromised skin conditions
- Supports skin's structural integrity and resilience
Science: Ceramides (a type of sphingolipid) are recognized as a major component of the skin's intercellular lipid structure and play an essential role in maintaining barrier function. Research shows that many skin disorders with weakened barriers have reduced ceramide levels, and topical application of ceramides can help restore normal barrier function and improve skin condition.
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Tocopherol is a form of vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects skin from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress. It helps maintain skin's natural barrier function and is commonly used in skincare products to prevent premature aging and support overall skin health.
Benefits
- Protects skin from free radical damage and oxidative stress
- Supports skin barrier function and moisture retention
- May help reduce signs of aging caused by UV exposure and environmental damage
- Works as a lipid antioxidant to prevent degradation of skin oils
Science: Tocopherol (α-tocopherol) is recognized in peer-reviewed research as a key endogenous defense mechanism against oxidative stress in aging skin, particularly from UV-induced damage. Studies confirm it functions as a lipid-soluble antioxidant capable of preventing lipid peroxidation, with established efficacy in cosmetic and therapeutic applications.
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Chlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative used in skincare products to prevent bacterial and fungal growth, extending shelf life. It's a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that helps keep products safe from contamination during storage and use.
Benefits
- Prevents microbial contamination in skincare formulations
- Extends product shelf life
- Allows formulas to remain stable without refrigeration
Potential concerns
- May cause irritation to sensitive eyes and eye area when present in eye products
- Degrades under UV exposure, potentially creating more harmful breakdown products
- Limited long-term safety data in peer-reviewed literature
Science: Research shows chlorphenesin can be toxic to eye tissue cells at approved concentrations, particularly affecting meibomian glands. When exposed to sunlight, it breaks down into compounds like 4-chlorophenol that may be more ecotoxic than the original ingredient, though systemic absorption in skincare is typically minimal.
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Sodium Hydroxide is a strong alkaline chemical used in skincare products primarily as a pH buffer to neutralize acids and adjust the product's pH to safe levels for skin. It is not an active skincare ingredient and appears only in trace amounts in finished products.
Potential concerns
- In concentrated form, sodium hydroxide is caustic and can cause severe chemical burns; however, in cosmetic products it is diluted and pH-buffered to safe levels
- Undiluted or highly concentrated sodium hydroxide should never contact skin directly
Science: The provided research discusses sodium hydroxide only in a specialized medical context (10% solution for surgical cauterization of ingrown toenails), which is not relevant to cosmetic skincare use. In properly formulated skincare products, sodium hydroxide is used in minimal concentrations solely for pH adjustment and is considered safe by regulatory bodies including the FDA and EU.
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Betaine is a naturally occurring compound found in plants like sugar beets and rice that helps skin retain moisture. In skincare products, it works as a humectant to draw water into the skin and maintain hydration.
Benefits
- Hydrates and moisturizes skin
- Helps skin retain water
- May have anti-inflammatory properties
- Generally non-irritating and well-tolerated
Science: Research indicates betaine (particularly in combination with polyhexanide) is nontoxic and well-tolerated in topical applications. Studies on rice-derived betaine show it is safe, non-irritating, and hypoallergenic, with potential anti-inflammatory and moisturizing benefits for skin.
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Allantoin is a naturally derived compound that helps calm and soothe irritated skin. It works by promoting healing and reducing inflammation, making it a popular choice in products designed for sensitive or reactive skin.
Benefits
- Reduces skin inflammation and irritation
- Supports the skin barrier function
- Promotes gentle healing of compromised skin
- Well-tolerated by sensitive skin types
Science: Allantoin ranks among the top three most-used active ingredients in pharmacy-grade sensitive skin products, alongside niacinamide and oat extract. Scientific evidence supports its anti-inflammatory mechanism and barrier-supporting action, though clinical studies specifically testing it on sensitive skin volunteers remain limited.
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Maltose is a natural sugar derived from grains like barley and corn. In skincare, it functions primarily as a humectant and stabilizing agent, helping products retain moisture and maintain their texture and shelf life.
Benefits
- Humectant that helps skin retain hydration
- Stabilizes cosmetic formulations
- Natural origin makes it suitable for gentler skincare
Science: Research shows maltose can support protein production in cosmetic biotechnology (including collagen synthesis) and acts as a metabolic nutrient in cellular systems. No safety concerns or skin irritation risks have been documented in peer-reviewed literature.
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Xylitol is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol that functions as a humectant in skincare, helping to draw moisture into the skin and maintain hydration. It has been safely used in cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals for over 50 years.
Benefits
- Hydrates and moisturizes skin by drawing water into the outer layers
- Gentle humectant suitable for sensitive skin types
- Does not trigger rapid blood sugar spikes like regular sugar
Science: Xylitol is endogenously produced in the body and has an established safety history spanning decades of use across multiple industries. Recent cardiovascular research found no significant risk links in clinical studies, though some pilot trials suggest temporary platelet effects at very high doses—irrelevant to topical skincare application.
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Anhydroxylitol is a sugar alcohol derived from natural sources, used in skincare formulas primarily as a humectant to help retain moisture in the skin. It works by drawing water into the outer layer of skin, making it smoother and more hydrated.
Benefits
- Improves skin hydration and moisture retention
- Reduces visible skin roughness and fine texture
- Smooths skin microrelief (the tiny peaks and valleys on skin surface)
Science: A 2023 clinical study found that a moisturiser blend containing anhydroxylitol (combined with xylitylglucoside and xylitol) significantly reduced skin roughness measures within 8 hours of application, outperforming some individual moisturisers like urea. The ingredient received a safety clearance from the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel in 2025, confirming its safety for use in cosmetics.
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Xylitylglucoside is a natural humectant derived from xylose and glucose that works by drawing moisture into the skin and helping it stay hydrated. It's a gentle, sugar-based ingredient commonly used in moisturisers to improve skin smoothness and texture.
Benefits
- Improves skin hydration and moisture retention
- Reduces skin roughness and smooths microrelief texture
- Gentle humectant suitable for sensitive skin types
Science: A 2023 clinical study found that xylitylglucoside (combined with anhydroxylitol and xylitol) showed strong moisturising effects, reducing skin roughness by 2.8-fold and plateau height by 2.1-fold within 8 hours of application—performance comparable to or better than urea and saccharide isomerate.
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