Hey Beauties! 🌸If you’ve been exploring skincare, chances are you’ve stumbled across The Ordinary’s Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA (NMF + HA) Cream. With its minimalistic packaging, affordable price tag, and the hype around The Ordinary’s ingredient-focused formulas, this cream has found its way into countless routines.
But here’s the big question: Is it really worth all the buzz, or just another moisturizer with good marketing? Let’s get into an honest breakdown—ingredients, performance, pros, cons, and whether it deserves a permanent spot on your shelf.
First Impressions
When you first pick up the NMF + HA Cream, it’s clear this isn’t a product trying to impress with fancy packaging. The tube is simple, clean, and functional—very much The Ordinary’s style. At first squeeze, the cream looks thicker than your average moisturizer, but it spreads easily and absorbs without much fuss.
If you like products that feel luxurious, this one may not excite you. But if you’re after straightforward skincare without frills, it sets the right tone.
What’s Really Inside? The Key Ingredients
The Ordinary doesn’t hide behind vague marketing—the formula is the selling point. Here are the standout ingredients that make the NMF + HA cream what it is:
- Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF): These are components naturally found in your skin—like amino acids, fatty acids, urea, and glycerin. They keep skin hydrated and supple by locking in water.
- Hyaluronic Acid (HA): Famous for holding up to 1,000 times its weight in water, HA helps skin look plump and refreshed.
- Allantoin: A soothing agent that calms irritation and supports skin healing.
- Glycerin: A powerful humectant that attracts moisture from the environment into your skin.
Together, these ingredients are not flashy but functional—their job is to hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier.
Texture & Feel on Skin
This cream is lightweight yet nourishing. It’s not greasy, but it’s not gel-light either—it sits comfortably in the middle. On my skin, it absorbed fairly quickly and left a soft, hydrated finish without clogging pores.
Here’s how it feels for different skin types:
- Dry skin: Feels soothing and hydrating, but may not be enough on its own during harsh winters.
- Oily skin: Works well without leaving shine, though some with oily skin might prefer a gel-based alternative.
- Combination skin: Balances nicely, especially for dry cheeks and oily T-zone.
- Sensitive skin: Generally gentle, but always patch test since everyone’s skin reacts differently.
The Honest Truth: Pros & Cons
Here’s where the real review comes in.
✅ Pros
- Affordable: One of the most budget-friendly moisturizers with good ingredients.
- Simple, Clean Formula: No added fragrance, no unnecessary fillers.
- Skin Barrier Support: NMF + HA combo genuinely helps maintain hydration.
- Works With Almost Any Routine: Plays nicely with serums, actives, and SPF.
- Travel-Friendly Packaging: The squeeze tube is hygienic and easy to use.
❌ Cons
- Not a Luxury Experience: Texture and packaging are basic.
- Limited Benefits: It hydrates, but don’t expect anti-aging, brightening, or major skin transformation.
- Can Pill with Certain Serums: Especially if layered too quickly.
- Might Feel Insufficient for Very Dry Skin: You may need a heavier cream on top in winter.
How It Fits Into a Skincare Routine
Here’s the natural way to use NMF + HA:
- Cleanser – Start with a gentle cleanser.
- Treatment/Serum – Apply actives like niacinamide, vitamin C, or hyaluronic acid serums.
- Moisturizer (NMF + HA Cream) – Lock everything in.
- SPF (AM only) – Always finish with sunscreen during the day.
💡 Tip: If your skin is very dry, layer an oil or thicker cream over this at night for an extra boost.
Real User Experiences
I believe in sharing different perspectives—not just my own. Here’s what people are saying:
- Positive Review: “This cream has simplified my skincare. Affordable, effective, and my skin hasn’t felt tight since I started using it.”
- Neutral Review: “It hydrates, but that’s about it. Don’t expect miracles—it’s a basic, no-nonsense moisturizer.”
- Negative Review: “Not moisturizing enough for my eczema-prone skin. I had to add something heavier.”
This spread of experiences shows that while many love it, it isn’t one-size-fits-all.
Who Should Try The Ordinary NMF + HA Cream?
This cream is best for:
- Skincare Beginners: Affordable and easy to incorporate.
- Oily & Combination Skin: Hydrates without heaviness.
- Sensitive Skin Types: Gentle formula with no added fragrance.
- Minimalist Routines: If you want one reliable moisturizer, this works.
But it might not satisfy if you:
- Have extremely dry skin or eczema.
- Want a moisturizer with anti-aging or brightening benefits.
- Prefer luxurious textures and packaging.
The Ordinary’s NMF+HA Cream: Pricing and Availability
The Ordinary’s Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Affordable hydration made simple. The Ordinary NMF + HA Cream locks in moisture, strengthens skin, and leaves it soft and healthy all day.
Final Verdict: Honest Opinion
So, is The Ordinary NMF + HA Cream your skin’s new holy grail?
Honestly—it depends. If you want a no-fuss, affordable, reliable moisturizer that focuses on hydration and skin barrier support, then yes—it’s absolutely worth trying. But if you’re expecting visible transformation, anti-aging magic, or indulgent textures, you might find it underwhelming.
At the end of the day, this cream does what it promises: hydrates your skin without breaking the bank. And sometimes, that’s exactly what we need—a straightforward, dependable moisturizer that just works.
