If you have dry skin, it can be a challenge to strike a balance between using skincare products to hydrate and protect your skin while also addressing other issues, like sensitivity, acne, aging, hyperpigmentation, and more. It’s even more of a challenge to address these skin concerns with affordable skincare products.
This post on the best The Ordinary products for dry skin contains affiliate links, and any purchases made through these links will result in a commission for me at no extra cost to you. Please read my Disclosure for additional information.
The good news is that The Ordinary skincare has many products that will soothe, hydrate, and moisturize dry skin, all at seriously cheap prices. And when I say cheap, I mean most are under $10.
The Ordinary is very transparent about its formulations, which is helpful when trying to evaluate ingredients and how they will impact your skin.
The Ordinary even offers products that, when combined, create a complete skincare routine for dry skin (scroll to the bottom of this post for sample routines).
You can consider the following list as your core collection of The Ordinary skincare products for dry skin, and then you can add additional serums and treatments to your skincare routine to target specific concerns.
If you are looking for a The Ordinary dry skin routine, this post will offer two examples: one for dry skin and one for dry, mature, and aging skin.
Now, onto the best skincare products from The Ordinary for dry skin!
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11 Best The Ordinary Products for Dry Skin
At A Glance
| Product | Key Ingredients | Benefits | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser | Squalane, Sucrose Stearate, Ethyl Macadamiate, Sucrose Laurate | Gently dissolves makeup, dirt, and oil while supporting your skin barrier | $19.90 for 5 oz. |
| The Ordinary Glycolipid Cream Cleanser | Glycolipids | Removes makeup, dirt, oil without over-drying | $12.50 for 5 oz. |
| The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA | Lactic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract | Exfoliates, reveals brighter and smoother skin | $8.90 for 1 oz. |
| The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 | Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) | Improves moisture levels, reduces fine lines | $8.90 for 1 oz. |
| The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics | Pseudoalteromonas Exopolysaccharides, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Ahnfeltia Concinna Extract | Super lightweight hydration | $8.90 for 1 oz. |
| The Ordinary Amino Acids + B5 Serum | Betaine, Arginine, Sodium PCA, Sodium Lactate, PCA, Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) | Hydrates and fortifies skin moisture barrier | $8.90 for 1 oz. |
| The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides | Glycosphingolipids, Glycolipids, Fatty Acids, PCA, Sodium Lactate, Urea, Sodium Hyaluronate, and Amino Acids | Deep hydration, strengthens skin barrier | $22.50 for 3.38 oz. |
| The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane | 100% Plant-Derived Squalane | Prevents hydration loss, supports skin barrier | $10.00 for 1 oz. |
| The Ordinary 100% Cold-Pressed Virgin Marula Oil | 100% Cold-Pressed Virgin Marula Oil (Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil) | Hydrates dry skin, antioxidant protection | $11.00 for 1 oz. |
| The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Moroccan Argan Oil | 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Moroccan Argan Oil (Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil) | Moisturizes dry skin, reduces flaky skin | $7.50 for 1 oz. |
| The Ordinary “B” Oil | Micro-Algae, Squalane, Marula, Argan, Baobab, Pataua, Brazil Nut Oils | Hydrates, and fortifies skin moisture barrier | $11.10 for 1 oz. |
1. The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
Luckily, The Ordinary’s only cleanser, The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser, is perfect for dry skin. This cleanser is very gentle and is formulated to not only clean but also moisturize the skin.
It contains squalane and lipophilic esters that dissolve makeup and other impurities while moisturizing the skin.
The cleanser transforms from a texture similar to an opaque balm to that of a clear oil when rubbed between your palms for 10-30 seconds before application.
This step allows the emulsifying sucrose esters to attract and remove dissolved makeup and other impurities once applied and rinsed with water.
The formula is non-comedogenic, soap-free, and ideal for all skin types, especially dry skin. My skin never feels tight or dry after using this cleanser.
In fact, it’s one of the most hydrating cleansers I’ve ever tried.
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2. The Ordinary Glycolipid Cream Cleanser
The Ordinary Glycolipid Cream Cleanser is a water-based cream cleanser formulated to remove makeup, dirt, oil, and other impurities without foam.
Glycolipids are natural surfactants that work to gently cleanse and moisturize your skin without over-drying it, making this cleanser perfect for dry skin.
Since glycolipids are gentle surfactants, they are ideal for sensitive skin, too, as they are less likely to cause irritation than harsher surfactants.
This cream cleanser is formulated at a pH similar to the skin’s natural pH and provides a mild cleansing that won’t irritate or dry out your skin.
The cleanser is fragrance-free and doesn’t contain many additional actives, which is another plus if you have dry, sensitive skin.
3. The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA contains 10% lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin and removes dead skin cells to reveal a brighter, smoother, more radiant complexion.
This gentle peeling serum also contains a purified Tasmanian pepperberry derivative that helps to reduce irritation, sensitivity, and inflammation that can come along with exfoliating acids.
Lactic acid has moisturizing properties and helps support the skin barrier. This makes it the ideal chemical exfoliant for those with dehydrated or dry skin.
This serum has a pH of approximated 3.8, which lines up with its pKa of 3.8. PKa measures acid availability. When pH nears pKa, the acid will be more effective and will have less irritation.
Lactic acid should not be used on sensitive, peeling or compromised skin.
Also, be sure to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher while using this product and for 7 days after. (It’s actually a good idea to wear SPF every single day whether you are using this product or not.)
NOTE: The Ordinary also offers a lower strength lactic acid serum, The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA, if the 10% concentration is too strong for your skin.
You can also try The Ordinary’s Mandelic Acid Serum 10% + HA, which is more gentle than lactic acid due to its larger molecule size.
4. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
One of the most popular products from The Ordinary, and my favorite The Ordinary serum for dry skin, is The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is beloved for its ability to attract up to 1,000 times its weight in water. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that improves moisture levels and the appearance of the outer layers of the skin.
HA plumps the skin, makes it appear smoother and softer, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Vitamin B-5 is also included in the formula for improved surface hydration.
Please note that the size of the hyaluronic acid molecule in a formula matters because if it is too large, it will temporarily plump your skin but won’t penetrate the skin.
Ultimately, it will draw moisture out of the skin, which we don’t want.
The Ordinary uses three forms (low- medium- and high-) of vegan hyaluronic acid with different molecular weights plus a next-generation HA crosspolymer for enhanced hydration at a total concentration of 2%.
This eliminates the issue of drawing water out of the skin as a trade-off for temporary plumping.
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Formulated at a pH of 6.50-7.50, this The Ordinary serum has a runny gel-like consistency. You can use it after cleansing and before heavier products like lotions and creams both morning and night.
Upon application, it’s a little tacky, but it does not interfere with makeup once it dries.
5. The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics
If you are looking for a lighter hydrating serum, The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics has an almost water-like consistency.
It uses lightweight marine-derived water reservoirs to attract and hold water as hyaluronic acid does.
The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics contains exopolysaccharides from skin-friendly marine bacteria, Hawaiian red algae, glycoproteins from Antarctic marine sources, micro-filtered blue-green algae, and multiple amino acids.
This serum has a lighter texture and feel than Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5.
6. The Ordinary Amino Acids + B5 Serum
Formulated to target dryness, The Ordinary Amino Acids + B5 serum has a lightweight consistency that provides ample hydration while fortifying your skin’s natural moisture barrier.
The serum’s 17% combined total concentration by weight of amino acids and amino acid derivatives mimics your skin’s natural moisturizing factors (NMFs).
NMFs are essential components of your skin’s outermost layer that retain moisture and promote soft, supple skin.
The serum also contains a 5% concentration (by weight) of pro-vitamin B5, which hydrates both the surface and below the surface of your skin.
Pro-vitamin B5, also known as panthenol, replenishes your skin’s natural moisture barrier, while also soothing and softening your skin and improving skin elasticity.
7. The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides is The Ordinary’s richest moisturizer, as it contains almost four times as many moisturizing emollients and two times as many humectants than The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA.
The nourishing moisturizer is filled with skin-identical Natural Moisturizing Factors, phytoceramides (plant-based ceramides), and skin lipids that strengthen the skin barrier and provide long-lasting hydration.
This moisturizing cream is formulated with ingredients like glycosphingolipids, glycolipids, fatty acids, PCA, sodium lactate, urea, sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid), amino acids, and other compounds to protect and hydrate the outer layer of the skin.
Per The Ordinary’s clinical test on 30 people, after a single application, the moisturizing cream immediately boosts skin hydration by 68%.
The rich cream moisturizes, soothes, and effectively hydrates dry skin without feeling too heavy on your skin.
For more details on my experience with this moisturizer, please see my The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides Review post.
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The Best The Ordinary Oils for Dry Skin
If you have dry skin, using face oil is a great way to lock in nourishment, and help keep your skin hydrated and looking healthy.
A nourishing face oil will help lock in moisture and protect your skin from the elements.
The Ordinary face oils can help:
- Moisturize your skin
- Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Make your skin look glowing and radiant
For more on The Ordinary’s face oil, be sure to check out my Complete Guide to The Ordinary Face Oils post.
8. The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane
A plant-derived hydrator, The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane prevents loss of hydration and has high levels of emollience.
You can also apply this product to your hair to protect it from heat damage, add shine, and reduce breakage. It is ECOCERT approved and is a USDA Certified Bio-based Product.
Squalane is a derivative of squalene (with an e), a substance naturally produced by oil glands in our skin to hydrate and support our skin barrier.
Squalene production decreases as we age, which is not surprising to the many of us that experience dry skin as we get older.
Since squalene is not a stable skincare ingredient, it is hydrogenated to create squalane, a more shelf-stable version of squalene.
Squalane benefits not only dry and mature skin types but all skin types, including sensitive skin. It protects the skin barrier and acts as an emollient.
Squalane helps to prevent transepidermal water loss and even balances oil production. It is non-comedogenic, lightweight, and doesn’t feel greasy on the skin, making it ideal for oily skin types.
I’ve been using this extremely lightweight oil for many months, and I can’t get over how weightless it feels on my skin.
When my skin is dry and irritated from testing retinoids, I always reach for this as the last step in my nighttime skincare routine.
The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane is so moisturizing that you can even use it in place of a moisturizer.
For those with extremely dry skin, applying this oil on top of a moisturizer will seal in hydration without any heaviness.
9. The Ordinary 100% Cold-Pressed Virgin Marula Oil
Skincare oils are often a savior for dry skin, and The Ordinary’s oils are no exception. As an alternative to their 100% Plant-Derived Squalane, you may consider trying The Ordinary 100% Cold-Pressed Virgin Marula Oil for your dry skin.
The Ordinary’s formulation contains 100% unrefined cold-pressed virgin African marula oil in UV-protective packaging.
Marula oil is an exceptional hydrator for dry and very dry cracked skin, but it also provides antioxidant protection, as it contains both catechins and flavonoids.
This oil will defend against free radicals, which can lead to the signs of aging, including wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, and discoloration.
Marula oil also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce redness and irritation.
BONUS: Marula oil can be applied to hair to control frizz, tame flyaways, soften hair, and restore shine.
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10. The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Moroccan Argan Oil
Another all-star facial oil from The Ordinary is their 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Moroccan Argan Oil. The formula uses a cold-pressed extraction method that preserves the integrity of the oil’s fatty acids, vitamins, phenols, and carotenes.
It’s soothing and moisturizing for all skin types, especially dry skin, as it can reduce flaking. This oil is wholly unrefined and has a natural scent.
If you are wondering what is the difference between marula and argan oil, for comparison, here are the approximate oleic and linoleic fatty acid compositions of each oil:
- Marula Oil: 70-78% oleic, 4-7% linoleic
- Argan Oil: 43% oleic, 37% linoleic
Linoleic is lighter and thinner than oleic acid and more beneficial for those with acne. Oleic acid is richer and thicker, which is ideal for dry and mature skin types.
Both marula and argan oils contain oleic acid, but marula oil has a higher concentration of oleic acid, which is beneficial for dry skin.
BONUS: Argan oil is another oil that you can use on your hair to add strength and sheen!
Related Post: The Best The Ordinary Skincare Products for Oily & Acne-Prone Skin
11. The Ordinary “B” Oil
The Ordinary “B” Oil contains a purified form of micro-algae (antioxidant Isochrysis Galbana Extract) combined with Squalane plus Marula, Argan, Baobab, Pataua, Brazil Nut, Inca Inchi, Rosehip, and Borage oils.
This multi-benefit facial oil moisturizes the skin and strengthens the skin barrier to seal in hydration.
The oil also contains Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract, Tocopherol (vitamin E), and Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract.
These nourishing ingredients are antioxidant-rich and will protect the skin from oxidative stress while addressing the visible signs of aging.
The oil is a green/gold shade and, although very rich and moisturizing for dry skin, doesn’t feel heavy on the skin.
It has a light herbal, earthy scent due to the micro-algae and absorbs quickly without making the skin greasy.
It leaves your skin glowing and plumped thanks to the combination of richly moisturizing oils that help prevent transepidermal water loss.
Example Basic Morning The Ordinary Skincare Routine for Dry Skin
A basic The Ordinary morning skincare routine for dry skin:
- Glycolipid Cream Cleanser
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 or Amino Acids + B5
- Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides
- Sunscreen: The Ordinary Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants (Although not from The Ordinary, my current favorite mineral sunscreen also hydrates nicely.)
Example Morning The Ordinary Skincare Routine for Dry & Mature/Aging Skin
For a more in-depth morning The Ordinary routine for dry skin that is ideal for dry and mature skin, you can incorporate an additional face serum and eye serum to address the signs of aging:
- Glycolipid Cream Cleanser
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 or Amino Acids + B5
- Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (formerly known as The Ordinary “Buffet”)
- Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F**
- Multi-Peptide Eye Serum (targets the signs of aging around the eyes)
- Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides
- Sunscreen: Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants
*Multi-Peptide + HA Serum is a multi-peptide serum that targets multiple signs of aging and is suitable for dry skin.
**Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F is an oil-soluble derivative of Vitamin C that brightens skin tone. Its jojoba oil content moisturizes and supports the skin barrier, which is especially helpful for dry skin. See my review here.
Example Basic Evening The Ordinary Skincare Routine for Dry Skin
A basic The Ordinary evening skincare routine for dry skin:
- Glycolipid Cream Cleanser
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 or Amino Acids + B5
- Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides
Example Evening The Ordinary Skincare Routine for Dry & Mature/Aging Skin
For a more in-depth evening skincare routine from The Ordinary that is ideal for dry and mature skin, an AHA serum alternated with a retinoid and a nightly peptide eye serum address the signs of aging.
- Squalane Cleanser (if double cleansing)
- Glycolipid Cream Cleanser
- Lactic Acid 10% + HA if your dry skin can tolerate acids (alternate evenings: Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane* applied after hyaluronic acid or amino acid serum if your dry skin can tolerate retinoids)**
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 or Amino Acids + B5
- Multi-Peptide Eye Serum (targets the signs of aging around the eyes)
- Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides
* While retinoids can be drying, if you want to use a retinoid for its anti-aging benefits, Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane is a stable advanced retinoid active complex that reduces the signs of aging without the irritation that comes along with retinol.
** Retinoids and alpha hydroxy acids will make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so be sure to wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and limit sun exposure while using these products and for a week after.
If you are extremely dry and need extra moisture, feel free to incorporate a few drops of a face oil ideal for dry skin, like The Ordinary’s 100% Plant-Derived Squalane, “B” Oil, Marula Oil, or Argan Oil before your moisturizer.
The Ordinary For Dry Skin
When it comes to skin that is in need of hydration and moisture, The Ordinary has effective and affordable products that clean, treat, hydrate, and moisturize dry and dehydrated skin.
These The Ordinary dry skin products also work well with other The Ordinary products that address skincare concerns such as the signs of aging.
Thanks for reading!
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Sarah Roberts is the founder, writer, and photographer behind A Beauty Edit. With over 10 years of experience in the beauty industry, Sarah is an avid skincare and beauty enthusiast who shares the best beauty finds to help you save time and money!