8 Best The Ordinary Products for Dry & Dehydrated Skin

There’s nothing worse than waking up with a dry, tight face and worrying about your skin flaking off throughout the day. If you are struggling with tough skin like this, check out these 8 best The Ordinary products for dry and dehydrated skin!

For so many of us, dry skin is one of the most persistent and aggravating struggles with our skin. And it seems like most remedies touted online and on social media are excessively expensive – sometimes more than $50 per product. 

That’s where The Ordinary comes in. Created to be effective and easy on the wallet, The Ordinary is a high-quality skincare company that won’t break the bank. Their products range from $7 to about $20, and skincare enthusiasts love that they can create an entire skincare routine for such an affordable price. 

There are several products from The Ordinary that were created specifically for people with dry, dehydrated skin. We’ve collected our favorites here to make it easier for you to create the perfect dry skin routine from The Ordinary. 

8 Best The Ordinary Products For Dry & Dehydrated Skin

1. Natural Moisturizing factors + HA

This cult-favorite moisturizer from The Ordinary is extremely popular, and for a good reason! Enriched with amino acids, fatty acids, triglycerides, urea, ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid, this moisturizer was formulated to strengthen the skin barrier and help retain water in the skin. 

Triglycerides and ceramides all part of the skin’s lipid bilayer, and thus super important for the health and strength of your skin. Amino acids on the other hand are building blocks for proteins, which have an essential part in the function of cell membranes.

Now, you may be wondering what is the skin barrier? Basically, it’s the outermost layer of your skin, known as the “stratum corneum.” A strong, healthy skin barrier protects you from environmental aggressors, harsh pollutants, and free radicals more effectively.

A weak or compromised skin barrier leaves your skin more vulnerable, and it can be accompanied by symptoms like redness, burning, stinging, and excessive dryness. 

But there’s good news – you can actually help your skin heal its barrier. Components like lipids, triglycerides, and ceramides are integral to your skin barrier’s health, which is why Natural Moisturizing Factors is a great choice for dry, dehydrated skin. 

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors also contains glycerin and hyaluronic acid, which are humectants. Humectants work to help maintain water in the skin, which is critical for hydration.

They attract water, which means that they pull moisture from deeper layers of your skin (or the air in a humid environment) to create a plump, smooth complexion.

Natural Moisturizing Factors combines multiple key ingredients that help strengthen, hydrate, and moisturize the skin, all contributing to a stronger skin barrier and less trans-epidermal water loss, or TEWL, which happens when water evaporates from your skin and leaves it tight, parched, and itchy. 

This is one of the best The Ordinary products for dry and dehydrated skin, since it contains multiple ingredients that hydrate, moisturize, and soothe without causing irritation. 

2. Squalane Cleanser

If you have dry, dehydrated skin, cleansing can be tricky: You want a cleanser that removes all makeup, oil, and environmental pollutants at the end of the day, but it can’t be too harsh or drying – otherwise you’re left with that dreaded “squeaky clean” feeling.

If you’re always on the hunt for the perfect balancing cleanser that actually removes makeup and waterproof sunscreen, look no further than The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser. 

This gentle cleanser was formulated specifically to trap and blend impurities like makeup and dirt and remove them effectively, without overdrying the skin.

Emulsifying sucrose esters allow makeup and dirt to be trapped and whisked away without being too harsh, and the skin’s natural moisture remains intact. 

As an added moisture boost, this cleanser also contains squalane, which is a super-moisturizing ingredient that penetrates pores and improves skin from a cellular level.

Squalane is a very close match for your skin’s natural oils, which means it can moisturize in a more effective way without feeling heavy or greasy.

Squalane is an emollient ingredient, which means that it helps seal water and moisture in your skin. This makes it an effective weapon against TEWL and excessive dryness. 

This cleanser is super-moisturizing and ultra-gentle, making it perfect for daily use. Forget harsh cleansers that leave your skin drier than ever – The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser is the solution. 

3. Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

Hyaluronic acid is a must-have for plump, hydrated skin because of its ability to draw water to the surface of the skin from the environment and deeper skin layers.

The molecular size of hyaluronic acid actually determines how it will be delivered into the skin, and this formulation combines low, medium, and high molecular weights of hyaluronic acid to ensure deep penetration and incredible hydration. 

This lightweight, watery serum also features vitamin B5, or pantothenic acid. This acid is another superstar for skin hydration, since it binds to water and helps moisturize the skin.

It helps improve elasticity and softness, and it even has anti-inflammatory properties that can help minimize visible signs of aging. Hyaluronic acid has also been associated with improved wound healing and minimizing redness, dark spots and hyperpigmentation. 

Hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 combined are an excellent combination for dry and dehydrated skin, because they both help prevent TEWL, fine lines and wrinkles, irritation, and flaking/ peeling.

This serum is best used immediately after cleansing while the face is still damp. Something more occlusive, like the Natural Moisturizing factors, referenced above, should be applied on top of it to ensure that water and moisture are locked into the surface layers of the skin.

You could also apply a more occlusive moisturizer or oil over this serum, which we’ll cover next. 

4. 100% Organic Cold-pressed Rosehip Seed Oil

This rich, occlusive formulation is absolutely perfect for dry skin – especially when layered over humectant ingredients like hyaluronic acid.

Rosehip seed oil forms a protective barrier on the skin that locks moisture in, which can be incredibly helpful in dry, cold winter months.

Rosehip seed oil actually mimics your skin’s natural oil, and it’s generally a well-tolerated ingredient. When people see the word “oil,” they often worry about acne – but fear not with rosehip oil.

This oil is non-comedogenic, which means it does not clog pores. In fact, some users even report that it helps calm their acne down. 

Studies have even shown that rosehip seed oil can be helpful for acne-prone skin, because of the linolenic acid. It’s thought that the rosehip seed oil helps skin balance the composition of sebum to improve breakouts. 

Rosehip seed oil also helps promote skin renewal and the production of collagen through naturally-occurring vitamin A, and some people even use it as a natural retinol alternative. 

The Ordinary Rosehip Seed Oil is cold-pressed and organic, and it’s rich in linoleic acid and pro-vitamin A. These helpful skin compounds would actually degrade if the oil was extracted with heat, which is why The Ordinary cold-pressed the oil.

Cold-pressed oils can be helpful for reducing signs of aging, improving moisture, and reducing signs of photoaging. Vitamin A is a powerful anti-aging vitamin, and it’s found naturally occurring in rosehip seed oil. 

Rosehip seed oil is a wonderful occlusive ingredient that’s best layered over water-based humectant treatments, like hyaluronic acid serums, B5, or moisturizers like Natural Moisturizing Factors. It’s a perfect last step in your nighttime skincare routine. 

5. “Buffet”

The Ordinary’s product, “Buffet,” truly is a buffet – it can do everything! Buffet is a lightweight, watery serum packed with peptides, which are strings of amino acids that can help slow the aging process and build new collagen.

Many people try to use topical collagen on their skin, but the molecule is too big to be absorbed. That’s where peptides come in – they help the skin build new collagen and elastin, which are necessary for plump, glowy, and hydrated skin. 

Peptides are also linked to a stronger skin barrier, less inflammation, less dryness, and much more skin elasticity. Your skin’s collagen supply declines naturally as you age, and peptides can help fight this by prompting your skin to make more collagen – which can alleviate symptoms of aging, like excessive dryness, flaking, fine lines, and sagging. 

This particular formula was created to target multiple signs of aging at once. Several peptides, including Matrixyl 3000, are combined into a skin-friendly serum and hyaluronic acid.

This serum is a great choice for skin-strengthening, anti-aging, adding moisture, and just improving your overall skin health.

Since this serum is on the thinner side, we recommend applying it immediately after cleansing, or over the hyaluronic acid serum, and then applying something more occlusive to seal in the moisture and peptides. 

6. Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants

Why does dry skin need sunscreen? Several reasons – starting with this one: All skin needs sunscreen! No matter where you live in the world or how much direct sunlight you get, UV light can still come in through windows and degrade your collagen.

This can lead to several signs of premature aging, so if you’re struggling with dry and dehydrated skin, applying a mineral sunscreen daily is a must. 

Mineral sunscreen is our choice of sun protection because it can be used on all skin types, even sensitive ones. Chemical sunscreens may sting the eyes, cause irritation, or be overly drying.

However, The Ordinary’s mineral sunscreen is anything but irritating. It’s formulated specifically to be soothing, hydrating, and with anti-irritant support. It’s lightweight, non comedogenic, and is even infused with antioxidants. 

Applying antioxidants as part of your morning routine is helpful in preventing free radical damage, which is what happens when pollution, environmental aggressors, dust and dirt, and UV come in contact with the skin.

Exposure to free radicals can cause skin irritation, aging, and collagen degradation. Luckily, This sunscreen is infused with a bio-active antioxidant network, which means that it actually scavenges and neutralizes free radicals you come in contact with. 

It is estimated that between 80-90% of visible premature skin aging symptoms are caused by UV exposure, so applying a daily sunscreen is a must.

Don’t forget to reapply every few hours if you’re spending time outdoors. This can be applied first thing in the morning, or it can be applied after other serums and creams – just make sure they are fully dry before you begin to apply sunscreen. 

7. 100% Plant-Derived Squalane

We mentioned squalane above, but now we’re really going to give it the attention it deserves. Squalane is a compound that is naturally found in skin, and it’s a very emollient ingredient, which means it helps hydrate the skin and lock moisture in.

Using squalane regularly has been linked to a stronger skin barrier and more moisturized skin, leading to an overall plumper appearance. The unique, plant-derived substance has multiple skin benefits, especially since squalane is already naturally part of our own sebum.

This compound can even have antioxidant properties – it’s been shown to reduce the number of free radicals present on the skin. 

This is both hydrating and anti-aging, since it reinforces the skin barrier and prevents oxidative damage from free radicals in the skin. Squalane can be applied either day or night, and it’s best applied over lighter humectants, like hyaluronic acid or vitamin B5.

The Ordinary Squalane is 100% plant-based, ECOCERT approved, and a USDA certified bio-based product. 

8. Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane

Despite common belief, retinoids are actually not exfoliators – they are antioxidants. Retinoids are derived from vitamin A, which is a master antioxidant when it comes to skin health.

Those with dry skin could benefit from using a low-percentage retinol in squalane, because the ingredients will support healthier skin and balance moisture while delivering anti-aging effects.

Retinoids help promote skin health in several ways, and one of them is increasing skin cell turnover. When the skin’s cell turnover increases, it means that new skin is being formed more quickly, while old skin is getting removed.

This makes retinoids helpful compounds for dry and dehydrated skin, because newer, healthier skin is being created. 

Retinoids also help the skin create new collagen, and recent research has even proven that retinoids can increase the amount of naturally-occurring hyaluronic acid in the skin.

Both collagen and hyaluronic acid are critical for skin hydration, health, elasticity, and barrier integrity. 

If you have dry or sensitive skin, you may have worried in the past about the side effects from retinoids. It’s true that retinoids can be irritating at first.

However, Granactive Retinoid 2% was formulated specifically to be less irritating than other retinoids. Granactive Retinoid, an advanced retinoid complex, helps promote great anti-aging results without any of the side effects common in traditional retinoids, which include redness, irritation, and peeling. 

When starting a retinoid, we recommend starting slowly; only twice per week. Also, it’s best to apply a small amount to the skin, because a little goes a long way.

Since this formulation is suspended in squalane, your skin will enjoy an extra hydration boost with the treatment. If desired, you can layer another oil or moisturizer over this retinoid to seal in even more moisture. 

Other The Ordinary products for dry and dehydrated skin 

The Ordinary is a great brand to shop if you struggle with dry and dehydrated skin, but you don’t want to spend a lot of money on a skincare routine.

You can shop on their website using filters for specific active ingredients and skin conditions, like rosacea, acne, and aging. They make it easier than ever to get your best skin since they offer recommendations for different skin types and explanations as to why their ingredients work so well. 

Other popular products on The Ordinary’s website that might work well for dry and dehydrated skin include: 

• Amino Acids + B5
• Alpha Arbutin + HA 
• Marine Hyaluronics 
• 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Moroccan Argan Oil 
• 100% Cold-Pressed Virgin Marula Oil 
• “B” Oil 

Conclusion

Remember – if you have dry and dehydrated skin, it’s important to support your skin not just with hydration, but also with antioxidants, emollients, occlusives, and exfoliants for cell regeneration.

Skin health is complex, and you want to make sure you’re supporting it from several different angles for the best results. It can seem complicated to put together a full skin care routine, but The Ordinary makes it easy with their guides, recommendations, and explanations. You can even create a full The Ordinary skincare routine using solely their products, thanks to the affordable prices they offer.

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