Those with dry skin need gentle products that deliver and maintain hydration without irritating the skin. Thankfully, budget-friendly skincare brand The Ordinary has a variety of products that will keep dry skin moisturized and feeling its best. Here are some of the best The Ordinary products for dry skin. 

The Best The Ordinary Products for Dry Skin

Best Cleanser

The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser

Best The Ordinary Cleanser for Dry Skin

The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser

The Ordinary’s one and only cleanser is a great option for those with dry skin, because it is gentle and moisturizing but cleanses effectively.

Skin types: All Skin Types
Best for: Daily Cleansing
Tested on animals: No
How to use: Dispense the cleanser into clean, dry hands, and then rub your hands together to allow it to melt. Gently massage the cleanser onto dry skin, and then rinse with warm water.
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This squalane cleanser emulsifies from a balm to an oil-like consistency, making it a perfect option for those with dry skin. It leaves the skin feeling moisturized, rather than tight and dry.

Pros

  • Gentle
  • Moisturizing
  • Vegan and cruelty-free

Cons

  • May not be suitable for acne-prone skin

The main ingredient in this cleanser is squalane, a skincare ingredient that has an oil-like consistency (but isn't actually an oil). Squalane is a derivative of squalene, which is naturally found in human sebum. It is excellent for lightly hydrating the skin.

Best Serum

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

Best The Ordinary Serum for Dry Skin

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

This unique hyaluronic acid serum is one of the best The Ordinary products for dry skin, because it effectively attracts moisture to the skin to leave it feeling hydrated and plump.

Skin types: All Skin Types
Best for: Boosting Hydration
Tested on animals: No
How to use: After cleansing, massage a few drops of the serum into the skin. Follow up with a moisturizer.
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Hyaluronic acid is one of the best skincare ingredients for dry skin, as it pulls moisture to the skin to help it maintain healthy hydration levels[1]. This serum contains low-, medium-, and high-molecular weight hyaluronic acid, as well as a next-generation hyaluronic acid crosspolymer. This allows the serum to deliver much-needed hydration to all layers of the skin.

Pros

  • Alcohol-free
  • Vegan and cruelty-free

Cons

  • Some reviewers complain the serum feels sticky

In addition to the multiple forms of hyaluronic acid, this serum contains vitamin B5, which is anti-inflammatory and further helps hydrate the skin.

Best Face Oil

The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil

Best The Ordinary Face Oil for Dry Skin

The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil

This hydrating and nourishing oil is cold-pressed, which helps to maintain the many benefits of rose hip seed oil.

Skin types: All Skin Types
Best for: Hydration and Fighting Photo-Aging
Tested on animals: No
How to use: After cleansing and applying serums, gently massage a few drops into the face, neck, and chest. Follow up with a moisturizer. This may also be used on top of a moisturizer to seal in hydration.
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Rose hip seed oil is rich in linoleic acid, linolenic acid, and pro-vitamin A, which help to nourish the skin and target signs of photo-aging. Since this oil is cold-pressed (rather than exposed to heat), it maintains all of the beneficial properties of these components.

Pros

  • Alcohol-free
  • Vegan and cruelty-free
  • Gentle

Cons

  • May not be suitable for acne-prone skin

In addition to its ability to hydrate and fight signs of photo-aging, rose hip seed oil has been shown to reduce the appearance of discoloration and scars on the skin[2].

Best Face Oil Blend

The Ordinary “B” Oil

Best The Ordinary Face Oil Blend for Dry Skin

The Ordinary “B” Oil

Those looking for a product with a blend of different face oils and other nourishing hydrators should try The Ordinary’s “B” Oil. It is packed with hydrating and replenishing skincare ingredients.

Skin types: All Skin Types
Best for: Hydration and Boosting Radiance
Tested on animals: No
How to use: After cleansing and applying serums, gently massage a few drops into the face, neck, and chest. Follow up with a moisturizer. This may also be used on top of a moisturizer to seal in hydration.
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This oil is excellent for anyone who wants a multipurpose oil that helps hydrate and boost radiance. Some of the key oils include jojoba, rose hip seed, argan, borage seed, and marula. These oils boost hydration, repair the skin’s barrier, fight inflammation, boost elasticity, and provide antioxidant support[3].

Pros

  • Alcohol-free
  • Vegan and cruelty-free

Cons

  • Not suitable for those with nut allergies
  • Some reviewers complain about the greasy texture

In addition to the oils, this product contains squalane and micro-algae extract. Squalane helps further hydrate the skin, while micro-algae extract soothes and reduces redness.

Best Exfoliator

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA

Best The Ordinary Exfoliator for Dry Skin

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA

This chemical exfoliator is one of the best The Ordinary products for dry skin, because it gently exfoliates while soothing the skin.

Skin types: Normal to Dry Skin
Best for: Gentle Exfoliation
Tested on animals: No
How to use: After cleansing, gently massage a few drops of the serum into the face, neck, and chest. Follow up with a moisturizer.
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All skin types need regular exfoliation in order to maintain smooth and clear skin. However, many chemical exfoliators can be drying. This option is excellent for dry skin, because it contains lactic acid, a mild alpha-hydroxy acid that gently exfoliates the skin.

Pros

  • Alcohol-free
  • Vegan and cruelty-free

Cons

  • May irritate sensitive skin

In addition to lactic acid, this product contains sodium hyaluronate (the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid), which increases moisture levels in the skin. It also contains Tasmanian pepperberry, which soothes the skin.

Best Moisturizer

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

Best The Ordinary Moisturizer for Dry Skin

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

This moisturizer is excellent for dry skin, as it contains a blend of ingredients that boost and maintain hydration levels.

Skin types: All Skin Types
Best for: Daily Moisturization
Tested on animals: No
How to use: After cleansing and applying serums, massage the product into the face, neck, and chest. During the day, follow up with an SPF.
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This moisturizer contains hyaluronic acid, which attracts moisture to the skin, as well as amino acids, dermal lipids, and other hydrating ingredients that moisturize and protect.

Pros

  • Alcohol-free
  • Vegan and cruelty-free

Cons

  • No SPF for daytime use

In addition to the ingredients mentioned above, this moisturizer contains saccharides. These plant-derived sugars support dermal water density in the skin, further helping to maintain moisture levels.

FAQs

Why is The Ordinary so cheap?

The Ordinary is one of the most budget-friendly skincare brands on the market. The company keeps its prices low by cutting out unnecessary filler ingredients – they use straightforward, science-backed ingredients. Additionally, they keep their packaging and marketing simple.

Is The Ordinary natural?

The Ordinary does use some natural ingredients, but most products also contain other effective synthetic ingredients. 

Which The Ordinary products are the best?

The best products will depend on your skin type and specific concerns. However, some of the best The Ordinary products for dry skin include Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil, and Lactic Acid 5% + HA. 

The Bottom Line

People with dry skin will easily find powerful products that deliver results with The Ordinary. Add a few of the above products from The Ordinary to your skincare routine for hydrated, healthy, and glowing skin.