The Ordinary 769915232400 Moisturizer Review
Our verdict
The Ordinary's beta-glucan gel is a minimalist, oil-free and silicone-free moisturizer made in Canada for $13.50 per 100 ml, designed specifically for combination, oily, and sensitive skin. Over 2,400 reviews at 4.6 stars make it one of the most buyer-validated lightweight gels in this category.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Combination, oily, and sensitive skin looking for a lightweight, oil-free, silicone-free gel that hydrates without adding heaviness.
Skip if
You have very dry skin that needs a richer cream, or you want an active ingredient like retinol or niacinamide rather than a pure hydration focus.
- Form Gel
- Skin type Combination, Oily, Sensitive
- Key ingredients Beta-Glucan
- Targets Oiliness
- Size 100 Milliliters
- Scent Unscented
- Priced 38% below the category median ($21.72 across 322 tracked models)
Our scorecard
-
Owner rating4.6/5
4.6 average across 2,400 owner ratings
-
Popularity4.2/5
2,400 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other women's everyday face care: moisturizers, face mists, facial kits, rollers, cleansing brushes and steamers we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Specifications
| Form | Gel |
|---|---|
| Skin type | Combination, Oily, Sensitive |
| Key ingredients | Beta-Glucan |
| Targets | Oiliness |
| Size | 100 Milliliters |
| Scent | Unscented |
| Free of | Oil Free, Silicone Free |
| Container | Tube |
| Age range | Adult |
| Made in | Canada |
Overview
['The Ordinary has made its name by doing one thing at a time and doing it well. This gel moisturizer centers on beta-glucan, a polysaccharide ingredient known for its soothing and hydration-supporting properties. The formula is oil-free and silicone-free, two meaningful omissions for anyone managing oily or congested skin. It is made in Canada and comes in a 100 ml tube for $13.50.', 'The gel texture is well-suited to the listed skin types: combination, oily, and sensitive. Gel formulas absorb quickly and do not leave behind the residue that heavier creams can on oily skin. The unscented profile and silicone-free formulation make it a reasonable choice for sensitive skin that reacts to common additives.', "With 2,400-plus reviews at 4.6 stars, this product ranks among the most consistently rated moisturizers in this set. That scale of buyer agreement at The Ordinary's characteristically low price point is hard to argue with."]
Pros
- Beta-glucan targets oiliness and supports a soothed, hydrated appearance
- Oil-free and silicone-free formula for cleaner wear on oily or congested skin
- Unscented, with no fragrance listed
- Excellent value at $13.50 for 100 ml
- 2,400-plus reviews at 4.6 stars is an outstanding buyer endorsement
Cons
- Single key ingredient formula may not satisfy those wanting a richer active stack
- Gel texture is too lightweight for dry or flaky skin types
- The Ordinary's packaging can feel utilitarian compared to more premium brands
- No anti-aging specific actives in this particular formula
Performance notes
Beta-glucan is a naturally occurring polysaccharide found in oats and other sources. In skincare, it acts as a humectant and may help support the look of calm, hydrated skin. It is particularly noted for its soothing properties, which makes it a smart choice for sensitive skin types. The oil-free and silicone-free formulation avoids common pore-clogging concerns for those prone to breakouts, while the gel texture layers well under SPF or makeup without pilling.
What buyers say
Over 2,400 ratings at 4.6 stars places this product in the top tier of buyer confidence in the gel moisturizer category. At this volume from a brand with a demanding, ingredient-literate customer base, that score carries substantial real-world weight.
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Frequently asked questions
What does beta-glucan do for skin?
Beta-glucan is a humectant that helps draw and retain moisture at the skin surface, which may support the appearance of plumpness and calm. It is also noted for soothing properties that may help with the look of redness or irritation, making it a useful ingredient for sensitive and reactive skin types.
Is The Ordinary's gel moisturizer good for acne-prone skin?
The oil-free and silicone-free formulation makes it a lower-risk choice for acne-prone skin compared to richer creams or silicone-heavy products. It provides hydration without adding excess oil, which is often a priority for people managing breakouts. This is not medical advice.
How does this compare to other The Ordinary moisturizers?
The Ordinary offers several moisturizers targeting different concerns. This gel is specifically positioned for oily and sensitive skin with an oiliness-addressing focus, making it more targeted than the brand's general-purpose Natural Moisturizing Factors option. If anti-aging is your primary goal, other formulas in the line may be a better fit.