Dry skin benefits from hydration, barrier support, and gentle formulations. The following 5 products from The Ordinary offer a balanced approach—cleansing, hydrating serums, and moisturizers that help restore moisture and protect the skin. This guide highlights how each item can fit a daily routine and address common dryness concerns.
| Product | Focus | Key Ingredient |
|---|---|---|
| The Ordinary The Daily Set | Complete daily routine | Squalane Cleanser; Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5; Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA |
| The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) | Deep hydration | Hyaluronic acids; Ceramides |
| The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Hyaluronic Acid | Lightweight hydration | Hyaluronic acid; Amino acids and other skin-identical factors |
| The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides | Rich hydration and barrier support | PhytoCeramides; Skin-identical lipids |
| The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution | Brightening and texture refinement | AHA/BHA blend; Hyaluronic acid and B5 |
The Daily Set: A Gentle 3‑Step Hydration Routine
The Daily Set delivers a compact, three-step routine designed to support a moisture barrier. It pairs a gentle cleanser with a hydrating serum and a non-greasy moisturizer. Consumers seeking a simple, cohesive regimen for dry skin can rely on this trio to cleanse without stripping moisture and to replenish hydration through multiple forms of hyaluronic acid.
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (With Ceramides)
This serum offers instant hydration with five forms of hyaluronic acid for plumpness and long-lasting moisture. Ceramides lock in that moisture and help reinforce the skin’s protective barrier. It’s suitable for dry, sensitive, and barrier-prone skin types seeking smoother texture and reduced dryness lines without heaviness.
The Acne Set: Cleanse, Treat, Moisturize
This 3-step regimen targets acne-prone skin but includes a gentle cleanser option and a moisturizer that supports hydration. While focused on blemish-prone skin, the trio emphasizes barrier-friendly cleansing and moisturization, which can benefit dry areas adjacent to acne-prone zones and help maintain overall moisture balance during treatment.
Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner
This exfoliating toner uses glycolic acid to refine texture and promote luminosity. For dry skin, start slowly, monitoring sensitivity. It can help soften flaky areas and support more even tone when used as part of a broader hydration-focused routine, but should be paired with rich moisturizers and barrier-supporting products.
Natural Moisturizing Factors + Hyaluronic Acid
This lightweight moisturizer supports the outer skin layer with hyaluronic acid and skin-identical amino acids, fatty acids, and ceramides. It’s designed for daytime use, offering hydration without a greasy feel, making it suitable for normal-to-dry skin that needs a non-heavy, fast-absorbing formula.
Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides
This richer option delivers abundant emollients and plant-derived ceramides to support a strong moisture barrier. It’s well-suited for very dry or compromised skin, offering long-lasting hydration and resilience against environmental stressors while remaining non-greasy.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations For Hydration-Focused Skincare
- Hydration sources: Look for humectants (like hyaluronic acid), emollients (oils or esters), and barrier-supporting ingredients (ceramides, fatty acids, amino acids). A layered approach often yields the best moisture retention.
- Barrier support: Products including ceramides (including phyto-ceramides) help rebuild the skin’s protective layer, reducing transepidermal water loss and sensitivity.
- Skin type and sensitivity: Choose fragrance-free or low-fragrance formulas if you have sensitive or reactive skin. Patch testing is advised when trying a new product family.
- Usage patterns: Start with a simple routine (cleanser, serum, moisturizer) and add actives gradually. Avoid overcrowding the regimen with multiple exfoliants if your skin is very dry.
- Exfoliation balance: Gentle exfoliation can improve texture but should be paired with strong hydration and barrier support to prevent over-drying.
- Patch testing and suitability: Some astringent or peeling formulations can irritate very dry or eczema-prone skin. If you have chronic conditions, consult a dermatologist before adding actives.
- Consistency over intensity: Regular, moderate hydration and barrier care often outperform sporadic intensive treatments for dry skin.