Versus

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides Versus COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Cream

General Moisturizer
General Moisturizer
Canadian Brand Canada
Korean Brand South Korea

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe general moisturizers. They have a total of 6 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain hyaluronic acid

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, scar healing and dark spots

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens or parabens

What's Inside

They both contain oils

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

What's inside (and what isn't)

What's inside (and what isn't)

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Masking, Skin Conditioning

This ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.

It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.

Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.

While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.

Learn more about Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.

As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.

Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.

Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.

In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.

This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.

Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.

Learn more about Glycerin
Masking, Skin Conditioning

Arginine is an amino acid that is important for human development. Your body uses is it to produce hair keratin and skin collagen.

As a cosmetic ingredient, Arginine has antioxidant properties and can also help repair damaged skin. This ingredient is derived either synthetically or from animals.

Arginine isn't fungal acne safe when used in the presence of other lipids (fats, fatty acids, oils, esters, etc). Oils and fats occur naturally within the skin, so take caution when using Arginine if you're prone to fungal acne.

Learn more about Arginine
Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Betaine is a common humectant (a substance that promotes retention of moisture). It's known to be gentle on the skin and can help balance hydration.

This ingredient is best for improving hydration and soothing irritated skin. Studies also show it helps even out skin tone.

Fun fact: Betaine is naturally created in the skin and body. The kind found within cosmetic products can be either plant-derived or synthetic.

Learn more about Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Soothing

Allantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.

Some studies have shown this ingredient can promote wound healing with higher concentrations.

Allantoin is derived from the comfrey plant but produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.

Learn more about Allantoin
Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.

Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.

Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.

These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:

Learn more about Sodium Hyaluronate

When to use

274 Routines
43% use in am
57% use in pm
95% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
504 Routines
44% use in am
56% use in pm
97% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides 53 ingredients

2.8 /5
from 5 ratings
Hydrating (2) Doesn't Work (2) Broke Me Out (2)
sjordan74's avatar

Shane Jordan

8 months ago
Review

The Ordinary did their big one with this moisturizer. I've been using this a little over six months and it's great in every way, especially if you're looking for a bodied and hydrating moisturizer. I purchased this from Ulta.

I use this primarily at night because it's too heavy for going underneath my sunscreen (unless you have time to let it absorb). I feel like this is working wonders on Show more

#great value
#hydrating
#heavy
#absorbs well
mottrubi's avatar

Ilovemybf

9 months ago
Review

I loveee this moisturizer, leaves my skin very soft and glowy you dont need a lot just a pea sized amount and your good, great for my dry skin

#hydrating
#light
#absorbs well
#no scent

COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Cream 19 ingredients

3.9 /5
from 14 ratings
Hydrating (7) Heavy (6) Works Well (6)
helleng's avatar

Hellen G

10 months ago
Review

This cream is perfect for repairing a compromised skin barrier and providing moisture, especially during dry periods of the year. I would describe this as a heavy but very hydrating cream. I’ve used it in the AM and PM but I think most people would enjoy applying it in the PM. Avoid applying around your eyes as this product spreads once it enters the upper skin layer.

#great value
#hydrating
#heavy
#absorbs well
laila.21's avatar

Laila

3 months ago
Review

Such a good moisturizer even everyone told me it’s for dry skin but since mine is combo dehydrated it went well with it.
The only downside is how it feels like it doesn’t sink well even when i apply it into damp skin so i can feel how sticky it gets, and sometimes it sticks to my pillow even i apply my skincare 1-2 hours or more before bed.
Did not cause any breakouts or issues even my skin is Show more

#hydrating
#sticky
#no scent
#works well