The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan Lightweight Gel Moisturizer vs Murad Biome-Balancing Calm & Recover Cream

In comparing The Ordinary's Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan Lightweight Gel Moisturizer to Murad's Biome-Balancing Calm & Recover Cream, both products emphasize hydration and skin nourishment, but they differ in core ingredients and intended effects. The Ordinary formulates with beta glucan for its calming and hydrating properties; however, it lacks some of the targeted ingredients like niacinamide present in Murad's offering, which is known for its ability to visibly improve uneven skin tone and regulate oil production.

While users might find that both moisturizers provide a refreshing, hydrating experience, the absence of specialized actives in The Ordinary’s moisturizer may leave those with specific concerns feeling like it doesn’t deliver quite as fully as the more complex formulation from Murad. The distinctions in texture and nourishment also suggest that those prioritizing treatment-oriented skincare may lean toward Murad.

Match
71%
Price
$13.50
Category
Moisturizers Oils
Type
Face Moisturizer
Ingredients
40 ingredients
Buy
Match
71%
Price
$45.00
Category
Moisturizers Oils
Type
Face Moisturizer
Ingredients
62 ingredients
Buy

What's inside

What's inside

Key ingredients

Key ingredients

Benefits

Benefits

Concerns

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

  1. WaterSolvent
  2. PPG-24-GLYCERETH-24Solvent, Cleansing Surfactant, Emulsifying Surfactant
  3. PropanediolSolvent, Viscosity Controller
  4. BetaineHair Conditioner, Humectant, Humectant Skin Conditioner
  5. BETA-GLUCANBulking Agent, Other Skin Conditioner
  6. ARGININEAntistatic, Fragrance, Hair Conditioner, Skin Conditioner
  7. GLYCINEAntistatic, Buffering Agent, Hair Conditioner, Skin Conditioner
  8. ALANINEAntistatic, Fragrance, Hair Conditioner, Skin Conditioner
+32 more ingredients
  1. SERINEAntistatic, Fragrance, Hair Conditioner, Skin Conditioner
  2. PROLINEHair Conditioner, Skin Conditioner
  3. THREONINEAntistatic, Hair Conditioner, Hair Waving or Straightening
  4. GLUTAMIC ACIDAntistatic, Hair Conditioner, Humectant
  5. LYSINE HCLHair Conditioner, Skin Conditioner
  6. GLUCOSEHumectant
  7. MALTOSEFragrance, Moisturizing, Skin Conditioner
  8. FRUCTOSEHumectant
  9. TREHALOSEHumectant, Moisturizing
  10. XYLITOLAnti-Seborrheic, Deodorant, Flavoring Agent, Humectant, Humectant Skin Conditioner
  11. ANHYDROXYLITOLHumectant, Skin Conditioner
  12. XYLITYLGLUCOSIDEHumectant, Skin Conditioner
  13. SODIUM PCAAntistatic, Hair Conditioner, Humectant, Skin Conditioner
  14. PCAHumectant, Moisturizing
  15. SODIUM LACTATEBuffering Agent, Humectant, Keratolytic
  16. UREAAntistatic, Buffering Agent, Humectant, Skin Conditioner
  17. AllantoinSkin Conditioner, Skin Protectant, Soothing Agent
  18. Sodium HyaluronateHumectant, Skin Conditioner
  19. PHOSPHOLIPIDSSkin Conditioner
  20. SPHINGOLIPIDSSkin Conditioner, Emollient Skin Conditioner, Skin Protectant
  21. GlycerinDenaturant, Fragrance, Hair Conditioner, Humectant, Oral Care, Perfuming Agent, Humectant Skin Conditioner, Skin Protectant, Solvent, Viscosity Controller
  22. Pentylene GlycolSkin Conditioner, Solvent
  23. ACRYLATES / C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMEREmulsion Stabilizer, Film Former, Viscosity Controller
  24. Sodium HydroxideBuffering Agent, Denaturant
  25. SODIUM CHLORIDEBulking Agent, Fragrance, Oral Care, Viscosity Controller
  26. SODIUM CITRATEBuffering Agent, Chelating Agent, Fragrance
  27. Citric AcidBuffering Agent, Chelating Agent, Fragrance
  28. TocopherolAntioxidant, Fragrance, Other Skin Conditioner, Occlusive Skin Conditioner
  29. P-ANISIC ACIDFragrance
  30. AMINOMETHYL PROPANOLBuffering Agent
  31. PhenoxyethanolAntimicrobial, Preservative
  32. CHLORPHENESINAntimicrobial, Preservative

Ingredients Side-by-side

  1. WaterSolvent
  2. CAPRYLIC / CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDEFragrance, Perfuming Agent, Occlusive Skin Conditioner, Solvent
  3. GlycerinDenaturant, Fragrance, Hair Conditioner, Humectant, Oral Care, Perfuming Agent, Humectant Skin Conditioner, Skin Protectant, Solvent, Viscosity Controller
  4. C10-18 TRIGLYCERIDESSkin Conditioner, Emollient Skin Conditioner, Solvent
  5. NiacinamideSmoothing Agent
  6. SODIUM ACRYLATES COPOLYMERBinding Agent, Film Former, Opacifying Agent, Viscosity Controller
  7. BEHENYL ALCOHOLBinding Agent, Emulsion Stabilizer, Emollient Skin Conditioner, Viscosity Controller
  8. PUNICA GRANATUM PERICARP EXTRACTSkin Conditioner
+54 more ingredients
  1. TRANEXAMIC ACIDAstringent, Skin Conditioner
  2. GLUTAMIC ACIDAntistatic, Hair Conditioner, Humectant
  3. AllantoinSkin Conditioner, Skin Protectant, Soothing Agent
  4. SAXIFRAGA SARMENTOSA EXTRACTSkin Conditioner
  5. SODIUM PCAAntistatic, Hair Conditioner, Humectant, Skin Conditioner
  6. Sodium HyaluronateHumectant, Skin Conditioner
  7. UREAAntistatic, Buffering Agent, Humectant, Skin Conditioner
  8. YEAST AMINO ACIDSHumectant
  9. TREHALOSEHumectant, Moisturizing
  10. INOSITOLAntistatic, Hair Conditioner, Humectant
  11. TAURINEBuffering Agent
  12. BetaineHair Conditioner, Humectant, Humectant Skin Conditioner
  13. MELIA AZADIRACHTA LEAF EXTRACTSkin Conditioner
  14. MELIA AZADIRACHTA FLOWER EXTRACTSkin Conditioner
  15. ALOE BARBADENSIS FLOWER EXTRACTSkin Conditioner, Emollient Skin Conditioner
  16. SOLANUM MELONGENA FRUIT EXTRACTSkin Conditioner
  17. OCIMUM SANCTUM LEAF EXTRACTSkin Conditioner
  18. CURCUMA LONGA ROOT EXTRACTFragrance, Perfuming Agent
  19. COCCINIA INDICA FRUIT EXTRACTSkin Conditioner
  20. CORALLINA OFFICINALIS EXTRACTSkin Conditioner
  21. OCIMUM BASILICUM FLOWER / LEAF EXTRACTTonic
  22. HYDROXYACETOPHENONEAntioxidant
  23. SACCHAROMYCES FERMENTSkin Conditioner
  24. Butylene GlycolFragrance, Humectant, Skin Conditioner, Solvent, Viscosity Controller
  25. AMINOBUTYRIC ACIDHair Conditioner
  26. LAUROYL LYSINEHair Conditioner, Skin Conditioner, Viscosity Controller
  27. FRUCTOSEHumectant
  28. Pentylene GlycolSkin Conditioner, Solvent
  29. MALTOSEFragrance, Moisturizing, Skin Conditioner
  30. SODIUM LACTATEBuffering Agent, Humectant, Keratolytic
  31. GLYCINEAntistatic, Buffering Agent, Hair Conditioner, Skin Conditioner
  32. LECITHINAntistatic, Skin Conditioner, Emollient Skin Conditioner, Emulsifying Surfactant
  33. POLYGLYCERYL-3 STEARATEEmulsifying Surfactant
  34. SODIUM CARBOXYMETHYL STARCHBinding Agent, Emulsion Stabilizer, Film Former, Viscosity Controller
  35. CAPRYLIC ACIDCleansing Agent, Fragrance, Perfuming Agent, Cleansing Surfactant, Emulsifying Surfactant
  36. GLUCOSEHumectant
  37. MALTODEXTRINAbsorbent, Binding Agent, Emulsion Stabilizer, Film Former, Hair Conditioner, Skin Conditioner
  38. SODIUM CHLORIDEBulking Agent, Fragrance, Oral Care, Viscosity Controller
  39. LEUCONOSTOC / RADISH ROOT FERMENT FILTRATEAnti-Seborrheic, Antimicrobial
  40. TETRASODIUM GLUTAMATE DIACETATEChelating Agent
  41. Sodium HydroxideBuffering Agent, Denaturant
  42. Citric AcidBuffering Agent, Chelating Agent, Fragrance
  43. CAPRYLOYL GLYCINEAnti-Seborrheic, Sebum Control, Antimicrobial, Deodorant, Hair Conditioner, Cleansing Surfactant
  44. CHLORPHENESINAntimicrobial, Preservative
  45. Dehydroacetic AcidPreservative
  46. Potassium SorbateFragrance, Preservative
  47. Sodium BenzoateAnticorrosive, Fragrance, Preservative
  48. CITRUS AURANTIUM BERGAMIA PEEL OILFragrance, Perfuming Agent
  49. LINALYL ACETATEFragrance
  50. CITRONELLOLPerfuming Agent
  51. LINALOOLDeodorant, Perfuming Agent
  52. CITRUS LIMON PEEL OILFragrance, Perfuming Agent, Skin Conditioner
  53. LimoneneDeodorant, Perfuming Agent, Solvent
  54. FragranceFragrance

Ingredients Explained

Water

Solvent · Shared

Aqua, commonly known as water, serves primarily as a solvent in cosmetic formulations. It is the most abundant ingredient in many products and is essential for dissolving other ingredients, facilitating their application and absorption on the skin. Formulators often add Aqua to create a suitable texture and consistency, ensuring that products are easy to spread and apply. Additionally, water can help to hydrate the skin, making it a vital component in many moisturizing formulations.

Betaine

Hair Conditioner, Humectant, Humectant Skin Conditioner · Shared

BETAINE is a versatile ingredient commonly used in cosmetic formulations for its hair-conditioning and skin-conditioning properties. As a humectant, it helps to attract and retain moisture, which can enhance the hydration of both hair and skin. This moisture retention is beneficial in cosmetic products, as it can contribute to a smoother and more supple appearance. Formulators may add BETAINE to improve the overall texture and feel of a product, making it more appealing to consumers.

Glycine

Antistatic, Buffering Agent, Hair Conditioner, Skin Conditioner · Shared

GLYCINE is an amino acid that serves multiple functions in cosmetic formulations. It is commonly used for its antistatic properties, helping to reduce static electricity in hair and skin, which can enhance manageability and appearance. Additionally, GLYCINE acts as a buffering agent, helping to maintain the pH balance of products, and it provides conditioning benefits for both hair and skin, contributing to a smoother and softer texture. Formulators may include GLYCINE to improve the overall performance and sensory attributes of their products, making them more appealing to consumers.

Glutamic-Acid

Antistatic, Hair Conditioner, Humectant · Shared

GLUTAMIC ACID is an amino acid that serves multiple functions in cosmetic formulations. It is commonly used as a humectant, which means it helps to attract and retain moisture in the skin and hair, contributing to hydration. Additionally, GLUTAMIC ACID has antistatic properties, making it beneficial in hair care products by reducing static electricity and improving manageability. Its hair-conditioning abilities also enhance the overall texture and appearance of hair, making it a valuable ingredient for formulators looking to improve the performance of their products.

Glucose

Humectant · Shared

GLUCOSE is a simple sugar that serves primarily as a humectant in cosmetic formulations. As a humectant, it attracts moisture from the environment and helps to retain it within the skin, contributing to hydration and a plump appearance. Formulators may add GLUCOSE to products to enhance their moisturizing properties, making them more effective in providing hydration to the skin. Its ability to bind water makes it a valuable ingredient in various skincare products aimed at improving skin texture and overall moisture levels.

Maltose

Fragrance, Moisturizing, Skin Conditioner · Shared

MALTOSE is a disaccharide sugar that is commonly used in cosmetics for its various beneficial properties. It functions primarily as a moisturising agent, helping to hydrate the skin and improve its overall texture. Additionally, MALTOSE can act as a skin-conditioning agent, enhancing the skin's softness and smoothness. Its ability to provide a mild fragrance also makes it a versatile ingredient in formulation. Formulators may add MALTOSE to products to enhance moisture retention and improve the sensory experience of the product, contributing to a more pleasant application and feel on the skin.

Fructose

Humectant · Shared

FRUCTOSE is a simple sugar that naturally occurs in many fruits and plants. In cosmetics, it primarily functions as a humectant, which means it helps to attract and retain moisture in the skin. By drawing water from the environment or deeper layers of the skin, fructose can contribute to a hydrated and plump appearance. Formulators may add FRUCTOSE to products to enhance hydration, improve skin texture, and provide a smoother feel. Its natural origin and effective moisture-retaining properties make it a desirable ingredient in various cosmetic formulations aimed at promoting skin health and comfort.

Trehalose

Humectant, Moisturizing · Shared

TREHALOSE is a naturally occurring disaccharide sugar that is often utilized in cosmetic formulations for its humectant and moisturising properties. It has the ability to attract and retain moisture, helping to keep the skin hydrated and supple. Formulators may add TREHALOSE to products to enhance skin hydration, improve texture, and provide a protective barrier against environmental stressors. Its unique structure allows it to stabilize proteins and cellular structures, making it a valuable ingredient in formulations aimed at maintaining skin health.