The Ordinary's Revolutionary Rice Moisturiser: A Lightweight Hydration Game-Changer
For years, my skincare philosophy has been firmly rooted in the belief that thicker creams deliver superior hydration. I've always gravitated towards rich formulations that promise deep penetration and overnight repair. Products boasting descriptions like "intensely hydrating" or "velvety texture" have consistently captured my attention. So when cult British skincare brand The Ordinary announced their latest launch, I approached it with a healthy dose of skepticism.
A Promise of Weightless Hydration
The newly released Rice Lipids + Ectoin Microemulsion arrives with a bold claim: "hydration you can feel, a moisturiser you cannot." Priced at $22.30 for a 60mL bottle, this product promises to deliver 24 hours of intense hydration through an ultra-lightweight formula. The Ordinary describes it as their lightest format yet, designed to provide all the benefits of a rich cream without the heavy feel.
Key ingredients include rice lipids that help retain skin moisture, jojoba oil to reduce water loss, and ectoin with natural moisturising factors that boost the skin's water content. According to the brand, this combination results in intense soothing hydration, visible reduction in redness, and a restored skin barrier. The product can be incorporated into any skincare routine, applied after toner for a reported 62 percent moisture boost, or layered with another moisturiser for very dry skin.
Putting the Product to the Test
As someone with dry, dehydrated skin, I've been testing this moisturiser morning and night for three weeks during an Australian summer. The results have been nothing short of transformative. The lightweight formula proves perfect for hot, sticky conditions, absorbing quickly without leaving any heavy or sticky residue.
What truly impressed me was how effectively it penetrates beyond the skin's surface layer, delivering a fresh, glowy appearance that lasts from morning application through to bedtime. The easy-to-use pipette dispenser consistently delivers the perfect amount of product, and despite its milky, essence-like texture, my skin absorbs it completely without any barrier compromise.
The Final Verdict
Halfway through my 60mL bottle, I can confidently declare this product a skincare staple. After nearly a month of use, my skin appears clearer, brighter, and more radiant with diminished fine lines. My cheeks look noticeably plumper and fuller – remarkable results for a $22 moisturiser.
This product suits anyone seeking effective hydration without pore-clogging heaviness. It's particularly ideal for summer months when skin needs moisture without weight. The Ordinary's Rice Lipids + Ectoin Microemulsion has successfully converted this former thick-cream advocate to appreciate the power of lightweight hydration.
