'This $22 bottle might be The Ordinary's best skincare product, ever. Here's our honest review.'

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I'm about to admit something that might get my 'beauty writer' card revoked… I am a total sucker for anything that promises to 'fix' my face after one use.

Even though I'm extremely sceptical, if a bottle even whispers the words 'immediate results,' I immediately have to try it.

Watch: Is this the best moisturiser for flawless foundation application? Post continues below.

Enter, The Ordinary Rice Lipids + Ectoin Microemulsion.

This product is hot off the production line. It's an intensely hydrating moisturiser that comes in a (very) lightweight, fluid formula that goes on like a milky serum.

It also promises to deliver 24-hour soothing hydration, and reduce visible skin redness, repair the skin barrier and deliver dewier skin — all after one use.

We've been trialling this new The Ordinary product for a few weeks now. Keep scrolling for our full review!

What is The Ordinary Rice Lipids + Ectoin Microemulsion?

The product in question. Image: Supplied.

Wait wait wait… is this a serum or a moisturiser? If you're confused, same.

Despite looking like a milky serum, think of this as a 'liquid moisturiser'. Designed to take the place of your regular moisturiser or cream, this product uses a fancy process called 'microfluidisation' to combine oil-based and water-based molecules (rice lipids and ectoin) in one formula.

The result is a product that hydrates and moisturises the skin, while feeling as light as a serum.

The Ordinary Rice Lipids + Ectoin Microemulsion reviews.

A new product with such big claims calls for the big guns:

Our beauty editor Amy Clark and You Beauty co-host Leigh Campbell have also been trialling the product. Here's what we thought.

My The Ordinary review.

I need it to be known that taking this selfie was the hardest thing I've ever had to do. Image: Supplied.

As someone with oily to combination AND sensitive skin, I've always had a taut relationship with heavy-duty creams and oils.

I have deep pores that need to 'breathe' (dramatic much), and if I dare indulge in an oil or a thick nighttime moisturiser, I will occasionally wake up with those annoying, tiny little pimples that look like I've low-key dipped my face into a deep fryer.

After I did my skincare in the morning, I put this product on as a final step. I applied two little drops on my cheeks and rubbed it in across my whole face. A little goes a long way due to the silky texture of it. I was a little worried about it not sitting well under my makeup (as most heavy moisturisers don't) but I had absolutely no issue. It doesn't pill my foundation, and it blends well with my other skincare products.

Because it's so moisturising, I've also been using it every evening— again as my last step before I go to bed, and I wake up feeling super juicy (in a good way).

Product applied and ready to tackle the world. Image: Supplied.

I've been using this product for two weeks now, and it has officially replaced my daily moisturiser.

For the first time in my life, I've found the 'happy medium.' It gives me all the nourishing stuff my barrier desperately needs, but because it's so lightweight, my pores aren't suffocating.

The brand claims it can reduce visible redness in just one use and repair the skin barrier in the same timeframe. After my first use, I definitely noticed a huge decrease in redness but I wouldn't say it got rid of it completely. Regardless, it's smooth, dewy, and (most importantly) does not leave me with those 'suffocation pimples' I usually get from heavy products.

Amy's The Ordinary review.

LOVE the serum-like packaging and texture. Image: Supplied.

"As someone with super dry skin, I was genuinely surprised by how hydrated and moisturised this product left my skin feeling. I love the serum dropper packaging over more toner-style skincare milks — the lightweight fluid consistency is easy to dispense into your palms, and instantly absorbs into the skin."

"I've been applying this as my morning moisturiser (followed by SPF), and after cleansing at night. It layers perfectly under sunscreen and makeup without any pilling, and gives the skin a hydrated glow."

"Despite feeling like you've got nothing on, I noticed an immediate difference in how plump and nourished my skin looked. I've been layering a face oil over the top at nighttime, but it's the perfect summer moisturiser for all skin types!"

Amy's skin before and after application; look at that hydration! Image: Supplied.

Leigh's The Ordinary review.

"Big call, this is my favourite new product of 2026… and it's only January. Because I'm combination skin and can't wear a lot of thick layers, but am also peri and my skin is drying out, I need a final step of hydration before my sunscreen — but it can't be thick. This is it."

"It's so unique. You think it's a serum, but it almost thickens up to a lotion as you rub it in. This seals everything in and makes the skin look so plump. It is my favourite The Ordinary product, ever."

So, what's the final verdict? For $22.30 a bottle, I'd definitely recommend giving it a go. Amy agrees.

If you're looking for a lightweight yet deeply hydrating moisturiser, or have sensitive skin that hates heavy textures but is crying out for moisture, add it to cart before it sells out.

For more tried and tested beauty recommendations, listen to the You Beauty podcast or watch You Beauty on YouTube.

At Mamamia, we independently curate and write about products we rave about in our group chats and think you should know about too. If you purchase a product we have recommended, we may earn a small commission.

Feature image: Supplied.