The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydration Support Formula. If you’ve been anywhere near the skincare aisle, Instagram, or just had a conversation with someone who’s into skincare, you’ve probably heard about this one.
It has to be the cult classic of hydrating serums or something already.
The Ordinary’s ingredient-focused approach to skincare has made hyaluronic acid a household name. Regardless of your skin type or concerns, you probably have this ingredient in several of your products. Whether you’re a skincare newbie or a seasoned pro, you likely know hyaluronic acid is celebrated for its ability to draw moisture into the skin, providing much-needed hydration.
Texture and Application
The serum itself is a lightweight, slightly thick liquid. It’s not sticky or greasy, which is a bonus, especially for those with oily skin. It spreads easily and absorbs quickly without leaving a residue. You only need a few drops, so the bottle lasts a long time.
Effective?
It really does hydrate.
From the first application, my skin felt plumper and more hydrated. The B5 in the formula helps lock in moisture, giving you that dewy, healthy glow without any greasy feel. Over a few weeks, I noticed a significant improvement in my skin’s texture—less flaky, more supple, and definitely more comfortable.
Comparisons with Other Hyaluronic Acid Serums
With so many hyaluronic acid serums on the market, how does The Ordinary’s version compare?
- The Ordinary vs. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream:
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream is known for its hydration and quick moisture boost. However, The Ordinary’s serum is lighter and less likely to clog pores, making it a better choice for oily skin. Neutrogena’s product is more of a moisturizer, while The Ordinary’s is a serum meant to be layered under your moisturizer.
- The Ordinary vs. The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid:
- The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid is another affordable option, but it’s a bit thicker. The Ordinary’s formula is more fluid and absorbs faster. Plus, the inclusion of Vitamin B5 in The Ordinary’s serum adds an extra hydration and soothing benefit.
- The Ordinary vs. La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum:
- La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 is praised for its advanced formulation but comes with a higher price tag. The Ordinary’s version focuses on hyaluronic acid and B5, offering a straightforward and effective solution without the higher cost.
How to Use It
Here’s a simple routine for using The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5:
- Cleanse: Start with a clean, dry face.
- Apply: Use a few drops of the serum and gently pat it onto your face and neck, avoiding the eye area.
- Moisturize: Follow with your favorite moisturizer to lock in the hydration.
For best results, use it twice a day, morning and night. You can also mix it with other serums or use it on its own. It layers well with other products, so don’t hesitate to experiment.
Are There Any Downsides?
While this product has many strengths, it has a few minor drawbacks:
- Packaging: The dropper can be tricky, and it’s easy to waste product if you’re not careful. A pump bottle might be more convenient.
- Slight Stickiness: The serum can feel slightly sticky right after application, but this disappears quickly.
Who Should Use It?
This serum is versatile and suitable for all skin types. It’s particularly great for anyone dealing with dehydration. The formula is gentle and free of harsh fragrances or additives, making it a safe choice for sensitive skin.
The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is a standout in the skincare world. It’s affordable, effective, and easy to incorporate into any routine. If you’re looking to boost your skin’s hydration without spending a fortune, this serum is a must-try. Join the many fans who swear by it and see the difference it can make in your skincare routine.
The Magic of Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a hot topic in the skincare industry. Many brands have introduced their own versions of this ingredient, and for good reason. It’s praised for its ability to hydrate the skin, replenish moisture, reduce wrinkles, and even speed up wound healing.
For someone with chronically dry skin, hyaluronic acid seems like a dream come true. I was eager to test The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 and see if it lived up to its reputation.
About The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
- Best for: All skin types
- Uses: Hydrating the skin, replenishing moisture, reducing wrinkles, and speeding up wound healing
- Active ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5
- Price: $7
- About the brand: The Ordinary is known for its affordable, effective skincare products.
About My Skin: Chronically Dry
The skin on my arms is perpetually dry, so I rely heavily on hydrating serums and creams to keep the area moisturized and plump.
How to Apply: Super Easy
I’ve been applying The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 serum after thoroughly cleansing my face in the morning and evening. The brand recommends using a few drops before applying creams. If your skin is particularly sensitive, they suggest patch-testing the serum first.
The Feel: Cool, Lightweight Gel
The serum has a slightly sticky gel texture, but it feels lightweight. It absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave any residue. Immediately after applying, my skin felt deeply hydrated.
Ingredients: A Blend of Hydrators
This product combines low, medium, and high molecular weight hyaluronic acid with an H.A. crosspolymer at a 2% concentration to deeply hydrate your skin. Vitamin B5 boosts the serum’s hydrating benefits. Plus, it’s vegan, cruelty-free, and free of oil, alcohol, silicone, nuts, and gluten.
The Scent: Faint but Lingering
The product has a faint scent that lingers. It’s not unpleasant, but not particularly appealing either.
Interactions & Sensitivity: None to Worry About
Hyaluronic acid doesn’t usually cause reactions with other substances, making it safe to use in multi-product skincare routines.
The Results: Less Dryness and Increased Softness
The results of this serum are more felt than seen. My skin felt hydrated and plumper immediately after use. While my skin often drinks up products quickly, this serum provided a good level of hydration throughout the day, though I did need a second application by evening.
The Value: Budget-Friendly
The Ordinary is known for its budget-friendly products. This serum, at around $7 for 30 milliliters, is a steal compared to other hyaluronic acid serums that can cost significantly more, like Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Hyaluronic Serum, which retails for around $300.
Similar Products: Other Options
- Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Hyaluronic Serum:
- This luxury serum costs $300 and is known for its long- and short-chain hyaluronic molecules that deeply penetrate the skin, offering long-lasting moisture and reducing irritation.
- Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum:
- Another affordable option, it contains 1% sodium hyaluronate and is less sticky than The Ordinary, possibly due to its lower HA concentration.
- The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics:
- Ideal for combination or oily skin, this lightweight formula includes multiple moisturizing actives and helps regulate sebum production.
- The Ordinary Amino Acids + B5:
- If you find The Ordinary’s hyaluronic acid too tacky, try this serum. It’s lightweight, deeply hydrating, and mimics the skin’s natural moisturizing factors.
- NIOD Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex:
- A premium option with 15 forms of hyaluronic compounds, but it comes with a higher price tag.
New Formula Upgrades
The Ordinary has recently updated the Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 formula, enhancing its texture and effectiveness. The new version is lighter, less sticky, and includes ceramides for an extra moisture boost.
Unique Aspects of the New Formula
- Five Types of Hyaluronic Acid:
- The new formula includes five different types of hyaluronic acid for deeper hydration.
- Benefits for All Skin Types:
- This serum strengthens the skin barrier, provides long- and short-term hydration, and smooths the skin.
- Contains Ceramides:
- Ceramides improve the skin’s barrier function and help retain moisture, providing plumpness to the skin.
- Reduces Fine Lines and Wrinkles:
- The hydrating formula helps the skin look and feel more supple, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
My Experience with the Updated Formula
The updated formula leaves my combination skin feeling plump and hydrated. While the serum can be slightly sticky initially, it dries quickly and doesn’t interfere with other skincare products or makeup. It’s gentle.
If you have a dehydrated or dry skin type and are looking for a budget-friendly hyaluronic acid serum, then The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 could be a good option for you. Just keep in mind that with the incredibly low price, you are giving up a more elegant texture that comes along with some other hyaluronic acid serums.
Building a Skincare Routine with The Ordinary
For sample skincare routines that use The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid serum, please see my post: How to Build A Skincare Routine with The Ordinary Products.
Really…
In the world of skincare, finding a product that works for you can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. But with The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, you get an effective, budget-friendly option that delivers on its promises. Sure, it’s not perfect—no product is—but it offers a lot of bang for your buck.
