Expert Product Review: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

Editor’s Rating

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
4.5

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

What We Like

  • Instant plumping hydration that lasts all day.
  • Noticeably smoother and more supple skin after use.
  • Strengthens skin barrier after 4 weeks.
  • Suitable for all skin types and cruelty-free.

What We Don’t Like

  • Some users may find the texture slightly sticky.
  • May need to be paired with other moisturizers for extremely dry skin.

Bottom Line

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is a budget-friendly, effective serum that provides deep hydration, plumps the skin, and improves texture and elasticity. Its formula is enriched with different molecular sizes of hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5, making it a versatile addition to any skincare regimen.

In This Article

In today’s skincare market, finding products that deliver on their promises without breaking the bank can be a challenge. The Ordinary, known for its straightforward, scientifically backed formulations, offers a solution with its Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 serum. This product is designed to offer both immediate and lasting hydration, making it a standout option for those looking to enhance their skin’s moisture levels and overall appearance.

FAST FACTS

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

Best For:

Individuals looking for an affordable, effective hydration boost for their skincare routine.

Uses:

Apply a few drops to clean skin in the morning and evening for best results.

Potential Allergens:

Formulated to be alcohol-free, oil-free, silicone-free, vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free, reducing the risk of irritation for most skin types.

Active Ingredients:

Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Panthenol, Ahnfeltia Concinna Extract

CRUELTY FREE:
Yes
Pricing:
$$
About the brand:

The Ordinary is a functional beauty brand that offers renowned, effective clinical technologies at excellent prices, with integrity in skincare communication. Created to celebrate integrity in the cosmetics industry, its treatments are pioneers in honesty and focus on the functional aspect of formulas. The Ordinary was born to challenge the unjust representation of basic skincare products as groundbreaking. It stands as “Clinical Formulations with Integrity.

Understanding The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring substance in our skin that retains moisture and keeps the skin hydrated and plump. The Ordinary’s serum combines low, medium, and high molecular weight HA with vitamin B5 to enhance surface hydration and support skin repair and regeneration​.

How The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Works

This serum works by using hyaluronic acid’s unique ability to attract and hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. The inclusion of vitamin B5 aids in surface hydration, further enhancing the skin’s smoothness and elasticity. The product’s formula targets dryness at various layers of the skin, offering a comprehensive solution to hydration​.

Scientific Insights into Hyaluronic Acid

Research has established HA as a potent biomolecule with applications ranging from cosmetic formulations to medical treatments. Its properties allow it to play a crucial role in wound healing, inflammation reduction, and tissue hydration. The size of HA molecules is critical to its function, with smaller fragments capable of penetrating deeper into the skin to provide hydration and stimulate the body’s HA production​.

Ingredients Suitability for Sensitive Skin

In collaboration with dermatology specialists, we have developed an in-depth guide to skincare ingredients used in this product, highlighting their functions and suitability for sensitive skin.

Table Key: 🟢 Very Gentle—ideal for extremely sensitive skin. 🟡 Gentle—low risk for most sensitive skin types. 🟠 Caution—potential for irritation in sensitive skin. 🔴 High Caution—consult a specialist before use on sensitive skin (Please be aware that the contents of this guide are for informational purposes only.)

Ingredient(s) and FunctionBenefitsSensitive Skin Index
Aqua (Water), Pentylene Glycol, PropanediolSolvent and hydrating base🟢
Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate CrosspolymerMoisturizes deeply, improves skin elasticity🟢
GlycerinHydrates, maintains skin’s moisture barrier🟢
Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5)Soothes, moisturizes, promotes healing🟢
Ahnfeltia Concinna ExtractControls viscosity, enhances product stability🟢
Trisodium Ethylenediamine DisuccinateChelates metals, preserving product stability🟢
Citric AcidpH adjuster, mild exfoliant🟡
Isoceteth-20, Hexylene GlycolEmulsifying, surfactant for cleansing🟡
EthoxydiglycolSolvent, enhances ingredient effectiveness🟢
EthylhexylglycerinPreservative booster, deodorant🟡
PhenoxyethanolPreservative🟡
Caprylyl GlycolMoisturizer, emollient, boosts preservative effectiveness🟢
1,2-HexanediolSolvent, humectant, emollient🟢

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is a generally suitable product for sensitive skin, focusing on hydration and soothing with minimal irritants. The inclusion of multiple forms of hyaluronic acid ensures deep, long-lasting moisture, while panthenol and glycerin enhance hydration and skin barrier function. Although citric acid and phenoxyethanol can be slightly irritating to very sensitive skin, they are commonly used in low concentrations that are well-tolerated by most individuals. Overall, this product is well-formulated for sensitive skin, balancing effective hydration with gentle ingredients.

Comparing The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 with Similar Products

When compared to other hyaluronic acid serums on the market, The Ordinary’s formula stands out for its combination of multiple molecular weights of HA and the addition of vitamin B5. This blend ensures both surface and deeper layer hydration, a feature not always present in competing products. Additionally, its affordability and no-frills approach to skincare make it accessible to a wide audience.

Personal Experience with The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

Upon using the serum, I noticed an immediate hydration boost, with my skin feeling more supple and plumped. The lightweight texture absorbed quickly, leaving a slightly tacky feel that vanished after layering with my regular moisturizer. Over time, my skin appeared more radiant and the fine lines less noticeable.

Specs
Product Name:
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Product Brand:
The Ordinary
Weight:
30 ml
Ingredients:
AQUA (WATER), SODIUM HYALURONATE, SODIUM HYALURONATE CROSSPOLYMER, PANTHENOL, AHNFELTIA CONCINNA EXTRACT, GLYCERIN, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, PROPANEDIOL, POLYACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER-6, PPG-26-BUTETH-26, PEG-40 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, TRISODIUM ETHYLENEDIAMINE DISUCCINATE, CITRIC ACID, ETHOXYDIGLYCOL, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, HEXYLENE GLYCOL, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, PHENOXYETHANOL, CHLORPHENESIN.

Final Verdict

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is an excellent option for anyone seeking to improve their skin’s hydration and texture. Its scientifically backed formulation, combined with an affordable price point, makes it a must-try product in your skincare regimen.

Sources

https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/24/12/10296
https://www.mdpi.com/2218-273X/11/10/1518

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