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This is one skincare ingredient I will be using in my skincare routine forever – HA. I have been using this in some form for the last 10+ years now and use it daily if not every day. The job of Hyaluronic Acid is to increase the amount of moisture in your skin to help smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. HA is also found naturally in our skin but can be lost as we get older.
One little molecule of HA can hold a thousand times its weight in water, now I know what you’re going to say this sounds a bit far fetched but it really can and it really does help keep our skin looking plump and will help tackle all your concerns about aging skin.
I have been hearing a lot about The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum over the past few months and decided that I needed to try this for myself to see if it would compare to some of my other favorite HA serums.
As we know, Ordinary products are VERY well priced but there products work wonderfully and I have used quite a few of their products over the years with positive results every time. Here I will be discussing what HA 2% + B5 Serum does and what it did to my skin.
What Is The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5?
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is a hydrating face serum formulated by The Ordinary to help the skin draw, retain and maintain hydration.
It’s known as one of the Ordinary’s most popular products for its multi-layer hydration and price tag.
Simple Definition
It’s a water-based serum that:
- Draws moisture into your skin
- Retains moisture in the skin to keep it plump
- Supports the skin barrier
What makes it unique?
- Multi-depth hydration technology
It uses different forms of hyaluronic acid which penetrates different layers of your skin and not just the surface.
- Vitamin B5 (Panthenol)
It aids:
- Repairing the skin barrier
- Maintaining the skin’s moisture levels
- Soothing the skin
- Lightweight & Layer-Friendly
- Doesn’t feel greasy on the skin
- Pairs well under a moisturizer or makeup
- Suitable for almost all skin types
Key Ingredients Breakdown
| Ingredient | What It Is | What It Does for Skin | Why It Matters |
| Hyaluronic Acid (2%) | Very good humectant (holds moisture). | Draws water into the skin and maintains moisture levels. | Instantly plumps and moisturises to combat dryness |
| Sodium Hyaluronate | Smaller, more robust version of Hyaluronic Acid. | Deeper penetration of the skin, keeping it moisturized. | Hydrates the skin multiple layers deep |
| Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer | Another cross-linked version of HA. | Provides a moisture reserve. | Hydrates long-lastingly |
| Panthenol (Vitamin B5) | Conditioning vitamin for skin. | Soothing, skin barrier strengthening and repairing agent. | Aids in locking in moisture to reduce inflammation and irriation |
| Glycerin | Generic humectant. | Attracts water from the atmosphere to the skin. | Enhances a hydrative effect. |
| Citric Acid | PH Adjustor. | Helps maintain the proper pH level of the formulation. | Stabilizes the formulation and is skin friendly. |
| Phenoxyethanol | Preservative. | Inhibits bacterial growth in the product. | Keeps product fresh and allows for longevity. |
| Ethylhexylglycerin | A skin conditioner & preservative booster. | Increases preservation and provides mild hydration. | Adds to product safety and skin compatibility. |
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2 B5 Review
This hyaluronic acid serum from The Ordinary is one I’ve heard so many readers tell me about how great it is so I was beyond excited to finally try it for myself! I find that using a hyaluronic acid serum in both my morning and evening routine really keeps my skin plump and hydrated. I had really high hopes and I was NOT disappointed!
Texture:
The texture of the Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2 B5 hydrating serum is exactly what I look for when I buy a HA serum – it’s slightly thick and viscous. At first, it can seem a little bit sticky but it absorbs into the skin right away, leaving skin feeling firm, plump, and hydrated.
Price point:
The price point is one of my favorite aspects of the serum because it’s less than $10!!! It is extremely affordable for most people.
Ingredients:
The Ordinary has used low, medium, and high molecular weight hyaluronic acid to really promote intensive hydration throughout all levels of the skin, and the Vitamin B5 in the serum further increases its hydrating capacity. The serum contains a really pure form of hyaluronic acid which is why I believe it plumps up my skin as well as it does.
Formulated for all skin types:
There isn’t one skin type, and I would argue not one age, that can’t benefit from incorporating a HA serum into their skincare routine. HA is known to work well with other actives, and it rarely causes irritation (although patching is always a good idea!). Hydration is an aspect that many struggle with, and a HA serum will help to improve this.
Benefits:
Purely looking from the outside in, the visual effects of HA include immediate skin plumpness which only grows stronger with consistent use, as well as the ability to retain more moisture within the skin, making fine lines and wrinkles look less prominent. This will make skin appear firmer and more supple. Hyaluronic acid has also been known to promote faster healing of the skin after a scar, cut, or wound.
Vegan and cruelty-free:
- The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2 B5 is both vegan and cruelty-free.
- The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2 + B5 Before and After
Right away and all throughout the day my skin is looking so much more plump. It’s looking supple, the fine lines are reduced, and all throughout the day my skin is so much less dry. This helps makeup apply better and last much longer as well!
Competitor Comparison
| Product | Key Features | Price (Approx) | Best For | Resource |
| The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 | Multi-weight HA + B5 | $8–$12 | Affordable hydration | https://theordinary.com |
| CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Serum | HA + Ceramides | $15–$20 | Strengthening the barrier | https://cerave.com |
| La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum | HA + Madecassoside | $30–$40 | Hydration for anti-aging | https://laroche-posay.us |
| Neutrogena Hydro Boost Serum | Lightweight HA | $15–$25 | Skin prone to oiliness | https://neutrogena.com |
| Vichy Minéral 89 | HA + minerals | $25–$35 | Reinforcing the skin | https://vichyusa.com |
How to use The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2+ B5
Use Twice Daily
I do use this serum twice a day and have found that this is what helps my skin appear so much plumper and brighter by using it in both my AM and PM routines.
Apply before moisturizer
Generally, you want to apply your products from thinnest to thickest so serums should always come before moisturizers and face oils.
Apply to damp skin
This isn’t required, however I do prefer to apply my HA serums on damp skin rather than dry. This is usually done by spritzing a face mist on right before I apply the serum, this then locks the moisture onto my skin.
Layer with other serums
HA is very compatible with almost all active ingredients (I love to layer my Skinceuticals Vitamin C with it) so I do like to layer my other treatment/serums with whatever I am using that day/night. I usually apply this serum first followed by the others, however this can vary depending on exactly what it is I’m using that day. Regardless it should not decrease the effectiveness either way you choose.
Where to Buy The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum
| Platform | Product | Price (Approx) | Availability | Buy Link |
| Official Website | The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum | $8.90 (~₹740) | Global shipping | Buy from Official Store |
| Nykaa (India) | The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum (Nykaa) | ₹1,000 | Fast delivery in India | Available via Nykaa |
| Zepto (Quick Commerce) | The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum | ₹1,000 | Same-day delivery (select cities) | In-app purchase |
| AJIO | The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2 + B5 V2 Serum | ₹1,800 | Premium/Imported stock | Available on AJIO |
| Kosmetista | The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum | ₹999 | Trusted reseller | Available online |
| GoSupps (Import) | The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 30ml | ₹7,600+ | Imported (expensive) | International seller |
Is it worth buying in 2026?
It is but under certain circumstances:
- If it is applied correctly
- followed up by moisturizer
- If you need to get hydrated in a low cost
- It is NOT worth it:
- If you are looking for active or anti-aging treatment
- If you are looking for overnight miracle results
FAQS
Is The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid good for acne prone skin?
Yes. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid is non comedogenic and will not clog pores, but helps keep the skin moisturized.
Is it okay to use it daily?
Yes, day and night is okay.
Will it reduce the appearance of my wrinkles?
Indirectly it will reduce the appearance of the finer lines through hydration, but will not reduce the deeper wrinkles.
Can I mix it with other serums?
Yes. This product goes great with niacinamide, Vitamin C, and retinol.
Why does it feel sticky on the skin?
Generally, this remains caused by using too much serum or not sealing it with a moisturizer.
Final Conclusion:
Based on all of the Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 information and reviews, it is definitely one of the most dependable, affordable serums for hydration available on the market right now. It is not an anti-aging wonder serum by any means, but it absolutely does what it remain supposed to do, which is provide affordable, efficient hydration if applied in the right way. The Ordinary serum is definitely a good one to try if you’re looking for a basic, affordable addition to your skincare routine. Just remember to apply it properly.
