The Ordinary
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum with Ceramides
face serum
The Ordinary
face serum
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Fit by skin type
General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.
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Take the skin testA lightweight hydration serum with Ceramides that instantly hydrates and plumps, while smoothing texture and wrinkles
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum with Ceramides is a watery-light serum from The Ordinary, a brand based in Canada. The formula is built mainly around hydration and soothing. The ingredient list runs to 23 ingredients, each broken down in full below.
By its ingredient list the formula reads as very light — essentially a water-and-humectant base with little emollient weight. With almost no emollient load it should absorb quickly and finish close to matte. Hydration is handled by Sodium Hyaluronate, Propanediol and Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.
Hydration: High. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Sodium Hyaluronate, Propanediol, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid and Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer.
Soothing: High. Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity, and here that comes from Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer and Sphingolipids.
On richness alone it suits Combination (oily) and Oily skin best, and is the least natural fit for Dry and Combination (dry) skin. Nothing in the list is flagged as a common irritant, which is a reasonable starting point for reactive skin — though a patch test is still the only way to know.
The formula contributes little or nothing on antioxidant protection, oil control, brightening and tone and cell renewal. That is not a fault — most products are not meant to do everything — but if one of those is your priority, this is not the product that will address it.
Reading the full list, the formula is fragrance-free, essential-oil-free, no drying alcohol, paraben-free, silicone-free and microplastic-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging.
It can be used morning and evening. In a routine it goes after toner, before moisturiser. Apply to clean, dry skin and give it a minute to absorb before the next layer. Introduce one new treatment at a time so you can identify what is working.
This summary is generated from the product's ingredient list. It is not a review, it is not the brand's own marketing claims, and it does not replace advice from a dermatologist.
Drawn purely from the ingredient list
Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.
Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy
Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin
Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance
None of the ingredients in this formula are associated with these benefits. This is not unusual, as most products are designed to target a limited number of concerns.
The actives, UV filters and benefit-carrying ingredients in this formula, in the order they are listed.
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Hyaluronic acid, sodium, salt
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
1,3-dihydroxypropane
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
1,2-Dihydroxypentane
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is the hydrolysate of Hyaluronic Acid derived by acid, enzyme or other method of hydrolysis
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Hyaluronic acid, sodium salt, polymer with 1,1'-sulfonylbis[ethene]
7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Phospholipids
8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Sphingolipids
9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Butanamide, 2,4-dihydroxy-N-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,3-dimethyl-, (2R)-; dl-Panthenol
10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Ahnfeltia Concinna Extract
11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane
13th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid
16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
3,4-Dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-2H-benzopyran-6-ol; .alpha.-tocopherol; Vitamin E
Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.
Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin
Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity
Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution
Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine
Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks
Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity
Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover
Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support
"Active" here means an ingredient carrying a recorded active type or a recognised UV filter.
Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.
Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.
Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.
Nothing in this formula belongs to a group our rules can put in conflict, so it layers freely. Order still matters — thinnest texture first.
This product is the "Treat" step.
Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.
Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 23 ingredients on the label.
Dissolves and carries everything else
Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels
Draws water into the upper layers of skin
Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula
Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells
Forms a film that slows water loss
Sets the acidity the formula needs to work
Keeps the product free of microbial growth
Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together
Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula
Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution
Botanical material, usually for antioxidants or scent
Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.
1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.
Water
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Hyaluronic acid, sodium, salt
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
1,3-dihydroxypropane
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
1,2-Dihydroxypentane
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is the hydrolysate of Hyaluronic Acid derived by acid, enzyme or other method of hydrolysis
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Hyaluronic acid, sodium salt, polymer with 1,1'-sulfonylbis[ethene]
7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Phospholipids
8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Sphingolipids
9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Butanamide, 2,4-dihydroxy-N-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,3-dimethyl-, (2R)-; dl-Panthenol
10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Ahnfeltia Concinna Extract
11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane
12th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Sorbitan, monododecanoate, poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) derivs.
13th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid
14th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Trisodium citrate
15th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Benzoic acid, 4-methoxy-
16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
3,4-Dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-2H-benzopyran-6-ol; .alpha.-tocopherol; Vitamin E
17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
L-Aspartic acid, N,N'-1,2-ethanediylbis-, trisodium salt
18th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Octane-1,2-diol
19th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-(2-Ethoxyethoxy)ethanol; Carbitol; Diethylene glycol monoethyl ether; DEGEE
20th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,2-Propanediol, 3-(2-ethylhexyloxy)
21st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Methylpentane-2,4-diol
22nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Phenoxyethanol
23rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,2-Propanediol, 3-(4-chlorophenoxy)-
Products in the same category that share this formula's distinguishing ingredients.
Numbuzin
Shares 9 key ingredients with Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum with Ceramides: Propanediol, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol
COSRX
Shares 8 key ingredients with Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum with Ceramides: Pentylene Glycol, Glycerin, Panthenol, Propanediol, Tocopherol
NEOGEN
Shares 8 key ingredients with Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum with Ceramides: Propanediol, Glycerin, Citric Acid, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate
innisfree
Shares 8 key ingredients with Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum with Ceramides: Propanediol, Glycerin, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Citric Acid
innisfree
Shares 8 key ingredients with Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum with Ceramides: Propanediol, Glycerin, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Citric Acid
Arencia
Shares 8 key ingredients with Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum with Ceramides: Propanediol, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Panthenol
AQUA, SODIUM HYALURONATE, PROPANEDIOL, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, HYDROLYZED HYALURONIC ACID, SODIUM HYALURONATE CROSSPOLYMER, PHOSPHOLIPIDS, SPHINGOLIPIDS, PANTHENOL, AHNFELTIOPSIS CONCINNA EXTRACT, GLYCERIN, POLYSORBATE 20, CITRIC ACID, SODIUM CITRATE, P-ANISIC ACID, TOCOPHEROL, TRISODIUM ETHYLENEDIAMINE DISUCCINATE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, ETHOXYDIGLYCOL, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, HEXYLENE GLYCOL, PHENOXYETHANOL, CHLORPHENESIN.
SODIUM HYALURONATE, HYDROLYZED HYALURONIC ACID, SODIUM HYALURONATE CROSSPOLYMER, PANTHENOL, CITRIC ACID.
Apply a few drops to the face in the morning and evening. If irritation occurs, rinse off, cease use, and consult a physician. Use only as directed on unbroken skin. Patch testing prior to use is advised. Keep out of reach of children. Tip: Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 and Squalane + Amino Acids Lip balm can be used together to hydrate and plump the lips. Apply 1-2 drops of Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 on lips and follow with Squalane + Amino Acids Lip balm on top. Wet vs Dry Skin Use: Applying Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 on wet or dry skin does not impact it’s efficacy, contrary to some people’s belief that HA should be applied on wet skin for best results. Applying a moisturizer on top is the key to getter better hydration results from Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5.
Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Combination (oily), Oily skin best. It is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry) skin.
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
One ingredient could feed malassezia: Polysorbate 20. That describes the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that it will cause a breakout.
Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not medical clearance — check anything you use daily with your doctor or midwife.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is fragrance-free.
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is no drying alcohol.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is silicone-free.
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is essential-oil-free.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.
It layers well with Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), Retinoids (retinol, retinal), AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone), Benzoyl peroxide.
Use it morning and evening, after toner, before moisturiser.
It lists 23 ingredients, of which 5 are recorded as actives.
The Ordinary, a brand based in Canada.
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