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The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 serum bottle
The Ordinary

Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

Hydrating Serum 30 ml / 60 ml
9.1OUT OF 10
Great formula

Formula has a high safety profile. Suitable for most skin types.

14
Safe
3
Caution
0
Higher risk

Score breakdown

Safety10/10
Barrier support9.6/10
Acne-safe9.6/10
Active treatment2.5/10

Our verdict

Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is the serum that put The Ordinary on bathroom shelves worldwide, and as a low-cost hydrator it does its narrow job competently. The formula is smarter than a single 'hyaluronic acid' line suggests: it combines low-molecular-weight sodium hyaluronate, which sits closer to the surface, with sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer, a modified form that holds water in a more stable gel network, plus panthenol (provitamin B5) to soften and support the barrier. Together they draw water into the upper layers and leave skin looking plumper and smoother in the short term. Two honest caveats matter. First, this is pure surface hydration — there is nothing here for wrinkles, tone or texture, so treat it as a supporting layer, not a treatment. Second, humectant-heavy serums like this need to be applied to damp skin and sealed with a moisturizer; used alone in a dry climate they can actually feel tight as the hyaluronic acid pulls water from deeper skin. Layered correctly, on any skin type, it is a reliable and inexpensive hydration step.

At a glance

What it does
hydrationsoothingbarrier supportexfoliation
Best for
sensitive skinacne-prone skindry and dehydrated skinmost skin types
Not enough for
visible hyperpigmentationactive anti-aging treatment

Key ingredients

Sodium Hyaluronateintensely hydratesPentylene Glycolsupports skin comfortSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymerintensely hydratesPanthenolsoothes and supports barrier recovery

Full ingredient list (17)

Aqua/waterSodium HyaluronatePentylene GlycolPropanediolSodium Hyaluronate CrosspolymerPanthenolAhnfeltia Concinna ExtractGlycerinTrisodium Ethylenediamine DisuccinateCitric AcidCeteth-20EthoxydiglycolEthylhexylglycerinHexylene Glycol1,2-HexanediolPhenoxyethanolCaprylyl Glycol

Colour indicates our safety assessment for each ingredient — green is well-tolerated, amber warrants caution, red is higher-risk. Tap any ingredient to read its full profile.

Frequently asked

How do I use The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 correctly?
Apply a few drops to damp skin, then immediately seal with a moisturizer. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant — it pulls water toward the surface — so if you apply it to dry skin and leave it unsealed, especially in dry air, it can feel tight rather than hydrating. On damp skin under a moisturizer it works reliably.
Will it get rid of wrinkles?
Not in any lasting way. It temporarily plumps fine lines by hydrating the surface, which softens their appearance, but it contains no retinoids, peptides or other actives that remodel skin. Think of it as a hydration layer, not an anti-aging treatment.
Is it suitable for oily and acne-prone skin?
Yes. It is oil-free, lightweight and fragrance-free, so it suits oily and acne-prone skin that still needs hydration without heaviness. Just remember to layer a moisturizer over it to lock the water in.
What is the score based on?
The score comes from the same Pure Moonlight ingredient analyzer used across the whole site. It weighs safety, barrier support, acne and comedogenic risk, and active-ingredient strength, so this product's score is directly comparable to any ingredient page here.

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