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The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics bottle
The Ordinary

Marine Hyaluronics

Hydrating Serum 30 ml
9.4OUT OF 10
Great formula

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

32
Safe
0
Caution
0
Higher risk

Score breakdown

Safety10/10
Barrier support10/10
Acne-safe10/10
Active treatment3.6/10

Our verdict

Marine Hyaluronics is the answer to a specific complaint: hyaluronic acid serums that feel sticky, tacky or oddly tight in dry weather. Despite the name, it contains no hyaluronic acid at all — instead it uses marine-derived hydrators (algae extract, Pseudoalteromonas ferment, Ahnfeltia concinna) alongside a full amino acid and NMF complex of PCA, sodium lactate and glycerin. The result is a genuinely water-light texture that absorbs instantly and leaves no film, which makes it a better daytime and under-makeup option than most HA serums, and a good pick for oily skin that finds traditional hydrators heavy. The trade-off is intensity: this is surface-level hydration, lighter than a good multi-weight hyaluronic acid serum, and it will not satisfy very dry skin on its own. Note also the small amount of salicylic acid used here as a preservative-adjacent ingredient, not as an exfoliant — it is not an acne treatment. As a fuss-free, non-sticky daily hydration layer, though, it does exactly what it sets out to do.

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

Salicylic Acidunclogs pores and exfoliates

Full ingredient list (32)

AquaGlycerinAlgae ExtractAlteromonas Ferment ExtractAhnfeltia Concinna ExtractArginineGlycineAlanineSerineValineIsoleucineProlineThreonineHistidinePhenylalanineAspartic AcidPCASodium PCASodium LactateSalicylic AcidCitric AcidPropanediolDimethyl IsosorbideEthoxydiglycolPolysorbate 20Potassium SorbateSodium SalicylateSodium BenzoateHexylene 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

Does Marine Hyaluronics contain hyaluronic acid?
No, despite the name. It uses marine-derived hydrators such as algae extract and Pseudoalteromonas ferment along with amino acids, PCA and sodium lactate. The name refers to hyaluronic-acid-like hydration, not the ingredient itself.
How does it compare to The Ordinary's Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5?
Marine Hyaluronics is significantly lighter and non-tacky, making it better for oily skin, daytime use and under makeup. The Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 serum delivers stronger, plumper hydration but has a heavier, slightly sticky finish. Dry skin usually prefers the HA serum; oily and combination skin often prefers this.
Is the salicylic acid in it an acne treatment?
No. Salicylic acid appears far down the ingredient list at a level used for formulation and preservation purposes, not for exfoliation. Do not expect any meaningful acne or pore-clearing benefit from it.
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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