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TL;DR
- The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is a light hydrating serum. The current version has 5 types of hyaluronic acid plus ceramides and pro-vitamin B5 (Woolworths, 2026).
- The brand still sells the Original Formulation, which has 4 types of hyaluronic acid and pro-vitamin B5 (The Ordinary, 2026).
- Use it after cleansing and before oils and creams (The Ordinary, 2026).
- It suits all skin types, and patch testing is advised (The Ordinary, 2026).
- Bottom line: a low-cost, no-fuss hydrating serum that fits almost any routine.
Check the current price of The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 on Amazon
What Is The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5?
This is The Ordinary's hydrating serum. Hyaluronic acid is a substance found naturally in skin that holds water. Pro-vitamin B5 (panthenol) adds extra hydration and a soft feel. The serum is water-based, light and almost weightless on the skin.
The brand now sells two versions. The newer Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) has 5 forms of hyaluronic acid, ceramides and a lighter texture (Woolworths, 2026). The Original Formulation has 4 types of hyaluronic acid and pro-vitamin B5 (The Ordinary, 2026).
Main Details at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Water-based hydrating serum |
| Main ingredients | Hyaluronic acid (several forms), panthenol (B5), ceramides (new version) |
| Skin type | All skin types |
| When to use | Morning and evening |
| Size | 30 ml |
| Made in | Canada |
Details come from the brand and retailer listings (The Ordinary, 2026; Watsons, 2026).
What Stands Out
Several sizes of hyaluronic acid
The new version combines low, medium and high molecular weight hyaluronic acid, a hyaluronic acid crosspolymer and hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid (Woolworths, 2026). The idea is that different sizes hydrate different layers of the skin's surface.
Brand test results
The Ordinary reports that skin is hydrated right away, feels smoother and softer after 1 week, and looks plumper after 2 weeks (Woolworths, 2026). These are brand results, so treat them as a guide.
Easy to layer
It is light, fragrance-free in feel and works under almost any moisturizer or sunscreen. Retailers describe it as suitable for all skin types and daily use (Watsons, 2026).
Who Should Buy It and Who Should Skip It
Good fit: dehydrated skin that feels tight, oily skin that still needs water, people using drying treatments, and anyone who wants a simple, low-cost serum.
Maybe skip: very dry skin that needs oils and rich creams more than water; this serum helps, but it is not enough on its own.
How to Use It
- Cleanse your face.
- Apply a few drops to the face (Watsons, 2026).
- Follow with a moisturizer to seal in the water.
- In the morning, finish with sunscreen.
The brand says to use it after cleansing and before anhydrous (water-free) serums, oils, suspensions or creams (The Ordinary, 2026). Use it only on unbroken skin, patch test first, and stop if irritation occurs (The Ordinary, 2026).
A Common Mistake
Hyaluronic acid pulls in water. If you apply it and do not follow with a moisturizer, especially in a very dry room or climate, some people find their skin feels tighter instead of softer. Always seal it in with a cream or lotion. Applying it to slightly damp skin can also help.
How to Fit It Into a Routine
- Simple routine: cleanser, hyaluronic acid serum, moisturizer, sunscreen.
- With actives: apply the water-based active first (for example a niacinamide serum), then the hyaluronic acid, then moisturizer.
- With retinoids: some people apply hyaluronic acid first to reduce dryness, then the retinoid and moisturizer.
The Ordinary offers a compatibility checker on its site to see which of its products can be used together (The Ordinary, 2026).
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Light, quick-absorbing hydration
- Suits all skin types
- Low price
- New version adds ceramides
Cons
- Needs a moisturizer on top
- Can feel slightly sticky if overused
- Not enough alone for very dry skin
Buying Tips
- Check whether you are buying the new version with ceramides or the Original Formulation.
- Buy from trusted sellers, as popular low-cost products are often copied.
- Use within the period shown on the package after opening.
Our Verdict
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is a simple, affordable way to add hydration to any routine. It works best sealed under a moisturizer. For dehydrated or oily skin, it is an easy first serum to try.
Morning and Night Routine Examples
Morning: cleanse, apply a few drops of the serum to slightly damp skin, follow with a light moisturizer, then sunscreen. The serum helps makeup sit more smoothly on dehydrated skin.
Night: cleanse, apply any water-based treatment, then the hyaluronic acid serum, and finish with a richer moisturizer. If you use a retinoid, many people apply the hyaluronic acid first to reduce dryness.
Dehydrated or Dry: Which Do You Have?
Dehydrated skin lacks water. It can feel tight and look dull, and it can happen to any skin type, even oily skin. Dry skin lacks oil and often feels rough or flaky. Hyaluronic acid helps most with dehydration because it holds water. Dry skin also needs oils and richer creams to replace missing lipids.
Many people have both. In that case, use the serum for water and a cream with ceramides or oils on top to hold the water in.
Storage and Shelf Life
Keep the bottle closed, away from heat and direct sunlight. Use clean fingers or the dropper without touching your skin, so the serum stays clean. Check the period-after-opening symbol on the box to know how long it lasts once opened.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use it every day?
Yes. The brand lists it for morning and evening use (The Ordinary, 2026).
What is the difference between the two versions?
The newer version has 5 types of hyaluronic acid plus ceramides; the Original Formulation has 4 types and pro-vitamin B5 (The Ordinary, 2026).
Do I need a moisturizer after it?
Yes. A moisturizer seals in the water the serum attracts.
Is it good for oily skin?
Yes. It is light and water-based, so many oily skin types use it.
Should I patch test?
Yes. The brand advises patch testing before use (The Ordinary, 2026).
When does it go in my routine?
After cleansing and before oils and creams (The Ordinary, 2026).