Introducing The Ordinary and Their Hyaluronic Acid Serum

The Ordinary is a popular skin care brand known for their clinical, no-fuss approach to beauty products. Owned by parent company Deciem, The Ordinary aims to provide effective formulations at affordable prices.

One of their most hyped products is The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 serum. This lightweight serum contains a high concentration of hyaluronic acid to provide multi-depth hydration.

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring molecule that can hold up to 1000x its weight in water. It helps hydrate and plump the skin, smoothing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The Ordinary claims that their formula combines low, medium, and high molecular weight hyaluronic acid for multi-depth hydration.

In addition to hyaluronic acid, the serum contains vitamin B5 to further moisturize the skin. Vitamin B5, also known as panthenol, has humectant properties to draw and seal moisture into the skin.

According to the claims made by The Ordinary, consistent use of their hyaluronic acid serum provides the following key benefits:

• Instant hydration and moisture boost
• Plumped, smoothed skin texture
• Reduced look of fine lines and wrinkles
• Flexible, dewy skin
• Prepped and primed base for makeup application

With regular use twice daily, The Ordinary states that users can achieve visibly smoother, softer, and more youthful looking skin. The lightweight serum absorbs quickly without leaving skin feeling sticky or greasy.

Explaining Hyaluronic Acid and Its Benefits for Skin

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring substance found in the skin that works to keep it plump, hydrated and dewy. Often referred to as the fountain of youth, hyaluronic acid has gained popularity in skincare for its incredible hydrating properties.

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a clear, gooey substance that occurs naturally in the body. It is a polysaccharide, meaning it is a large molecule made up of repeating units of sugars. In terms of chemical structure, hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan, which are molecules found in the fluid around joints, in the vitreous humor of the eye and in the skin.

HA is able to bind up to 1000 times its weight in water. This helps it to retain water, keeping skin hydrated, plump and supple. It acts like a sponge for moisture in the skin.

Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid for Skin

Hyaluronic acid provides many benefits for skin health:

• Improves hydration: Its excellent water-binding capabilities allow it to deliver a major boost of hydration to the skin. This hydration gives skin a more plump, youthful appearance.
• Reduces appearance of fine lines/wrinkles: By boosting moisture levels in the skin, HA helps to temporarily plump up fine lines and wrinkles, reducing their visible appearance.
• Soothes inflamed skin: HA has anti-inflammatory properties that help calm and soothe irritated skin.
• Speeds wound healing: Research shows hyaluronic acid can help speed the healing of wounds when applied topically.
• Protects against environmental damage: As an antioxidant, hyaluronic acid helps defend skin against damage from free radicals caused by things like UV rays, pollution and cigarette smoke.

How Hyaluronic Acid Provides Hydration

HA provides incredible hydration by its ability to hold 1000 times its weight in water. Here’s how it works:

The HA molecule is shaped with hydrophilic (water-loving) groups on the outside. This allows it to absorb and retain huge amounts of moisture. It draws moisture from the environment and can hold it in the spaces between skin cells, keeping the skin hydrated.

The moisture is then slowly released over time. This provides long-lasting hydration without leaving skin feeling greasy or sticky.

When HA levels decline with age, moisture balance is disrupted, leading to dryness and wrinkles. Applying HA topically restores this moisture balance and plumps the skin.

Reviewing the Key Ingredients

The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 serum contains a few simple but powerful ingredients.

• The formula includes two different weights of hyaluronic acid at high concentrations – 2% hyaluronate and cross-polymerized hyaluronic acid. This provides both lighter moisturizing hydration in the upper layers of the skin and deeper hydration in the lower layers.
• It also contains vitamin B5 (panthenol), which helps bind moisture to the skin and enhance the effectiveness of the hyaluronic acid.
• The lightweight serum has a clear gel texture that feels smooth and absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving a tacky residue.
• It has no added fragrance, so the serum has a neutral scent. The simple formula makes it ideal for those with sensitive skin.
• Overall, the concentrated hyaluronic acid provides intense hydration while the vitamin B5 helps the skin better utilize and retain moisture. The serum soaks in quickly while delivering powerful skin hydration.

Evaluating Effectiveness Based on User Reviews

The effectiveness of The Ordinary’s hyaluronic acid serum can be best evaluated by analyzing reviews from real users describing their first-hand experiences with the product. Based on hundreds of reviews on sites like Amazon, Sephora, and influencer blogs, here are some of the notable pros and cons mentioned:

Pros

• Hydrates skin exceptionally well and leaves it looking plump and glowing. Many mention it helps skin feel “quenched” and appear more youthful.
• Affordable price point compared to many other hyaluronic acid serums. Users call it a great value.
• Lightweight, absorbs quickly, and layers well under other products. Non-greasy formula.
• Can be used on all skin types, even sensitive skin. Many saw no irritation.
• Works well for both face and under eyes. Brightens and smooths eye area.
• Visible improvements in fine lines, especially when used consistently.

Cons

• Can pill or ball up if layered with incompatible products. Works best on its own.
• May not provide enough hydration for very dry skin types. Better for oily/combo skin.
• Bottle is quite small (1oz) compared to some serums. Goes quickly.
• Effects seem temporary – hydration fades throughout the day. Needs reapplication.
• Very basic formula with only hyaluronic acid. Those wanting advanced anti-aging look elsewhere.

Overall, users agree The Ordinary’s serum effectively hydrates skin for an affordable price point. But inconsistencies in lasting power and compatibility with other products are notable downsides.

Assessing Value for the Price Point

The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 serum comes in at an incredibly affordable price point, usually $6-$8 depending on where you purchase it. This makes it one of the most budget-friendly hyaluronic acid serums on the market.

When looking at the concentration of hyaluronic acid, most competitors contain anywhere from 0.5% to 1% HA. The Ordinary packs 2% HA at a fraction of the price of other serums. It also includes vitamin B5 (panthenol) which enhances surface hydration alongside the hyaluronic acid.

For the ingredients and concentration, The Ordinary’s HA serum is an incredible value compared to similar products from other brands. You would have to spend $20+ to get a hyaluronic acid serum with 2% concentration from a competitor like SkinCeuticals, SkinMedica, or Naturium.

The Ordinary offers high-quality ingredients while keeping the costs low, meaning you get significantly more bang for your buck. For shoppers on a budget or those new to HA looking to test it out, The Ordinary is a phenomenal place to start before exploring pricier options.

Overall, the combination of 2% hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, an elegant formula, and extremely affordable price point makes The Ordinary’s HA serum a standout value compared to competitors. It’s absolutely worth it for the ingredients and concentration.

Providing Tips for Incorporating Into a Routine

When it comes to using The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid serum, there are some best practices to follow to get optimal results.

When and How Often to Apply

The serum can be applied morning and night after cleansing but before heavier creams or oils. Apply just a few drops to damp skin and gently pat in until absorbed.

Using it twice daily is ideal to maintain hydrated skin continuously. However, those with oilier skin may find once per day is enough, while dry skin types can use 3 times a day if needed.

What Skin Types Benefit Most

Hyaluronic acid serums provide the most dramatic results on dehydrated, dry or mature skin types. The lightweight hydrating properties help plump fine lines and give a more youthful appearance.

Those with oily or acne-prone skin can still benefit from hyaluronic acid’s hydrating effects while the serum feels lightweight compared to a heavier moisturizer. Very sensitive skin may want to patch test first before full use.

Pairing with Other Products

Hyaluronic acid pairs well with most other skincare products including serums, moisturizers, oils and masks.

For optimal hydration, apply hyaluronic acid first then lock it in with a nourishing cream or facial oil. You can also mix a few drops of the serum directly in with your moisturizer before applying all over. Vitamin C and retinol serums are also complementary as they provide additional anti-aging effects.

Avoid using pure hyaluronic acid serum on top of retinol as this could increase irritation. Use your routine products as normal but apply the hyaluronic acid first before any harsher actives.

Comparing to Other Hyaluronic Acid Serums

The Ordinary’s hyaluronic acid serum stands out from other hyaluronic acid serums on the market in a few key ways.

First, it is much more affordable than the competition. Brands like SkinCeuticals, Skinceuticals, and Drunk Elephant charge $50-$100 for their hyaluronic acid serums. The Ordinary’s formula comes in at just $6.70.

It is also a very lightweight, water-based serum. Many hyaluronic acid serums have thicker consistencies and feel more like a gel. The Ordinary’s thin texture allows it to penetrate deeply into the skin.

The formula itself is also barebones. It contains just pure hyaluronic acid and water. Other serums contain a mix of humectants, emollients, and soothing ingredients. This isn’t necessarily better or worse, just a different approach.

Lastly, the concentration of hyaluronic acid tends to be lower in The Ordinary’s formula compared to rivals. Competitors use anywhere from 1-5% hyaluronic acid, while The Ordinary contains just 2%. However, given the affordable price point, you get solid value for the concentration.

So in summary, The Ordinary’s hyaluronic acid is a no-frills formula at an extremely wallet-friendly price. It may not provide the same lush richness as pricier options, but offers an accessible way to reap the benefits of hyaluronic acid.

Summarizing the Key Pros and Cons

The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 serum has some notable pros and cons based on my in-depth review:

Pros:

• Effective at plumping and hydrating skin. Within a week most users see improved moisture levels and reduced fine lines and wrinkles.
• Lightweight serum absorbs quickly without residue or stickiness. Makes a great first step after cleansing.
• Affordable price point under $10. Hard to beat for a hyaluronic acid serum of this quality.
• Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Free of irritants for most.
• Simple no-fuss formula focuses on proven hyaluronic acid benefits. Free of unnecessary ingredients.

Cons:

• Bottle is quite small at just 1oz or 30ml. Goes quickly with twice daily use.
• Can pill if layered with incompatible products. Requires some trial and error.
• Subtle results compared to serums with added anti-aging ingredients like vitamins or peptides.

Overall, The Ordinary’s hyaluronic acid serum delivers impressive hydration and plumping for the price. It’s a solid choice for a budget-friendly hyaluronic serum that provides noticeable results. I would recommend it to those seeking an affordable intro to hyaluronic acid. More advanced users may want to opt for a formula with additional anti-aging ingredients. But for simple hydration, it’s hard to beat The Ordinary.

Providing a Final Verdict

After reviewing The Ordinary’s hyaluronic acid serum in depth, analyzing its ingredients, effectiveness for users, and value, would I recommend it? Here is my final verdict:

The Ordinary’s hyaluronic acid serum is definitely worth purchasing for those looking for an affordable, no-frills hyaluronic serum to provide intense hydration. At just $6.70 for 1oz, it packs impressive value without extra fillers or fancy packaging.

The formula contains proven hyaluronic acid at an effective concentration to attract and retain moisture in the skin. For users struggling with dry, dehydrated skin, this serum can provide noticeable improvements in hydration, softness, and plumpness when applied regularly.

I would especially recommend The Ordinary’s hyaluronic acid to those new to serums or on a budget. It provides a pure, straightforward hyaluronic formula to target hydration. Even skincare enthusiasts with multiple serums may appreciate it as an extra hydration boost in their routines.

The serum is not as multifunctional or advanced as some pricier options, but for a single-ingredient HA serum, The Ordinary offers phenomenal value and quality. Overall, it lives up to the hype as a wallet-friendly hyaluronic serum that simply works.