The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum is a foundational product for anyone seeking to boost their skin's hydration and support its natural barrier. This versatile serum delivers multi-depth moisture to all skin types, leaving the complexion feeling plump and smooth. While highly effective, consistent application on slightly damp skin is key to maximizing its hydrating benefits.
Hyaluronic Acid 2%: Provides multi-depth hydration, attracting moisture to different layers of the skin.
Vitamin B5 (Panthenol): Enhances surface hydration and helps to support the skin's natural barrier function.
Lightweight, Non-Greasy Formula: Absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving a heavy or sticky residue.
Supports Skin Barrier: Helps the skin retain moisture, promoting a healthier and more resilient barrier.
Suitable for All Skin Types: Gentle formulation makes it appropriate for dry, oily, combination, and sensitive skin.
pH Balanced: Optimized for stability and efficacy of its key ingredients.
Exceptional Hydration: Delivers intense, lasting moisture to the skin.
Improves Skin Texture: Leaves skin feeling softer, smoother, and plumper.
Supports Skin Barrier: Helps maintain healthy skin function and reduces moisture loss.
Versatile: Layers well with most other skincare products and routines.
Minimalist Formula: Free from many common irritants.
Can Feel Tacky: May feel slightly sticky if too much is applied or if applied to dry skin without following up quickly.
Requires Damp Skin: Optimal absorption is achieved on damp skin, which requires a specific application technique.
Hydration Only: Primarily focuses on hydration and doesn't target other concerns like acne or hyperpigmentation directly.
Exceptional Hydration: Delivers intense, lasting moisture to the skin.
Improves Skin Texture: Leaves skin feeling softer, smoother, and plumper.
Supports Skin Barrier: Helps maintain healthy skin function and reduces moisture loss.
Versatile: Layers well with most other skincare products and routines.
Minimalist Formula: Free from many common irritants.
Can Feel Tacky: May feel slightly sticky if too much is applied or if applied to dry skin without following up quickly.
Requires Damp Skin: Optimal absorption is achieved on damp skin, which requires a specific application technique.
Hydration Only: Primarily focuses on hydration and doesn't target other concerns like acne or hyperpigmentation directly.
This serum excels at drawing moisture into the skin, making it an excellent choice for combating dryness, dehydration, and a compromised skin barrier. When applied to slightly damp skin, the hyaluronic acid can better bind with water molecules, ensuring they are delivered efficiently to the epidermis.
How it works: Hyaluronic acid acts like a sponge, attracting and holding up to 1,000 times its weight in water. Vitamin B5 (Panthenol) further enhances surface hydration and helps to repair the skin's barrier, reducing transepidermal water loss.
Application: Apply a few drops (2-3) to your entire face after cleansing and toning, ideally while your skin is still damp. Gently pat it into the skin until absorbed. This immediate absorption prepares your skin for subsequent steps in your routine.
When to Use: It can be incorporated into both morning and evening routines. In the morning, it provides a hydrated base for makeup. In the evening, it supports skin repair and regeneration while you sleep.
Real-World Benefits: Users often report an immediate feeling of hydration and a noticeable reduction in tightness or flakiness associated with dry skin. With consistent use, the skin appears plumper, fine lines caused by dehydration become less visible, and the overall complexion feels more resilient and comfortable throughout the day. It's an ideal pre-treatment layer before applying heavier creams, oils, or makeup, as it creates a smooth, hydrated canvas.
Setup & Application:
Cleanse First: Begin with a clean face, using your preferred cleanser.
Dampen Skin: Ideally, apply to skin that is still slightly damp after cleansing or misted with a facial spray. This helps the hyaluronic acid draw in more moisture.
Dispense & Apply: Dispense 2-3 drops onto your fingertips. Gently pat the serum over your entire face.
Layer Smartly: Follow immediately with your moisturizer to seal in the hydration. Apply before any facial oils or heavier creams in your routine.
Compatibility:
Layering: This serum is generally compatible and layers well with most other skincare ingredients, including retinoids, Vitamin C (ascorbic acid derivatives), and other peptides. It acts as a beneficial hydrating base.
Specific Combinations: While generally safe, some highly acidic direct Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) formulations might be best used at a different time of day than this serum to avoid potential pH conflicts, although layering is usually fine with proper absorption time between products.
Care Instructions:
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Cap Tightness: Ensure the dropper cap is securely fastened after each use to prevent air exposure and maintain product integrity.
Shelf Life: Refer to the 'Period After Opening' (PAO) symbol (an open jar icon with a number, e.g., '12M' for 12 months) on the packaging. Use the product within this timeframe after opening for optimal efficacy.