There’s so much hype around The Ordinary hyaluronic acid. You’re probably well-acquainted with the brand. But you have reservations about this specific product. Should you or shouldn’t you give this cult-favorite a try?
I’m a long-time beauty writer who’s a personal fan of The Ordinary hyaluronic acid. As such, I’m in the perfect position to spill the tea on this brand’s particular formulation.
I’ll share, what hyaluronic acid is and how The Ordinary’s version stacks up. This way, you’ll know if this popular serum is right for you or not.
What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan (GAG). It acts as a humectant that can bind to water molecules to help your skin keep moisture in. In other words, it absorbs water from the surrounding air to hydrate your skin.
Huge amounts of hyaluronic acid are naturally present in our skin. As you can imagine, this spells a host of benefits for your complexion. Think smooth, supple skin and a youthful-looking appearance.
Unfortunately, your skin’s ability to produce hyaluronic acid slows down with age. This is why your skin feels drier and thinner as the years go by. The resulting papery texture also makes it more prone to fine lines, crow’s feet, and wrinkles.
The good news is, topical skin care products can help replenish what your skin has lost over the years. From sheet masks to serums, hyaluronic acid is in the bulk of beauty products. This brings us to the focus of this topic: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5.
Note: Hyaluronic acid also goes by another name, sodium hyaluronate. Essentially the salt form, sodium hyaluronate works like good ol’ hyaluronic acid. So, if you spot either one on your product’s ingredient list, don’t worry, you’re in good hands.
Photo by TheGlossbyG / Instagram
What does The Ordinary hyaluronic acid do?
Chances are you’ve heard a great deal about The Ordinary hyaluronic acid, most of which are probably good things. And they aren’t wrong either, as this review will prove it to you.
Wards off skin dryness
First up, The Ordinary hyaluronic acid is the go-to serum for dry skin. Other skin types, like combination skin and oily skin, can also use it as it’s pretty lightweight.
The reason is, this serum uses low-, medium- and high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid. Combined with a next-generation 2% hyaluronic acid crosspolymer, The Ordinary hyaluronic acid serum provides multi-depth hydration. On top of that, it’s infused with vitamin B5 to intensify surface hydration.
The unique blend of hyaluronic acid molecules definitely shows its effectiveness. When I apply a few drops of the serum to my skin, it effortlessly sinks in. I also noticed long-lasting hydration throughout the day, with a slight plumping effect.
Downplays the signs of aging
Signs of aging easily show up on dry skin. That’s why it’s so important to keep your skin hydrated, not just for optimal skin health but also to minimize skin aging.
The Ordinary hyaluronic acid can help you with that. Thanks to its all-day moisturizing effects, it plumps up your skin to diminish the signs of laugh lines and frown lines. You can also dab a little around your eyes to downplay the appearance of crow’s feet.
Fun fact: Hyaluronic acid is often used in dermal fillers to smooth out wrinkles. But the price tag of injectables can be exorbitant. In comparison, The Ordinary hyaluronic acid is a cost-effective serum to add to your anti-aging routine.
Speeds up wound healing
If you have an open wound, like a just-popped pimple, hyaluronic acid may help speed up the healing process.
In a 2013 study, patients with leg ulcers topically applied hyaluronic acid to their wounds. As a result, they noticed faster recovery and less pain than those who didn’t.
Another 2016 study also showed similar benefits. Hyaluronic acid helped quicken wound recovery from inflammatory dental wounds, like mouth ulcers and gingivitis.
Besides that, scientific evidence indicates this humectant possesses antibacterial properties. Hyaluronic acid of a high molecular weight (which The Ordinary hyaluronic acid contains) may help reduce bacterial contamination. This, in turn, lowers the risk of skin infections.
Best for: Dry, oily, combination, mature, and normal skin types.
Can I use hyaluronic acid every day?
The term “hyaluronic acid” may make you think it works as an acid. Contrary to popular misconception, hyaluronic acid isn’t an acid at all (surprise, surprise!).
Unlike chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid and salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid is safe for daily use. You can even use it morning and night, without overdoing it.
Also, hyaluronic acid is a well-known team player. That means it goes well with any skincare ingredient under the sun. You can mix and match it with actives (like retinol and vitamin C) and non-actives (like aloe vera and shea butter).
You’ll also be happy to hear that there are rarely any side effects involved with hyaluronic acid. That said, lower-weight hyaluronic acid molecules are more likely to irritate your skin than their higher-weight counterparts.
As with any skincare product, it’s best to perform a patch test before using The Ordinary hyaluronic acid serum.
How to use hyaluronic acid
Incorporating hyaluronic acid into your current skincare regime is easy. For best results, apply hyaluronic acid right after your toner. The toner helps to moisten your skin for maximum absorption of the humectant.
To help hyaluronic acid do its best work, follow up with an emollient-infused moisturizer. Emollients are skincare ingredients that help soften and soothe your skin. They work by filling the gaps between your skin cells with lipids (fats) to keep it moisturized.
Emollients come in many forms that go well with the humectant, hyaluronic acid.
Oily skin types can try lightweight lotions and creams with a low water-to-oil ratio. This adds a protective layer to seal hyaluronic acid in without leaving behind a greasy residue.
Dry and mature skin types will do well with heavier emollients like oils and butter. Cocoa butter and petrolatum are some great options to layer on top of hyaluronic acid.
Key takeaways on The Ordinary hyaluronic acid
The Ordinary hyaluronic acid is a versatile addition to everyone’s skincare routine. No matter if you’re acne-prone or have sensitive skin, this serum can help promote healthy-looking skin.
As I’ve mentioned, The Ordinary hyaluronic acid helps quench your skin to keep it well-moisturized. Remember, hydrated skin is the foundation for healthy skin. Think of it as your primary defense against skin aging.
If you’d like to reap the benefits of hyaluronic acid for yourself, go add The Ordinary hyaluronic acid to your shopping cart now!
Felicia is a Singapore-based freelance writer specializing in beauty, health & wellness, and lifestyle. When she isn’t crafting exceptional beauty content, you can usually find her reading up on the latest skincare trends, indulging in good books and baked goods, and going on long walks.