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Quick Answer
This serum uses multiple molecular weights of hyaluronic acid plus panthenol (B5) and ceramides to hydrate at different skin depths at once. It genuinely plumps and smooths dry skin — but only if applied correctly (to damp skin, sealed with moisturizer), which is the single most common mistake people make with any hyaluronic acid product.
What Is The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5?
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant — it draws water toward itself rather than sealing water in like an occlusive. The Ordinary’s version uses several molecular weights of HA, which allows it to hydrate at multiple depths of the skin rather than just the very surface, plus vitamin B5 (panthenol) for soothing and ceramides to support the barrier.
It’s a lightweight, water-based serum, applied before heavier creams as one of the earlier steps in a routine.
Why We Recommend It
Multi-depth hyaluronic acid formulas generally outperform single-weight versions because they’re hydrating more than just the outermost layer of skin, which is part of why this formula has remained one of the best-selling hydration serums on Amazon since it launched. Adding ceramides is also a smart formulation choice — it means the product isn’t just drawing water in, it’s also supporting the barrier that keeps that water from evaporating right back out.
For the price, getting a multi-weight HA formula with added ceramides and B5 is genuinely hard to match.
Pros
- Multi-molecular-weight formula hydrates at more than just the surface layer
- Includes ceramides and B5 for barrier support, not just water-drawing
- Lightweight, layers easily under any moisturizer
- Extremely affordable for a multi-ingredient hydration serum
- Fragrance-free and low irritation risk for most skin types
Cons
- Can actually worsen dryness if applied to bone-dry skin in a low-humidity environment without sealing it in — a common and easily avoidable mistake
- Some users find the texture slightly tacky before it fully absorbs
Who Should Buy The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5?
A smart addition for anyone with dry or dehydrated skin looking to boost hydration before their moisturizer step, especially if your moisturizer alone isn’t cutting it.
If you live in a very dry or low-humidity climate, be extra careful to always seal this in with a moisturizer immediately — humectants can pull moisture from deeper skin layers instead of the air if there’s not enough ambient humidity or a sealing layer on top.
How to Use It
- Apply to slightly damp skin (right after cleansing or misting) rather than bone-dry skin.
- Always follow immediately with a moisturizer to seal the hydration in.
- Can be used both morning and night.
Our Verdict
A genuinely well-formulated hydration serum at a fraction of the price of prestige alternatives — as long as you apply it correctly. Skip the “damp skin, then seal with moisturizer” rule and you’ll blame the product for a mistake in your routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my skin feel drier after using hyaluronic acid?
This usually happens when it’s applied to already-dry skin without a moisturizer sealing it in afterward, especially in low-humidity climates. Apply to damp skin and always follow with a moisturizer.
Can I use this every day?
Yes, it’s gentle enough for daily morning and night use for most skin types.
Does it contain ceramides?
Yes, this specific formula includes ceramides in addition to multiple weights of hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5.
Related Guides
See the full Best Products for Dry Skin guide for how this compares to the other top picks, or browse all our skincare recommendations.