Hyaluronic acid is the workhorse of modern skincare hydration — and The Ordinary's $15 version made it accessible. The 2024 reformulation added ceramides and provitamin B5 to create what The Ordinary calls "multi-depth hydration." We tested it for 6 weeks on combination skin against the original formula.

TL;DR

The right hyaluronic acid serum for nearly any skin type at the lowest functional price tier. Three molecular weights of HA work surface, mid-dermal, and deep layers; ceramides reinforce barrier; B5 calms. Apply to damp skin morning and night before moisturizer. Lightweight, fragrance-free, no fillers. The reformulation is a real upgrade — buy this version, not the older 2% + B5 (no ceramides).

Why It Matters

Hyaluronic acid holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water. But not all HA is equal — molecular weight determines penetration depth. High-molecular-weight HA sits on the surface (immediate plumping); low-molecular-weight goes deeper (longer-lasting hydration). Most cheap HA serums use only one weight.

The Ordinary's reformulation uses three weights plus ceramides (lipid-replenishing) and provitamin B5 (panthenol, calming). The result is hydration that actually penetrates and a barrier that holds it.

Key Specs

Active: 2% hyaluronic acid (multi-weight) + ceramides + provitamin B5
Size: 30 mL (1 fl oz) dropper bottle
pH: ~5.5
Texture: Lightweight gel-serum
Fragrance: None
Vegan + cruelty-free: Yes
Skin types: All — dry, oily, sensitive, combination, mature
Country of origin: Canada

Pros

Multi-weight HA actually works. Surface-plus-deep hydration in one product.
Ceramides reinforce barrier. Notable improvement on cold-weather flaking.
Lightweight texture. Layers under SPF, makeup, retinoid without pilling.
Fragrance-free. Compatible with reactive skin and prescription regimens.
Functional price tier. $15 for 30 mL outperforms $50+ HA serums.
Versatile placement. AM, PM, post-shower body — anywhere needing hydration.
Pairs well with retinoids. B5 + ceramides offset typical retinoid dryness.

Cons

Must apply to damp skin. Applied to dry skin, HA pulls moisture FROM skin (counterproductive).
Tackier than Hada Labo or COSRX. Layering makeup needs 2-min wait.
Older 2% + B5 still on shelves. Confusion at retail; verify the ceramide line on box.
Won't replace a moisturizer. HA is humectant; still need occlusive cream after.
Dropper hygiene. Don't touch dropper to skin.

Who It's For

All skin types as universal AM + PM hydration step.
Dry-climate sufferers.
Tretinoin and retinoid users offsetting active dryness.
Layered routines (Korean 7-step, hyaluronic + niacinamide combinations).
Damp-skin appliers who follow with moisturizer.
Skip if you want a single-product moisturizer (this is a layering serum), or if you can't follow with cream (HA without occlusive seal evaporates).

How to Use

Cleanse and pat dry to slightly damp
2–3 drops to face and neck while skin is still damp
Press in; let absorb 30 seconds
Follow with moisturizer to seal hydration
AM + PM use
Compatible with vitamin C, niacinamide, retinoids, peptides

How It Compares

vs Hada Labo Gokujyun ($16): Hada Labo uses 5 HA types. Comparable tier; texture preference decides. Hada Labo is slightly less tacky.
vs COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Serum ($14): COSRX has lower HA concentration but added panthenol. Comparable everyday hydration; The Ordinary edges on barrier with ceramides.
vs SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier ($110): SkinCeuticals adds proxylane; price gap is large. The Ordinary is the value tier; SkinCeuticals is the boutique.
vs The Ordinary Original 2% + B5 (no ceramides): New version is meaningfully better. Pay attention to box — newer formula lists ceramides on front.

Bottom Line

The Ordinary's reformulated Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 with Ceramides is the right baseline HA serum for nearly any skin type. Multi-weight HA hydrates at multiple skin layers; ceramides hold the moisture in. The reformulation is a real improvement — verify the ceramide-line box and skip the older 2% + B5 still on shelves. At $15, it outperforms HA serums at 4× the price.

Check the latest price on Amazon.