The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 with Ceramides Review

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.