Our favourite hyaluronic acid serum just got an upgrade.

I’ve been a fan of The Ordinary for a long time. Mostly because, as the package says, the products are ordinary in the best possible way. A hallmark that's hard to come by in a world where beauty products need to be buzzy and going viral on TikTok to get any sort of attention. The products are simple, science-backed, do what they say on the label and my favourite of all, are super affordable. 

So when they updated their best-selling Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, I had to get it on my face. Mostly because if Hailey Bieber has taught me anything, it’s that we all strive to look like a glazed donut. I have oily/combo skin but working in an air-conditioned office — coupled with impacts from the environment — often leaves my skin dehydrated.

To say I was keen to see if the product made my skin plump and smooth as it promises is an understatement. But why try to fix something that isn’t broken, you might ask? Well, The Ordinary wouldn’t be such a success without listening to their customers’ honesty and feedback. They are constantly innovating and making already great products even better.

My skin before I started using The Ordinary's Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 serum. Image: Supplied.

The Ordinary says that after four weeks of use, twice daily, the elasticity of the skin will be improved and the appearance of fine dry lines will be minimised. So how did it stack up when I trialled the new formula for four weeks? Here’s what happened when I put it to the test.

What is The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 serum?

Great question. The Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 serum is a hydrating water-based serum that smooths and plumps the skin. It’ll set you back about $15 (!!!) and specifically targets dryness but is suitable for all skin types (including sensitive skin).

As I mentioned, my skin type is oily/combo but I can still get signs of dehydration. Pro tip: there is a difference between dehydration and dryness. Luckily this serum targets both, which is why it is such a great all-rounder for all skin types. But for my skin specifically, it can often look dull and I get fine lines and wrinkles which are caused by water loss.

The Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 serum has been updated from the original formula to have a non-tacky texture. And I can confirm the consistency is not tacky whatsoever. It contains five forms of hyaluronic acid and ceramides to help support the skin barrier and keep water locked in all day. It’s fragrance-free and comes in a typical clear The Ordinary bottle making it easy to see how much product is left inside (it’s less common than you’d think it is) as well as a dropper for easy use.

A clear bottle is less common than you might think. Image: Supplied.

How did you go with it?

The Ordinary's Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 serum is so easy to incorporate into any existing skincare routine, it should be illegal. Hyaluronic Acid 2% and B5 to start with, plays really nicely with other ingredients that can be found in your skincare. For example, they can be used with vitamin C, retinol, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs).

Being in my 30s I use vitamin C in the morning and alternate retinol and AHA/BHA in the evening, so including the serum into my routine twice a day was really simple. I typically use it following my active ingredients and then follow it up with sunscreen in the morning and a lightweight moisturiser and a more nourishing moisturiser in the evening.

Including the serum into my routine, twice a day. Image: Supplied.

Using the dropper I put three drops of the serum into the palm of my hand and then pat it into the skin. The serum itself is clear, and the texture feels very light and silky without any tackiness at all. It feels very moisturising going onto the skin and absorbs right in without leaving any residue behind.

The serum is clear and feels super silky. Image: Supplied.

The verdict.

Overall, I would highly recommend The Ordinary's Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 serum. After four weeks of use, my skin definitely felt more plump and smooth, like it had literally taken a big drink of water. My dehydration lines now appear less visible, and I am definitely looking like a glazed donut.

My skin after four weeks of using The Ordinary's Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 serum. Image: Supplied.

The consistency of the serum is really beautiful and feels nice and hydrating on the skin. I like it is fragrance-free and easy to include in any routine. I also didn't experience any piling with the product when combining it with my other products. It sat really nicely under my makeup and even gave any extra glow when followed with foundation in the morning.

While the product clearly had many positives, the one thing you really can't go past is the price point. Using it every day, twice a day for four months, I still have half a bottle left of the product. At only $15, if the product lasts me two months that's only about 13 cents per use. If girl maths is anything to go by, this product is basically free. (Only kidding.)

So yes, The Ordinary's Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 serum will be staying in my skincare routine and might be a product worth considering for yours too.

What's your favourite The Ordinary product? Tell us in the comments section below.

Shop The Ordinary's best-selling Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 serum online or find a store.

Feature Image: Supplied/Valentina Todoroska.