The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Review: Would Users Buy It Again?
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through links on this page we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How this review was made: We did not test this product in person. This verdict is based on our analysis of review roundups, retailer scores, an editor's hands-on review and coverage of the 2024 reformulation, all listed at the end of this article. Our method.
A great-value hydration step, if you go easy on the amount
Buyary's roundup of expert, retailer and video reviews gives this serum 87 out of 100, with Sephora shoppers at 4.3 out of 5. Users praise its value, light texture and the plump, hydrated feel it gives. A Refinery29 editor who tried the reformulated version through a cold winter found it silky, not sticky, with longer-lasting hydration. The catch: stickiness and pilling remain common complaints, especially when too much is used, and some long-time fans dislike the new formula's texture and yellow tint. Scores at Ulta and Target are lower, at 3.9. For most people, it is still an easy repeat buy.
Check current price on Amazon → Prices and availability change often, so we don't list them here.Buy it again if you…
- want an affordable hydrating serum
- have dehydrated or normal skin and layer a moisturizer on top
- prefer a fragrance-free, simple formula
Skip it if you…
- have very dry skin and want one product to do everything
- hate any tacky feel under makeup
- loved the original clear formula and dislike changes
This review summarizes user experiences and is not medical advice. If you have acne, eczema, rosacea or another skin condition, talk to a dermatologist. Reactions to skincare vary from person to person.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is a water-based hydrating serum. In early 2024 it was reformulated: it kept the 2% hyaluronic acid but now uses five forms of it, plus vitamin B5 and added ceramides, according to Daily Vanity. The ceramides give it a faint yellow tint, while the original was clear.
We looked at review roundups, retailer scores and hands-on coverage of the new formula to see what keeps people rebuying and what puts them off.
What owners say, at a glance
Bars show our editorial summary of how consistently owners praise or complain about each area across all sources — not a lab measurement.
The key details
| Type | Water-based hydrating serum |
|---|---|
| Hyaluronic acid | 2%, five forms (2024 formula) |
| Other key ingredients | Vitamin B5, ceramides |
| Color | Faint yellow (new formula), clear (original) |
| When to use | After cleansing, on wet or dry skin, before oils and creams |
What users love
What users complain about
How it holds up over time
This has been one of The Ordinary's best-known products for years, and its broad ratings remain strong. The Daily Vanity report says the 2024 change aimed to fix the heavy, sticky feel of the original. Opinions on whether it succeeded are split by platform: Sephora is more positive than Ulta and Target, where reformulation complaints weigh more.
Tips from users
- Use a few drops, not a full dropper, to avoid a tacky finish.
- Follow with a moisturizer to seal in hydration, especially if your skin is dry.
- Let it settle before makeup to cut down on pilling.
- Damp skin is optional. Refinery29 notes it may give an instant boost, but results even out over time.
Pros and cons
What owners love
- Very good value
- Light texture that layers well
- Hydrated, plump feel
- Reformulation added ceramides
What owners complain about
- Can feel sticky if you use too much
- Can pill under makeup
- New formula's tint and texture divide old fans
- Not enough on its own for very dry skin
Other options users compare
These hyaluronic acid serums come up most often next to The Ordinary's.
| Product | Style | Consider it if… | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (this review) | Budget serum | You want strong value and a simple formula | See on Amazon |
| CeraVe Hyaluronic Acid Serum | Drugstore serum | You already use and like CeraVe products | See on Amazon |
| La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum | Pharmacy-brand serum | You want a hyaluronic acid and B5 serum from La Roche-Posay | See on Amazon |
Want an affordable hydration boost?
Check sizes and current availability on Amazon.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my bottle yellow now?
The 2024 formula added ceramides, which give it a faint yellow tint. The original was clear.
Why does it feel sticky?
Users often link stickiness to using too much. A few drops followed by moisturizer usually helps.
Do I need to apply it to damp skin?
No. Refinery29 notes damp skin may give an instant boost, but results are similar over time.
Can I use it under makeup?
Many do, but some see pilling. Let it absorb and use less product.
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Sources we analyzed
- Buyary: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 — aggregate scores, praise and complaint themes
- Refinery29: The Ordinary hyaluronic acid serum review — hands-on test of new formula
- Daily Vanity: The Ordinary has reformulated one of its bestsellers — reformulation details
Figures reflect each source as of October 13, 2026 and may change. We summarize owner feedback in our own words and do not reproduce retailer reviews.