SPECIALIST testing THE ORDINARY HYALURONIC ACID 2% + B5 SERUM: Review + How to use it?

INGREDIENTS

This is a 2% Hyaluronic Acid Serum with the addition of Vitamin B5. Ordinary claims that this serum has three types of Hyaluronic Acid: low, medium, and high molecular Hyaluronic Acid.

I mention this often but is important to get a product with low molecular Hyaluronic Acid because the high molecular Hyaluronic Acid cannot penetrate deeper into your skin. So that one is just sitting on top of your skin and hydrating the outmost layers of your skin. But when you get a product with a low molecular Hyaluronic Acid – that one has higher chances of penetrating deeper into your skin, and actually reducing wrinkles.

So it is great that this serum has different molecular weights of Hyaluronic Acid, and also has the next generation Hyaluronic Acid – Cross Polymer. Other ingredients I think are worth mentioning in this serum are Glycerin and Panthenol (or B5 Vitamin). Panthenol is a humectant and a moisturizer, it has a soothing effect on the skin. Glycerin is another humectant, it binds water and it’s going to help with hydration even more.

EFFECT

This serum has two effects: anti-aging and hydrating. Because it has three different molecule weights of Hyaluronic Acid, this one is not just going to hydrate your skin but it will also reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Keep in mind that these effects are going to be only temporary until your skin degrades the Hyaluronic Acid.

So yes, the effect is temporary – but it does have an anti-aging effect.

INGREDIENTS NOT INCLUDED

I think that mentioning the ingredients that are not included is just as important as mentioning the ingredients that are included. Even though I don’t have anything against this ingredient, I know some people avoid it so that’s why I am mentioning it here.

This serum is Alcohol-free.

In case you are sensitive to Alcohol or you just don’t like having Alcohol in your products ’cause you think it’s drying your skin, then don’t worry – this serum is Alcohol-free.

The next ingredient this product doesn’t have is the HEPES – that’s the acronym for the buffering agent (Hydroxyethyl Piperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid). That ingredient is kinda controversial cause there’s one study that shows that it can cause free radical damage in the presence of Oxygen. There are no studies showing the direct impact on the skin though, so we can’t know for sure if it’s going to damage the skin but because there are serums that don’t contain this ingredient – so why not avoid it, just to be sure.

The best thing about this serum is that it doesn’t have Fragrance.

This is important if you want to use it at the same time with any other ingredients that can increase your skin sensitivity (Retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, etc.) or if you already have naturally sensitive skin – this serum will be a good option.

WHO CAN USE THIS SERUM?

Pretty much every skin type can use this serum, but there are people that reported sensitivity to Hyaluronic Acid, so if you know that you have sensitive skin then maybe try doing the patch test before using this serum – just to be sure.

HOW TO USE THIS SERUM + EFFECT ON THE SKIN

After washing your face leave your skin wet and apply a few drops of the serum. Or if you already dried your face you can spray thermal water to wet it again and then apply the serum. After that, apply an occlusive moisturizer on top. You’ll see how this serum creates a well-moisturized effect on the skin and makes it feels really nicely hydrated.

You can see the demo application in the video down below.

FINAL VERDICT

This is a great affordable serum (retails for around 10$) that doesn’t have any controversial ingredients. Other than that, it’s fragrance-free, so this will allow you to combine it with other ingredients and other serums that can increase your skin sensitivity, and the effect on the skin is amazing! I definitely recommend it to you! Thanks for reading!

Text adapted from Pharmacy&Makeup’s Youtube Video by Katarina Savković