The Inkey List
Ectoin Hydro-Barrier SerumThe Ordinary
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation)A serum built around Hyaluronic acid and Panthenol, for barrier repair and hydration.
A serum built around Hyaluronic acid and Panthenol, for hydration and barrier repair.
Brand price
USD 17.00 · checked 26 Sept 2026 · brand's site
Brand price
USD 8.01 · checked 25 Sept 2026 · brand's site

At a Glance

They come out differently on Sulfate-free; that row is shaded. Tap any answer to see why.

Key Ingredients

Fatty alcohol1
Waxy fatty alcohols used as emollients and thickeners; unrelated to drying alcohol.
Ceramide3
Skin-identical lipids that hold the barrier together.
Hyaluronic acid2
Hyaluronic acid and its salts; a humectant that binds water to the skin.

Benefits

Hydrating13
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide NP, Ectoin, Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, Jojoba Esters, Panthenol, Polyglycerin-3, Propanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Barrier Repair15
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide NP, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cholesterol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Coconut Alkanes, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax, Jojoba Esters, Panthenol, Phytosphingosine
Reduces Irritation3
Eases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
Hydrating6
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Ethoxydiglycol, Glycerin, Panthenol, Propanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Barrier Repair3
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.

Concerns

May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis15
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Behenic Acid, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide NP, Cetearyl Alcohol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Coconut Alkanes, Glyceryl Stearate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax, Jojoba Esters, Phytosphingosine, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate, Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris2
May clog follicles or strip skin prone to keratosis pilaris.
May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris1
May clog follicles or strip skin prone to keratosis pilaris.

Ingredients Side-by-side

Emollient
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Skin Conditioning
Emulsifying
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Panthenol (in both products)
Skin Conditioning
0 / 0
- Panthenol (provitamin B5)
- Barrier Repair
- Hydrating
- Reduces Irritation
Skin Conditioning
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Aqua
Solvent
Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling
Propanediol is the organic compound that conforms to the formula
Learn more about Propanediol →Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate is a hyaluronic acid.
Learn more about Sodium Hyaluronate →Phenoxyethanol
Antimicrobial, Preservative
Phenoxyethanol is the aromatic ether alcohol that conforms to the formula:
Learn more about Phenoxyethanol →Panthenol
Antistatic, Hair Conditioning, Skin Conditioning
Panthenol is panthenol (provitamin B5).
Learn more about Panthenol →Ethylhexylglycerin
Deodorant, Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin is the organic compound that conforms to the formula
Learn more about Ethylhexylglycerin →Citric Acid
Buffering, Chelating, Fragrance
Citric Acid is an AHA.
Learn more about Citric Acid →Glycerin
Denaturant, Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Humectant, Oral Care, Perfuming, Humectant, Skin Protecting, Solvent, Viscosity Controlling
Glycerin may be plant, synthetic or animal depending on the supplier.
Learn more about Glycerin →Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning, Solvent
1,2-Dihydroxypentane
Learn more about Pentylene Glycol →Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer is a hyaluronic acid.
Learn more about Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer →
Similar Comparisons
Each product against its closest dupes.
- View the comparison

The Inkey List
Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum

CeraVe
Skin Renewing Super Boost Serum
- View the comparison

The Ordinary
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation)

The Ordinary
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides)
- View the comparison

The Inkey List
Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum

The Inkey List
Exosome Hydro-Glow Complex
- View the comparison

The Ordinary
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation)

Geek & Gorgeous
HA 5 Rich