The Ordinary
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation)The Ordinary
Balancing & Clarifying SerumA serum built around Hyaluronic acid and Panthenol, for hydration and barrier repair.
A serum built around AHA, for hydration and barrier repair.
Brand price
USD 8.01 · checked 25 Sept 2026 · brand's site
Brand price
USD 17.91 · checked 25 Sept 2026 · brand's site

At a Glance

Every check both products could be assessed on comes out the same. Tap any answer to see why.

Key Ingredients

Hyaluronic acid2
Hyaluronic acid and its salts; a humectant that binds water to the skin.

Benefits

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.
Hydrating4
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.

Concerns

May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris1
May clog follicles or strip skin prone to keratosis pilaris.
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis2
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.

Ingredients Side-by-side

Skin Conditioning
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate (in both products)
Chelating
Skin Conditioning
Skin Conditioning
Skin Conditioning
- Fatty alcohols (Malassezia)
- Dark Spots
- Hydrating
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Skin Conditioning
Hair 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
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning, Solvent
1,2-Dihydroxypentane
Learn more about Pentylene Glycol →Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling
Propanediol is the organic compound that conforms to the formula
Learn more about Propanediol →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 →Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Chelating
L-Aspartic acid, N,N'-1,2-ethanediylbis-, trisodium salt
Learn more about Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate →Citric Acid
Buffering, Chelating, Fragrance
Citric Acid is an AHA.
Learn more about Citric Acid →Isoceteth-20
Cleansing, Emulsifying
Isoceteth-20 isn't fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Isoceteth-20 →Ethylhexylglycerin
Deodorant, Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin is the organic compound that conforms to the formula
Learn more about Ethylhexylglycerin →Phenoxyethanol
Antimicrobial, Preservative
Phenoxyethanol is the aromatic ether alcohol that conforms to the formula:
Learn more about Phenoxyethanol →
Similar Comparisons
Each product against its closest dupes.
- View the comparison

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

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

The Ordinary
Balancing & Clarifying Serum

The Derma Co
Nia-Zelaic Oil Control Face Serum
- View the comparison

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

Geek & Gorgeous
HA 5 Rich
- View the comparison

The Ordinary
Balancing & Clarifying Serum

The Ordinary
Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution