REVIEW: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
This is the Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 from The Ordinary. It retails on their website for $ 6.80 CAD for 30ml of product. It now comes in a larger 60ml size for $12.20 CAD. Hyaluronic acid is a powerful hydrator that is known to hold up to 1000 x its weight in water. This formulation combines low-medium and high molecular sized HA so it delivers multi-debth hydration. The addition of B5 adds to it surface hydration. The instructions advise to apply a few drops to the skin before cream/thicker products.
About HA
Hylauronic acid has become a major component of my skincare regimen. Don’t let the “acid” part scare you off of this product, it is a type of ingredient that is very gentle. This component is one naturally found in the skin and is a contributor to the health of the skin. What I love most is that it can be used by basically every skin type to sooth various concerns such as dehydration, fine lines, skin texture and more. So HA is this magical ingredient that everyone needs, however good things are always a double edge sword. If you don’t use this product correctly, it can have some harmful effects.
For more on HA and how to use it properly see What is Hyaluronic Acid and What Does It Do?
My Experience
First of all, the packaging of this product is super simple, as with most serums from the Ordinary, it comes in this sleek frosted glass dropper bottle which is one of my favourite types of packaging for serums. Just ensure that your face or fingers are not coming in contact with the nozzle because you’ll end up defeating the purpose and getting more bacteria into the container.
It also has no scent which is nice, because fragrance is a known irritant so it is something I tend to stay away from. The only bone I have to pick with this product is the texture. Now this is nothing against this particular product itself because most HA’s feel the same, but I find it to be a bit thick and sticky to the touch. When you rub it into your skin, it suds up a bit. After a moment it seeps into the skin nicely so its not really a problem.
Make sure you apply this product when your skin is already damp. I typically cleanse my face (leaving the water on my skin), tone by pouring product into my hands and pat on my face, then add two drops of this onto my hands and pat in to my skin. I pat until I don’t feel the water anymore, then continue with my other serums, oil and then lotion.
This product is great to use in the warmer months because the humidity in the air helps to keep your skin hydrated throughout the day.
There are so many HA’s on the market at differing price tags. Personally I’m not too particular about the price of the product as I am with the value it gives.
Are Expensive Skin Care Products Better Than Cheaper Alternatives?
The question is, can you really see a difference after using this product? Well yes… and no. This ingredient, while an amazing hydrator, its benefits do not last. For the moment, your skin will be plumped, supple and hydrated, but after some hours have passed your skin will go back to normal. It isn’t going to permanently fix your wrinkles or texture, you’re going to need some type of active to get that.
I use this product more as a supplement or as an additional hydrating agent because I naturally have very dehydrated skin (as a combo-oily skin type). Many products often contain this ingredient anyway, such as a cleanser, toner, most serums, and even face creams. You are most likely already benefiting from this ingredient.
I go through this bottle so quickly because I use it everyday, morning and night. I am so happy that they made a larger version. When I feel like my skin really needs some hydration, I do a Hyaluronic Acid facial using this product and it does wonders.
Overall
Do you really need an HA? In my opinion no. Its nice to have but you’ll get the most out of it if you use it with an active. But if you are going to use an HA to get some of those instant benefits, this is an amazing product at an inciting price tag. You really cant go wrong with $6.00 for this goodness. Do yourself a favor and pick up a bottle of this if you haven’t already tried it. You seriously wont regret it.
