I'm slowly working my way through Deciem's The Ordinary skincare range. They keep adding more so every time I think I'm close there's more to grab. This post is about The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 serum. Ppretty basic concept-we all know hyaluronic acid is a great hydrator for skin. However, they are not all created equal. Some hyaluronic acid is just not worth it, the molecules are too big to penetrate the skin to be able to do anything. Kind of like putting collagen molecules on your face, it won't absorb nor be able to do anything, it's a waste. The only way you increase collagen in your face is to simulate production, but that's another story. Back to hyaluronic acid. Details below per Deciem:
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) can attract up to 1,000 times its weight in water. The molecular size of HA determines its depth of delivery in the skin. This formulation combines low-, medium- and high-molecular weight HA, as well as a next-generation HA crosspolymer at a combined concentration of 2% for multi-depth hydration in an oil-free formula. This system is supported with the addition of Vitamin B5 which also enhances surface hydration. A more advanced HA formulation with 12 forms of HA, including precursors of HA, is offered by our brand NIOD in Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex.
Note: Hyaluronic Acid is found in the skin naturally but its natural function within the skin is not hydration. Many products have used HA to claim hydration benefits, but HA is too large of a molecule to penetrate the skin and instead sits on the surface and can draw moisture out of the skin making the surface feel soft and hydrated temporarily, while making you feel like you need more HA after the product is rinsed. This formula uses three forms of HA with varying molecular weights, as well as an HA crosspolymer, to offer multi-depth hydration and visible plumping without drawing water out of the skin solely to improve temporary surface hydration.
The serum is a thicker liquid, it's clear and has a slippery feel. No scent and no irritation so it's suitable for any skin type. It comes in a glass dropper style vial and you get 30ml for $6.80. For the price you can't beat trying it. Apply these over your treatment serums, but under creams and oils for the best layering and absorption.
I found this one was just OK, it felt like it just sat on my skin rather than really sinking in and hydrating from within. It was mildly hydrating but nothing big. I've been using the Deciem NIOD Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex lately and it's a zillion times better. You get what you pay for sometimes. This feels like one of those cases. The NIOD version is utterly fabulous and I'll post a review on that coming up.
Ingredients:
Aqua (Water), Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Panthenol, Ahnfeltia Concinna Extract, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Propanediol, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, PPG-26-Buteth-26, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Citric Acid, Ethoxydiglycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.