This reformulation addresses every complaint about the original while adding genuinely meaningful ingredients. The fifth molecular weight (hydrolyzed HA) penetrates deeper than any of the original four forms. The ceramide complex (phospholipids and sphingolipids) transforms this from a pure humectant into a hydrate-and-protect formula. And the reduced stickiness removes the one practical barrier to daily use. All for $9.90.
Everything the original should have been from the start — less sticky, better ingredients, and ceramide barrier support that transforms a simple hydrator into a proper skincare foundation. At $9.90, the only question is why you'd buy the old version.
Note: This reformulation launched in 2024 and our assessment combines ingredient analysis with approximately two years of real-world user data. While the core ingredients are extensively studied, the specific reformulated product's long-term performance is still being established. This review will be refreshed as the product's track record lengthens.
The case for it
Same rule for everyone. “Good choice” is the verdict on 9,564 of 45,024 concern verdicts across the catalog; rule R5 decided 9,072 of them. Unchanged since September 5, 2026, engine 5.1.1.
Brand or formulator? Disclose a concentration or correct a fact →
The studies behind the evidence row
The case for it
Same rule for everyone. “Good choice” is the verdict on 9,564 of 45,024 concern verdicts across the catalog; rule R5 decided 9,072 of them. Unchanged since September 5, 2026, engine 5.1.1.
Brand or formulator? Disclose a concentration or correct a fact →
The studies behind the evidence row
The case for it
What would change this: A declared concentration would move this to a firmer reading of the dose.
Same rule for everyone. “Unproven” is the verdict on 1,111 of 45,024 concern verdicts across the catalog; rule R9 decided 1,111 of them. Unchanged since September 5, 2026, engine 5.1.1.
Brand or formulator? Disclose a concentration or correct a fact →
The studies behind the evidence row
The case for it
Same rule for everyone. “Good choice” is the verdict on 9,564 of 45,024 concern verdicts across the catalog; rule R5 decided 9,072 of them. Unchanged since September 5, 2026, engine 5.1.1.
Brand or formulator? Disclose a concentration or correct a fact →
The studies behind the evidence row
The case for it
What would change this: Guideline or regulatory standing for the active on this concern would move this from a promising bet to a recommendation.
Same rule for everyone. “Promising” is the verdict on 7,858 of 45,024 concern verdicts across the catalog; rule R9p decided 7,858 of them. Unchanged since September 5, 2026, engine 5.1.1.
Brand or formulator? Disclose a concentration or correct a fact →
The studies behind the evidence row
The case for it
What would change this: A researched evidence row for the lead active would replace this with a verdict.
Same rule for everyone. “Good choice” is the verdict on 1,938 of 45,024 concern verdicts across the catalog; rule F2 decided 1,938 of them. Unchanged since September 5, 2026, engine 5.1.1.
Brand or formulator? Disclose a concentration or correct a fact →
A verdict is DermApproved’s assessment of how well a product’s ingredients fit a concern — never a claim about what the product treats. Evidence dots and collected reviews sit beside it and are never blended in. Rules 0.5.1 · evidence table ev-2026.09-r228 · how we decide
Reformulating a bestseller is one of the riskiest moves in skincare. The original Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 had been one of The Ordinary's top sellers since the brand's 2016 launch — millions of bottles moved, countless routines built around it, a product so embedded in the skincare conversation that it practically defined the budget hydrating serum category. Touch it wrong, and you alienate a loyal base that's been evangelizing your product for nearly a decade. Touch it right, and you prove you're actually listening.
The Ordinary touched it right.
The 2024 reformulation of the Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 — now subtitled "Hydrating Serum" and quietly upgraded with ceramides — reads like a response letter to every piece of user feedback the original ever received. Too sticky? Fixed. No barrier support? Added. Only four molecular weights? Here's a fifth. The result is a product that doesn't just iterate on its predecessor — it makes the original feel like a draft.
The most immediately noticeable change is textural. The original's sticky, tacky finish — the one thing that prevented an otherwise excellent formula from feeling truly elegant — is gone. The reformulated serum absorbs cleanly, leaves a lightweight dewy finish, and layers under subsequent products without the gummy resistance that plagued the original. For a product designed to be used twice daily under other serums, moisturizers, and sunscreen, this is not a trivial improvement. It's the difference between a product you use because it works and a product you enjoy using.
Beneath the improved texture sits a meaningfully upgraded formula. The five-weight hyaluronic acid complex now includes hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid — a form with an even smaller molecular size than the low-weight HA in the original. Hydrolyzed HA penetrates more effectively into the deeper epidermis, delivering moisture to layers that even low-molecular-weight sodium hyaluronate struggles to reach. Combined with the original's high, medium, and low-weight HA plus the sustained-release crosspolymer, this creates the most comprehensive multi-depth hydration system The Ordinary has ever put in a bottle.
But the headline addition is the ceramide complex. Phospholipids and sphingolipids — the lipid building blocks of the skin's intercellular matrix — transform this from a pure humectant into a hydrate-and-protect formula. The original's limitation was always that it pulled water into the skin without doing anything to keep it there beyond panthenol's barrier support. The ceramide components address this directly, reinforcing the structural integrity of the moisture barrier so the hydration delivered by the HA complex actually stays put. Vitamin E (tocopherol) joins the formula as well, protecting those oxidation-sensitive lipids from degrading in the bottle.
Panthenol remains, and it deserves acknowledgment for being the one thing The Ordinary didn't change — because it didn't need changing. Pro-vitamin B5's role in reducing transepidermal water loss and soothing irritated skin makes it the perfect complement to both the HA complex and the new ceramide components. It's the connective tissue between the hydrating and barrier-supporting halves of the formula.
In practice, the serum performs exactly as the upgraded ingredient list would predict. Applied to damp skin — still the optimal method for any HA product — it delivers immediate plumping and a visibly dewy finish that settles into comfortable, non-greasy hydration within a minute. The surface stickiness that characterized the original is reduced to the point of being essentially absent. Over one to two weeks of twice-daily use, sustained hydration improvements become apparent: less midday tightness, better moisture retention in air-conditioned environments, and a smoother baseline skin texture that makes every subsequent product in the routine perform better.
The ceramide benefits take longer to manifest — four to six weeks of consistent use for noticeable barrier strengthening. This is expected; lipid barrier repair is a cumulative process, not an overnight transformation. But users who've previously relied on this serum paired with a ceramide moisturizer may find that the reformulation reduces their dependence on that second product, as the serum itself now pulls some of the barrier-repair weight.
There are limitations worth noting honestly. Some users report pilling when this serum is layered under silicone-heavy sunscreens or foundations — a texture incompatibility rather than a formulation flaw, but annoying nonetheless. The dropper still dispenses more product than a single application requires, encouraging waste. And the review count on retailers combines original and reformulated reviews, making it difficult to isolate feedback specific to the new version.
At $9.90 — just a dollar more than the original — the reformulation represents remarkable value. The ceramide addition alone would justify a price increase that DECIEM chose not to take, and the availability of a 60ml size for those committed to long-term use makes the per-unit economics even more favorable. This is a sub-$10 serum that delivers five molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, ceramide barrier support, panthenol, and vitamin E in a genuinely pleasant texture. The value equation doesn't require a calculator.
For existing fans of the original, the transition is easy and entirely positive — everything you liked is preserved, everything you complained about is fixed, and meaningful new benefits have been added. For newcomers, there's no reason to consider the original when this version exists. The Ordinary proved with the 2024 reformulation that listening to your users and acting on what you hear is not only good product development — it's how you turn a bestseller into something better.
The hero actives that drive this product's performance.
| Ingredient | Function | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Sodium Hyaluronate (Five-Weight Complex) (2%) | Delivered across five molecular weights including a new hydrolyzed form not present in the original. Low-molecular-weight and hydrolyzed HA penetrate deeper into the epidermis, medium-weight provides mid-layer hydration, high-molecular-weight forms a surface moisture film, and the crosspolymer delivers sustained-release hydration — creating the most comprehensive HA delivery system in The Ordinary's lineup. | Established mechanism for Dehydration · established mechanism |
| Phospholipids and Sphingolipids (Ceramides) | The key addition in this reformulation — these lipids mimic the skin's natural intercellular matrix that holds the barrier together. While the HA complex draws water in, these ceramide precursors reinforce the barrier's ability to retain that moisture, addressing the original formula's limitation of providing hydration without barrier support. | Established mechanism for Dryness · established mechanism |
| Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) | Retained from the original formula for its proven role in reducing transepidermal water loss and supporting barrier recovery. In this reformulated version, panthenol works alongside the new ceramide components to create a multi-layered barrier defense — the ceramides rebuild structural integrity while panthenol soothes and maintains moisture levels. | Established mechanism for Dehydration · established mechanism |
| Tocopherol (Vitamin E) | A new addition in this reformulation that provides antioxidant protection to the phospholipids and sphingolipids in the formula, preventing their oxidative degradation. This ensures the ceramide components remain stable and effective throughout the product's shelf life while also offering mild anti-inflammatory benefits to freshly hydrated skin. | Limited for Aging |
Ingredient standings describe the active at treatment-level doses and vehicles; this product's own condition grades weigh its actual formula.
Aqua (Water), Sodium Hyaluronate, Propanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Phospholipids, Sphingolipids, Panthenol, Ahnfeltiopsis Concinna Extract, Glycerin, Polysorbate 20, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, p-Anisic Acid, Tocopherol, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethoxydiglycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin
serum
AM & PM
Apply to damp skin immediately after cleansing and toning. The improved texture layers more smoothly than the original — less pilling risk when followed by sunscreen or makeup. Can be mixed with other water-based serums. Apply before oils and creams.
Immediate plumping, smoother texture, and dewy finish after first application. Within 1-2 weeks, sustained hydration improvements and reduced fine dehydration lines. At 4-6 weeks, the ceramide component delivers cumulative barrier strengthening and overall improved moisture retention.
The reformulated formula's five-weight hyaluronic acid system is grounded in research demonstrating that molecular weight determines both skin penetration depth and biological activity. A study by Pavicic et al. in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology (2011) established that low-molecular-weight HA (50-130 kDa) penetrates the epidermis more effectively than high-molecular-weight forms, while high-MW HA (>1,000 kDa) provides superior surface film formation and immediate moisture retention. The addition of hydrolyzed HA — enzymatically cleaved into fragments even smaller than standard low-MW HA — extends the penetration depth further, reaching the deeper epidermis where water content critically supports cellular processes.
The ceramide addition reflects dermatological understanding of the stratum corneum's lipid matrix. The skin barrier is composed of approximately 50% ceramides, 25% cholesterol, and 15% free fatty acids in a lamellar structure. Phospholipids and sphingolipids serve as precursors and structural components of this matrix. A clinical trial reported in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology by Imokawa et al. demonstrated that topical application of sphingolipids measurably improved barrier function in skin with reduced ceramide content — the exact population that benefits most from a hydrating serum with barrier support.
The inclusion of tocopherol (vitamin E) serves a dual function in this reformulated context. As an antioxidant, it protects the phospholipids and sphingolipids from oxidative degradation — lipids are inherently susceptible to peroxidation, and their stability in a water-based serum requires antioxidant protection. Additionally, tocopherol has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties in skin, supporting the formula's overall soothing profile.
Panthenol's retention in the formula is supported by Camargo et al.'s review in the Journal of Cosmetic Science (2011), which confirmed that topical panthenol significantly reduces transepidermal water loss and accelerates barrier recovery — benefits that now complement rather than stand alone alongside the ceramide components.
Dermatologists have responded positively to this reformulation, noting that the addition of ceramide components addresses a long-standing gap in the original formula. Skin-care clinicians emphasize that a hydrating serum should ideally support both water content and barrier integrity — the original delivered on the first but not the second. The five-weight HA approach is recognized as reflecting current best practices in humectant delivery, and the formula's suitability for post-procedure use has been specifically endorsed by dermatologists who recommend it after microneedling and light chemical peels. The improved texture is also clinically relevant — patient compliance with skincare products correlates strongly with cosmetic elegance, and a less sticky formula is simply more likely to be used consistently.
Apply 2-3 drops to the face and neck morning and evening, immediately after cleansing while skin is still damp. Gently pat into skin rather than rubbing. Follow with moisturizer to seal in hydration. For best results, mist face with water before application if skin has dried after cleansing. Can be layered under any serum, cream, or sunscreen — allow 60-90 seconds to absorb before applying the next product to minimize pilling risk. Suitable for post-microneedling and post-peel use.
At $9.90 for 30ml — or proportionally less per ml in the 60ml size — this reformulation delivers five molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, ceramide barrier support, panthenol, and vitamin E for roughly the price of two fancy lattes. The $1 increase over the original is negligible relative to the ingredient upgrades: ceramides and a fifth HA weight would justify a $5-10 premium by industry standards. DECIEM's decision to keep the price virtually unchanged reflects a commitment to accessibility that makes this one of the most value-dense serums on the market. For twice-daily use, the per-application cost comes to approximately ten cents.
Anyone looking for a comprehensive hydrating serum that also supports the skin barrier — especially those who found the original formula too sticky, or who want ceramide benefits without buying a separate product. Ideal for dehydrated, dry, sensitive, or post-procedure skin at any budget level.
Those who are perfectly happy with the original formula and see no need to change. Anyone seeking active treatment benefits like brightening, anti-acne, or exfoliation — this remains a hydration-focused serum without those capabilities. Users whose sunscreens or foundations are known to pill with water-based serums may find layering frustrating.
Ready to try The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum?
Buy at Amazon ♥Lightweight, watery-gel serum with a noticeably improved texture over the original — less sticky and tacky, absorbs faster, and leaves a smoother, less gummy finish
Completely unscented — no detectable fragrance or chemical smell
Frosted glass dropper bottle with white pipette cap, consistent with The Ordinary's clinical aesthetic — now available in a 60ml size for better per-unit value
First application delivers immediate visible plumping and a dewy, hydrated feel without the stickiness of the original. Absorbs within a minute when applied to damp skin. No adjustment period, purging, or tingling. Users switching from the original will notice the texture improvement immediately.
2-3 months applied morning and evening on face (30ml); 4-6 months with the 60ml bottle
All Year
After the original Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 spent eight years as one of the bestselling serums in skincare history, The Ordinary reformulated it in 2024 — a risky move given the original's cult status. The reformulation was driven by two clear pieces of feedback: the texture was too sticky, and a hydrating serum should also support the skin barrier. By adding ceramides and a fifth molecular weight of HA while improving the texture, DECIEM managed to upgrade without alienating the original's devoted user base.
The Ordinary launched in 2016 under parent company DECIEM and quickly became one of the most recognized names in affordable, ingredient-focused skincare. While the brand lacks proprietary clinical trials on its specific formulations, it builds products around well-studied actives at transparent concentrations, earning widespread dermatologist acknowledgment.
The ceramides in this formula replace the need for a ceramide moisturizer.
The phospholipids and sphingolipids here provide supplemental barrier support, but at the concentrations present in a serum, they complement rather than replace a dedicated ceramide moisturizer. Think of them as a primer for your barrier — helpful, but not a substitute for the main course.
The reformulated version is just the same product in new packaging.
The INCI lists are meaningfully different. The reformulation adds hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid (a fifth molecular weight), phospholipids, sphingolipids, tocopherol, and p-anisic acid while reformulating the base to eliminate the sticky texture. This is a genuine upgrade, not a rebrand.
The 2024 reformulation adds a fifth molecular weight of HA (hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid), ceramide components (phospholipids and sphingolipids), and vitamin E. The texture is significantly less sticky than the original, and the ceramides provide barrier support that the original formula lacked — making this a hydrate-and-protect product rather than hydration-only.
Some users report pilling when layering this serum under certain silicone-heavy sunscreens or foundations. To minimize this, apply to damp skin, use less product (2-3 drops is sufficient), let it absorb fully for 60-90 seconds before applying the next product, and pat rather than rub when applying subsequent layers.
Yes — The Ordinary specifically notes this reformulation is suitable for post-microneedling use. The hyaluronic acid provides immediate hydration to treated skin, while the ceramides support barrier recovery. The fragrance-free, alcohol-free formula minimizes irritation risk on compromised post-procedure skin.
Yes. The 60ml bottle offers better per-ml value than the 30ml and lasts 4-6 months with twice-daily facial application. If you've already tried and liked the product, the larger size is the smarter purchase — especially since this serum is a daily-use staple rather than a occasional treatment.
Damp skin is ideal. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that draws moisture to itself — when applied to damp skin, it pulls that surface water in rather than potentially drawing from deeper skin layers. Splash water on your face or use a hydrating toner first, then apply 2-3 drops of this serum immediately.
Recurring themes our editors read across retailer reviews of this product — summaries in our words, not quotations, and not a substitute for your own patch test.
Significantly less sticky texture compared to the original formulation
Excellent hydration and plumping effect at a sub-$10 price point
Ceramide addition provides noticeable barrier support benefits
Layers well under other products without pilling for most users
Suitable for use after microneedling and other professional treatments
Some users report pilling when layered under certain sunscreens or makeup
A few users experience dryness rather than hydration in very arid climates
Review count includes original formulation reviews making it hard to isolate reformulation feedback
Dropper dispenses more product than needed per application
Verified answers from our questions library — the nuance a product page cannot carry.
