01 / The basics
What is Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides)?
The formula combines five forms of hyaluronic acid with ceramides and pro-vitamin B5.
- Best for
- Lightweight hydration before makeup
02 / Review
What is in Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides)?
This is the second-generation version of The Ordinary’s original Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, and the addition is in the name: ceramides. The formula combines five forms of hyaluronic acid — low-, medium- and high-molecular-weight HA, an HA crosspolymer, and hydrolysed HA — to hydrate skin at multiple depths simultaneously, rather than sitting only on the surface. Ceramides, described by the brand as natural lipids that lock in moisture and reinforce the skin barrier, are paired with pro-vitamin B5, which The Ordinary says supports the skin’s own ceramide and fatty-acid production.
Refinery29’s review of the reformulation reported the update took roughly 18 months to develop, specifically to solve the original formula’s tacky, sticky-feeling finish while keeping the same 2% hyaluronic acid concentration — describing the new texture as noticeably lighter and less sticky, with the added ceramides delivering longer-lasting, dewier hydration.
03 / Review
What should you know about how it fits a routine?
The Ordinary positions this as a lightweight, non-tacky layer for morning and evening, applied after cleansing and before heavier creams or oils — a few drops are enough. It’s also positioned as suitable for use after microneedling, where hydration support matters most. The brand states it’s appropriate for all skin types, calling out dry and sensitive skin specifically.
04 / Review
Why is Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) in the Beauty Desk edit?
This is the Beauty Desk’s straightforward hydration layer — the step that goes on before makeup needs to grip, without adding the weight of a heavier cream. The Ordinary’s wider positioning, under DECIEM, is built around clinical, no-frills formulations at accessible prices, and this reformulation is a direct example of that approach: keeping the proven actives, fixing the one thing (texture) that stood between the original formula and daily, layer-under-anything use.
05 / How to use it
How should you use Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides)?
- 01Apply a few drops to cleansed skin, morning and evening
- 02Use before heavier creams or facial oils
- 03Patch test before first use
06 / Quick facts
What should you know before choosing Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides)?
- —Uses five forms of hyaluronic acid to hydrate at multiple depths of skin
- —Adds ceramides and pro-vitamin B5 (panthenol) to support the skin barrier — a reformulation of the original HA 2% + B5
- —Refinery29 reported the reformulation took roughly 18 months to develop, aimed at removing the original’s tacky finish
- —Positioned for all skin types, with dry and sensitive skin specifically called out
- —30ml — £15.50 / $9.90
- —From The Ordinary, DECIEM’s clinical-formulation, accessible-pricing skincare line