Hyaluronic acid is a skincare superstar, known for its ability to hydrate, plump, and smooth the skin—giving it a more youthful, radiant appearance. But with so many options available, finding the right hyaluronic acid serum can be overwhelming.
Two of the most talked-about serums on the market are La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum and The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5. These products come from different brands with unique approaches to skincare. In this detailed comparison, we’ll explore what sets them apart and help you determine which one aligns better with your skin’s needs.
In This Guide:
- What Are La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum and The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5?
- Key Ingredients Comparison
- Texture and Application Experience
- Best Practices for Use
- Price Comparison
- Which Serum Should You Choose?
About the Brands and Their Serums
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum
La Roche-Posay is a French-rooted skincare brand, now operating globally, including its New York base. Founded in 1975, the company is known for its science-driven, dermatologist-developed formulas designed for sensitive skin.
Their Hyalu B5 Serum is an anti-aging hydrating serum that features pure hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 to plump the skin, reduce fine lines, and reinforce the skin’s moisture barrier. It’s especially recommended for dehydrated skin, loss of volume, and early signs of aging.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
The Ordinary takes a minimalist, science-based approach to skincare. Its products are affordable, transparent, and ingredient-focused, with no unnecessary fillers or fragrances.
The Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum combines 2% hyaluronic acid with vitamin B5, offering deep hydration and enhanced moisture retention. This product is particularly suited for dry or dehydrated skin and those who appreciate simplicity and effectiveness at a low cost.
Ingredients Breakdown
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum
This serum is packed with skin-nourishing ingredients:
- Pure Hyaluronic Acid – Attracts and retains moisture for plump, hydrated skin.
- Vitamin B5 (Panthenol) – Soothes and supports the skin barrier.
- Madecassoside – Derived from Centella Asiatica, known for its calming and skin-repairing benefits.
- Glycerin – A humectant that draws moisture into the skin.
- Dimethicone – Creates a protective barrier to prevent water loss.
- La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water – Rich in selenium and antioxidants to calm and fortify the skin.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
This serum focuses on hydration through layered forms of hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5:
- Sodium Hyaluronate – A salt form of hyaluronic acid that deeply hydrates by binding water to the skin.
- Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer – Provides longer-lasting hydration by holding more water than standard HA.
- Panthenol (Vitamin B5) – Improves hydration and soothes the skin.
- Glycerin – Locks in moisture.
- Ahnfeltia Concinna Extract – A red algae extract believed to support microcirculation and skin vitality.
Texture & Feel on the Skin
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum
This serum has a rich, gel-like consistency that feels luxurious on the skin. It spreads smoothly, absorbs quickly, and leaves a soft, supple finish without any greasiness. Users describe it as refreshing and velvety, ideal for daily use even under makeup. Despite its thickness, it blends like a lightweight moisturizer and doesn’t leave behind any sticky residue.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
This serum has a light, watery texture and a fragrance-free formula, perfect for those with sensitive skin. It absorbs rapidly and leaves the skin feeling fresh and hydrated with no stickiness or shine. It’s simple and efficient—an ideal choice if you prefer a no-fuss skincare step.
How to Use Each Serum
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum
- When to use: Morning and/or evening.
- How to apply: Use 3–4 drops on a clean face, avoiding the eye area.
- Routine tip: Apply before your moisturizer and sunscreen for optimal hydration and protection.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
- When to use: Both morning and night.
- How to apply: Apply a few drops to damp skin after cleansing, and before applying creams or oils.
- Routine tip: It can also be mixed with other serums or used under heavier moisturizers to lock in moisture more effectively.
Price Comparison
| Product | Size | Approximate Price |
| La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum | 30 ml | $39.99 |
| La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum | 50 ml | $53.99 |
| The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 | 30 ml | $7–$9 |
Verdict: La Roche-Posay offers a more premium, dermatologist-developed product, but at a significantly higher price point. The Ordinary provides excellent hydration at a budget-friendly cost, making it accessible for everyday use without compromising on results.
Which Hyaluronic Acid Serum Should You Choose?
Choose La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum if you:
- Want intense hydration with added soothing and anti-aging benefits
- Prefer a richer, more luxurious texture
- Are willing to invest in a premium product backed by clinical research
- Have sensitive skin or issues like fine lines or skin barrier damage
Choose The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 if you:
- Are looking for a simple and affordable solution to dry or dehydrated skin
- Prefer a light, non-greasy texture
- Like minimalist, fragrance-free formulations
- Want an effective product that can be easily layered with other skincare
Conclusion
Both La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum and The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 deliver deep hydration and skin-repairing benefits, thanks to their effective use of hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5.
- If you’re looking for a soothing, anti-aging serum with a premium formula and added benefits like madecassoside and thermal spring water, La Roche-Posay is a strong choice.
- If your priority is affordability, simplicity, and hydration without the frills, The Ordinary is the ideal pick.
No matter which you choose, both serums help maintain hydrated, smooth, and healthy skin—proving that great skincare doesn’t always come down to price, but to what your skin truly needs.