This post is going to review a hyaluronic acid gel vs The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2 + b5 . Since The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid gel is not simply a serum containing hyaluronic acid but also adding a moisturizing ingredient (b5), I thought it would be fair to also compare it to another hyaluronic acid gel product.
This is a “read the label, folks” post in which we will go over the ingredients list to dissect the name and claims of the product. Ultimately, to see if it matches what is actually IN the product.
We will also add another option so those that did not have a positive experience with just a hyaluronic acid serum ( not just this one , but any other hyaluronic acid serum), they could also consider another alternative product.
Hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1000x its weight in water and we make this in our own bodies to help support our organs, tendons, skin, etc.
The ingredients list that is being evaluated is as of the date of this video and writing. Please note that ingredients lists may change from time to time.
According to its website, The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2 + b5 serum is not animal sourced.
It was common for hyaluronic acid to come from animal sources such as a roosters comb or from animal sourced elastin, glands, fats and protein.
Nowadays, most are plant sourced.
The b5 in The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2 +b5 is also known as pantothenic acid but listed as panthenol. This is water soluble and serves BOTH as a humectant and emollient to bring moisture to the skin and soften the skin.
Please remember that according to INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients), the listing of ingredients goes from what is MOST in the product to the least. However, the bottom third (approximately), does NOT have to necessarily be in that order.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid +b5 Serum Ingredients
Sodium Hyaluronate is listed as first. Sodium hyaluronate -hygroscopic macromolecular-Hygroscopic meaning attracting and holding onto water molecules in the surrounding environment and macromolecular meaning very big molecule. It also lists the HA crosspolymer.
Annfeltia Concinna Extract– also known as Rhodophyta-marine red algae. Marine algae has been used in many skin care products and food.
Depending on the type of algae, they offer antioxidant benefits, humectant benefits, and reduces melanogenesis.
The carbohydrates, oligopeptides, and polysacchararides help hold moisture in and acts as a binding, thickening, gelling agent known as carrageenan. So it is a stabilizer, emulsifier, and moisturizer.
***Now, some people break out with marine related products from the Iodine (Iodide) which is known to be inflammatory to some skin types. ***
Glycerin– this is usually plant derived and is very widely known ingredient used in many hair/skin products for its humectant properties.
I mention in my video, “Hyaluronic Acid: What the Beauty Industry Doesn’t Want you to Know”
that most lotions and gels that market as having hyaluronic acid , have more glycerine than the actual hyaluronic acid. However, companies will market the product as having hyaluronic acid because hyaluronic acid sells and glycerine is not quite as glamorous.
In this case, The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid +b5 comes through and according to its ingredient list, they have hyaluronic acid listed first BEFORE the glycerine.
Pentylene Glycol/Propendiol-solvents
PolyAcrylate Crosspolymer 6-enhances texture
PPG-26-Buteth-26- surfactant
PEG40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil– (polyethylene glycol) deriviative of cator oil -skin conditioning surfactant – man made occlusive agent . ***Some people have broken out from this. This keeps the skin from losing moisture.
Hexylene Glycol – fragrance ingredient
Caprylyl Glycol– skin conditioning agent also used for antimicrobial properties
Trissodium Ethylenediamine- chelating agent
Citric Acid– adjusts the pH
Ethoxydiglycol– for fragrance
Ingredients used as perservatives:
Ethylhexylglycerine
Phenoxyethanol
Chlorphenesin
So in summary, The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid +b5 actually uses hylauaronic acid and glycerin as their main humectant and has the added b5 for moisturizing properties.
***PRO TIP***
A common question I receive regarding this products is,” How come this serum starts to pill when I try to rub it in?”
If you find that the product starts to form small balls/ or product clumping on the skin, there are several reasons that may be causing this:
First, anytime you see this, this means . the product is NOT being readily absorbed into the skin.
The Ordinary Pilling:
This could be:
- Too many products being used (including too many serums+ sunscreen) without it drying.
- Products being used in the wrong order (should be thinnest to thickest) water based gels first.
- Skin not being exfoliated properly , the dead skin combined with serums/exfoliating products could cause pilling
- Product(s) being used as polymers or heavy oils prevents absorption. In this case, the crosspolymers or the PEG40 hyrdogenated castor oil or another heavier cream based product interaction.
So make sure you are exfoliating properly and you are applying your skin care products from thinnest to thickest.
How to apply skin care products in the correct order
Hyaluronic Acid Gel:
If you are looking for a hydrating serum option that does NOT contain silicones, or heavier oils, the hydrating gel treatment may be another option.
This gel is a tad bit thicker than a regular serum because it can be used as a serum, oil free gel moisturizer and/or an overnight hydrating treatment mask.
It is :
-paraben free
-no silicones
-not tested on animals
The humectants used are:
-Hyaluronic acid
-Sodium PCA
-Aloe vera Gel
-Glycerin
-Luminaria Extract (***brown algae-known for antimicrobial properties to help acne but those of you sensitive to Iodine-be aware) Most of my clients have not broken out with this but it is best to sample it .
Anti Inflammatory/Healing Ingredients:
-Chamomile
-Calendula
Astringent/Antibacterial Properties:
-Horsetail Extract
-Arnica
-Goldenseal
Burdock Root-Sebum regulator
Grapeseed Oil-Water dispersible occlusive agent that also has antioxidant properties that works well with to help keep moisture retention without clogging the pores.
Green Tea Extract– Antioxidant and anti inflammatory
Break out Prone/ Reactive Skin:So if you have break out prone skin or reactive skin, you can also use this as an oil free gel moisturizer if you prefer gel over lotion or cream.
Dry/ Aging/ Inflamed Skin: Use as a hydrating serum and/or overnight hydrating treatment mask
So if you have tried the Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid +b5 serum , let us know in the comments how you like the product!
Remember:
Make is an Art
&
Skin Care is a SCIENCE
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