Side-by-side comparison

The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum vs The Ordinary Amino Acids + B5

Neither serum relies on a targeted treatment active; both are about comfort and skin support. They share Panthenol, so texture, price and the rest of the formula decide it.

1Shared hero active
The Inkey List
Hyaluronic Acid Serum
SerumBudgetMorning or evening
DehydrationDrynessDullness

A multi-weight hyaluronic acid serum with vitamin B5 for layered hydration. A no-frills, affordable HA serum; apply to damp skin and seal with moisturiser to avoid the dryness HA can cause in low humidity.

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The Ordinary
Amino Acids + B5
SerumBudgetMorning or evening
DehydrationSensitivityDryness

A hydrating serum of skin-identical amino acids with provitamin B5 for comfort and surface hydration. A gentle, fragrance-free hydrator that supports a healthy-feeling barrier; pairs well under richer creams.

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The verdict

Which should you choose?

Both lean on Panthenol for hydration and support. The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum adds Hyaluronic Acid. The Ordinary Amino Acids + B5 adds Amino Acids. The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum is the better fit for dullness; The Ordinary Amino Acids + B5 for sensitive skin. Both sit in the Budget price tier.

The overlap

What they share

This hero active appears in both formulas:

Panthenol
The formulation

Ingredient stacks, side by side

The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum — top of the list

  • Aqua~50–80%
  • Glycerin~5–25%
  • Sodium Hyaluron…~3–10%
  • Hydrolyzed Hyal…~2–6%
  • Sodium Hyaluron…~1.5–4%
  • Panthenol~1–2%

The Ordinary Amino Acids + B5 — top of the list

  • Aqua~50–80%
  • Glycerin~5–25%
  • Panthenol~3–10%
  • Arginine~2–6%
  • Serine~1.5–4%

● marks ingredients that appear near the top of both lists. Percentages are positional estimates from INCI order, not disclosed doses.

At a glance

The specs

The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid SerumThe Ordinary Amino Acids + B5
CategorySerumSerum
Price tierBudgetBudget
Best forDehydration, Dryness, DullnessDehydration, Sensitivity, Dryness
Usage notesMorning or eveningMorning or evening
Shared hero activesPanthenol
Questions

Common questions

Is The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum or The Ordinary Amino Acids + B5 better?
Neither is a treatment product, so it comes down to feel and fit. Both use Panthenol; pick on price, texture and the concerns each suits.
What's the difference between The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum and The Ordinary Amino Acids + B5?
The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum's hero actives are Hyaluronic Acid and Panthenol. The Ordinary Amino Acids + B5's are Amino Acids and Panthenol.
Are The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum and The Ordinary Amino Acids + B5 dupes for each other?
They're similar in role: both rely on Panthenol for support rather than a targeted active. Texture and the rest of the formula will still feel different.
Can I use The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum and The Ordinary Amino Acids + B5 together?
Usually, yes. Apply the thinner texture first, then the thicker one, and patch-test when introducing anything new.
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1 shared hero active

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