The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum vs The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Neither serum relies on a targeted treatment active; both are about comfort and skin support. They share Hyaluronic Acid and Panthenol, so texture, price and the rest of the formula decide it.
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.
A water-based humectant serum combining three molecular weights of hyaluronic acid with a crosspolymer and panthenol. Surface and deeper-layer hydration in one step. Apply to damp skin and seal with moisturiser — on bare dry skin, HA can pull water outward and make things worse.
Which should you choose?
Both lean on Hyaluronic Acid and Panthenol for hydration and support. The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum is the better fit for dehydration and dullness; The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 for a damaged barrier. Both sit in the Budget price tier.
What they share
These hero actives appear in both formulas:
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%
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 — top of the list
- Aqua (Water)~50–80%
- Sodium Hyaluro…~5–25%
- Sodium Hyaluro…~3–10%
- Hyaluronic Acid2%
- Pentylene Glycol~1–2%
- Propanediol~1–2%
● marks ingredients that appear near the top of both lists. Percentages are positional estimates from INCI order, not disclosed doses.
The specs
| The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum | The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Serum | Serum |
| Price tier | Budget | Budget |
| Best for | Dehydration, Dryness, Dullness | Dryness, Damaged Barrier |
| Usage notes | Morning or evening | Morning or evening |
| Shared hero actives | Hyaluronic Acid and Panthenol | |
Common questions
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Can I use The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum and The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 together?
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