The Inkey List Niacinamide Serum vs The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Both serums contain Hyaluronic Acid, but only The Inkey List Niacinamide Serum adds a targeted active: Niacinamide. That's the main thing to weigh.
A 10% niacinamide serum with added hyaluronic acid for oil control and blemish support. A clean, affordable single-active option; broadly comparable to other 10% niacinamide serums with a slightly more hydrating base.
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?
The Inkey List Niacinamide Serum goes further with Niacinamide, which The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 doesn't have. If you only need Hyaluronic Acid, The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 covers it; if you want Niacinamide as well, choose The Inkey List Niacinamide Serum. The Inkey List Niacinamide Serum is the better fit for oiliness, congestion and dark spots; The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 for dryness and a damaged barrier. Both sit in the Budget price tier.
What they share
This hero active appears in both formulas:
Ingredient stacks, side by side
The Inkey List Niacinamide Serum — top of the list
- Aqua~50–80%
- Niacinamide~5–25%
- Glycerin~3–10%
- Sodium Hyaluron…~2–6%
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 — top of the list
- Aqua (Water)~50–80%
- Sodium Hyaluro…~5–25%
- Sodium Hyaluro…~3–10%
- Hyaluronic Acid2%
- Panthenol~1.5–4%
- 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 Niacinamide Serum | The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Serum | Serum |
| Price tier | Budget | Budget |
| Best for | Oiliness, Congestion, Dark Spots | Dryness, Damaged Barrier |
| Usage notes | Morning or evening | Morning or evening |
| Shared hero actives | Hyaluronic Acid | |
Common questions
Is The Inkey List Niacinamide Serum or The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 better?
What's the difference between The Inkey List Niacinamide Serum and The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5?
Are The Inkey List Niacinamide Serum and The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 dupes for each other?
Can I use The Inkey List Niacinamide Serum and The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 together?
Related comparisons
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