Side-by-side comparison

The Ordinary Amino Acids + B5 vs The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + 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 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 Ordinary
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
SerumBudgetMorning or evening
DrynessDamaged Barrier

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.

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The verdict

Which should you choose?

Both lean on Panthenol for hydration and support. Amino Acids + B5 adds Amino Acids. Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 adds Hyaluronic Acid. Amino Acids + B5 is the better fit for dehydration and sensitive skin; Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 for a damaged barrier. 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

Amino Acids + B5 — top of the list

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

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%
  • 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.

At a glance

The specs

Amino Acids + B5Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
CategorySerumSerum
Price tierBudgetBudget
Best forDehydration, Sensitivity, DrynessDryness, Damaged Barrier
Usage notesMorning or eveningMorning or evening
Shared hero activesPanthenol
Questions

Common questions

Is The Ordinary Amino Acids + B5 or The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + 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 Ordinary Amino Acids + B5 and The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5?
Amino Acids + B5's hero actives are Amino Acids and Panthenol. Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5's are Hyaluronic Acid and Panthenol.
Are The Ordinary Amino Acids + B5 and The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + 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 Ordinary Amino Acids + B5 and The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 together?
Usually, yes. Apply the thinner texture first, then the thicker one, and patch-test when introducing anything new.
Keep comparing

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2 shared hero activesLa Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum vs The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
2 shared hero activesThe Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 vs Torriden DIVE-IN Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum
2 shared hero activesThe Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 vs Vichy Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Booster
1 shared hero active

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