Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is a non-tacky, lightweight serum that offers instant and all-day hydration, with added ceramides, five forms of hyaluronic acid at multiple molecular weights/sizes.

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, our versatile vitamin, reduces visible shine while smoothing and brightening skin. We created a hydrating serum that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces excess oil, and minimizes the appearance of pores.

As always, we listen to our community and want to answer some questions that you have been asking about these two essential serums.

When we first launched Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 in 2016, the ingredient wasn't as well known as it is today. By putting the ingredients in the names of our products, we made them household terms and now, you can see ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides getting the attention our lab has always felt they deserved.

After 8 years of love, we also heard some feedback - our community asked for some changes to the original formula, and so we went back to the Lab and reformulated.

We’ve reintroduced Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 to our community with five different forms of Hyaluronic Acid and the addition of ceramides: naturally-occurring skin-like lipids that help to restore the skin’s moisture barrier to keep hydration locked in, which also gives the formulation its yellow tint. Together, they help to replenish skin’s hydration levels immediately and all-day long, leaving softer, smoother skin.

#1 - Hyaluronic Acid should only be applied to wet skin.

It's a common misconception that hyaluronic acid (HA) should only be applied to wet skin, but in fact, it's just as effective when applied to dry skin to help lock in moisture.

Our clinical research team put this to the test in our labs and investigated our new hyaluronic acid complex's hydration effects on wet and dry skin, with and without a moisturizer. The formula alone delivered immediate and sustained hydration, regardless of initial skin moisture. Combining the serum with a moisturizer significantly boosted hydration, with no significant difference between wet and dry skin.

#2 - Hyaluronic Acid causes skin dryness.

People often believe hyaluronic acid causes skin dryness due to a misunderstanding of how it works. Proponents believe that when applied to dry skin in low-humidity environments, it can draw moisture from the deeper layers of the skin, potentially leading to a sensation of dryness. While this might sound convincing, there is no evidence investigating this effect, and in fact, research shows that all molecular weights can help to improve skin hydration despite working in slightly different ways.

To use our Hyaluronic Acid serum, apply a few drops to wet or dry skin, after cleansing in the morning and evening. We recommend waiting for the serum to be completely dry before applying the next step. Given that it’s a water-based serum, we suggest applying before anhydrous serums and using a moisturizer, such as Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA to lock in benefits. For additional tips on product application and the right order, our layering guide can be a useful tool.

#3 - All Hyaluronic Acid products are the same.

Some people may believe all Hyaluronic Acid products are the same–but this isn’t the case. Hyaluronic Acid comes in different molecular weights and formulations, which determine how HA hydrates the skin, with lower weights penetrating deeper layers of the skin’s surface and higher weights providing surface hydration. Formulations also vary, affecting the product's absorption and overall performance.

Our Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 contains low, medium and high-molecular weights: a combination of molecular sizes that sit at different levels of the surface of the skin.

#4 - Hyaluronic Acid is only for dry skin types.

Many believe that hyaluronic acid is solely beneficial for dry skin, often assuming it's unnecessary for other skin types.

In reality, Hyaluronic Acid offers significant advantages for all skin types, including oily and combination skin. HA provides hydration without the heaviness, helping to balance and support a healthy moisture barrier, and keeping both oily and dry skin adequately moisturized.

Niacinamide, as an ingredient, rose to popularity years ago for its versatility of skin benefits and its effectiveness in addressing a wide range of skin concerns. Containing a high 10% concentration of Niacinamide (vitamin b3) and zinc PCA, Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% was formulated to boost skin brightness, improve skin smoothness and reinforce the skin barrier over time.

In our recent efficacy study, this serum was proven to reduce excess oil, shine and pore visibility. It also showed that the formulation improves signs of congestion, including the look of pores and uneven skin texture.

#1 - I shouldn’t start with a 10% concentration of Niacinamide.

You can start with 10% concentration, however with all of our products, we always recommend patch testing beforehand.

When we launched Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, we understood the potential of niacinamide as an ingredient. We wanted to use an ingredient concentration to optimize niacinamide’s benefits. Our Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is suitable for all skin types.

We recommend incorporating Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% slowly into your skincare regimen.

#2 - Niacinamide only benefits oily skin types.

There's a prevalent myth that niacinamide is beneficial only for specific skin types or concerns, such as oily or congested skin. That’s not true.

Niacinamide is a versatile ingredient that offers a range of benefits suitable for all skin types - from Oily and Blemish-Prone Skin to Dry Skin and is also suitable for sensitive skin:

• Niacinamide helps to reduce excess oil and minimize the appearance of pores. This makes it ideal for targeting signs of congestion and balancing blemish-prone skin. For additional support with blemishes, we recommend adding our Salicylic Acid 2% Solution to your regimen, a multi-functional serum to help clear up pores.


• Niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier, enhancing moisture retention to reduce dryness. It helps to keep the skin hydrated and improve overall skin texture. or the last step in your regimen, we recommend Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA.

Throughout this blog, we've addressed several common misnomers about two widely used skincare ingredients: hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.

Understanding the science behind these skincare ingredients is important for effective and safe skin care practices. Evidence-based skincare ensures that products are used according to their proven benefits and minimizes the risk of misconceptions leading to ineffective or harmful practices.