Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation) and Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% were among our first serums to feature these powerful ingredients. In 2024, we also released Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides), a reformulation of our original hyaluronic acid serum. All three serums provide an alternative to the sometimes intimidating and expensive offerings in the skincare industry.

Our hyaluronic acid and niacinamide serums quickly became community favourites. Given their popularity, it’s no surprise that many of you had questions about how to combine them in your skincare routine. We have the answers you’ve been asking for—backed by science, of course.

Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation) features four forms of hyaluronic acid for multi-depth hydration of the skin’s surface. It targets dryness and strengthens the skin barrier after four weeks.

Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) is a non-tacky, lightweight serum with added ceramides to lock in moisture. It contains five forms of hyaluronic acid at multiple molecular weights, to instantly plump and hydrate the skin.

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, our versatile vitamin B3 and zinc formulation, reduces visible shine while smoothing and brightening skin. This hydrating serum supports the skin barrier function, reduces excess oil, and minimizes the appearance of pores.

When we first launched Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation) in 2016, it quickly became a community favourite.

After 8 years of love, the community asked for some changes to the original formulation. So we went back to the lab with your feedback in mind.

The reformulated Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) features five different forms of hyaluronic acid and the addition of ceramides. These naturally occurring skin-like lipids help support the skin’s moisture barrier and keep hydration locked in. They also give the formulation its yellow tint.

The combination of hyaluronic acid and ceramides provides immediate, all-day hydration to promote softer, smoother skin.

1. Hyaluronic acid serums should only be applied to wet skin

Fiction. It’s a common misconception that hyaluronic acid serums should only be applied to wet skin. However, it’s equally as effective at locking in moisture when applied to dry skin.

Our Clinical Research team put this to the test. They investigated the hydration effects of both the Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation) and the Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) on wet and dry skin, with and without a moisturizer. The formulation alone delivered immediate and sustained hydration, with no significant difference between wet and dry skin. Combining the serum with a moisturizer also boosted hydration in all cases.

2. Hyaluronic acid causes skin dryness

Fiction. Some people believe hyaluronic acid causes skin dryness, especially in low-humidity environments. While it may seem plausible that hyaluronic acid could pull moisture from deeper skin layers, studies show that all molecular weights of hyaluronic acid can improve skin hydration effectively.

To use Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) serum, apply a few drops to wet or dry skin after cleansing, both morning and evening. For best results, allow the serum to dry completely before layering other products, particularly anhydrous serums.

We suggest following with a moisturizer, like Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA, to lock in hydration. Read this guide to learn about the most effective way to layer The Ordinary skincare.

3. All hyaluronic acid products are the same

Fiction. Some people may believe all hyaluronic acid products are the same—but this isn’t the case. Hyaluronic acid comes in many different molecular weights and formulations, which determine how the skin is hydrated. Lower weights penetrate deeper layers of the skin’s surface, and higher weights provide surface hydration. Formulations also vary, affecting the product's absorption and overall performance.

Our Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) contains very low, low, medium, high, and very high molecular weights, a combination of molecular sizes that hydrate different levels of the skin’s surface.

4. Hyaluronic acid is only for dry skin types

Fiction. Many people believe that hyaluronic acid is solely beneficial for dry skin and unnecessary for other skin types.

In reality, hyaluronic acid offers significant advantages for all skin types, including oily and combination skin. Our hyaluronic acid serums provide hydration without the heaviness, helping balance and support the moisture barrier while aiming to keep both oily and dry skin adequately moisturized.

Niacinamide is known for addressing a wide range of skin concerns. Containing a high 10% concentration of Niacinamide (vitamin B3) and zinc PCA, Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is 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 and visible shine. The study 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

Fiction. You can start with a 10% concentration. However, we always recommend patch testing before using the product for the first time.

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

2. Niacinamide only benefits oily skin types

Fiction. 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 and our serum offers a range of benefits suitable for different skin types—from oily to blemish-prone and dry skin. Here’s why:

• Niacinamide helps to reduce excess oil and minimize the appearance of pores. This makes it ideal for targeting signs of congestion and balancing oily skin. For blemish support, 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, which supports moisture retention to reduce dryness. It helps to keep the skin hydrated and improve overall skin texture. For the last step in your regimen, we recommend Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA.

1. You can use hyaluronic acid and niacinamide serums in the same routine

Fact. Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide are actually quite complementary. Hyaluronic acid helps hydrate and plump the skin, while niacinamide supports skin barrier function, reduces excess oil, and helps brighten the skin tone. When used together, they provide a balanced approach to hydration and healthy-looking skin.

2. Our hyaluronic acid and niacinamide serums are suitable for all skin types

Fact. Our hyaluronic acid and niacinamide formulations are suitable for all skin types. Including dry and oily. However, each individual may respond differently to ingredients. If you’re new to the products, we recommend introducing them gradually and patch testing prior to use.

3. When layering, apply hyaluronic acid before niacinamide

Fiction. Our lab recommends that water-based serums be applied in the order of your skin concerns. For example, someone whose primary concern is dryness might apply hyaluronic acid first, while someone else might start with niacinamide to target pore visibility.

Combining hyaluronic acid and niacinamide in your skincare routine offers multiple benefits:

• Enhanced hydration and skin barrier support: Hyaluronic acid draws moisture into the skin, while niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier, helping to lock in hydration and prevent moisture loss. This combination keeps skin looking plump and hydrated throughout the day.


• Oil control: Hyaluronic acid hydrates without feeling heavy, while niacinamide helps control oil. This makes the duo ideal for those with oily or combination skin, helping balance the skin without compromising on hydration.


• Improved skin texture and smoothness: Niacinamide helps reduce the appearance of pores and brighten the skin tone, while hyaluronic acid hydrates to help keep skin feeling soft and smooth. Together, they improve overall skin texture, giving a refined, polished look.


• Suitable for all skin types: Our formulations with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide are suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Using hyaluronic acid and niacinamide together creates a balanced, effective approach to skincare. Both ingredients improve hydration and texture without the need for multiple complex products.

Separating fact from fiction can feel overwhelming in the skincare industry. We’re committed to educating our community on the science behind ingredients and formulations, so you can adopt a personalised skincare regimen that works hard for your unique needs.