When it comes to healthy-looking skin, hydration is paramount. Prolonged dehydration can impact the skin renewal process and lead to dry, flaky skin as well as uneven skin texture and a dull appearance–which is why a hydrator is often the cornerstone of a good skincare regimen.

Here we’ll take you through three of our own: Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides), Amino Acids + B5, and Marine Hyaluronics and help you choose the right one for you.

The Ordinary offers a range of water-based serums, each formulated to deliver effective hydration. Let's explore three of our popular options:

• Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 - a hyaluronic acid-based moisturizer that helps to reduce the visibility of fine lines.
• Amino Acids + B5 - a lightweight, water-based serum for more radiant-looking skin.
• Marine Hyaluronics - a hydrating formulation derived from marine bacteria and plants that results in a softer, plumper complexion.

Our reformulated Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) serum combines various molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, pro-vitamin B5, and topical ceramides. This non-tacky hydrating serum supports the skin’s moisture barrier to seal in moisture, with improved skin hydration and smoother skin texture. In doing so, it helps to reduce the appearance of visible fine dry lines.

Key Ingrediens in Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides):

• Hyaluronic Acid: This polysaccharide, composed of sugar molecules, forms mesh-like structures and is abundant in skin, where it binds and retains water. Its decline with age may contribute to aging concerns like wrinkles and loss of elasticity.ns associated with loss of water, such as wrinkles and loss of skin elasticity.
• Pro-vitamin B5: Also known as panthenol or dexpanthenol, this molecule, naturally present in skin, supports the formation of skin barrier components like ceramides and fatty acids, preventing moisture loss.
• Ceramides: These oil-like molecules, found in the skin's lipid barrier (composed of ceramides, fatty acids, cholesterol, cholesterol esters, and cholesterol sulphate), form layers that lock in water and supplement the skin barrier to prevent excessive water loss.

Hyaluronic acid instantly hydrates and plumps skin, while ceramides support the skin’s moisture barrier to seal in moisture. Together, they help to give softer, smoother skin in 2 weeks and reduce the appearance of fine dry lines in 4 weeks.

Our Amino Acids + B5 is a lightweight water based serum that works to support and strengthen the skin barrier by preventing water loss. The amino acids mimic the skin’s natural moisturizing factors, while the pro-vitamin B5 helps maintain the skin’s surface level hydration to promote softer, smoother, and more radiant-looking skin.

Key Ingredients in Amino Acids + B5

• Amino acids: These are the building blocks of peptides and proteins, essential for skin structure and function . Found in the skin's natural moisturizing factors , they help protect against water loss and support the skin barrier . Topical application can further aid in preventing water loss and strengthening the barrier .
• Pro-vitamin B5: Pro-vitamin B5 within this formulation works to support the barrier function by aiming to provide surface and below-surface hydration to promote softer and smoother looking skin.

Marine Hyaluronics is a water based serum that has been formulated to target skin dehydration. This serum works to enhance skin hydration to promote softer, smoother looking skin. With continued use, this formula helps maintain skin hydration, supporting the maintenance of a healthy skin barrier. This hydrating serum includes a combination of ingredients derived from marine bacteria and plants that work to target hydration across the skin surface, resulting in a softer, plumper complexion.

Key Ingredients in Marine Hyaluronics:

• Pseudoaltermonas exopolysaccharides: These are chains of sugar-like molecules produced by marine bacteria. They have a high water retention capacity, functioning similarly to that of hyaluronic acid, which suggests a similar mechanism of action. Pseudoalteromonas exopolysaccharides aim to provide immediate moisturizing effects and, with continued use, long-lasting hydration of the skin.
• Pseudoaltermonas ferment extract: An ingredient derived using biotechnology. This simply means we use existing biology in the form of marine bacteria to help develop it. This ingredient has been observed to target skin roughness, promoting smoother, softer looking skin.
• Ahnfeltia concinna extract: also known as red algae extract, is used in cosmetic formulations to provide skin hydration.

While all three serums effectively hydrate the skin, The Ordinary offers distinct formulations to address various needs and preferences.

• If your priority is addressing fine lines and wrinkles while boosting hydration, Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) is a strong contender; it reduces the appearance of fine dry lines and improves elasticity.
• For those seeking a lightweight serum to support and strengthen the skin barrier for enhanced radiance, Amino Acids + B5 is recommended.
• Marine Hyaluronics is ideal for those who prefer a unique blend of marine-derived ingredients for intense hydration and a plumping effect, resulting in a softer, plumper complexion.

All three serums share a lightweight, water-based texture suitable for all skin types. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific skin concerns, desired outcome, and personal texture preference.

When choosing a new hydrating serum to add to your regimen, it’s important to consider your personal product preferences, the skin concern/s you want to target, and what products/ingredients you already have within the regimen.

If you prefer lightweight products, you may want to explore water based hydrating serums like the three mentioned above. If you have severely dry skin, you may want to explore thinker or heavier hydrating products like oils or creams. The Ordinary offers a wide range of hydrators to allow for a more personalized hydration skincare regimen.

Explore The Ordinary's range of hydrating serums to find the perfect match for your skin's needs.