The Ordinary's Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) is an upgraded version of their original hydration serum. This “next-generation” formula blends five molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, pro-vitamin B5, and added ceramides to deeply hydrate, support the skin barrier, and improve texture and elasticity.deciem.com+2deciem.com+2

Key Ingredients & Their Benefits

• Hyaluronic Acid (5 forms): Offers hydration across multiple skin layers by binding water—thanks to a mix of low, medium, and high molecular weights, hyaluronic acid crosspolymer, and hydrolyzed HA.deciem.com+1
• Pro-Vitamin B5 (Panthenol): Naturally found in skin, it supports the development of barrier components like ceramides and fatty acids, helping to lock in moisture.deciem.com
• Ceramides: Skin-identical lipids that reinforce and seal the skin’s moisture barrier to prevent water loss and support long-term hydration.deciem.com+1

What to Expect—Based on Brand Testing

According to DECIEM, users may experience the following improvements:

• Immediately: Enhanced skin barrier support
• After 1 week: Softer, smoother skin with increased hydration
• After 2 weeks: Firmer, plumper skin
• After 4 weeks: Reduced appearance of fine lines, fuller nasolabial folds, and visibly more elastic and supple skindeciem.com+1

Industry & Media Praise

• Allure and others highlight it as a top-tier, budget-friendly hydrating serum, ideal for dry skin due to its deep penetration and effective hydration—especially when used before moisturizers.Allure
• A PEOPLE review praises its ability to hydrate, smooth texture, and plump fine lines—thanks to the five forms of HA, vitamin B5, and ceramides. It emphasizes its affordability (around USD 10) and strong performance.People.com
• Who What Wear (UK) also features it as a standout affordable hyaluronic acid serum, noting its multiple HA forms and ceramides for barrier support at under £10.Who What Wear

Community Insights (Reddit)

• Some users report that hyaluronic acid alone can sometimes dry out skin, by drawing moisture from deeper layers if surface hydration is low. Sealing it with an occlusive moisturizer or using it on damp skin helps prevent this.Reddit

“If you don't have enough ambient or surface moisture HA will dry out your skin… apply it with an occlusive moisturizer.”Reddit

• One user on the r/TheOrdinarySkincare subreddit noted the new “with Ceramides” formula applies “less dewy,” feels nice, and implies improved texture.Reddit
• Another user compared product layering experiences, pointing out that HA serum might interfere with subsequent moisturizer absorption or even lead to pilling, depending on routine and products used.Reddit+1

Summary Table