The short version
- A water-based serum with 23 listed ingredients: three hyaluronic acid ingredient names, panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) and lipids; 30 ml (1 fl oz) dropper bottle.
- $9.90 on Amazon on Sep 30, 2026, about $0.33 per ml, sold by Amazon.com; the listing marks it non-returnable.
- The brand says it contains ceramides, but no ingredient named "Ceramide" appears on the list; the closest entries are Sphingolipids and Phospholipids.
Not a cleanser; it goes on clean skin.
The optional serum step, before creams or oils.
Not a moisturizer; a cream or lotion goes over it.
No SPF; sunscreen is the last morning step.
Morning and evening per the brand's product page; the Amazon listing's directions say once daily or as needed.
The full label
We printed the list from The Ordinary's U.S. product page for Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides), read on Sep 30, 2026. The Amazon listing's ingredient text is identical. The brand notes that its formulas are updated from time to time and the box may differ from the page.
Aqua (Water), Sodium Hyaluronate, Propanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Phospholipids, Sphingolipids, Panthenol, Ahnfeltiopsis Concinna Extract, Glycerin, Polysorbate 20, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, p-Anisic Acid, Tocopherol, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethoxydiglycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.
Marked = key ingredient discussed below23 ingredients listed
| Key ingredient | What it is | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Sodium Hyaluronate | Salt form of hyaluronic acid; humectant | Second on the list. One INCI name can cover several molecular weights, and the brand says the serum uses low, medium and high weights. |
| Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid | Hyaluronic acid broken into smaller fragments | Smaller molecules; a lab study found lower-weight HA crossed the outermost skin layer while high-weight HA did not [2]. |
| Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer | Cross-linked hyaluronic acid | A cross-linked form; the brand counts it among its five "types" of hyaluronic acid. |
| Sphingolipids | Lipid class that includes ceramides | Ceramides are a group of sphingolipids [4]. The list does not name a specific ceramide. |
| Panthenol | Pro-vitamin B5; humectant | The "B5" in the name. A review summarizes studies on skin moisture and barrier measures for its active form, dexpanthenol [3]. |
What the evidence and the label claims say
What "2%" means. The product page we read does not say what the 2% is measured against: whether it counts all of the hyaluronic acid forms together, or refers to a pre-made hyaluronic acid solution. Treat it as part of the product's name rather than a verified concentration. The list order tells you something: sodium hyaluronate sits second, right after water, and the other two hyaluronic acid names follow within the first six entries.
What changed. The brand calls this a second-generation version of its original serum. It says the new version has five types of hyaluronic acid (low, medium and high molecular weight, a crosspolymer and a hydrolyzed form), adds ceramides and keeps panthenol, with a lighter, non-tacky texture [1]. The brand still sells an "Original Formulation", which it says has four molecular weights and a richer feel, so check which one a listing shows. The page lists a pH of 6.0 to 7.5 and calls the formula alcohol-free, oil-free, silicone-free and vegan. On ceramides, we can only report what the list shows: Sphingolipids and Phospholipids appear, but no ingredient named Ceramide NP, AP or similar. Ceramides are one family within the sphingolipids [4], so the brand's wording is consistent with the list, but the label does not say which ones or how much.
What research shows. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant: it holds water. Where it ends up depends on molecule size. In a study using human skin samples and Raman imaging, lower-weight hyaluronic acid (20 to 300 kDa) passed through the stratum corneum, while high-weight hyaluronic acid (1,000 to 1,400 kDa) did not [2]. That is a lab measurement of where the molecule went, not a test of how skin looks or feels. For panthenol, a review of topical dexpanthenol describes studies of skin moisture and barrier function; its authors are from a university dermatology department and a consumer-health company that sells dexpanthenol products [3]. Neither source tested this serum.
The Amazon listing title carries appearance promises we don't repeat; judge the product by its ingredient list. The listing is also marked non-returnable. If you want to compare with the older, richer texture, look for "Original Formulation" in the title.
Where it goes in a routine
This is the order the brand describes, not a promise about results.
Patch test first
The brand advises testing on the upper forearm first and not using the product if redness, burning, itching or irritation appears.
Cleanse
Start with clean skin; see 01 Cleanse.
Apply a few drops
Spread a few drops over the face. The brand says it goes on after cleansing and before heavier creams or oils; the brand's FAQ says it can be used alongside other active ingredients.
Seal with moisturizer, then protect
Follow with a moisturizer. In the morning, finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Price and where it is sold
On Sep 30, 2026 the Amazon listing for the 30 ml bottle (ASIN B0CXKG6YWH, the "with Ceramides" version) showed $9.90, about $0.33 per ml ($9.90 per fluid ounce), in stock, shipped and sold by Amazon.com. The listing states "This item is non-returnable." The brand also makes a 60 ml size. See the listing on Amazon (as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases).
Who should look elsewhere
- Anyone who has reacted to one of the 23 listed ingredients.
- Anyone who wants a single step that both hydrates and seals: a serum still needs a moisturizer over it, such as the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream.
- Anyone who wants specific, named ceramides on the label; the list shows only the broader "Sphingolipids".
Sources
- The Ordinary (DECIEM). Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) U.S. product page: ingredients, highlights, directions and FAQ. Accessed Sep 30, 2026. link
- Essendoubi M, Gobinet C, Reynaud R, et al. Human skin penetration of hyaluronic acid of different molecular weights as probed by Raman spectroscopy. Skin Res Technol. 2016;22(1):55-62. PMID 25877232. link
- Proksch E, de Bony R, Trapp S, Boudon S. Topical use of dexpanthenol: a 70th anniversary article. J Dermatolog Treat. 2017;28(8):766-773. PMID 28503966. link
- Coderch L, López O, de la Maza A, Parra JL. Ceramides and skin function. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2003;4(2):107-129. PMID 12553851. link
This entry is educational and is not medical advice. Patch test new products, stop using anything that irritates your skin, and ask a dermatologist, pharmacist or other clinician about anything specific to your skin or medications.