What changed in The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 formula?

What changed, and what stayed the same?

The name still says 2% + B5: the change is the combination of ingredients and the texture, not a higher advertised percentage. The updated serum uses low, medium and high molecular weight hyaluronic acid, a crosspolymer and hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid.1

Which formula should you choose?

Choose With Ceramides if you want a lighter serum for layering and added moisture barrier support. Choose Original Formulation if you prefer a richer feel. Texture is a useful deciding factor here, even if the product names make choosing a serum feel like checking software versions.1

Look for "With Ceramides" or "Original Formulation" on the product you are buying. Check the ingredient list on your box, because formulas can differ by purchase date and region. The familiar 2% + B5 name is not enough to identify the version, which is a lot of administrative work for a bottle of hydration.1

What do the added ceramides do?

Ceramides help strengthen the skin barrier, while hyaluronic acid helps retain water. Those are general ingredient benefits, particularly relevant to dry or sensitive skin. The moisture barrier is the skin's protective layer that helps keep water in; the formula update pairs hydration with support for that layer.12

How do you use the updated formula?

1. 1Cleanse your face.
2. 2Apply a few drops of Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 With Ceramides to unbroken skin, morning and evening.
3. 3Follow with heavier creams or oils.

For dry skin, keep a cream, lotion or ointment in your routine rather than making the serum your only moisturizing step. Moisturizers help lock in water and work best on damp skin. General dry skin care includes moisturizing as often as needed, not just when you apply a serum. For older skin that feels very dry, an ointment holds water better than a cream.45

The Ordinary lists the updated formula as compatible with squalane, glycolic acid, multi peptides and caffeine. That gives you options for fitting the serum into an existing routine without treating it as a replacement for those products.3

What should you expect?

The updated formula is designed for immediate hydration and plumping. You may notice improved hydration after one week, with sustained results after four weeks. The lighter finish is the main texture difference from the original.3

Should you patch test after switching?

Yes. The Ordinary advises patch testing, including for sensitive skin. Apply a small amount to clean skin on the upper forearm, keep it dry and rinse after 24 hours. Do not use the serum if redness, burning, itching, blistering or irritation develops. If irritation occurs during facial use, rinse off, stop using it and consult a physician.3

Get medical help for dryness or itching that does not improve with home care, interrupts sleep or causes open sores from scratching. A formula change is not a reason to keep tolerating symptoms.4