The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics Review is an ultra-lightweight serum formulated with marine-derived vegan water reservoirs. So what does it do for your skin?
You might guess that this serum is all about hydration, and you’d be right. This post will discuss what’s in this serum, how to use it, and how it performs in this The Ordinary Marine Hylaluronics review.
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The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics Ultra-Lightweight Hydration Support Serum is a water-based serum formulated to hydrate and plump the skin with its marine-based ingredients.
It can be used as a lightweight alternative to hyaluronic acid. So it is better than hyaluronic acid? Let’s take a look:
The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics Review
At A Glance
- Key Ingredients: Marine-derived water reservoirs, skin-friendly marine bacteria, Hawaiian red algae, glycoproteins from Antarctic marine sources, micro-filtered blue-green algae, and several moisturizing amino acids
- Benefits: Lightweight hydration, enhances skin’s moisture content, improves skin texture
- Texture: Super lightweight consistency
- Usage: Apply a few drops to your face AM and PM before creams
- Suitable For: All skin types, especially beneficial for oily or combination skin due to its lightweight texture
- Price: $8.90 for 1 oz.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
✅ Hydration Boost: Offers a significant boost in hydration, ideal when using drying actives like retinol. | ❌ Not for Everyone: May not be moisturizing enough for some dry skin types. |
✅ Lightweight Texture: The serum has a water-like, ultra-lightweight texture, perfect for combination and oily skin types. | ❌ Limited Skin Benefits: Contains only hydrating ingredients. |
✅ Absorbs Quickly: Dries quickly after application, allowing for easy layering with other skincare products or makeup. | |
✅ Versatility: Suitable for all skin types, providing hydration for dry skin and a lightweight feel for oily or combination skin. | |
✅ Affordable: Priced under $10, making it a budget-friendly hydrating serum. |
![The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics Review](https://www.abeautyedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/the-ordinary-marine-hyaluronics-hydration-support-serum.jpg.webp)
The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics is a water-based serum that contains marine-derived vegan water reservoirs.
These reservoirs attract and hold onto water as hyaluronic acid does, but the compounds are lighter than hyaluronic acid.
Therefore this serum is ultra-light, with the texture and feel of water.
The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics Ingredients
This hydrating serum is more complex than other The Ordinary serums. It contains exopolysaccharides from skin-friendly marine bacteria, Hawaiian red algae, glycoproteins from Antarctic marine sources, micro-filtered blue-green algae, and several moisturizing amino acids.*
Active ingredients in the serum amount to 23%.
*All marine-derived ingredients are sustainably sourced.
Key Ingredients (In Order of Highest Concentration to Lowest Concentration)
- Glycerin: A rich humectant and moisturizer that helps protect the skin barrier.
- Algae Extract: Moisturizing and helps the skin attract water. It may even offer antioxidant and anti-aging benefits.
- Pseudoalteromonas Exopolysaccharides: Created by fermenting a marine bacteria strain, this marine alternative to hyaluronic acid moisturizes the skin.
- Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract: Another marine compound that comes from fermented marine bacteria that supports the skin barrier. It contains collagen and elastin proteins to help smooth the skin.
- Ahnfeltia Concinna Extract: Also known as Red Algae, this plant extract and mineral found in the Hawaiian islands helps thicken cosmetic formulas and improves water retention in the skin.
- Arginine: An amino acid that helps build collagen and hydrates the skin.
- Glycine: An amino acid that helps to build collagen and elastin. It is moisturizing and has reparative properties.
- Alanine: An amino acid that improves skin hydration.
- Serine: An amino acid that helps the skin retain water.
- Valine: An amino acid that helps hydrate the skin.
- Isoleucine: An amino acid that moisturizes the skin and supports a healthy skin barrier.
- Proline: An amino acid that helps build collagen and may offer anti-aging benefits when combined with other amino acids (glycine and leucine).
- Threonine: An amino acid that hydrates the skin.
- Histidine: An amino acid that moisturizes the skin.
- Phenylalanine: An amino acid that helps treat the skin pigmentation disorder vitiligo.
- Aspartic Acid: An amino acid that helps hydrate the skin.
- PCA: PCA stands for pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, a Natural Moisturizing Factor found in our skin that aids in skin hydration.
- Sodium PCA: The sodium salt of PCA described above helps draw moisture to the skin.
- Sodium Lactate: The sodium salt of lactic acid that helps moisturize the skin.
- Salicylic Acid: A beta-hydroxy acid, BHA, that exfoliates the surface of the skin and deep in the pores to clear away dead skin cells and excess sebum. Ideal for oily skin and acne.
I don’t think I’ve ever defined active 20 ingredients in a skincare product from The Ordinary since their products usually contain a minimal number of ingredients, but each ingredient contributes to the overall formula and is included to improve product effectiveness.
As you can see in the list above, it is loaded with hydrating amino acids and moisturizing actives.
I LOVE the lightweight texture of this serum.
It is the perfect alternative to Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 from The Ordinary, which takes longer to absorb and leaves my combination skin feeling a little sticky.
My skin dries quickly after application, and it doesn’t interfere with other skincare products or makeup.
It’s a great hydration boost when using irritating actives like retinol or retinoids. This serum is a no-brainer for the hydrating ingredients, water-like texture, and very low price.
How to Use The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics
The Ordinary recommends applying a few drops of the serum before creams in both the morning and evening.
It is so lightweight that it can be one of the first products that you apply after cleansing and toning. It looks just like water (in the middle of my hand) in the image above.
NOTE: The Ordinary recommends patch testing before using this serum or any other skincare product for the first time to avoid an adverse initial reaction.
Related Post: How to Build A Skincare Routine with The Ordinary Products
The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics Conflicts
The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics serum does not conflict with any other products except The Ordinary 100% Niacinamide Powder. This makes Marine Hyaluronics an ideal serum to layer into your skincare routine for added hydration.
The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics and Niacinamide Together
The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics and The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% are the ideal combination. You can apply The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics first due to the extremely lightweight texture to hydrate the skin.
Follow with The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% for its anti-aging benefits for aging and mature skin, barrier repair benefits for dry skin, and sebum/oil balancing properties for oily skin.
If you were wondering whether you can mix The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics with The Ordinary 100% Niacinamide Powder, you could mix the powder with a water-based treatment with a pH between 5.0 and 7.0. The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics has a pH of 4.0 – 5.0, so it’s best NOT to mix the two.
The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics and The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (formerly known as The Ordinary “Buffet”)
When used together, The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics adds super lightweight hydration to The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (formerly known as The Ordinary “Buffet”), a peptide serum that targets the signs of aging like wrinkles, fine lines, and firmness and boosts hydration and moisture.
Due to its light watery texture, apply The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics first and then follow with The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum for supercharged hydration and anti-aging benefits.
The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics and Vitamin C
If you are wondering whether or not you can use The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics and vitamin C together, the answer is YES!
Vitamin C offers many benefits for the skin ranging from anti-aging to brightening benefits, while Marine Hyaluronic hydrates and plumps the skin.
You can apply Marine Hyaluronics before The Ordinary vitamin C serums/suspensions. Or you can dissolve The Ordinary 100% L-Ascorbic Acid Powder in Marine Hyaluronics for a hydrating antioxidant boost.
When using the 100% L-Ascorbic Acid Powder, you can control the amount of vitamin C you use, which is helpful for those with sensitive skin.
Related Post: A Guide to The Ordinary Vitamin C Skincare Products
The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics vs The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics | The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 | |
---|---|---|
Targets: | Dryness | Dryness |
Key Ingredients: | Marine-derived ingredients, pH 4.00-5.00 | Low-, medium-, and high-molecular-weight HA, HA crosspolymer, Vitamin B5, pH 6.00-7.50 |
Texture: | Ultra-lightweight, water-like | Heavier than Marine Hyaluronics and slightly tacky |
Best For: | Suitable for all skin types but best for oily and acne-prone skin, perfect for complex skincare routines | Suitable for all skin types |
Primary Use: | Lightweight alternative to hyaluronic serums, great for summer or combination/oily skin | Standard hydration support for all skin types, especially when needing more intense hydration |
Price: | $8.90 for 1 oz. | $8.90 for 1 oz. |
Both The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics and The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 offer hydration support with their vegan water-based formulas.
While The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is a lightweight formula, The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics is ultra-lightweight and water-like in texture.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is a bit tacky. It takes a few minutes to sink in and dry, while The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics dries quickly and is ideal for layering under other serums.
Marine Hyaluronics uses sustainably sourced marine-derived ingredients at a pH of 4.00-5.00 to hydrate the skin.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 uses low-, medium- and high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid (HA), a next-generation HA crosspolymer, plus vitamin B5 to hydrate and plump the skin at multiple levels at a pH of 6.00-7.50.
Marine Hyaluronics is a lightweight alternative to hyaluronic serums and is especially good for those with oily and acne-prone skin due to the lightweight nongreasy texture and featherlight consistency.
If you have a complex or multi-step skincare routine, Marine Hyaluronics is the perfect serum to add hydration without adding additional weight and texture to your skin.
Where to Buy The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics
In the US, you can buy The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics online at The Ordinary’s website, Ulta, and Sephora.
The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics: Super Lightweight Hydration
If you are looking for a lighter, less sticky version of The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, then The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics is the serum for you.
While it can benefit all skin types, those with dry skin will love it for the hydration it provides, and those with combination skin/oily skin will love it for its lightweight texture and feel.
I think it’s the perfect hyaluronic acid serum alternative for the warm summer months.
It is ideal for mixing with The Ordinary powder vitamin C for application during the day and a great overall hydration boost. All for less than $10!
Thanks for reading!
Related The Ordinary Review Posts:
- The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% Review
- The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA Review
- The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil Review
- The Ordinary 10% Mandelic Acid + HA Review
- The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% Review
- The Ordinary Caffeine Solution Review
- The Ordinary Niacinamide Review
- The Ordinary “Buffet” Review
- The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% Review
- The Ordinary Anti-Aging Skincare Review
- The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion Review
Kelly
Friday 4th of November 2022
I was just looking at this the other night. Now in my 40's and having more combination skin now that the cold weather has come in. Been looking to add something new to help. This is the first article I've read of yours and love the way it's to the point, easy to read and understand, us the breakdown of the ingredients.
Sarah
Wednesday 9th of November 2022
Thank you so much!
Missy
Sunday 4th of September 2022
I've never had anyone claim the same reasons I don't like the other Hylaruronic product (slow absorption & too tacky/sticky) until you, thank you!
My 59 yr old big sister uses ONLY this on her skin (plus Vital Proteins Collagen & Hyaluronic Acid powder randomly) & I'm telling you, her skin is aging backwards. It's soft, supple, much smoother & so radiant. I accused her of using Tretinoin/Teton A & she's not.
I've been very sick for yrs w/chronic & autoimmune illnesses & the last 5 yrs have been he'll on my skin. I just stocked up on Hyaluronic Acid & Collagen I & III supplement capsules & ordered this Ordinary Marine Hyaluronic's online. Crossing my fingers but feel very hopeful.
Again, glad to find someone who has had the same experience & opinion, will be following closely from now on, THANK YOU!
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Sarah
Monday 5th of September 2022
Thanks for your comment! Hope the products work for you!!
Evie
Monday 27th of December 2021
Hello! Thanks so much for the rundown. I've bought a bottle of this, but I don't know whether to apply it before my retinol (1% in squalene) or after I've let the retinol sink in for a bit, and before my moisturiser. The internet doesn't seem to have any insights, could you possibly help? Thank you!
P.s. Side note, but do you know how important it actually is to keep The Ordinary retinol in the fridge? I haven't been (2 flights of stairs in between!) and am wondering if my product is just dead weight at this point?
Sarah
Saturday 15th of January 2022
Hi! I reached out to Deciem (The Ordinary's parent company) about your questions and they recommend applying The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics BEFORE Retinol 1% in Squalane in your evening skincare routine. In general, they recommend applying water-based solutions first, followed by anhydrous or oil formulations, and finally cream/suspension formulas. If you have more than one water-based serum, you can apply it based on the priority of your skin concern (the product that targets the most important skin concern should go first). Since the oxidation of retinol is an inevitable process, one of the ways to delay oxidation of The Ordinary's retinol and hydroxypinacolone retinoate (HPR) products is refrigeration, so that is why The Ordinary suggests storing these products in the fridge after opening. So it's a good idea to refrigerate to extend product effectiveness. Thanks!