Hyaluronic acid is an all-star ingredient in skincare products, providing hydration and plumping for your skin. Two of the most popular hyaluronic acid serums on the market are La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum and The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum.
I’ve purchased both hyaluronic acid serums and have been using them over the past several months. In this post, I will help you understand the key differences between La Roche Posay Hyalu B5 Serum vs The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid.
My goal is to help you determine the hyaluronic acid serum that best fits your skincare routine and which will work better for your needs (I have a DEFINITE favorite!)
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La Roche Posay Hyalu B5 Serum vs The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
At A Glance
| Comparison Factor | La Roche Posay Hyalu B5 Serum | The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 |
|---|---|---|
| Key Ingredients: | Two types of Hyaluronic Acid, Pro-Vitamin B5, Madecassoside, La Roche-Posay Prebiotic Thermal Water | Hyaluronic Acid (3 weights), Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Pro-Vitamin B5 |
| Texture and Formulation: | Water-based serum, slightly thicker consistency | Water-based serum, lightweight consistency, slightly tacky on skin |
| Benefits: | Hydration, anti-aging, repairing skin barrier, reducing fine lines and wrinkles | Hydration, plumping skin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles |
| Best For: | All skin types, particularly beneficial for aging, dehydrated, or dry skin | All skin types, especially effective for dehydrated or dry skin |
| Unique Features: | Contains La Roche-Posay Prebiotic Thermal Water and Madecassoside, which enhances skin repair and soothes irritation | Minimalist formulations, focuses primarily on hydration |
| Packaging: | Glass bottle with dropper | Glass bottle with dropper |
| Company Ethos: | Dermatologically tested, often recommended by dermatologists, focus on sensitive skin | Focus on straightforward, no-frills skincare with transparency |
| Availability: | Available in pharmacies and beauty stores, slightly more exclusive | Available in various retailers and beauty stores |
| Cruelty-free? | No | Yes |
| Price: | $39.99 for 1 oz. | $8.90 for 1 oz. |
A few stand-out qualities:
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum offers:
- A higher-end formula
- More detailed performance statistics
Although La Roche-Posay is formulated to be suitable for a sensitive skin type, please note that it contains a noticeable fragrance, which may be an issue for some with sensitive skin.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid serum is:
- A much more affordable choice with comparable benefits
- Cruelty-free
My favorite? Easy: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid, because it is:
- Fragrance-free
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Affordably priced
- Effective hydrating and plumping formula
Hyaluronic Acid Serum Ingredients Analysis
| Ingredients | La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 | The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 |
|---|---|---|
| Hyaluronic Acid % | ❌ Not disclosed | ✅ 2% Hyaluronic Acid |
| Type of Hyaluronic Acid | Sodium Hyaluronate and Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid | Low-, Medium, High-Molecular Weight Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer |
| Pro-Vitamin B5 | ✅ | ✅ |
| Glycerin | ✅ | ✅ |
| Madecassoside and La Roche-Posay Prebiotic Thermal Water | ✅ | ❌ |
| Silicone-Free? | ❌ Contains Dimethicone | ✅ Silicone-free |
| Fragrance? | ❌ Contains noticeable fragrance | ✅ Fragrance-free |
Hyaluronic Acid Concentration
While La Roche-Posay does not disclose the exact concentration of hyaluronic acid, The Ordinary’s formula contains 2% hyaluronic acid. Higher concentration levels of hyaluronic acid typically provide better hydration depending on the formula.
Similar Ingredients
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum and The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid Serum both incorporate additional ingredients to boost their effectiveness:
- Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5): Pro-Vitamin B5 helps improve skin elasticity and repair the skin barrier.
- Glycerin: Boosts moisture and hydration and is suitable for sensitive skin.
Different Ingredients
The serums contain different types of hyaluronic acid:
- La Roche-Posay: Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
- The Ordinary: Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
In addition to hyaluronic acid, La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum also contains:
- Madecassoside: A derivative of Centella Asiatica extract that soothes your skin.
- La Roche-Posay Prebiotic Thermal Water: Contains minerals, trace elements, and a high concentration of selenium, a skin-protective antioxidant.
Potential Irritants
Both serums are formulated to minimize potential irritants. La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum offers soothing properties due to the presence of Madecassoside, making it suitable for sensitive skin types, although it does contain a somewhat strong added fragrance.
Though The Ordinary’s serum does not contain Madecassoside, it has a simplified ingredient list and contains fewer ingredients overall, reducing the risk of potential irritants.
It’s always wise to patch test any new skincare product on a small area of your skin before incorporating it into your daily routine.
Performance and Results
| Feature | La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum | The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 |
|---|---|---|
| Hydration Efficacy | 70% increase after 4 hours* | Boosts skin hydration after 1 week (with sustained results after 4 weeks)* |
| Skin Elasticity | 87% of users saw improvement after a month* | Not specified |
| Wrinkle Reduction | 71% of users saw improvement after a month* | Reduces appearance of fine lines and wrinkles after 4 weeks* |
*Based on manufacturer-sponsored clinical studies.
You can see from the image above that The Ordinary has slightly runnier texture. The Ordinary also feels a bit lighter on my skin, although slightly more tacky. Both wear well under makeup.
Value and Accessibility
Price Comparison
- La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum: $39.99/1 oz.
- The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5: $8.90/1 oz.
When comparing La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum and The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid, there’s a notable difference in price. La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 is over 4X the price of The Ordinary.
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum contains additional ingredients like La Roche-Posay Prebiotic Thermal Water and madecassoside and a more elegant texture, so only you can decide if you think these qualities warrant the additional cost.
Product Availability and Packaging
Where To Buy
The accessibility of both products varies depending on your location. La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum can be found on their official website and at retailers like Amazon, Ulta, and Target, while The Ordinary is available through their website and retailers such as Target, Sephora, and Ulta.
Packaging
- La Roche-Posay’s packaging embodies a more sophisticated, premium look with a sleek blue bottle.
- The Ordinary’s packaging is minimalistic, featuring a brown bottle with simple labeling that reflects their budget-friendly price points.
Read More
You can read more about my experiences with these hyaluronic acid serums in my review posts:
The Bottom Line
The choice between La Roche-Posay Hyalu and The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 largely depends on your budget and personal preferences. Both hyaluronic acid serums offer unique benefits and have garnered positive reviews from users, making them strong contenders for your purchase of a hyaluronic acid serum.
On a budget? The Ordinary is the better choice. Want additional soothing ingredients and prefer fragrance in your skincare? Choose La Roche-Posay.
Thanks for reading!
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Sarah Roberts is the founder, writer, and photographer behind A Beauty Edit. With over 10 years of experience in the beauty industry, Sarah is an avid skincare and beauty enthusiast who shares the best beauty finds to help you save time and money!