THE ORDINARY HYALURONIC ACID 2% + B5 SERUM REVIEW

If like me, you’re becoming skincare obsessed, then you’ve definitely heard of two things: Hyaluronic Acid (HA), and The Ordinary range of skincare from Deciem: The Abnormal Beauty Company. I first got introduced to Hyaluronic Acid (aka Hyaluronate) sometime last year when I figured out my skin to be dry/dehydrated and I started looking for a water based moisturizer to rescue me. The Neutrogena Hydro Boost gel cream that I have been using ever since – and the entire Hydro Boost line – are infused with Hyaluronic Acid and so began my love affair with it. And noticing it everywhere! On labels, in ingredient listings, on product reviews, and in magazine articles. It’s like it was hiding from me until I got with the program. My skincare journey also led me to feeds, blogs, magazines, and articles that were boasting and posting The Ordinary skincare unabashedly. So I knew that if I was going to try a Hyaluronic Acid serum it would definitely be The Ordinary.

 

So, Hyaluronic Acid is a chemical that is naturally produced and available in our own bodies, usually found in the skin, joints, and eyes. It’s an amazing lubricant and humectant that can attract and hold up to 1,000 times its own weight in water. That means ahmmmaazing hydration for the skin, ipso facto it is so popular in all kinds of products from masks to creams to serums and even makeup. The hydration makes our skin look plump, youthful and firm while improving elasticity – all which are usually lost when skin is dry and dehydrated. Hence we get the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, sagging and look aged. No bueno! It also promotes collagen production which means more of all that goodness.  HA is so brilliant, it’s even become one of the most popular injectables like collagen fillers.

The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is an amazing AM and PM serum for all skin types – because we all need hydration! Normally, Hyaluronic Acid used topically tends to come in large molecule sizes that don’t penetrate the skin too well and just sit there doing work on the surface only, but this one is from The Abnormal Company so you know it’s different. They’ve formulated it so that it has 3 sizes/weights of molecules: large, medium and small. This allows it to penetrate deeper and deeper into the skin and also work on the surface which gives hydration on several levels. Winning! AND the 2% indicated refers to an advanced Hyaluronic Acid crosspolymer at a 2% concentration that just makes sure the penetration and hydration on every level through all 3 molecular weights is enhanced. Meanwhile, the vitamin B5 in this formulation just makes the surface hydration more effective. Basically, this product has been designed and fortified to quench your skin top and deep. It’s also vegan, alcohol-free, silicon-free and nut-free if that matters to you with.

I must admit I fell in love with this product from my very first use. For a face as dry and dehydrated as mine, this was like a tall cool drink of cucumber water! It’s been a dream and (as part of my current skincare regimen) has really helped me improve my skin from the messy state it was, to a place where I’m comfortable and can almost claim “normal”. I have clear visible changes when using this . . . even my smile lines get smoothed out! My face feels softer, bouncy (that’s that plumpness) and soft. I just feel good. They advise to use it right after a shower or washing the face but I usually put it on during my PM skincare sesh right after toner or about 30 minutes before I start doing my makeup. I usually take about 2 to 3 drops from the pipette, rub it in my hands for a second and apply it all over my face and neck then I pat it in until the gooey feel of it goes away. That way, I feel like it’s been absorbed into my skin. It’s cooling, doesn’t irritate me in any way and works well with the other products I’ve been using. A true skin win for me.

Let’s just say, I’m now a firm fan of Hyalurnic Acid and The Ordinary and I am already ordering backup bottles. I can’t even think of not having this with me. I am also excited to try more products from The Ordinary now because I’ve seen how good this is for myself and I’ve heard great things about them from some of my favourite YouTubers like Aysha Harun and Yasmin. As The Ordinary is not locally available I had to get this from the UK via iHanaCollection – an Instagram beauty shop that brings in skincare on pre-order basis from England to Kenya. This product goes for about £6 (approximately KShs. 800) for a 30 ml bottle and they brought it in for me at KShs. 1,500 which is fair as they have to ship it in. I’m so glad to have finally joined the HA bandwagon because hydrated skin is healthy skin and I’m loving it! 

 

xo