Head-to-Head Comparison
CeraVe vs The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid Serum: Drugstore Classic Meets Budget Champion
This comparison pits our Winner against our highest-scoring product overall. CeraVe delivers patented ceramide technology and unmatched barrier repair, while The Ordinary provides five forms of hyaluronic acid at a transparent 2% concentration for 40% less money.
Winner
CeraVe
CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
7.5
$16VS
The Ordinary
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
8.4
$10R3 Research Verdict
This comparison pits our Winner against our highest-scoring product overall. CeraVe delivers patented ceramide technology and unmatched barrier repair, while The Ordinary provides five forms of hyaluronic acid at a transparent 2% concentration for 40% less money.
Updated Feb 6, 20265 attributes comparedBy R3 Research Team
The Ordinary Scores Higher, CeraVe Plays Safer
Research-backed recommendation
The Ordinary outscores CeraVe on our methodology — 8.4 versus 7.5. But CeraVe's triple ceramide barrier repair is genuinely unmatched at this price point. Its pump packaging is more practical, and its safety certifications provide clinical-grade assurance. The Ordinary is the smarter buy for families who value transparent science, ethical certifications, and budget optimization.
Pros & Cons at a Glance
Quick summary of each product's strengths and weaknesses
CeraVe
CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Winner
Cons
- Loses on Value
- Loses on Efficacy
- Loses on Sustainability
The Ordinary
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Pros
- Better Value
- Better Efficacy
- Better Sustainability
Who Wins Each Category?
A quick breakdown of how these products compare head-to-head
Safety Profile
Tie
Both EWG 2. CeraVe leads on allergen safety; The Ordinary leads on ethical certifications.
Key Ingredients
Tie
CeraVe excels at barrier repair. The Ordinary excels at multi-depth hydration.
Value
The Ordinary
Win
The Ordinary is 40% cheaper per ounce.
Efficacy
The Ordinary
Win
The Ordinary edges ahead with clinical trial data and 5 forms of HA.
Sustainability
The Ordinary
Win
The Ordinary walks the walk on ethical consumption.
Winner
Tie
Which One Is Right For You?
Personalized recommendations based on your priorities
Buy CeraVe If You...Winner
- Families seeking comprehensive ceramide barrier repair
- Parents who want a fuss-free pump bottle
- Anyone who values clinical certifications (SkinSAFE, NEA)
Buy The Ordinary If You...
- Budget-conscious families wanting lowest per-use cost
- Households with mixed skin types including oily and acne-prone
- Families who prioritize cruelty-free, vegan, sustainable products
Head-to-Head Comparison
Detailed attribute-by-attribute breakdown
CeraVe
vs0
The Ordinary
(2 ties)3
| Attribute | CeraVe | The Ordinary | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safety Profile Both EWG 2. CeraVe leads on allergen safety; The Ordinary leads on ethical certifications. | EWG 2, SkinSAFE 100/100, Teen SAFE | EWG 2, zero hormone disruptors, cruelty-free, vegan | Tie |
| Key Ingredients CeraVe excels at barrier repair. The Ordinary excels at multi-depth hydration. | 1 form HA, 3 ceramides, MVE Technology | 5 forms HA at 2%, phospholipids + sphingolipids, panthenol | Tie |
| Value The Ordinary is 40% cheaper per ounce. | $16.49/oz, ~$0.18/use | $9.90/oz (~$0.08/use), economy at $6.10/oz | The Ordinary |
| Efficacy The Ordinary edges ahead with clinical trial data and 5 forms of HA. | Score 7.1 | Score 7.8 | The Ordinary |
| Sustainability The Ordinary walks the walk on ethical consumption. | Score 5.0 | Score 9.0 — cruelty-free, vegan, recyclable glass | The Ordinary |
CeraVe
0 Wins
The Ordinary
3 Wins
Safety Profile
Tie
EWG 2, SkinSAFE 100/100, Teen SAFE
EWG 2, zero hormone disruptors, cruelty-free, vegan
Both EWG 2. CeraVe leads on allergen safety; The Ordinary leads on ethical certifications.
Key Ingredients
Tie
1 form HA, 3 ceramides, MVE Technology
5 forms HA at 2%, phospholipids + sphingolipids, panthenol
CeraVe excels at barrier repair. The Ordinary excels at multi-depth hydration.
Value
The Ordinary
$16.49/oz, ~$0.18/use
$9.90/oz (~$0.08/use), economy at $6.10/oz
The Ordinary is 40% cheaper per ounce.
Efficacy
The Ordinary
Score 7.1
Score 7.8
The Ordinary edges ahead with clinical trial data and 5 forms of HA.
Sustainability
The Ordinary
Score 5.0
Score 9.0 — cruelty-free, vegan, recyclable glass
The Ordinary walks the walk on ethical consumption.
$Price Analysis
The Ordinary is 40% cheaper per ounce ($9.90 vs $16.49). Economy size drops to $6.10/oz.
Best Time to Buy
Both maintain stable pricing year-round. CeraVe via Amazon Subscribe & Save. The Ordinary uniform $9.90 everywhere.
Create a free account to preview premium reviews
Get 3 free premium previews per week with a free account
Research-backed product recommendations
Transparent methodology and citations
No ads or affiliate influence
Already have an account? Log in
Independent Research
No sponsored placements. Data-driven verdicts.
1,000+ data points
Updated February 6, 2026
R
R3 Research Team
•Evidence-Based Review BoardOur multidisciplinary team of researchers, parents, and medical advisors dedicated to finding the safest products for your family.
Explore More Comparisons
Find the perfect product with our research-backed head-to-head showdowns.
