The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

If you have been paying $20 or more for a hyaluronic acid serum, I have good news and bad news. The good news: The Ordinary's Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 with Ceramides delivers five forms of HA plus ceramides for $9.90. The bad news: you have been overpaying.

This reformulated serum is our Budget Pick because it proves that exceptional skincare does not require a luxury price tag — and it does so with one of the cleanest ingredient profiles in the category.

At $9.90/oz with an EWG score of 2, five forms of HA at 2% concentration, certified cruelty-free and vegan, pregnancy-safe, teen-safe, and suitable for all skin types — this serum delivers more for less than products costing two to three times as much. The reformulated texture fixed the original's biggest flaw (stickiness), and the addition of ceramides elevated it from a good hydrator to a genuine barrier-support serum.

• EWG Skin Deep Database: Overall score 2
• The Ordinary clinical trial data: Progressive improvement at 1, 2, and 4 weeks
• Amazon reviews (58,000+), Ulta reviews (1,261)
• ACOG pregnancy skincare guidelines: Confirmed pregnancy safety
• DECIEM product page and clinical research documentation

If you have been paying $20 or more for a hyaluronic acid serum, I have good news and bad news. The good news: The Ordinary's Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 with Ceramides delivers five forms of HA plus ceramides for $9.90. The bad news: you have been overpaying.

This reformulated serum is our Budget Pick because it proves that exceptional skincare does not require a luxury price tag — and it does so with one of the cleanest ingredient profiles in the category.

At $9.90/oz with an EWG score of 2, five forms of HA at 2% concentration, certified cruelty-free and vegan, pregnancy-safe, teen-safe, and suitable for all skin types — this serum delivers more for less than products costing two to three times as much. The reformulated texture fixed the original's biggest flaw (stickiness), and the addition of ceramides elevated it from a good hydrator to a genuine barrier-support serum.

• EWG Skin Deep Database: Overall score 2
• The Ordinary clinical trial data: Progressive improvement at 1, 2, and 4 weeks
• Amazon reviews (58,000+), Ulta reviews (1,261)
• ACOG pregnancy skincare guidelines: Confirmed pregnancy safety
• DECIEM product page and clinical research documentation