La Roche Posay Hyalu B5 Serum vs The Ordinary

Famed for their transformative skincare products packed with efficacious actives, both La Roche-Posay and The Ordinary are more than worthy of occupying some shelf space in your bathroom.

Come with us as we compare their best-selling hyaluronic acid serums side-by-side to help you decide which is best for you and your skincare routine. Enjoy!

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La Roche Posay Hyalu B5 Serum vs The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Let’s start with a brief background of these brands. La Roche-Posay originated in France, in the town named... La Roche-Posay!

Located in the town is a thermal spring that produces antioxidant and mineral rich water. The water from this spring is used in *all* the brand's products.

The Ordinary was founded by Deciem CEO Brandon Truaxe back in 2013 and has gone from strength to strength ever since, as you will have gathered if you've spent any time at all on socials.

For this particular review, we'll be comparing the La Roche Posay Hyalu B5 Serum vs The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5.

Both La Roche Posay’s Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum and The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid Serum contain two types of hyaluronic acid; one with a low molecular weight, and the other with a high molecular weight.

This is to ensure thorough penetration for all layers of the skin to be effectively hydrated and plumped. This isn't the only core similarity, though, as they both also contain vitamin B5. Vitamin B5 is known for its reparative and restorative qualities.

Whilst they have similarities with their key ingredients, they differ more and more as we go down the ingredients list. La Roche Posay Hyalu B5 hyaluronic acid serum notably also contains madecassoside. Madecassoside has collagen stimulating properties.

Whereas The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid Serum doesn’t include any other active ingredients (unless you count panthenol - a fantastic moisturizing ingredient - but both serums actually include this).

So with all of that ingredient information in mind, it’s no surprise that both of these products have been designed for 'all skin types'. Yet, The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid is better suited to those with dehydrated skin and La Roche Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum is best for those who are noticing the signs of ageing.

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid Serum is alcohol free, oil free, silicone free, nut free, vegan, gluten free and cruelty free. It has a thick and sticky consistency without a fragrance. La Roche Posay’s Hyalu B5 is allergy tested and non comedogenic with a water-like consistency with a slight fragrance.

Let’s talk about clinical studies. La Roche Posay Hyalu B5 serum boasts that after four hours of use, elasticity and firmness is improved by 20% and skin is 70% more hydrated. After one month of use 87% of users said skin had more elasticity and a more even skin tone. 71% of users said wrinkles were reduced.

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid Serum clinical study results say hydration is improved after one week, with results sustained after four weeks. Also after four weeks, this serum strengthens the skin barrier, leaves skin smoother and more supple and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles are reduced.

Lastly, the only major difference - the price. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid Serum (30ml) retails for ~$9 and La Roche Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum (30ml) retails for a whopping ~$34.

Why such a big difference in price, when the products are relatively similar? As a brand, The Ordinary have decided to ditch unnecessary ingredients. They focus on quality ingredients that work. Which, according to the company, means they can sell their products much cheaper than others on the market.

Comparatively, La Roche Posay incorporates water from the springs and other useful ingredients into their products meaning they can be used for a variety of skin concerns, therefore costing that little bit extra.

So, when it comes to choosing between the two, the decision is relatively simple. If you're looking for a no-fuss, no-fluff hyaluronic acid serum, then The Ordinary is for you. If you're looking for a hyaluronic acid serum that goes above-and-beyond and delivers that little bit extra, then La Roche-Posay has your name on it.