If you’re looking for a face serum that will give you an extra dose of hydration, you’ve probably narrowed your search down to two main contenders: The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 and Hada Labo Tokyo’s Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Lotion. Both of these products have their fans, but which one is right for you?

To help you make your decision, we’ve put together an in-depth comparison of these two hydrating serums. We’ll cover everything from ingredients to price, so you can decide which one is the best investment for your skincare routine.

The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is a lightweight serum that’s designed to hydrate the skin and help reduce the appearance of fine lines. It’s made with hyaluronic acid, which is a type of molecule that can hold 1000 times its weight in water. This makes it an ideal ingredient for a face serum, as it can help to keep the skin hydrated for longer.

The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 also contains vitamin B5, which is an essential vitamin for the skin. Vitamin B5 helps to soothe and repair the skin, and it can also help to reduce the appearance of scars.

The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is suitable for all skin types, and it’s free from parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. It’s also vegan and cruelty-free.

Hada Labo Tokyo’s Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Lotion

Hada Labo Tokyo’s Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Lotion is a lightweight, water-based serum that’s designed to hydrate the skin and help reduce the appearance of fine lines. It’s made with three different types of hyaluronic acid, which helps to lock in moisture and keep the skin hydrated for longer.

Hada Labo Tokyo’s Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Lotion also contains glycerin, which is a type of ingredient that helps to keep the skin hydrated. Glycerin is a humectant, which means that it helps to attract and retain moisture in the skin.

Hada Labo Tokyo’s Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Lotion is suitable for all skin types, and it’s free from parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. It’s also vegan and cruelty-free.

Ingredients

The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 contains the following ingredients:

Water (Aqua), Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethoxydiglycol, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol.

Hada Labo Tokyo’s Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Lotion contains the following ingredients:

Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, PPG-10 Methyl Glucose Ether, Disodium Succinate, Sodium Chloride, Methylparaben, Sodium Methylparaben, Sodium Propylparaben, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate.

Price

The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 retails for $6.80 for 30ml, while Hada Labo Tokyo’s Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Lotion retails for $17.99 for 170ml. This means that The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is more affordable, as you’re paying $0.23 per ml, while Hada Labo Tokyo’s Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Lotion is more expensive, as you’re paying $0.11 per ml.

Texture and Consistency

The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 has a watery consistency, while Hada Labo Tokyo’s Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Lotion has a slightly thicker consistency.

Both of these serums are lightweight and easy to apply, but The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is more suited to those with oily skin, as it’s less likely to cause breakouts. Hada Labo Tokyo’s Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Lotion is more suited to those with dry skin, as it’s more hydrating.

Scent

The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is scentless, while Hada Labo Tokyo’s Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Lotion has a light, floral scent.

Packaging

The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 comes in a glass bottle with a dropper applicator, while Hada Labo Tokyo’s Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Lotion comes in a plastic bottle with a pump applicator.

The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is more hygienic, as you’re less likely to contaminate the serum with bacteria. However, Hada Labo Tokyo’s Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Lotion is more convenient, as it’s easier to apply.

Effectiveness

Both of these serums are effective at hydrating the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines. However, Hada Labo Tokyo’s Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Lotion is more hydrating, as it contains three different types of hyaluronic acid, while The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 only contains one type of hyaluronic acid.

Hada Labo Tokyo’s Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Lotion is also more likely to cause breakouts, as it contains glycerin, which is a type of ingredient that can clog pores.

Conclusion

The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is a more affordable option that’s suitable for all skin types, but it’s less hydrating than Hada Labo Tokyo’s Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Lotion. Hada Labo Tokyo’s Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Lotion is more expensive and more likely to cause breakouts, but it’s more hydrating and better suited to those with dry skin.