The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics VS. Hyaluronic Acid
If there’s any singular quality that everyone should be looking for in their skincare products, it’s hydration.
Finding a nourishing, deeply moisturizing product or two to incorporate into your AM and PM routines can work wonders for all skin types, including oily, combination, and acne-prone skin.
There are numerous products available, and they come from a wide range of brands. One of the most popular lines out there is The Ordinary.
It’s among the most affordable “luxury” brands of skincare, and it has no shortage of hydrating products, including its Marine Hyaluronics Serum and Hyaluronic Acid Serum.
So, what’s the difference between marine hyaluronics vs hyaluronic acid?
Both The Ordinary’s Marine Hyaluronics Serum and Hyaluronic Acid Serum work wonders when it comes to aiding the skin in retaining moisture, though they approach this in different ways. They differ in ingredients, especially their hero ingredients, though they are similar in
For those torn between the two products and seeking additional guidance in making a final decision, we’ll break down each of these serums here. From ingredients, the benefits of each, what skin concerns they’ll remedy, and more!
Qualities We’ll Compare
Upon first glance, both of these serums may appear interchangeable. However, we’ve conducted research to definitively state that they differ in a range of qualities. Today, we’ll be comparing the following areas:
- Ingredients
- Amount In Standard Size
- Affordability
- Benefits
- Which Skin Types Would Benefit Most
- How To Use It
Ready? Let’s dive in.
Ingredients
Marine Hyaluronics
There are 33 total ingredients in the Marine Hyaluronics serum, with water being the first listed ingredient. The primary ingredients that give this serum its hydrating quality are derived from marine water reservoirs.
Exopolysaccharides are extracted from skin-friendly marine bacteria, algae from Hawaii, Antarctic marine reserves, micro-filtered blue and green algae, and barrier-supporting amino acids.
They are sourced directly from compounds that naturally retain water and moisture, helping to strengthen your skin’s natural hydration supply in a natural way.
Despite its name, this serum doesn’t contain any hyaluronic acid; instead, it mimics its properties through entirely marine-derived ingredients.
This serum was formulated without parabens, sulfates, SLS & SLES, and is cruelty-free, gluten-free, vegan, and packaged in recyclable materials. Again, it also doesn’t include any hyaluronic acid.
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum
There are 18 total ingredients in The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid serum, with the first ingredients listed also being water. The primary ingredients that give this serum its moisturizing benefits are a hyaluronic acid crossover and vitamin B5.
Because this serum utilizes both low-, medium-, and high-density hyaluronic acid molecules, as well as an H.A. crosspolymer, your skin will reap the benefits of multi-depth hydration.
Each layer of your skin will be moisturized, and with the aid of vitamin B5 (a substance with properties close to those of Niacinamide), this serum can also even out skin tone and fill in fine lines.
The true star of the show is the next-generation H.A. polymer, which makes the delivery of hyaluronic benefits to the skin even smoother, allowing for quick support of water density and hydration.
This formulation is free of parabens, phthalates, oil, alcohol, silicone, nuts, and gluten. It is also vegan and cruelty-free.
Amount In Standard Size
Marine Hyaluronics
A standard-size purchase of this product will include 1 oz/30 mL of serum in a dropper-style container. This is the only size of the product you can purchase.
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum
A standard-size purchase of this serum will amount to 1 oz (30 mL) of product, but they also offer a value-size version containing 2 oz (60 mL) of product; both versions are packaged in dropper-style containers.
Benefits
Marine Hyaluronics
This water-based treatment is one of the best alternatives to hyaluronic acid on the market, providing a lightweight yet effective way to intensely moisturize and nourish the skin.
Due to the hydrating properties, one can also expect to see a general plumping and softening of the skin.
Fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging will be filled in, the skin’s texture will soften, and dry spots will be hydrated.
You can also expect to see longevity in the way your moisturizer stays on your skin, thanks to its hydrated base.
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum
If hydration is the game, this serum is how you win. Due to the different weights of HA in this treatment, your skin will be nourished from the surface layer to the base of your pores.
This treatment will nourish and moisturize the skin, while the addition of B5 helps clear your complexion and even out your skin tone.
It’s a water-based skin cocktail that targets dry spots, signs of aging, and textural irregularities.
It provides immediate results in terms of hydration, while some long-term benefits include strengthening your skin barrier and achieving more supple, even skin.
Compatible Skin Types
Marine Hyaluronics
It goes without saying that this serum works incredibly well with dry skin types, though it’s marketed for normal, dry, combination, and oily skin.
Due to its lightweight formulation, it’s ideal for sensitive skin types or acne-prone skin. This is also a great option for people who have dealt with adverse reactions to hyaluronic acid serums in the past.
Customer reviews indicate that they appreciate the fact that this serum doesn’t leave the skin greasy or shiny, but rather absorbs quickly with a non-tacky, water-like consistency that leaves all skin types feeling nourished.
Unlike other hydrating serums and products, this treatment also contains trace amounts of citric acid and salicylic acid, which help to exfoliate the skin.
Due to the inclusion of actives, we believe this would be an excellent moisturizing treatment for individuals with combination skin and active acne spots or breakouts.
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum
Additionally, it is worth noting that a high-quality hyaluronic acid serum is essential for individuals with dry skin or those who have dry spots or textured areas.
Despite this, The Ordinary claims that all skin types can benefit from incorporating this serum into their routine.
Unlike the Marine Hyaluronics serum, this treatment is notably thicker and more viscous in texture and feel.
It’s a bit more gel-like in consistency than water-like, even though it is aqua-based, so those who tend to have clogged pores or oily skin may not like the way it sits on their face.
Customer reviews note that this product doesn’t necessarily absorb into the skin like other serums, but it leaves the skin looking and feeling visibly moisturized and glowing.
It leaves skin with a tacky, sticky finish that could serve as the perfect base for a dewy, healthy makeup look.
Also, unlike the previous serum, this HA treatment includes no actives or cell-renewing actives, meaning its true nature and job is to be moisturizing.
If your skin tends to be on the drier side, or you’re unafraid of your skin feeling stickier and heavier, this is the perfect choice for treatment.
How To Use It
Marine Hyaluronics
Prior to use, here are some things to double-check:
- Patch-test the product and wait 24 hours for the results
- Check to ensure the serum is properly sealed
- Ensure you have no broken skin
This serum is applied immediately after cleansing to slightly damp skin and can be used in the morning and evening. Do not use on dry skin, as this may cause your serum to pill and leave your face with an unsavory texture and feel.
Use only a couple of drops on your fingers and gently pat them into your skin before applying any other skincare products. Follow with your favorite moisturizer.
If you notice any redness, irritation, or warmth on your face after use, cleanse your face and cease use.
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum
Just like the Marine Hyaluronics serum, there are some things to double-check prior to using the product for the first time:
- Patch-test the product and wait 24 hours for the results
- Check to ensure the serum is properly sealed
- Ensure you have no broken skin
This serum is also the first step in your cleansing routine and should be applied to slightly damp skin with slightly damp hands.
If used on dry skin, hyaluronic acid can actually dry out your skin further and may also cause pilling. You’ll only need a couple of drops, but work quickly to ensure it doesn’t set in one area. Follow with your favorite moisturizer.
If you notice any adverse results, thoroughly cleanse your face and discontinue use. This serum can be used in the AM and PM.
Summary
Here’s a table to break down all the comparisons we’ve made:
| Marine Hyaluronics | Hyaluronic Acid Serum | |
| Ingredients | 33 ingredients: water, compounds from marine reserves | 18 Ingredients: water, hyaluronic acids of different weights, vitamin B5 |
| Ingredient Callouts | Parabens, sulfates SLS & SLES, cruelty-free, gluten-free, vegan, and is held in recyclable packaging | Parabens, phthalates, oil, alcohol, silicone, nuts, and gluten, vegan and cruelty-free |
| Amount Of Product | 1oz/30mL | Standard: 1oz/30mL Value: 2oz/60mL |
| Benefits | Plumping, softening, anti-aging, acne-fighting | Plumping, softening, nourishing, moisture-barrier strengthening |
| Which Skin Types Benefit | All skin types, especially acne-prone, oily, or combo skin | All skin types, especially dry skin |
| How To Use | Apply a couple of drops on damp skin in AM/PM, use immediately after cleansing as the first step of the routine | Apply a couple of drops on damp skin in AM/PM, use immediately after cleansing as the first step of the routine |
Now that you have gained more insight into both products, you can make a more informed decision on which one is better suited for your skin type, and enjoy nourished, moisturized skin all year round.
