Shoppers Swear This $10 Serum Beats High-End Hydrators

Who else has been victimized by pricey serums that didn’t do much to improve their skin? According to a recent survey of more than 600 NewBeauty readers,* affordable yet effective formulas do exist—and The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is proof. Named a favorite by countless readers, the $10 lightweight serum layers easily under any routine, pulls moisture into the skin and delivers that plump, hydrated look without heaviness.

What the Reviews Say

Echoing its ability to weightlessly hydrate, a 40‑year‑old reader said the affordable serum leaves her face “plump [and] hydrated after application without feeling heavy.”

Fans also repeatedly mention how much value they get from every bottle. One 61‑year‑old put it simply: “Easy to use, replaces multiple products, and is inexpensive. What’s not to love?” Another added: “Cheap yet effective.” The affordability also plays into how generously people use it—a 59‑year‑old called it a “great little workhorse” that smooths fine lines “on the cheap,” noting that they stash bottles everywhere. Many reviewers also say it makes makeup apply more smoothly; a 54‑year‑old shared that they’ve seen fewer fine lines around the eyes and better overall application.

Longtime hyaluronic‑acid users say this one performs exactly the way a great HA should: boosting moisture levels and preventing dryness in every season. A 63‑year‑old reviewer shared that they use it every morning before other serums or moisturizer because it “keeps away any dry patches in the winter,” and in the summer, “it is often all I need.”

Full-Body Formula

Reviewers also love that the price point makes it easy to use beyond the face. That same 63‑year‑old adds it to hand cream and foot lotion to keep skin from becoming rough or dry. Others echo the all‑over benefits—a 64‑year‑old said it gives their skin a “bright dewy look,” smooths texture and reduces discoloration, and that they’ve even added it to their body‑care routine because “the price is so good.”

Across reviews, the theme is the same: great price, great performance. A 61‑year‑old said: “I think it is a great price and a great product. I use it daily!” And a 60‑year‑old loved how it made their skin “glow, look bouncy and youthful.” A 57‑year‑old summed it up well: “Price point is good and [I] feel it helps with retaining moisture.”

BUY ON SEPHORA – $10

BUY ON ULTA – $10

What’s Inside

The formula itself is simple but smart: four types of hyaluronic acid (including a next‑gen crosspolymer) draw moisture into multiple layers of the skin for a smoother, bouncier look, while pro‑vitamin B5 helps strengthen the moisture barrier so hydration actually lasts. Together, they create a rich, cushiony serum that boosts moisture instantly. 

The Bottom Line

Between the accessible price, lightweight hydration and visible smoothing benefits, shoppers say The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is the kind of staple that’s easy to use every day—and easy to repurchase.

*Source: BeautyEngine Advanced Research, 2025