Head to head

Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum vs The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides)

Same comparison whichever way you searched it: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) vs Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum.

The bottom line

Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum does more across the board (it leads on barrier repair, brightening / tone, oil-control & blemishes), while The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) is the simpler, more pared-back pick.

Reach for Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum if you want the actives; The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) if you want fewer ingredients doing less, gently.

AnuaNiacinamide 10% + TXA 4% SerumSerum · ~€20See every ingredient in Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum, decoded
The OrdinaryHyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides)Serum · ~€10See every ingredient in Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides), decoded

Which should you pick?

Pick Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum if

  • dark spots, dullness or an uneven tone are your focus
  • you are dealing with breakouts and oiliness

Pick Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) if

  • you want the more affordable option

What each delivers

HydrationBarrierBrighteningOil-controlAnti-aging
Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% SerumHyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides)
  • Hydration
    1010
  • Barrier repair
    108
  • Brightening / tone
    93
  • Oil-control & blemishes
    83
  • Anti-aging
    63

Side by side

Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% SerumHyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides)
TypeSerumSerum
Key activesGlycerin, Niacinamide 10%, Ceramide 3Glycerin, Hyaluronic acid 2%, Crosslinked sodium HA
TextureA light, fast-absorbing texture that layers cleanly under the rest of your routine, with no greasy film.A light, fast-absorbing texture that layers cleanly under the rest of your routine, with no greasy film.
FragranceNone detectedNone detected
Fungal-acne safeNot likelyNot likely
PregnancyNo flagged activesNo flagged actives
Ingredients51 listed23 listed
Price~€20~€10

What's in one but not the other

Only in Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum

Only in Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides)

The molecule doing the work

Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% SerumGlycerin
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides)Glycerin

Better for…

  • Dark spots & uneven toneNiacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
  • Fine lines & firmnessNiacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
  • Breakouts & congestionNiacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
  • Dryness & dehydrationEither works

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) is the cheaper of the two (~€10 vs ~€20).

Ready to pick one?

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Common questions

Is Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum or The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) better for dark spots & uneven tone?

For dark spots & uneven tone, Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum is the stronger pick by our read of the two formulas. Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum does more across the board (it leads on barrier repair, brightening / tone, oil-control & blemishes), while The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) is the simpler, more pared-back pick. Reach for Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum if you want the actives; The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) if you want fewer ingredients doing less, gently.

Which is cheaper, Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum or The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides)?

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) is the cheaper of the two (~€10 vs ~€20).

Can I use Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum and The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) together?

They are both serums, so you would normally pick one rather than layer both in the same step. You can keep both and alternate them (morning and night, or on different days) if you like variety, but you do not need two.

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