Head to head

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation) vs The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%

Same comparison whichever way you searched it: The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% vs The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation).

The bottom line

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation) and The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% land in much the same place on performance, so value decides it: The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% does the same job for less.

The OrdinaryHyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation)Serum · ~€8See every ingredient in Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation), decoded
The OrdinaryVitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%Serum · ~€6See every ingredient in Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%, decoded

Which should you pick?

Pick Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation) if

  • plump, lasting hydration is what you want
  • you are prone to fungal acne (malassezia)
  • you prefer a simpler, more minimal formula

Pick Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% if

  • dark spots, dullness or an uneven tone are your focus
  • fine lines and firmness are the goal
  • you want the more affordable option

What each delivers

HydrationBarrierBrighteningOil-controlAnti-aging
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation)Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%
  • Hydration
    108
  • Barrier repair
    87
  • Brightening / tone
    310
  • Oil-control & blemishes
    33
  • Anti-aging
    27

Side by side

Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation)Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%
TypeSerumSerum
Key activesGlycerin, Hyaluronic acid 2%, Crosslinked sodium HAVitamin C (LAA), Squalane, Isononyl Isononanoate
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 safeLikelyNot likely
PregnancyNo flagged activesNo flagged actives
Ingredients17 listed15 listed
Price~€8~€6

What's in one but not the other

Only in Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation)

Both share

The molecule doing the work

Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation)Glycerin
Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%Vitamin C (LAA)

Better for…

  • Dark spots & uneven toneVitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%
  • Fine lines & firmnessVitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%
  • Dryness & dehydrationHyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation)

The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% is the cheaper of the two (~€6 vs ~€8).

Ready to pick one?

Affiliate links, so a purchase sends us a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, Glow Simplified earns from qualifying purchases. We make and sell nothing here, so the verdict above never bends toward a sale.

Common questions

Is The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation) or The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% better for dark spots & uneven tone?

For dark spots & uneven tone, The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% is the stronger pick by our read of the two formulas. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation) and The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% land in much the same place on performance, so value decides it: The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% does the same job for less.

Which is cheaper, The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation) or The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%?

The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% is the cheaper of the two (~€6 vs ~€8).

Can I use The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation) and The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% 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.

Compare it with…

All 38 comparisons