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revolution vs the ordinary hyaluronic acid serums dupe

Can’t stand the sticky texture of The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5?

Revolution Skincare 2% Hyaluronic Acid Serum seems like the perfect dupe. It has a similar formula, an almost-identical packaging, and will cost you only 10p more.

But, is it as effective? Let’s find out:

What Ingredients Do These Hyaluronic Acid Serums Have In Common?

HYALURONIC ACID TO HYDRATE SKIN

Hyaluronic Acid is a moisture magnet on steroids. It attracts and binds to the skin up to 1000 times its weight in water!

All that moisture makes your skin super happy: it plumps it up, so fine lines and wrinkles look smaller; it makes it softer to the touch; and it gives it a dewy glow.

Both The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 and Revolution 2% Hyaluronic Acid Serum contain the same 2 forms of Hyaluronic Acid:

  • Sodium Hyaluronate
  • Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer

Sodium Hyaluronate is a salt of Hyaluronic Acid. It has a lower molecular weight than Hyaluronic Acid, so it penetrates skin that little bit better.

Talking about skin penetration, Hyaluronic Acid is a big molecule – too big to penetrate skin. It stays on the surface, hydrating the superficial layers. But, what if you want to hydrate the deeper ones, too?

The Ordinary is using 3  forms of HA with varying molecular weights (low, medium, and high) to reach every skin level. Revolution only mentions they’re using Sodium Hyaluronate. My guess is they’re using the traditional form that doesn’t penetrate skin too deeply.

Sorry, Revolution. The Ordinary wins this one.

Related: Why You Need Hyaluronic Acid In Skincare, No Matter Your Skin Type

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GLYCERIN TO HYDRATE SKIN

Glycerin does the same thing as Hyaluronic Acid, but on a smaller scale.

It’s a wonderful humectant: that’s a fancy way of saying it draws moisture from the air and locks it into your skin. Once there, this extra moisture softens, plumps, and brightens your skin.

That’s the base you want to build the rest of your skincare routine on.

Related: The Complete Guide To Glycerin In Skincare

What Else Is In These Hyaluronic Acid Serums?

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 also contains Panthenol (the B5 in the name), another moisture-magnet with soothing properties. It moisturises skin, helps repair the skin’s protective barrier and even calms down irritations.

Revolution Skincare 2% Hyaluronic Acid Serum doesn’t contain any extras. It has fewer ingredients, so if you have sensitive skin, there’s less chance of an irritation.

Related: Is Panthenol The Best Head To Toe Moisturiser?

What’s The Texture Like?

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 has a sticky texture. There’s no way around that.

Revolution 2% Hyaluronic Acid Serum is less sticky and has the best texture out of the two.

What’s The Packaging Like?

They both come in white bottles with a dropper applicator for ease of use.

How To Use Them

Morning and/or evening, right before moisturiser. If you’re using other serums (for example, retinol or Vitamin C), use those first.

Which Of The Two Should You Go For?

Availability

Revolution Skincare 2% Hyaluronic Acid Serum ($10.00/£6.00): Available at Asos, Beauty Bay, Feel Unique, and Ulta

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 ($6.80/£5.90): Available at Beauty Bay, Cult Beauty, Escentual, Feel Unique, and Sephora

Is Revolution Skincare 2% Hyaluronic Acid Serum A Dupe For The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5?

Revolution Skincare 2% Hyaluronic Acid isn’t an exact dupe for The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5. It’s a more basic version of it. But, it has a better texture.

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Ingredients

Aqua (Water), Sodium Hyaluronate, Pentylene Glycol, Propanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Panthenol, Ahnfeltia Concinna Extract, Glycerin, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Citric Acid, Isoceteth-20, Ethoxydiglycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol.

Revolution Skincare 2% Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Aqua/Water/Eau, Propanediol, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Disodium Edta, Pentylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin.

About Gio

Hi, I'm Gio. I'm a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is skin coach and writer on a mission to help you achieve your best skin day ever - every day. I bust skincare myths and debunk marketing jargon to help you figure out what's worth the splurge and what's best left on the shelf - using science, not hype. I also offer skincare consultations to help you create the best skincare routine for your unique needs.