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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 versus Balance Active Formula Niacinamide Blemish Recovery Serum .

Last updated on February 16, 2024. Published on August 30, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 4 ingredients in common

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin and sensitive skin

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, parabens, silicones or sulfates

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.

Facial Treatment Canadian Brand Canada
Serum British Brand United Kingdom

Facial Treatment

Facial treatments are specially designed to treat a skin concern. Acne treatments and anti-aging products are common examples of facial treatments.

Serum

Serums are highly concentrated with ingredients to provide skin with benefits. They should be used after cleansing and before moisturizing.

Price

Shop

Buy Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

Starts at $8.90
Shop

Buy Niacinamide Blemish Recovery Serum

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Benefits

Hydrating
Reduces Irritation
Brightening

Concerns

Irritating

Notable Ingredients

Niacinamide

Benefits

Hydrating
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing (2)
Reduces Irritation (2)
Reduces Large Pores
Dark Spots
Acne Fighting
Brightening

Concerns

Eczema
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Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

1
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.

You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 contains this as ingredient number 1.

Balance Active Formula Niacinamide Blemish Recovery Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Panthenol (also referred to as pro-vitamin B5) is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin.

lt is a humectant, meaning that it helps the skin attract and retain moisture.

Another benefit is the anti-inflammatory abilities. This means that it's great for sensitive, irritation-prone skin.

Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.

Learn more about Panthenol

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 contains this as ingredient number 6.

Balance Active Formula Niacinamide Blemish Recovery Serum contains this as ingredient number 8.

3
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.

It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 contains this as ingredient number 16.

Balance Active Formula Niacinamide Blemish Recovery Serum contains this as ingredient number 6.

4
What it does: Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.

It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.

Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.

This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.

Learn more about Caprylyl Glycol

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 contains this as ingredient number 17.

Balance Active Formula Niacinamide Blemish Recovery Serum contains this as ingredient number 10.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

47% are loved or liked
29% have mixed ratings
24% are disliked or very disliked
0% have no rating yet
38% are loved or liked
15% have mixed ratings
46% are disliked or very disliked
0% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

When to use

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Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 17 ingredients

4.3 /5
from 3 ratings

Balance Active Formula Niacinamide Blemish Recovery Serum 13 ingredients

Niacinamide Blemish Recovery Serum hasn't been rated yet.
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Alternatives

We haven't detected any alternatives for The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5.

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