Choosing the right serum for your skin in the skincare world can be tricky and a bit overwhelming, especially as you are faced with so many options. As in this opportunity, we’re putting two popular products under the microscope: Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum and The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5. Both of these serums contain hyaluronic acid as the star ingredient, known for its ability to retain skin moisture and elasticity. However, not all hyaluronic acid serums are created equal. That’s why, this article tries to compare these two skincare heavyweights to help you to be more well-informed before possibly making an informed decision to purchase either of these two. Stay tuned and keep reading to have more insights about which product may suit your preference better.
We will talk about the following:
- What are Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum and The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5?
- What are the ingredients of Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum and The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5?
- How are the textures of Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum and The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5?
- How is the ideal usage of Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum and The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5?
- What are the price differences between Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum and The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5?
- Which one to buy?
| Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum | The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 1.6 x 2.5 x 4.2 inches | 3.94 x 3.94 x 3.94 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 1 Ounces | 1.1 Ounces |
About Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum and The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Dr. Barbara Sturm and The Ordinary are two skincare brands that have significantly impacted the beauty industry, each with their unique approach. Dr. Barbara Sturm is a luxury skincare line known for its high-quality ingredients and innovative formulations. The brand is based in Düsseldorf, Germany, and was launched in 2014 by Dr. Sturm who is an orthopedic surgeon turned skin specialist. The brand’s philosophy revolves around the power of clean science combined with effective, natural ingredients.
The brand’s Hyaluronic Serum is a cult favorite, praised for its hydrating properties and its ability to improve skin texture. This serum is considered the most fundamental creation in Dr. Barbara Sturm’s skincare line, packed with an optimal concentration of low and high-weighted Hyaluronic Molecules that provide instant hydration at the surface and deeper skin layers.
On the other hand, The Ordinary came to the skincare industry with its unconventional approach. The brand focuses on transparency, simplicity, and affordability, offering many budget-friendly products. Each of The Ordinary’s skincare formulations is simple, including one or two actives, and leaving out additives, fillers, fragrances, and dyes.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is one of The Ordinary’s popular products, it is a hydrating serum that contains 2% hyaluronic acid (the key molecule involved in skin moisture) and vitamin B5 (a water-soluble acid or gentle antioxidant that helps to keep skin soft, smooth, and healthy). This makes it provides intense hydration to the skin and helps to retain moisture, ideal for dry skin.
When comparing the two products, both aim to provide hydration and improve skin texture. However, they also differ in some aspects such as their formulation approach and price point. Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Hyaluronic Serum is often described as a non-aggressive high-end skincare product that nourishes the skin, while The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is often praised for its affordability and simplicity. Let’s compare them in more detail.
Ingredients of Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum and The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Two main players in Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Hyaluronic Serum are Hyaluronic Acid, which is a water-binding molecule that deeply hydrates, plumps, and improves the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and also Purslane Extract, an antioxidant that provides soothing, protective, and moisturizing benefits.
As implied before, this serum is packed with an optimal concentration of low and high-weighted Hyaluronic Molecules, it provides instant hydration at the surface and deeper skin layers. The low molecular weight of Hyaluronic Acid penetrates deeper skin layers, leaving skin feeling firmer, refreshed, and visibly more radiant in the long term. White the high-weight Hyaluronic Molecules provide immediate intensive hydration to the surface layers of the skin.
Just like its name, hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 play a leading role in The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5. The ingredients contain sodium hyaluronate, the salt form (sodium salt) of hyaluronic acid that helps the skin retain moisture by binding water to the skin, sodium hyaluronate crosspoylmer to bind five times more water than regular hyaluronic acid, panthenol that attracts water to the skin and helps it retain moisture, Ahnfeltia Concinna Extract to stimulate circulation, glycerin to retain moisture and support a healthy skin barrier, as well as Vitamin B5 that enhances surface hydration.
Textures of Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum and The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum has a clear, viscous texture or consistency. It applies like a light syrup, making it lightweight and easy to spread on the skin. Some users also say it feels refreshing and smooth on the skin, sinking in and being absorbed almost instantly without any greasy residue. It leaves the skin feeling super hydrated and more plump right away. Furthermore, it’s also odorless and unscented to avoid skin irritation.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is a hydrating serum, so it has a watery texture and is easier to apply. The light, liquid, scentless, and water-based formula allows the essence to glide effortlessly onto the skin, gets absorbed quickly, and leaves no residue at all. After application, the skin will feel fresher and hydrated without any heaviness.
Ideal Usage of Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum and The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum and The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 are both popular skincare products that contain hyaluronic acid, a powerful hydrating ingredient. However, they differ in several ways when it comes to their performance and also ideal usage.
Firstly, Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum is a high-end product that contains a concentrated balance of low and high molecularly weighted Hyaluronic Acid. It is packed full of highly concentrated long- and short-chain hyaluronic molecules that provide intensive hydration.
To use this serum, you should squeeze a full pipette in the palm of your hand and apply it evenly to your face, eye area, and neck before gently patting it. This serum is suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin and can help improve dullness. There is also a notice from Dr. Barbara Sturm herself that this serum is also recommended to be stored in the fridge to make it more of a refreshing burst of cooling hydration.
On the other hand, The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is a more affordable option that combines low-, medium-, and high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid molecules and a next-generation HA crosspolymer to support hydration to multiple layers of your skin. It also uses pro-vitamin B5 to enhance hydration at the outer layers, resulting in smoother, plumper skin.
This serum is ideally used as a core part of both your morning and evening routines. Apply a few drops onto damp skin after cleansing and before heavier creams to maximize its hydrating effects. Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 can also be mixed with other serums or moisturizers for enhanced hydration, or applied before other serums and moisturizers to help lock in moisture. The benefit is suited to all skin types and specifically targets dryness.
Price Differences between Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum and The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
On the market, Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum is priced at approximately $102 for the 10ml size, $307-$320 for the 30ml size, and around $753 for the 100ml. Meanwhile, The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is priced at around $7-$9 for a 30ml size. This makes Dr. Barbara Sturm’s significantly more expensive than The Ordinary.
The price difference can be attributed to several factors, including the brand’s positioning, formulation complexity, and ingredient quality. Dr. Barbara Sturm is a high-end brand known for its innovative skincare formulas, while The Ordinary is a budget-friendly brand that focuses on simple, effective ingredients. However, remember that a higher price doesn’t necessarily mean better effectiveness overall.
| Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum | The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Features | - The HYALURONIC SERUM is the most fundamental creation in Dr. Barbara Sturm’s skincare line. Packed with an optimal concentration of low and high weighted Hyaluronic Molecules, it provides instant hydration at the surface and deeper skin layers. - The low molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid penetrates deeper skin layers, leaving skin feeling firmer, refreshed and visibly more radiant for the long term. - High weight Hyaluronic Molecules provide immediate intensive hydration to the surface layers of the skin. | - Deep Hydration: This potent blend of hyaluronic acid (HA) molecules of varying sizes attracts and retains moisture at multiple levels of the skin, leaving it plump and dewy. - Vegan and Cruelty-Free: Ethically produced and aligns with environmental values. - Soothes and Calms: B5 has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe irritation and redness, making it suitable for sensitive skin. |
Conclusion
In summary, when comparing Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum and The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, it comes down to luxury versus affordability. Dr. Barbara Sturm offers a high-end serum with potent hydration and exclusive ingredients, ideal for those seeking premium skincare. Meanwhile, The Ordinary provides a budget-friendly option with effective hydration suitable for daily use.
If you are still confused about which one to choose, try to consider your skin type, budget, and skincare goals to determine which serum best fits your needs. Ultimately, both products aim to leave your skin hydrated, plump, and refreshed, offering options for different preferences and budgets.