Head to head

La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Suractivated Serum 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 La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Suractivated Serum.

The bottom line

La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Suractivated Serum and The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% are close on what they deliver, so it comes down to your skin: The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% is the kinder pick for sensitive or reactive skin since it is fragrance-free.

Hyalu B5 Suractivated SerumSerum · ~$40
Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%Serum · ~€6

Which should you pick?

Pick Hyalu B5 Suractivated Serum if

  • plump, lasting hydration is what you want
  • you want more actives working at once

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

  • dark spots, dullness or an uneven tone are your focus
  • your skin is sensitive or reacts to fragrance
  • you want the more affordable option

What each delivers

HydrationBarrierBrighteningOil-controlAnti-aging
Hyalu B5 Suractivated SerumVitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%
  • Hydration
    108
  • Barrier repair
    87
  • Brightening / tone
    310
  • Oil-control & blemishes
    33
  • Anti-aging
    77

Side by side

Hyalu B5 Suractivated SerumVitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%
TypeSerumSerum
Key activesGlycerin, Pro-vitamin B5, Hyaluronic acidVitamin 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.
FragranceContains fragranceNone detected
Fungal-acne safeNot likelyNot likely
PregnancyNo flagged activesNo flagged actives
Ingredients32 listed15 listed
Price~$40~€6

What's in one but not the other

The molecule doing the work

Hyalu B5 Suractivated SerumGlycerin
Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%Vitamin C (LAA)

Better for…

  • Dark spots & uneven toneVitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%
  • Fine lines & firmnessEither works
  • Dryness & dehydrationHyalu B5 Suractivated Serum
  • Sensitive, reactive skinVitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%

The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% is the cheaper of the two (~€6 vs ~$40).

Ready to pick one?

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Common questions

Is La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Suractivated Serum 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. La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Suractivated Serum and The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% are close on what they deliver, so it comes down to your skin: The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% is the kinder pick for sensitive or reactive skin since it is fragrance-free.

Which is cheaper, La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Suractivated Serum 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 ~$40).

Can I use La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Suractivated Serum 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.

More comparisons

Chemical structure of GlycerinChemical structure of Vitamin C (LAA)