Where to purchase: Available from The Ordinary Website: LINK / Stylevana: LINK / Sephora: LINK / Cult Beauty: LINK
Price: £6.90
Volume: 30ml
Made in: Amsterdam
What is it + What does it do?: A Lightweight Hydrating Serum containing (23% Active Ingredients): Marine Hyaluronics (Marine Bacteria, Hawaiian red algae and Antarctic Marine sources + Amino Acids, to attract water into the skin, hold it and condition the skin. This mainly aims to tackle dryness.
Supposedly Good for: Oily, Combo + Dehydrated Skins
What I think: I agree! I don’t think Dry Skins would enjoy this as much (too thin).
Vegan?: Yes
Of note: All the marine derivatives are sourced sustainably.
pH: 4 – 5
Cruelty Free?: Yes
Packaging: Glass Bottle with a Dropper
Directions: Apple a few drops to the face in the AM and PM before creams (From the Deciem Website).
How I use it: Due to how impeccably thin and lightweight this is, I can wear it in the AM and/or PM. 3-4 Drops covers both he face and neck but because this dries up/absorbs so quickly, there’s little time to spread this so I apply drop-by-drop onto the skin. I can use this as an essence / ampoule too (replaces that step).
Key Ingredients: The Marine Hyaluronics in question are: Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract (Moisturiser + Humectant that is hydrating and protects the skin from redness + dryness) and Algae Extract (Moisturiser + Humectant that draws water into the skin and potentially helps smooth the skin) + Red Marine Algae (Skin protecting + hydrating). These attract water into the skin just like Hyaluronic Acid does.
Salicylic Acid (Anti-Acne + Exfoliant): This BHA is Oil-Soluble and exfoliates within the pores to reduce excess sebum production and reduce the look of blackheads) / Arginine (Natural Moisturising Factor + Helps speed up wound healing).
Hydrating Amino Acids (Hydrate and support the health of the skin): Alanine (Alanine (Hydrating) / Serine (Moisturising) / Histidine (Moisturising + Skin-protecting) / Isoleucine (Repairing + Moisturising) / Proline (Improve wrinkles) /Aspartic Acid (Hydrating) / Valine (Hydrating) / Threonine (Hydrating) / Glycine (Moisturiser, Wrinkle Care + Wound Healing).
Other Hydrating Ingredients are: Pca, Sodium PICA + Sodium Lactate (Hydrating – draws water into the skin).
Full Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Algae Extract, Pseudoalteromonas Exopolysaccharides, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Ahnfeltia Concinna Extract, Arginine, Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Valine, Isoleucine, Proline, Threonine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Aspartic Acid, Pca, Sodium Pca, Sodium Lactate, Salicylic Acid, Citric Acid, Propanediol, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Ethoxydiglycol, Polysorbate 20, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Salicylate, Sodium Benzoate, Hexylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol.
NOTE: The Incidecoder have a full ingredient breakdown HERE
Texture: Lightweight, watery serum (almost like an essence). It’s very similar in texture and weight to The Ordinry’s Argireline Solution or the Wishtrend Hydra Ampoule. When applying this and letting it dry in- it gives a ”cooling” sensation to the skin while absorbing! It basically feels like a lighter-than-water essence that absorbs quickly into the skin. This definitely feels hydrating and it’s great that it doesn’t take ages to dry down.
Sticky?: No.
Greasy Finish?: No.
Does this ball up?: No.
- As you can see, this is a lightweight, transparent liquid that will not hold its shape, it immediately wants to run down the hand and starts absorbing into the skin immediately.
- Hopefully you can see how lightweight this is and how it is absorbing already (so quick!)
Comparison – No Product on the Left VS Product on the Right
Stings if the skin is irritated/sensitised?: Yes
Layerable?: Yes
Summer or Winter?: Summer for all Skin Types (Oily skins can use in the winter)
Video Swatch:
- As you can see, this has a very lightweight and fast-absorbing formula
Fragrance?: No Fragrance + EO (Doesn’t smell of anything either)
Good Under Makeup?: Yes
How long have I been using this?: 3 Months
Will I finish using this?: Yes!
The Effect?: Hydrated skin. This isn’t overwhelmingly moisturising, the main goal is hydration which this does well.
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What I like:
- Fragrance + EO Free
- Not Sticky or Tacky
- Layerable
- Didn’t irritate my skin
- Hydrating
- Lightweight
- Fast-absorbing
- Can be used in the summer
What I don’t like:
- Very thin (Might not be Hydrating / Moisturising enough for some) – Can’t just wear on its own
Overall Rating and Conclusion: 4/5 – This is basically an extremely lightweight (almost a solution) serum that is excellent for oily skins and those living in hot and humid weathers. If you’re downsizing your routine, this could be used in place of an essence + ampoule and even a toner. It’s hydrating and I don’t experience balling up or layering issues. Simple, gentle, effective and so light! It does little more than absorb very quickly and hydrate, and those with skin issues such as pigmentation or dry skins may prefer a different product, but I’ve enjoyed the simplicity!
Would I repurchase?: Yes! It’s a good Hyaluronic Acid serum without the stickiness/tackiness of the regular Ordinary (and other) Hyaluronic Acid Serums.
Dupe?: The By Wishtrend Hydra Enriched Ampoule LINK. It has a very similar texture. Also the Good Molecules Hydra Essence LINK is also a good dupe. All three products are hydrating and equally lightweight. If you would prefer a multi-hyaluronic acid, thicker product, then the Hada Labo Premium Lotion might be better: Review.
My Skin Type: I am acne prone and have slightly dehydrated combo skin. My skin is usually tight where the cheeks and eye area is and the outer parts of my face. My T zone is oily. My skin isn’t a fan of thick/heavy formulas so I opt for lightweight formulas to prevent it from clogging up. My skin doesn’t like essential oils either and I try to avoid fragrance when I can.
Disclaimer: I am a skincare enthusiast and not a skin expert. I am not qualified to give out dermatological advice. This type of advice should only be given by a medical practitioner. Upon trying / using any of the reviewed products on the blog, please follow the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings and please seek medical advice if needed.
My Skincare Regime 