The Ordinary

Amino Acids + B5

SerumBudgetMorning or evening
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A hydrating serum of skin-identical amino acids with provitamin B5 for comfort and surface hydration. A gentle, fragrance-free hydrator that supports a healthy-feeling barrier; pairs well under richer creams.
The verdict

What this is good for

✓ Great forDehydrationSensitivityDryness
The formulation

Ingredient stack

Each ingredient is listed in descending concentration. Above the 1% line the order is regulated — below it, brands can list in any order.

Ingredients above the dashed gold line are dosed above 1% (the regulatory threshold) — these are what the formulation is really built on. Percentages are positional estimates from INCI order unless a brand discloses them.

~50–80%Aqua
~5–25%Glycerin
~3–10%Panthenol
~2–6%Arginine
~1.5–4%Serine
~1–2%3 ingredients
≤ 1% each4 more ingredients below 1%
position-estimated %1% regulatory line
Hero actives

What's actually doing the work

Amino Acids
Skin-Identical NMF
Neutral
A key active in this formula. See the glossary for the full breakdown of how Amino Acids works, the evidence behind it, and how to use it.
Full glossary entry →
Panthenol
Provitamin B5
Vitamin
Provitamin B5. A humectant and soothing agent that supports barrier repair and reduces the look of redness and irritation; reliably gentle.
Full glossary entry →
When to use

Routine placement

Morning or evening
Cheaper alternatives

Looking for a dupe?

The closest active-matched alternative is the The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum (70% active overlap). We found 3 options that share this product’s hero actives.

Dupe guide
See all serum dupes for this product
Ranked by ingredient overlap, with an honest note on what’s different in each.
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Next steps

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Skin Stacker is independent and receives no payment from any brand. Ingredient analysis is based on publicly disclosed INCI lists and the peer-reviewed literature. Percentages are positional estimates from INCI order unless a brand discloses them. Formulations change — always re-check the label on your specific batch before using.