Serum Showdown
Battle of the Hyaluronic Acid Serums: The Ordinary vs Mixsoon
Hyaluronic acid works like a hydration magician—capable of locking in up to five and a half litres of water in just a quarter teaspoon. No wonder it’s a cult favourite for anyone chasing plump, bouncy, rejuvenated skin.
For years, The Ordinary has been a pack leader in affordable skincare—but it may finally have a worthy competitor in the form of Korean skincare brand Mixsoon. Both offer hyaluronic acid serums designed to boost moisture and smooth texture… but which one takes the win?
The products at a glance
Short on time but still want to make an informed choice? This quick overview helps you compare the two contenders and decide which hyaluronic acid serum best fits your skin goals.
- Best for: daily hydration + barrier support
- Texture: lightweight (some find it slightly sticky)
- Notable: reformulated feel + ceramides
- Best for: minimalist routines + layered hydration
- Texture: dense but lightweight, non-sticky feel
- Notable: only 5 ingredients + glacier water
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Pros & cons
- Very affordable
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Reformulated to feel lighter
- Hydrating hero ingredients
- Dropper can be messy/imprecise
- May feel slightly sticky
- Pilling can happen if you over-apply
- Some users preferred the old formula
What it is
The Ordinary is known for clinically-backed ingredients and mix-and-match routines. Their Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 has long been considered a holy grail serum for dry or dehydrated skin.
It’s been reformulated for a lighter, less sticky feel while still delivering a powerful hydration combo—featuring multiple HA types plus ceramides to help support the barrier and smooth the look of texture and fine lines.
Hero ingredients
- Pro-vitamin B5 — humectant support that helps attract moisture and stabilise the skin barrier
- Ceramides — barrier-supporting fatty molecules that help prevent moisture loss and reduce dryness
- Multiple hyaluronic acid types — helps hydrate across different skin layers for a plumper look
Why it works
The lightweight, water-based formula replenishes hydration and helps retain it throughout the day—making dry, tight skin feel more comfortable and look more bouncy.
How to use it
Apply 2–3 drops morning and evening after cleansing (and before heavier serums, oils, or moisturisers). Avoid using more than recommended to reduce the chance of pilling.
Mixsoon Glacier Water Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Pros & cons
- Generous size (great value)
- Only 5 ingredients
- Uses 3 HA types
- Liquid formula = versatile layering
- Plastic packaging is less durable
- Contains butylene glycol (may irritate some)
- Often needs 2–3 layers for “full” hydration
What it is
Mixsoon is a clean beauty brand that keeps formulas minimalist—using only what’s necessary to reduce the chance of irritation. That makes it especially appealing for sensitive skin and for routines where you love layering.
The Glacier Water Hyaluronic Acid Serum combines hyaluronic acid molecules in different molecular weights (low/medium/high) plus an HA crosspolymer to help hydrate multiple skin layers—leaving skin plumper and more radiant.
Hero ingredients
- 3 types of hyaluronic acid — multi-layer hydration support
- HA crosspolymer — helps reinforce surface hydration and reduce water loss
- Alaskan glacier water — mineral-rich water often associated with skin comfort and “fresh” hydration
Why it works
Dense but lightweight, this serum avoids a sticky feel and leaves a soft moisture film that skin can “drink in.” With consistent use, it helps support a stronger barrier and a more resilient, healthy-looking glow.
How to use it
Apply 2–3 thin layers morning and night after cleansing and toning. If you want extra hydration, soak cotton pads with the serum and place them on dry areas for 5–10 minutes, then follow with a moisturiser.
Pro tip: Finish with a rich face cream to lock everything in—especially in winter or if your skin feels tight.
FAQs about hyaluronic acid serums
- What are hyaluronic acid benefits? It’s a powerful humectant that boosts moisture, supports elasticity, helps smooth the look of fine lines, and can soothe dryness and irritation.
- Can I use hyaluronic acid with retinol? Yes. HA pairs beautifully with retinol and can reduce the “dry” feeling some people get from retinoids.
- Can I use hyaluronic acid on my face every day? Yes—morning and night is common. Stop only if you notice irritation or if skin is broken/sensitised.
- Can I use vitamin C and hyaluronic acid together? Yes. Apply vitamin C first, let it absorb, then layer HA for hydration and comfort.
The verdict: Which is the best hyaluronic acid serum in South Africa?
If you love minimalist formulas and don’t mind layering, Mixsoon takes the crown for value, simplicity, and versatility. The five-ingredient approach proves that hydration doesn’t need to be complicated.
That said, The Ordinary remains a fan favourite for good reason. With barrier-supporting ingredients like pro-vitamin B5 and hydrating ceramides, it delivers a reliable hydration hit—ideal for people who like a customisable routine.
- Pick Mixsoon if you want clean, minimal ingredients and enjoy layering 2–3 thin coats for max hydration.
- Pick The Ordinary if you want an affordable classic with barrier-friendly support and a simple 2–3 drop routine.
Serums for Glowing Skin
Hydration, glow, barrier support—find your perfect match with our curated range of face serums.
Shop NowKey takeaway
Both serums deliver serious hydration—your best choice depends on how you like to hydrate. If you want a minimal, layerable formula, Mixsoon is the glow-getter’s pick. If you want a classic, affordable hydration serum with added barrier support, The Ordinary stays a knockout.
