Understanding Why The Ordinary's Hyaluronic Acid May Cause Peeling
The Ordinary's hyaluronic acid serum has become immensely popular for its ability to deeply hydrate skin. However, some users find this budget-friendly formula causes significant peeling and irritation. What's behind this side effect, and is hyaluronic acid right for your skin?
Hyaluronic Acid Benefits
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a carbohydrate naturally found in the skin that has exceptional moisture-binding capabilities. It can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water. Applying it topically in serums and moisturizers provides hydration to plump fine lines and strengthen the skin's barrier.
Drawbacks of The Ordinary's Formula
While hyaluronic acid has benefits, The Ordinary's formula has some drawbacks:
High Molecular Weight
The Ordinary uses a very high molecular weight HA of 1-1.5 million Daltons. This large size molecule sits on the surface of skin instead of penetrating effectively. It can draw moisture from deeper skin layers towards the surface.
Low Concentration
At just 2% HA, the concentration is lower than some competing serums. This relatively small amount of HA may not provide enough hydration to compensate for its drying effects for some users.
No Supporting Ingredients
The formula lacks other humectants, emollients, or occlusive agents to support surface hydration and lock moisture in. This one-ingredient focus increases risk of dryness.
High Dosage
Applying multiple droplets of product directly to the face maximizes risk of overuse and irritation. Using 2-3 drops diluted over hands may be gentler.
Who May Experience Peeling?
Certain skin types and conditions appear more prone to peeling from The Ordinary's hyaluronic acid serum:
Sensitive Skin
Those with sensitive skin are most vulnerable to irritation and inflammation from many topical products, including HA serums.
Dry & Dehydrated Skin
Very dry, dehydrated skin lacks sufficient water content in surface and deeper layers. Hyaluronic acid can draw too much moisture away.
Over-Exfoliated Skin
Excessive use of exfoliating acids or retinoids compromise the skin barrier. HA may further worsen water loss and dryness.
Use of Actives
Simultaneous use of potentially drying ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, vitamin C, glycolic acid or retinoids make irritation more likely.
Cold, Dry Climates
Environmental conditions like low humidity and cold winter weather can enhance water loss from the skin's surface.
Eczema & Dermatitis
Underlying skin conditions characterized by inflammation, impaired barrier function, and sensitivity may be aggravated by hyaluronic acid.
Tips to Reduce Peeling
If The Ordinary's hyaluronic acid is causing bothersome peeling or irritation, try these troubleshooting tips:
Use Only 1-2 Drops
A lower dosage spread lightly over damp skin may provide enough hydration without overdoing it.
Apply to Damp Skin
Applying to clean, slightly damp skin helps bind moisture to the surface and prevents pulling water from deeper layers.
Mix with Moisturizer
Cutting the serum with your moisturizer dilutes the formula and provides additional hydration and occlusion.
Apply Moisturizer After
Applying moisturizer over your HA serum seals in the humectant hydration and prevents excessive water loss.
Use Less Frequently
Decreasing application to every 2-3 days allows your skin to recover and avoids over-drying between uses.
Buffer with Oil
Applying a couple drops of facial oil before the HA shields the skin and reduces the peeling effect.
Focus on neck/chest
Apply the HA serum only to your neck and décolletage which may be more tolerant than your facial skin.
Avoid Other Actives
Cut back on potentially drying products like benzoyl peroxide, vitamin C, retinoids, or glycolic acid when using the HA.
Protect with SPF
Always apply SPF 30+ in the AM to shield vulnerable skin from further irritation from sunlight.
When to Stop Using It
If the peeling persists despite proper use, your skin may not tolerate The Ordinary’s hyaluronic acid formulation. Consider discontinuing use if:
Ongoing Redness
Visible redness a day or more after application indicates skin inflammation and barrier damage rather than a temporary facial flush.
Severe Tightness
Feeling severe tightness and dryness between uses or exaggerated fine lines signals over-drying.
No Improvement
Skin should feel calmer and smoother within 1-2 weeks of use. No positive effects may signify it’s the wrong product.
Increased Breakouts
Products that compromise your moisture barrier can lead to acne breakouts. Discontinue HA if breakouts develop.
Skin Stinging
Stinging, burning, or pain during use denotes an immediate reaction. Cease use if this occurs.
Allergic Reaction
Rare allergic reactions like hives, swelling, and itching means you should stop using the HA serum.
Other Hyaluronic Acid Options
The Ordinary's formula doesn't work for everyone. Consider trying:
Products With Multiple HA Weights
Serums with a mix of low and higher molecular weight HA can penetrate skin better while providing surface hydration.
Formulas With Added Ingredients
Opt for hyaluronic acid combined with glycerin, ceramides, oils or other hydrators to enhance effects and minimize dryness.
Gentler Alternatives
Explore gentler humectant ingredients like glycerin, propylene glycol, sorbitol or sodium PCA if HA causes irritation.
Heavier Creams or Oils
Using a richer moisturizer or facial oils high in oleic acid can nourish and protect sensitive skin.
Products for Compromised Skin
Seeking out hydrators formulated specifically for sensitive, eczema-prone, or dry skin may be less irritating.
The Bottom Line
Hyaluronic acid serums offer excellent hydration for many, but The Ordinary's formula isn't right for everyone. Peeling and irritation are signals to reduce application, buffer with other products, or try a more skin-friendly alternative. With some trial and error, you can find an HA product that moisturizes skin without unwanted effects.
FAQs
Why does The Ordinary's hyaluronic acid peel my skin?
The high molecular weight HA can draw moisture away from deeper skin layers. The low 2% concentration and lack of supportive ingredients also increase risk of dryness and irritation.
What skin types peel from The Ordinary's HA?
Sensitive, dry, dehydrated, over-exfoliated skin is most prone to peeling. Concurrent use of drying actives also increases risk of irritation.
How can I prevent peeling from The Ordinary's HA?
Applying to damp skin, mixing with moisturizer, using only 1-2 drops, buffering with oils, avoiding actives, and SPF can help prevent peeling.
When should I stop using The Ordinary's HA?
Discontinue use if you experience ongoing redness, severe tightness, increased breakouts, stinging, or allergic reactions. Seek an alternative if no improvement after 1-2 weeks.
What hyaluronic acid alternatives could I try?
Try HA serums with a mix of molecular weights, added hydrating ingredients, options formulated for dry/sensitive skin, gentler humectants, or heavier moisturizers.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
Add Comment