Amino Acids + B5 — Reddit Reviews
by The Ordinary
Updated October 21, 2026
5% panthenol and 17% amino acids hydrate reactive skin; slightly greasy when layered.
What the community says
A watery 5% panthenol serum with 17% amino acids for post-tretinoin dehydration and barrier discomfort. It suits reactive, dehydrated skin that needs layering after cleansing, but repeated coats turn slightly greasy and can feel heavy.
What this means for you
What people love
- 5% panthenol disclosed; 17% amino acids
- Tretinoin-routine staple for calming redness and irritation
- Watery hydration that layers well on damp skin
Product details
Product Traits
Key Ingredients
Where to buy
What the science says vs. what Reddit says
Skin Barrier
Not proven yet
Few or mixed studies. This claim isn't established.
Panthenol: 1 study tested it on its own. See all 11 studies
On Reddit: Super-bad drying spells prompt pairing it with an essence. 5 mentions
Dehydration
Not proven yet
Few or mixed studies. This claim isn't established.
Panthenol: 1 study tested it on its own. See all 4 studies
On Reddit: After strong actives, people reach for this watery serum when skin gets dehydrated and reactive. 9 mentions
Research context, not treatment advice. Studies are about the ingredient, not necessarily this exact product.
Real Reddit threads — 29 mentions across 17 threads
The Ordinary Amino Acids + B5 on Reddit, in one place — 17 threads from r/AsianBeauty, r/scacjdiscussion and 4 more, summarized.
“I only use Aestura 365 hydro essence/The ordinary amino acid B5 with it when my skin is in super bad drying condition.”
Positive
“The ordinary amino acid B5”
Positive
“when my skin is in super bad drying condition”
Positive
“The Ordinary Amino Acids + B5 (5% panthenol, 17% amino acids)”
Mentioned
“# Disclosed Panthenol %”
Mentioned
“The Ordinary Amino Acids + B5”
Mentioned
“immediately apply some amino acid B5 serum”
Positive
“add amino Acid B5 serum wait like 10 minutes then apply tret.”
Positive
“Here's what helped me.”
Positive
“I apply TO amino acid B5 serum. Wait 10-15 mins then apply tret.”
Positive
“I apply TO amino acid B5 serum.”
Positive
“Wait 10-15 mins then apply tret.”
Positive
“The ordinary amino acid+b5 is watery, but will feel slightly oily when layer many many times”
Positive
“it has been my favorite.”
Positive
“Use watery hydrating serum on damp skin”
Positive
“Morning: Rotate the ordinary Hyaluronic acid 2% + B5 and amino acid + B5”
Positive
“For years I’ve been using The Ordinary”
Positive
Dupes & Alternatives
Skin1004
Madagascar Centella Asiatica Ampoule
Better for Redness / Irritation
5 shared traits
562 mentions
Anua
Azelaic Acid Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum
Better for Redness / Irritation
4 shared traits
750 mentions