ADVERTISEMENT INFO: PRODUCTS DISCUSSED IN THIS BLOGPOST ARE PR (GIFTED) AND LINKS USED ARE AFFILIATE LINKS. I RECEIVED NO MONEY TO WRITE THE BLOGPOST. PLEASE READ DISCLAIMER 

 

I am going out on a limb here saying that no one above the age of 25 needs a dedicated Hyaluronic Acid Serum in their routine, let alone two different options. Yet Geek and Gorgeous have two to choose from, the HA 5 Rich and the HA 5 Light. (More info: Ingredient Spotlight Hyaluronic Acid)

 

But how do they actually differ? Which one is best for which skin type and did I find a place for them in my skincare routine for mature and acne-prone skin?
Let’s talk!

 

 

What Geek and Gorgeous HA 5 Rich and Light claims

HA 5 Rich: 5 forms of hyaluronic acid in varying molecular weight and structure join forces in this silky & rich formula to hydrate, soften and plump the skin.

HA 5 Light: 5 forms of hyaluronic acid in varying molecular weight and structure join forces in this light & fast-absorbing formula to hydrate, soften and plump the skin.

 

Facts about Geek and Gorgeous HA 5 Rich and Light

Prize and size

Both products contain 30 ml and are available for 8,50 € on the website here. It is your typical dark Geek and Gorgeous glass dropper bottle and both are vegan, essential oil and fragrance free.

 

Texture and smell

The texture, the main, the only difference in their claims… To be honest, to me both feel pretty similar. Yes, when used side by side one does have a little more body than the other one, but to say that one is rich and the other fast-absorbing…No.

Both are quite runny, very comfortable to spread, sink in well and leave minimal tackiness behind.

 

 

 

How to use the Geek and Gorgeous HA 5 Rich and Light

Hyaluronic Acid Serums can be used both morning and night and usually after cleansing and before moisturizer. They work well with everything else, don’t interfere with any actives and can be layered if you want to. You can basically do whatever you want with them.
I prefer to use them in the mornings to get the most out of the temporary plumping effect hydrating serums have.

(More info: The difference between dry and dehydrated skin)

 

Ingredients of the Geek and Gorgeous HA 5 Rich and Light

Geek and Gorgeous HA 5 Light

Hover the mouse over an ingredient for short explanation. Read more on INCIDecoder.

 

Geek and Gorgeous HA 5 Rich

Hover the mouse over an ingredient for short explanation. Read more on INCIDecoder.
It never fails to amuse me when in a serum called Hyaluronic Acid serum, Glycerin is the first humectant. Obviously nothing wrong with Glycerin, it just makes me smile. As there are five different forms of Hyaluronic Acid though, the total amount of Hyaluronic Acid combined might exceed the Glycerin.
Both formulas contain Panthenol, Silver Ear Mushroom Extract and Vitamin E in addition to the humectants, and the main difference is that HA 5 Light uses PEG/PPG/Polybutylene Glycol-8/5/3-Glycerin and HA Rich uses Betaine for additional moisturization.

(More info: How to read the ingredient list in skincare)

 

Does it live up to its claims?

Yes.

Despite the textures feeling very similar to me, both hydrate, soften and plump my skin.

 

How does it compare to…

 

 

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum

So The Ordinary only uses two different types of Hyaluronic Acid, but also pairs them with Glycerin and Panthenol. Both are comparable in price and texture, but the version from The Ordinary is much tackier after application.

You can read my full review of The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B 5 Serum here.

 

 

The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum

The Inkey List again uses only two forms of Hyaluronic Acid paired with Glycerin, but no added Panthenol. It does however contain Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1/-7, a peptide from the Matrixyl complex claiming to increase collagen synthesis, which makes it a little more interesting for those of us that are a little older, basically a Hyaluronic Acid serum with some extra oomph. (More info: Peptides in skincare)
It is again runny in texture and not tacky. Out of the three it is probably the one I would be the most likely to repurchase.

You can read my full review of The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum here.

 

Would I repurchase and which skin types do I recommend the Geek and Gorgeous HA 5 Rich and Light to?

I don’t think I will repurchase, simply because I need more than hydration from a serum, and to be honest, I also think both will work equally well for all skin types, no matter if you buy the rich or the light version. Both are nice hydrating serums at a great price point though, and the added Panthenol is a nice touch, so if you are below the age of 25 or feel the need to have a dedicated hydrating serum in your routine, they are an excellent pick.

 

 

Shop these two here

 

or my current favorite non-active serums here

 

Don’t forget to check out the Discount Code Page on top if you want to save some money on your next skincare purchase.
If you want to get a vote in the next Ask Doctor Anne Topic, Ingredient Spotlight or product I review, don’t forget you can head over to my Patreon account to get more involved!