Revolution 5% Lactic Acid + Hyaluronic Acid is a copycat – and is not even trying to hide it.
Everything about it, from its sciencey name to the sleek bottle with dropper applicator, is almost identical to The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA.
I have to admit, I’m a bit put off by this. I know there’s nothing really new under the skincare sun (so many formulas are the same), but couldn’t they have given Revolution Skincare its own identity? To me, it feels like the girl who’s trying too hard to get noticed at a party…
But is it any good? Does Revolution 5% Lactic Acid + Hyaluronic Acid live up to The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA, or is it all smoke and mirrors? Let’s find out:
If you’re worrying about doing The Ordinary wrong, get your butt on this The Ordinary speed training. (affiliate link) It’s by my scientist friend Cheryl Woodman and in it she’s teaching you how to use The Ordinary to get makeupless skin you love.
Lactic Acid To Exfoliate Skin
Both Revolution 5% Lactic Acid + Hyaluronic Acid and The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA have opted for Lactic Acid, the gentlest of the Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs).
AHAs are a family of exfoliants that dissolves the “glue” that holds skin cells together, so they can slough off and reveal the smoother and brighter skin underneath.
Lactic Acid goes one step further: it also hydrates it. It works by attracting moisture from the environment into the skin and binding it there.
One more thing: Lactic Acid is a big molecule, which has a hard time penetrating the skin. That means it’s not as effective as other exfoliating acids (like Glycolic) to brighten skin, but it does the job way more gently.
If you have sensitive skin, lactic acid is the way to go.
Related: Glycolic Acid VS Lactic Acid: Which One Is Right For You?
Hyaluronic Acid To Hydrate Skin
Both Revolution 5% Lactic Acid + Hyaluronic Acid and The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA use the same form of Hyaluronic Acid: Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer (we’ll call it SMC from now on).
It works like this: when SMC enters your skin, the enzymes there break down the bond between its molecular structure. Now the polymer can roam free all over your skin’s upper layers, making sure they have all the moisture they need for hours on end.
All this extra moisture makes your skin very happy: it plumps up your fine lines and wrinkles so they look smaller; it makes its texture softer to the touch; and it imparts a radiant glow.
Related: Why You Need Hyaluronic Acid In Your Skincare Routine, No Matter Your Skin Type
Tasmanian Pepperberry To Soothe Skin
The Ordinary was the first to make Tasmanian Pepperberry popular. It’s literally in all its exfoliants, including Lactic Acid 5% + HA.
Revolution 5% Lactic Acid + Hyaluronic Acid copied this too. Was it a good choice? What is this Tasmanian thingie?
Tasmanian Pepperberry is a little berry rich in flavonoids, a family of antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties. It reduces redness and irritation and helps sensitive skin better tolerate lactic acid.
Related: Skin Irritations: Cause And Prevention
What Else Do You Need To Know?
Not much. Both Revolution 5% Lactic Acid + Hyaluronic Acid and The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA are fairly basic exfoliants that do double duty: they remove dead cells while hydrating skin.
Revolution also has a big dollop of Propanediol, a type of alcohol that helps active ingredients penetrate deeper into the skin. The catch? If you have sensitive skin, it could irritate it.
Related: The Truth About Alcohol-Free Skincare Products
Which Of The Two Should You Go For?
If your skin’s so sensitive, it can’t tolerate a lot of Propanediol, go with The Ordinary 5% Lactic Acid + HA.
Not sensitive? It doesn’t matter what you pick. This is a case where the choice entirely comes down to personal preference.
Availability
Revolution 5% Lactic Acid + Hyaluronic Acid (£6.00): available at Superdrug and Ulta
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA (£5.50): available at Asos, Beauty Bay, Cult Beauty, Escentual and Feel Unique
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Is Revolution 5% Lactic Acid + Hyaluronic Acid A Dupe For The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA?
Revolution 5% Lactic Acid + Hyaluronic Acid is a smidgen more expensive than The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA, so I’m not sure I can call it a dupe (isn’t it supposed to be the other way around?). But the two formulas are so similar, they’ll give you the same results.
Have you tried both Revolution 5% Lactic Acid + Hyaluronic Acid and The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA? Share your fave pick in the comments below.
Revolution 5% Lactic Acid + Hyaluronic Acid Ingredient: Aqua/Water/Eau, Propanediol, Lactic Acid, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Disodium Edta, Pentylene Glycol, Tasmannia Lanceolata (Pepper Tree) Fruit/Leaf Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin.
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA Ingredients: Aqua (water), Lactic Acid, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Triethanolamine, Potassium Citrate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolmer, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, Arginine, Acacia Senegal Gum, Xanthan Gum, Trisodium Ethylene-Diamine Disuccinate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Ethyl 2.2-Dimethylhydrocinnamal, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Ethylhexylclycerin, 1.2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol
