If you are looking for a Hyaluronic Acid (HA) serum, you have likely stared at the shelf (or screen) debating between The Ordinary and The Inkey List. They are the Coke and Pepsi of budget skincare.

But recently, a third player has entered the chat from Korea: Torriden.

While The Ordinary ($9.90) and Inkey List ($9.99) win on price, Reddit threads are full of complaints about "stickiness," "foaming," and the dreaded "pilling" under makeup. Torriden ($15-19) costs a few dollars more, but claims to solve all those texture issues.

We analyzed the consensus to find out: Is the K-Beauty upgrade worth the extra $5, or should you stick to the basics?

1. The Incumbent: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

• The Vibe: The thick, gloopy standard.
• Pros: It is incredibly accessible and effective at raw hydration. The recent reformulation (yellow tinge) is slightly lighter than the original.
• The Reddit Consensus: It works, but the user experience is "inelegant." Many users report that it feels tacky/sticky for a long time before drying down. Worst of all, it is notorious for pilling (rolling up into little balls) if you try to apply foundation or sunscreen over it too quickly.
• Best For: Nighttime use where texture doesn't matter.
• Read our full analysis of The Ordinary HA

2. The Challenger: The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid

• The Vibe: The watery alternative.
• Pros: It has a much thinner, more water-like consistency than The Ordinary. It absorbs faster and feels less tacky.
• The Reddit Consensus: Users prefer the formula over The Ordinary, but they hate the packaging. The plastic flip-top bottle is prone to leaking and makes it hard to control the dosage (it squirts out too fast). It is less likely to pill under makeup.
• Best For: Oily skin types who want a matte finish on a budget.
• Read our full analysis of The Inkey List HA

3. The Upgrade: Torriden Dive-In Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid

• The Vibe: The "glass skin" water.
• Pros: This is the #1 serum in Korea for a reason. It uses 5 different molecular weights of HA plus Panthenol and Allantoin to soothe.
• The Reddit Consensus: This is the texture king. It feels like water, absorbs instantly, and leaves zero stickiness. It creates that plump "chok-chok" (dewy) look without the heavy film. Users who hated The Ordinary almost universally prefer this.
• Cons: It costs about $5-8 more than the others.
• Best For: Texture snobs, sensitive skin, and wearing under makeup.
• Read our full analysis of Torriden Dive-In

The Verdict

If you are on a strict budget: The Inkey List wins for texture, The Ordinary wins for packaging.

But if you can spare the price of a coffee: Torriden is the superior product. It solves the stickiness and pilling issues completely, making it the best choice for morning routines.

Ready to buy? See where these three landed on our full data-backed ranking list, along with other premium contenders like Hada Labo and SkinCeuticals.

👉 See the Full Rankings: Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums

👉 Looking for a premium option? See Skinceuticals B5