Hydr8 B5

Seven ingredients, two jobs

Panthenol, provitamin B5, second in the formula, converts in skin to the pantothenic acid its repair metabolism runs on, hydrating and supporting recovery at once. Sodium hyaluronate binds water at the surface. Its acid partner, a preservative pair and a pH adjuster complete the entire list.

The case for minimalism

Nothing to react to, nothing to schedule around, nothing to conflict with the actives doing louder work elsewhere in the routine, hydration as pure infrastructure. This is the formula that made B5 serums a category staple.

When to choose Intense instead

Hydr8 B5 Intense adds the amino-acid NMF complex, glyceryl glucoside and trehalose for chronically dehydrated skin; this original is the everyday water layer.

Every skin type and every routine, the universal middle layer, and the safest possible first serum for reactive skin, teenagers, and actives-heavy routines needing a neutral buffer.

Worth knowing

Fragrance-free, botanical-free, allergen-free, one of the shortest ingredient lists on our shelf. If skin is chronically parched rather than routinely thirsty, step up to Intense.

Morning and/or evening on lightly damp skin: 3–4 drops pressed over face and neck, then moisturiser while skin is still tacky.

Layers under everything, including actives.

Use alongside

The entry tier of the Hydr8 pair, this or Intense, chosen by how thirsty skin runs. Under C-Tetra by day, under Crystal Retinal by night as the comfort layer, and compatible with every acid, peptide and retinoid on the shelf. In the hydration-serum chair it is the minimalist interpretation beside HA Densimatrix, Surge and Hydra-Cool.