Hydrating B5 Gel
Hydrating B5 Gel
Product Description
Product overview
A lightweight, oil-free hydrating serum that combines hyaluronic acid with vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) to replenish moisture, support skin barrier repair, and restore radiance for a smoother, more supple complexion. Ideal for all skin types including acne-prone and sensitive skin.
Intense Hydration
Hyaluronic acid holds up to 1,000x its weight in water, delivering deep, lasting moisture to dehydrated skin.
Texture & feel
SENSORYIntense Hydration
Hyaluronic acid holds up to 1,000x its weight in water, delivering deep, lasting moisture to dehydrated skin.
Barrier Repair
Vitamin B5 (calcium pantothenate) promotes the skin's natural tissue repair process and strengthens the moisture barrier.
Radiance Boost
Replenishes nutrients to restore a smooth, supple, and radiant complexion with visibly plumper skin.
Minimalist Formula
Clean, streamlined formula with only essential ingredients—no unnecessary fillers, fragrances, or irritants.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Safe for use during pregnancy and nursing.
Free from ferments, fatty acids, esters, and polysorbates that can feed malassezia yeast. Safe for fungal acne-prone skin.
Oil-free formula with a comedogenic rating of 0/5. Will not clog pores or cause breakouts.
Free from common irritants including alcohol, dyes, fragrances, parabens, and sulfates. Gentle enough for reactive skin.
Recommended by dermatologists for use after professional treatments like microneedling, chemical peels, and laser procedures to support healing.
Excellent for layering with retinol products to combat dryness and irritation. Apply after retinol in your PM routine.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSHyaluronic Acid (Sodium Hyaluronate)Proven
A powerful natural humectant that occurs naturally in skin. Hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, providing intense hydration and plumping effects.
- Function: Attracts and binds moisture to the skin for long-lasting hydration
- Benefits: Plumps fine lines, improves skin texture, enhances radiance
- Research: Extensively studied; proven to improve skin hydration and reduce wrinkle depth
Vitamin B5 (Calcium Pantothenate)Proven
The calcium salt form of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5). An essential nutrient that supports the skin barrier's natural repair process and acts as both a humectant and emollient.
- Function: Promotes tissue repair, attracts moisture, strengthens skin barrier
- Benefits: Conditions dry patches, soothes irritation, improves skin softness
- Antioxidant: Helps neutralize free radicals and protect against environmental damage
GlycerinProven
A skin-identical humectant that draws moisture from the environment into the skin. One of the most well-researched and effective moisturizing ingredients available.
- Function: Humectant that attracts and retains water in the skin
- Benefits: Maintains skin lipids in healthy state, protects against irritation, restores barrier
- Comedogenic Rating: 0 (non-comedogenic)
Sodium PCAProven
A natural moisturizing factor (NMF) component found naturally in human skin. Helps maintain optimal hydration levels.
- Function: Natural humectant that helps skin retain water
- Benefits: Keeps skin plump, elastic, and well-hydrated
UreaProven
Another natural moisturizing factor found in healthy skin. At low concentrations, provides hydration and mild exfoliation benefits.
- Function: Humectant with mild keratolytic (exfoliating) properties
- Benefits: Improves skin texture, enhances moisture retention
11 ingredients
Aqua/Water, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium PCA, Disodium EDTA, Urea, Trehalose, Polyquaternium-51
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply after water-based serums (like vitamin C) and before heavier treatments. In PM, apply after retinol.
How to use
HOW TO USEDispense
Apply 2-3 drops onto clean fingertips. A little goes a long way—you don't need much for full coverage.
Apply
Gently press and pat the gel onto your entire face, neck, and chest. Avoid the eye area.
Layer
Allow to absorb for 30 seconds, then follow with your moisturizer. In the AM, finish with sunscreen.
Pro Tip
Apply to slightly damp skin for enhanced absorption. Can be used twice daily for maximum hydration benefits.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have dehydrated or moisture-depleted skin
- You want to plump fine lines and smooth texture
- You use retinol and need hydration support
- You're acne-prone but need lightweight moisture
- You have sensitive or reactive skin
- You want a minimalist, clean formula
- You're recovering from professional skin treatments
- You live in dry or cold climates
Consider alternatives if:
- You need a standalone moisturizer (this is a booster serum)
- You prefer richer, creamier textures
- You're looking for anti-aging actives (retinol, peptides)
- Budget is your primary concern (there are cheaper alternatives)
- You want multi-functional products with more benefits
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESLightweight, oil-free formula absorbs quickly without adding shine or greasiness. Perfect for oily skin that still needs hydration.
Provides excellent hydration boost but may need a richer moisturizer on top for very dry skin. Great as a layering product.
Balances well across different face zones. Hydrates dry areas without overwhelming oily zones.
Fragrance-free, minimal ingredients, no common irritants. Very well-tolerated by reactive and sensitive skin types.
Non-comedogenic, oil-free, fungal acne safe formula. Won't clog pores or trigger breakouts. Ideal for blemish-prone skin.
Hyaluronic acid helps plump fine lines and wrinkles. Great for boosting hydration in aging skin that loses moisture retention.
Results timeline
ONGOING USEInstant Hydration Boost
Skin feels immediately moisturized, soft, and plump. The gel absorbs quickly and leaves a dewy, refreshed feeling.
95% noticed instant hydrationImproved Skin Texture
Consistent use leads to smoother, more supple skin. Fine lines from dehydration begin to diminish. Skin appears more radiant.
80% noticed improved textureVisible Plumping & Glow
Noticeable improvement in skin's moisture retention. Complexion looks healthier, more youthful, and has a natural glow.
75% noticed visible improvementMaintained Hydration
Skin barrier remains strong and well-hydrated. Best results with continued daily use as part of your skincare routine.
90% would repurchaseRatings by platform
1K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Lightweight, fast-absorbing gel texture
- Intensely hydrating without greasiness
- Works beautifully under makeup
- Minimalist, clean ingredient list
- Safe for sensitive and acne-prone skin
- Pairs perfectly with vitamin C and retinol
- Great for post-procedure recovery
- Dermatologist recommended and tested
- A little goes a long way
- Visible results in skin plumpness
Criticized
- Premium price point (~$83-90 for 30ml)
- Small bottle size for the cost
- Some users find it slightly tacky
- May not be enough moisture for very dry skin alone
- Basic formula—no added anti-aging actives
- Dropper can be imprecise
- Many affordable alternatives available
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Contains multiple molecular weights of HA for multi-depth hydration. Slightly thicker, tackier texture. More complex formula with 17 ingredients. Excellent value at 1/10th the price.
Combines HA, B5, and madecassoside for added soothing benefits. Contains silicone and fragrance. More affordable than SkinCeuticals with additional calming ingredients.
Simple formula with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. Clean ingredients, budget-friendly option. Lacks vitamin B5 but provides good hydration.
Features 15 forms of hyaluronic acid for comprehensive multi-depth hydration. More complex formula. From The Ordinary's parent company. Premium alternative with advanced technology.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat
Glass dropper bottle for precise dispensing and product protection
Yes, 30ml is under the 100ml TSA liquid limit for carry-on luggage
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes, SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel is considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, chemical sunscreens, or other ingredients known to be problematic during pregnancy. The formula consists only of gentle hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5. As always, consult with your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns.
Yes, this product is fungal acne safe. The formula is free from ferments, fatty acids, esters, polysorbates, and oils that can feed malassezia yeast. The ingredient list is minimal and contains only humectants and water-binding agents that won't trigger or worsen fungal acne. This has been verified by multiple ingredient analysis tools including SkinSort and INCI Decoder.
Absolutely! Hydrating B5 Gel pairs excellently with all these actives. SkinCeuticals specifically recommends using it after their vitamin C serums (like C E Ferulic) in your morning routine. For retinol, apply Hydrating B5 Gel after your retinol at night to help combat dryness and irritation. For AHAs/BHAs, use B5 Gel afterward to soothe and hydrate. The gentle formula makes it an ideal companion to potentially irritating actives.
Hydrating B5 Gel is suitable for all skin types and is particularly excellent for oily, combination, acne-prone, sensitive, and mature skin. The oil-free, lightweight formula won't clog pores or add greasiness, making it ideal for those who need hydration without heaviness. Very dry skin types may want to layer a richer moisturizer on top, but the serum works well as a hydration booster for any skin type.
You'll notice immediate hydration and skin softness after the first application. Within 1-2 weeks of consistent use, you should see improved skin texture and reduced dehydration lines. By 4-6 weeks, you can expect visible improvement in skin plumpness, radiance, and overall moisture retention. For best results, use consistently twice daily as part of your skincare routine.
Apply Hydrating B5 Gel after cleansing and toning, and after any water-based serums (like vitamin C). In the morning: Cleanser → Toner → Vitamin C Serum → Hydrating B5 Gel → Moisturizer → Sunscreen. At night: Cleanser → Toner → Retinol (if using) → Hydrating B5 Gel → Moisturizer. The general rule is to apply products from thinnest to thickest consistency.
No, Hydrating B5 Gel is non-comedogenic and will not clog pores. It has a comedogenic rating of 0/5. The formula is oil-free and contains only water-binding humectants that hydrate without occluding pores. SkinCeuticals specifically markets this as "an ideal moisturizer for acne-prone skin" and "provides optimal hydration without clogging pores."
The product has a PAO (Period After Opening) of 12 months. Once opened, use within one year for optimal efficacy. Store in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat to maintain product integrity. The glass dropper bottle helps protect the formula from oxidation. A 30ml bottle typically lasts 2-3 months with twice-daily use (2-3 drops per application).
Verdict: SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel is a premium, minimalist hydrating serum that excels at what it promises—delivering intense, lightweight moisture without any unnecessary ingredients. The combination of hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 provides both immediate and long-term hydration benefits, making it ideal for all skin types, especially sensitive and acne-prone skin. The main drawback is the premium price point (~$83 for 30ml), especially when excellent budget alternatives like The Ordinary's HA 2% + B5 exist at a fraction of the cost. However, if you value the luxurious, quick-absorbing texture, clean formula, and dermatologist-recommended quality that SkinCeuticals is known for, this serum delivers exceptional performance as a hydration booster in any skincare routine.
Browse related
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Promotes Wound Healing from 1 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 4 |
Phenoxyethanol
Fragrance, Preservative
|
|
|
| 1 |
Calcium Pantothenate
Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning, Humectant
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|