Ultra B2 Hydrating Serum
Ultra B2 Hydrating Serum
Product Description
Product overview
A professional-grade, oil-free hydrating serum featuring Ultraceuticals' exclusive B² technology — Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) and Panthenol (Provitamin B5) — paired with a Triple-HA Complex of three forms of Hyaluronic Acid that penetrates 5 layers deep to deliver instant, long-lasting hydration while visibly plumping skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines.
Triple-HA Complex
Three forms of Hyaluronic Acid (HA-Macro, AC-Hyal, HA-Micro) penetrate 5 skin layers deep for multi-level hydration that lasts.
Texture & feel
SENSORYTriple-HA Complex
Three forms of Hyaluronic Acid (HA-Macro, AC-Hyal, HA-Micro) penetrate 5 skin layers deep for multi-level hydration that lasts.
B² Barrier Technology
Niacinamide (B3) + Panthenol (B5) work in synergy to strengthen the skin barrier, soothe dryness, and regulate sebum production.
Visible Plumping Effect
100% of clinical trial participants felt instant hydration. Clinically proven to visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles in 4 weeks.
Doctor-Developed Formula
Founded by cosmetic physician Dr. Geoffrey Heber with 25+ years of Australian cosmeceutical R&D. Clean, minimal 14-ingredient formula.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. All ingredients are considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Always consult your doctor.
Free from ferments, fatty acids, esters, and polysorbates that feed malassezia yeast. Safe for fungal acne-prone skin.
Ophthalmologically tested and suitable for sensitive eyes. Low irritation potential confirmed by independent ingredient analysis.
Oil-free, silicone-free formula with a comedogenic rating of 1/5. Will not clog pores or contribute to breakouts.
Safe to layer with Vitamin C, Retinol, AHAs, and BHAs. Niacinamide pairs well with virtually all actives.
As with any new skincare product, a patch test is recommended for very reactive skin types despite the gentle formulation.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSNiacinamide (Vitamin B3) ~3.6–5.4%Proven
A well-studied multi-tasking active that strengthens the skin barrier, evens skin tone, reduces excess sebum, and fights signs of aging. One half of the B² technology that gives this serum its name.
- Barrier Support: Boosts ceramide synthesis for stronger, healthier skin at concentrations above 2%.
- Oil Control: Clinically shown to regulate sebum production at 4–5% concentration.
- Anti-Aging: Reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation with consistent use over 8–12 weeks.
Panthenol (Provitamin B5) ~2.7–4.0%Proven
The second B vitamin in the B² formula. A powerful humectant and skin-soothing agent that penetrates deeper than many moisturizing ingredients to deliver lasting hydration and support the skin's natural repair cycle.
- Deep Hydration: Humectant that attracts and holds water within the skin for extended moisture retention.
- Barrier Repair: Stimulates lipid synthesis to support and rebuild the skin's protective barrier.
- Soothing: Anti-inflammatory properties reduce redness, irritation, and sensitivity. Comedogenicity rating of 0.
Triple-HA Complex ~2.0–3.0%Proven
Ultraceuticals' proprietary blend of three molecular weights of Hyaluronic Acid designed to hydrate all 5 layers of the epidermis simultaneously.
- HA-Macro (High MW): Sits on the skin surface like a sponge, holding up to 1000x its weight in water for instant hydration.
- AC-Hyal (Acetylated HA): Modified HA with high skin affinity that binds more effectively to skin cells for extended, enduring hydration.
- HA-Micro (Low MW): Small enough to penetrate into deeper skin layers, improving firmness and hydration from within.
Cucumber Fruit ExtractPromising
A soothing botanical extract rich in vitamins and antioxidants that calms and refreshes the skin while providing additional hydration and a cooling sensation.
- Soothing: Contains cucurbitacins and flavonoids that help calm irritated, stressed skin.
- Antioxidant: Protects against free radical damage and environmental stressors.
Supporting HumectantsProven
Additional moisture-binding ingredients that work alongside the key actives to maximize hydration.
- Sodium PCA (~1.1–1.6%): A natural moisturizing factor (NMF) found in human skin that helps retain water.
- Glycerin (~0.55–1.25%): One of the most effective and well-studied humectants in skincare.
- Trehalose (~0.15–0.55%): A sugar-derived humectant that protects skin cells from dehydration stress.
- Propanediol: Corn-derived moisturizer and solvent that softens, hydrates, and improves ingredient absorption.
14 ingredients
Water/Aqua/Eau, Propanediol, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium PCA, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Trehalose, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply after corrective serums (Vitamin C AM / Retinol PM) and before moisturizer to seal in all benefits. Use morning and night. Remember: ABC — Ultra C in the AM, Ultra A at night, Ultra B² at both.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse
Start with clean skin. Use your preferred cleanser on face and neck, then pat dry gently.
Apply Corrective Serums (Optional)
If using Vitamin C (AM) or Retinol (PM) serums, apply those first and allow to absorb before layering B².
Dispense 2–3 Pumps
Pump the serum onto your fingertips. A little goes a long way — 2–3 pumps covers the entire face and neck.
Massage & Press In
Gently massage onto face and neck in upward motions, then press into skin with palms to aid absorption. Avoid the eye area.
Lock In & Protect
Follow immediately with your moisturizer to seal in hydration. In the morning, always finish with SPF 30+ sunscreen.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- Your skin feels dehydrated, tight, or dull and needs a moisture boost
- You want to layer a hydrating serum under your moisturizer without heaviness
- You have fine lines or dehydration lines you'd like to plump
- You need a pregnancy-safe and fungal acne-safe hydrating serum
- You prefer a clean, minimal ingredient list with proven actives
- You want a versatile serum that works AM & PM with any routine
- You use at-home dermaplaning, microneedling, or shaving and need a slip serum
Consider alternatives if:
- You need a heavy-duty occlusive moisturizer (this is a serum, not a cream)
- You're looking for targeted anti-aging with Retinol or Vitamin C (use those in addition)
- You have a very strict budget — this is a professional-grade, premium-priced product
- You prefer a richer, oil-based serum for very dry, flaky skin
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESDelivers intense multi-layer hydration with Triple-HA Complex. Panthenol repairs and soothes chronically dry skin. Layer with a rich moisturizer for best results.
Oil-free, lightweight gel texture absorbs instantly without adding shine. Niacinamide actively helps regulate excess sebum production.
Balances hydration across different face zones beautifully. Hydrates dry areas without overwhelming the T-zone.
Fragrance-free, ophthalmologically tested, and formulated with soothing Panthenol and Cucumber Extract. Minimal 14-ingredient formula reduces irritation risk.
Non-comedogenic, oil-free, fungal acne safe. Niacinamide actively reduces breakouts and clogged pores while hydrating without triggering acne.
Plumps fine lines and dehydration lines effectively. For advanced anti-aging, pair with Ultraceuticals' Retinol (PM) and Vitamin C (AM) corrective serums.
Results timeline
WEEK 4–8Instant Hydration & Plumping
Skin feels instantly hydrated, soft, and plumped upon first application. The lightweight gel-serum absorbs within seconds, leaving a dewy, supple finish.
100% felt instant hydrationImproved Moisture Retention
Skin begins to feel consistently more hydrated throughout the day. Tightness and flaking are reduced. The skin barrier starts to strengthen from the Niacinamide and Panthenol.
80% felt long-lasting hydrationVisible Plumping & Smoothing
Fine lines and dehydration lines appear visibly reduced. Skin texture becomes smoother and more refined. Overall complexion looks more radiant and healthy.
~85% noticed improvement in fine linesBarrier Strengthening & Tone Improvement
Niacinamide delivers cumulative benefits: reduced redness, more even skin tone, tighter pores, and a stronger, more resilient skin barrier. Skin looks visibly healthier and more youthful.
~90% reported healthier-looking skinRatings by platform
REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Instant hydration that feels immediately plumping and dewy
- Lightweight, oil-free texture that layers beautifully under makeup
- Clean 14-ingredient formula with no unnecessary fillers
- Triple-HA Complex provides multi-depth hydration unlike single-HA serums
- Safe for all skin types including sensitive, acne-prone, and during pregnancy
- Niacinamide provides anti-aging and brightening benefits beyond just hydration
- Doctor-developed with clinical trial backing and cosmeceutical-grade formulation
- Great as a slip serum for dermaplaning and microneedling
Criticized
- Premium price for a 30ml bottle (~$89 USD) — limited availability of larger sizes
- Only available through authorized channels, not on major retailers like Amazon or Sephora
- 30ml runs out within 4–6 weeks with recommended twice-daily use
- May not be hydrating enough alone for very dry, flaky skin — needs moisturizer on top
- Limited shade/variant options — one formula for everyone
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESContains Hyaluronic Acid and Panthenol (B5) like B², but lacks Niacinamide and uses only standard HA molecular weights instead of the Triple-HA Complex. Simpler formula at a fraction of the price.
Higher Niacinamide concentration for oil control and pore refinement, but lacks the HA complex and Panthenol. More targeted at oily/acne skin than general hydration.
Similar B5 + HA concept with two molecular weights of HA and Madecassoside for soothing. More widely available but uses a different active approach and includes more ingredients.
Much higher Niacinamide concentration focused on pores and oil control. Lacks the Triple-HA hydration complex. Better for oily skin concerns than universal hydration.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
6 MONTHS6 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. No refrigeration required, but refrigerating can enhance the cooling, soothing effect.
Airless pump bottle — protects active ingredients from oxidation and contamination, ensures hygienic dispensing.
Yes — 30ml is well under the 100ml carry-on liquid limit. Compact pump bottle fits easily in any travel bag.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. The Ultra B² Hydrating Serum contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens — all ingredients commonly flagged during pregnancy. The formula consists of gentle humectants (Niacinamide, Panthenol, Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin) and soothing botanicals (Cucumber Extract) that are widely considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As always, consult your healthcare provider before introducing new skincare products during pregnancy.
Yes. The formula is free from ferments, fatty acids (like oleic and stearic acid), esters, polysorbates, and oils — all known triggers for malassezia overgrowth. The clean 14-ingredient list has been verified as fungal acne safe by independent ingredient analysis databases. This makes it an excellent hydrating serum choice for those prone to fungal acne.
Yes. Niacinamide is one of the most compatible active ingredients in skincare and pairs safely with virtually all other actives. Ultraceuticals specifically recommends using the ABC method: Ultra C (Vitamin C) in the morning, Ultra A (Retinol) at night, and Ultra B² at both AM and PM. Apply corrective serums first, then layer Ultra B² on top to seal in hydration before moisturizer.
Ultra B² is formulated for all skin types — dry, oily, combination, sensitive, and acne-prone. The oil-free, lightweight texture makes it especially popular with oily and combination skin types, while the Triple-HA Complex delivers deep enough hydration for dry skin when followed by a moisturizer. It is also ophthalmologically tested for sensitive eyes and suitable for reactive, sensitized skin.
Hydration benefits are immediate — 100% of clinical trial participants felt instant hydration upon application. Visible plumping and reduction of fine lines typically begin within 2–4 weeks of consistent twice-daily use. Full barrier-strengthening, skin tone evening, and anti-aging benefits from Niacinamide develop over 6–8 weeks of regular use.
Apply after cleansing and any corrective serums (Vitamin C in the AM, Retinol in the PM), but before your moisturizer and sunscreen. Ultra B² acts as a hydration booster that seals in the benefits of your treatment serums while prepping skin for your moisturizer. Use 2–3 pumps on face and neck, morning and night.
No. With a comedogenic rating of 1/5, this oil-free, silicone-free serum is non-comedogenic and will not clog pores. The Niacinamide in the formula actually helps to minimize the appearance of pores and regulate sebum production, making it beneficial for acne-prone skin rather than problematic.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 6 months. With twice-daily use of 2–3 pumps, a 30ml bottle typically lasts 4–6 weeks. The airless pump packaging helps protect the formula from oxidation and contamination, preserving ingredient efficacy throughout the PAO period. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight for best results.
Verdict: The Ultraceuticals Ultra B² Hydrating Serum is a standout professional-grade hydrating serum with a beautifully clean, minimal 14-ingredient formula that punches well above its weight. The Triple-HA Complex delivers genuinely multi-level hydration, while the Niacinamide and Panthenol B² technology adds barrier-strengthening, oil-regulating, and anti-aging benefits that most hydrating serums simply don't offer. It's pregnancy safe, fungal acne safe, suitable for every skin type, and backed by clinical testing. The only drawback is the premium price for a 30ml bottle — but for those who value a doctor-developed, cosmeceutical-grade formula with proven active concentrations and an impeccable safety profile, it's a worthy investment in skin health.
Product Overview
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
|
|
|
| 1 |
Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent
|
|
|
| 1 |
Niacinamide
Skin Conditioning, Hair Conditioning, Smoothing
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Redness
Irritation
Dark Spots
Pores
|
|
| 1 |
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
Redness
Irritation
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning, Humectant
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|








