Vitamin B5 Serum
Vitamin B5 Serum
Product Description
A featherlight, oil-free hydrating serum from Timeless Skin Care that pairs Vitamin B5 (Calcium Pantothenate) with 1% Hyaluronic Acid to calm redness, soothe troubled skin, and lock in moisture β all in a clean, fragrance-free, 5-ingredient formula nicknamed "The Calmer."
β¨ Texture & Feel
Deep, Lightweight Hydration
1% Hyaluronic Acid plus Vitamin B5 draw and hold water in the skin for a plump, dewy feel without heaviness.
Calms & Soothes
The anti-inflammatory action of Vitamin B5 helps reduce redness, calm breakouts, and support skin repair.
Weightless & Oil-Free
Absorbs quickly and won't clog pores or add shine, making it ideal for oily and blemish-prone skin.
Minimalist & Clean
Just five ingredients β free from fragrance, parabens, dyes, oils, and silicones for a low-irritation profile.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
Considered suitable when used as directed β no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreen. Always confirm with your healthcare provider.
No oils, esters, fatty acids, polysorbates, or fermented ingredients that could feed malassezia.
Oil-free, water-based formula that won't block pores β a safe layer for acne-prone skin.
Used at a low level as a preservative, but it is an EU-listed allergen β patch test first if your skin is very reactive.
Plays well with Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Retinol, and AHA/BHA β apply this hydrating layer first.
No animal testing, no animal-derived ingredients, and free from parabens and synthetic dyes.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
πΏ Vitamin B5 (Calcium Pantothenate) 2nd Listed Proven
The star active and a water-soluble form of Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid). Sitting second on the INCI list β directly after water β it is present in a meaningful amount to soothe, condition, and support the skin's natural healing process.
- Function: Anti-inflammatory humectant that calms redness and irritation.
- Barrier support: Helps promote skin repair and minimize the look of post-blemish scarring over time.
- Tolerance: Pantothenic acid derivatives are among the gentlest, best-tolerated soothing actives in skincare.
π§ Hyaluronic Acid 1% Proven
A famous natural moisturizing factor that can bind many times its own weight in water. At 1%, it acts as an effective surface hydrator, drawing moisture into the upper layers of the skin for a plumper, smoother look.
- Hydration: Holds water at the skin's surface to reduce the appearance of dehydration lines.
- Barrier: Supports the skin's moisture barrier alongside Vitamin B5.
- Best practice: Apply to slightly damp skin and seal with moisturizer to maximize results.
π§ͺ Preservative System (Benzyl Alcohol + Dehydroacetic Acid) <1% Gentle
A gentle, low-concentration preservative duo that keeps this water-based serum stable and safe to use. Benzyl Alcohol is a mild aromatic alcohol, while Dehydroacetic Acid works mainly against fungi β together they protect the formula without parabens.
- Benzyl Alcohol: Used in small amounts (under ~1%) as a gentle preservative; not a drying "denatured" alcohol.
- Dehydroacetic Acid: An antifungal preservative popular in clean and natural formulations.
- Why it matters: Allows a fragrance- and paraben-free formula with a 24-month manufacturer shelf life.
5 ingredients
Water (Aqua), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Hyaluronic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid.
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
Apply from thinnest to thickest. This watery B5 serum goes on after cleansing and toner, before any heavier serums and moisturizer. Use both morning and night.
π How to Use
Cleanse
Start with freshly cleansed, slightly damp skin for the best hyaluronic acid performance.
Dispense 2β3 Drops
Use just 2β3 drops to avoid a sticky film β a little goes a long way with this watery formula.
Smooth On
Gently pat and smooth over face and neck, avoiding the delicate eye area.
Let It Absorb
Wait until fully absorbed (around 60 seconds) before the next step in your routine.
Seal & Protect
Follow with moisturizer to lock in hydration. In the morning, finish with sunscreen.
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- You want lightweight, fragrance-free hydration
- You have oily, combination, or acne-prone skin
- You're prone to redness and want to calm and soothe it
- You prefer a minimalist, pregnancy- and fungal-acne-safe serum
- You love layering serums under makeup or moisturizer
β Consider alternatives if:
- You want a rich, occlusive cream rather than a thin serum
- You have very dry skin and need heavy hydration on its own
- You react to benzyl alcohol or are highly fragrance-sensitive
- You want active treatment ingredients (retinol, acids, Vitamin C) in one bottle
π― Skin Type Compatibility
Oil-free and watery β hydrates and calms without adding shine or greasiness.
Lightweight enough to balance oily zones while hydrating drier areas.
Non-comedogenic and fungal-acne safe; B5 helps calm blemishes and redness.
Delivers surface hydration but needs a richer moisturizer layered on top.
Fragrance-free and minimalist, but the benzyl alcohol means a patch test is wise.
π Results Timeline
Instant Hydration
Skin feels plumper, softer, and more comfortable right after application.
85% noticedCalmer, Less Tight
Redness begins to settle and skin feels smoother and less reactive day to day.
70% noticedMore Balanced Complexion
Fewer rough, dehydrated patches and a more even, healthy-looking glow.
60% noticedStronger Barrier
Improved resilience and a gradual fading of post-blemish marks with consistent use.
45% noticedβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Lightweight hydration that calms redness without grease
- Soothing for oily, troubled, and blemish-prone skin
- Minimalist 5-ingredient, fragrance- and paraben-free formula
- Affordable for a generous 30ml bottle
- Fungal-acne safe and non-comedogenic (0/5)
- Suitable during pregnancy and breastfeeding
β Criticized
- Very watery β can run off or leave a shiny film if over-applied
- Contains benzyl alcohol, an EU-listed allergen
- B5 concentration isn't disclosed (only 1% HA is stated)
- Glass dropper bottle is less rugged for travel
- Purely hydrating/soothing β not a treatment serum
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Higher 2% HA across multiple molecular weights plus glycerin and B5. Slightly tackier and a touch heavier, but the cheapest way to get the same HA + B5 combo.
Adds Panthenol and antioxidant Resveratrol in a smooth gel. Also fragrance-free, oil-free, fungal-acne safe and US-made β a near-identical purpose with a little extra.
A simple, affordable HA serum with multi-weight hyaluronic acid. Lacks dedicated B5 soothing, so it hydrates well but calms less than the Timeless formula.
π Comparison with Competitors
Timeless Vitamin B5 Serum (Featured)
$23.95The Ordinary HA 2% + B5
$8.90La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5
$39.99Maelove Hydrator B5 Gel
$27.95π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
Approximately 12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Effective for 24 months from the date of manufacture.
Glass bottle with a dropper applicator
Yes β 30ml is well under the 100ml carry-on limit
β Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The brand states it is suitable for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding when used as directed. The formula contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreen filters β the ingredients usually flagged during pregnancy. As always, check the ingredient list with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
Yes. None of its five ingredients β Water, Calcium Pantothenate, Hyaluronic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, and Dehydroacetic Acid β are known triggers for malassezia. There are no oils, esters, fatty acids, polysorbates, or fermented ingredients, so it is widely classed as fungal-acne safe.
Yes. Because it is a simple, soothing hydrator with no competing actives, it layers well with virtually anything. Apply it first as a hydrating base, then follow with your treatment (Vitamin C in the morning, retinol or acids at night). Its B5 can even help buffer the irritation that stronger actives sometimes cause.
It suits all skin types but shines on oily, combination, and acne-prone skin thanks to its oil-free, non-comedogenic formula. It's also a great choice for sensitive, easily reddened skin. Very dry skin can use it too, but should layer a richer moisturizer on top to seal in the hydration.
Hydration is immediate β skin feels plumper and softer right away. Calming of redness and irritation typically becomes noticeable within 1 to 2 weeks of consistent twice-daily use, with a more balanced complexion and gradual fading of post-blemish marks over 4 to 8 weeks.
Apply it after cleansing and toner but before heavier serums and moisturizer β the "thinnest to thickest" rule. Smooth 2β3 drops over the face and neck, let it absorb, then continue with the rest of your routine. Use it both morning and night.
No. The serum is oil-free and water-based, with a comedogenic rating of 0/5. All five ingredients are non-comedogenic, making it a safe hydrating layer for acne-prone and congestion-prone skin.
Plan to use it within about 12 months of opening for best results. The brand notes the formula stays effective for 24 months from the date of manufacture when stored properly β in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Verdict: A no-frills, budget-friendly hydrator that does exactly what it promises β lightweight Vitamin B5 and 1% Hyaluronic Acid that calm troubled, oily, and acne-prone skin without clogging pores or adding grease. It isn't a treatment serum, and the very watery texture plus benzyl alcohol won't suit everyone. But as a gentle, fragrance-free, fungal-acne-safe, and pregnancy-friendly hydrating layer at around $24 for 30ml, Timeless Skin Care's "Calmer" is one of the best value picks in its class.
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 skinβs 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 Β«promisesΒ» 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
Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
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
|
|
|
| 1 |
Calcium Pantothenate
Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning
|
|
|
| 0 |
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant, Moisturising, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Anti-Aging
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 5 |
Benzyl Alcohol
Solvent, Masking, Fragrance, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Preservative, External Analgesic, Perfuming
|
|
|
| 1 |
Dehydroacetic Acid
Preservative
|
|