Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Review: Multi-Weight Hyaluronic Acid Hydration

Aug 31

11 min read

Updated: 3 days ago

I recommend Medik8 Hydr8 B5 because it uses multi-weight hyaluronic acid to hydrate and visibly plump the skin at different levels, alongside vitamin B5 to support moisture retention.

It's light, non-greasy, non-sticky and works across every skin type.

I've used Hydr8 B5 consistently for more than eight weeks, both personally and professionally. I also use it in around 99% of the facial treatments I perform because it gives such an immediate plumping and hydration boost.

After eight weeks, however, I've found there is much more to it than the immediate finish.

Let's have a look at how it actually performs.

What Is Medik8 Hydr8 B5?

Medik8 Hydr8 B5 is a lightweight hydration serum formulated with three different types of hyaluronic acid alongside vitamin B5.

The different forms and molecular weights of hyaluronic acid are designed to provide hydration at different levels of the skin's surface, helping attract and retain water so the skin appears plumper and less dehydrated.

Vitamin B5, or panthenol, complements the hyaluronic acid by supporting hydration and conditioning the skin.

This isn't a moisturiser and it isn't an oil.

It's a humectant serum designed to bring hydration into your routine without adding a heavy or greasy finish.

Who Is Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Best For?

I think this is one of those products that can genuinely work across almost every adult skin type.

I particularly recommend it for anyone experiencing:

Dull skin
Dehydrated skin
Tight-feeling skin
Fine dehydration lines
Dry patches
Loss of plumpness
Oily but dehydrated skin
Sensitive skin
Barrier moisture loss
Skin affected by drying actives
Ageing skin needing additional hydration
Anyone wanting a hydration boost without a heavy finish

It's particularly useful for oily skin because hydration and oil are two different things.

Oily skin can still be dehydrated, and Hydr8 B5 allows you to add water-based hydration without adding another greasy or heavy product.

For dry and ageing skin, I use it more generously and layer richer products over it.

Who Should Be Cautious?

Despite the gentle ingredient profile, I would still be cautious if you have:

Highly reactive skin
Active eczema
Dermatitis
Significant current irritation
Another active inflammatory skin flare

Always patch test if your skin is highly reactive and discontinue use if persistent irritation occurs.

I also avoid the immediate eye area.

I don't recommend purchasing this for really young children.

What Medik8 Says vs What I've Actually Found

Medik8 says Hydr8 B5 delivers multi-weight hyaluronic acid to hydrate at different levels of the skin, while vitamin B5 supports moisture retention and helps plump the appearance of fine lines in a lightweight, oil-free formula.

In my experience, the biggest immediate benefit is surface plumping and a noticeably smoother, bouncier skin texture.

It primes my skin beautifully for subsequent products and gives me a fresh, dewy finish without heaviness or greasiness.

The longer I've used it, though, the more I've noticed an improvement in how well my skin seems to retain hydration, rather than simply looking good for an hour after application.

What Hydr8 B5 Doesn't Do

It does not replace a moisturiser.

It also isn't enough on its own to repair a significantly compromised skin barrier.

Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, so I get the best result by applying Hydr8 B5 to damp skin and then putting an appropriate moisturising or occlusive layer over it to help hold that water in.

At the moment, I'm using Medik8 Age-Defying Face Oil over the top.

Hydr8 B5 also isn't going to treat deeper wrinkles, significant pigmentation or major textural irregularities.

Hydrated skin can make fine lines look considerably softer, but that's different from actually treating established wrinkles.

Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Results: What I Noticed

Immediately

The plumping effect is immediate.

My fine dehydration lines look softer and my skin feels smoother, bouncier and fresher.

It gives my skin that hydrated, cushiony appearance without making it look or feel oily.

After One Week

My skin feels consistently more supple and less tight.

I've also noticed that subsequent skincare seems to apply and absorb more easily when my skin is properly hydrated.

After 2–4 Weeks

This is where I noticed the biggest difference in my skin texture.

My skin looked healthier and more even, and importantly, I had zero dry patches.

I normally get dry patches during winter, so that was a meaningful result for me rather than simply noticing that my face looked dewy immediately after applying a serum.

After Eight Weeks

After eight weeks, my skin remains plumper and hydrated for longer.

I've noticed that even if I miss a day, my skin doesn't immediately go back to feeling dry or tight.

That longer-lasting hydration is one of the main reasons I rate Hydr8 B5 so highly.

I Also Used Hydr8 B5 in a Wet Wrap on a Tattoo

This isn't what I originally bought Hydr8 B5 for, but I've also used it as part of a wet wrap on a tattoo.

I applied Hydr8 B5 onto damp skin, followed it with Medik8 Age-Defying Face Oil, then applied Bepanthen and covered the area daily.

It held hydration in beautifully.

My tattoo healed extremely quickly and looks amazing.

This obviously isn't the standard intended use of the serum, but it was another interesting way for me to see how Hydr8 B5 behaves as a humectant underneath oil and a more occlusive product.

Sensation, Tolerability & Skin Response

Texture: A thin, crystal-clear, slightly viscous water-like serum.

Sensation: Silky and extremely lightweight.

Absorption: It absorbs within seconds.

Finish: Plump, cushion-soft, fresh and dewy.

Greasy: No.

Sticky or tacky: Virtually none in my experience.

It's also fragrance-free.

I haven't experienced stinging, redness or irritation from Hydr8 B5.

Its minimalist formula is one of the things I like about it, particularly when I'm working with skin that doesn't need another complicated active serum added to the routine.

That doesn't mean irritation is impossible. Some very sensitive or rosacea-prone users report burning or increased dryness from hyaluronic-acid products, so highly reactive skin should still be patch tested.

Medik8 Hydr8 B5 vs Other Hyaluronic Acid Serums

I've compared Hydr8 B5 with a number of other popular hydrating serums because simply saying something contains hyaluronic acid doesn't tell you whether it's actually pleasant or practical to use.

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

The Ordinary is generally well tolerated, fragrance-free and obviously much cheaper.

However, some users report stinging, burning or tightness, and the original formula in particular was known for its sticky or tacky finish.

For me, Medik8 has the more elegant texture.

Hydr8 B5 absorbs extremely quickly and doesn't leave me with that classic sticky hyaluronic-acid-serum feeling.

SkinCeuticals H.A. Intensifier

SkinCeuticals H.A. Intensifier is a considerably more complex formulation.

Some sensitive users report irritation, and it can also feel sticky or pill if too much is applied.

If I'm specifically looking for straightforward hydration with excellent layering and a minimalist formula, I prefer the simplicity of Hydr8 B5.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost

Neutrogena Hydro Boost can be a good, accessible hydration option and fragrance-free versions are available.

However, formulations vary across the Hydro Boost range and between markets, and some versions contain fragrance.

There are sensitive users who report burning, inflammation, flaking or other reactions with some formulations.

For me, Hydr8 B5 is the more straightforward professional option when I want a dedicated hydration serum that I can incorporate into almost any routine.

G.M. Collin Hydrating Serums

As a therapist who has worked extensively with G.M. Collin, I know their products perform particularly well when layered within a complete G.M. Collin routine.

Their hydrating serums can be beautifully lightweight and fast absorbing.

Tolerability is still individual. Some sensitive users tolerate them extremely well, while others report dryness or redness, particularly around areas such as the nose.

One advantage Hydr8 B5 has for me professionally is how easily I can integrate it with products from completely different ranges.

Lancôme Advanced Génifique

Lancôme Advanced Génifique isn't really a direct equivalent to Hydr8 B5.

It's a much more complex serum containing additional skin-conditioning ingredients rather than being a minimalist HA hydration serum.

It also contains alcohol and fragrance components, which I would take into consideration when working with particularly reactive skin.

It has a lightweight, elegant texture, but if what I specifically want is simple hydration without adding another complicated active serum, Hydr8 B5 is my preference.

My Overall Comparison

There are only a couple of other brands' HA serums I like to use

But Medik8 Hydr8 B5 is easily within my top five.

What makes it stand out isn't simply the fact that it contains hyaluronic acid.

It's the combination of:

Immediate visible plumping
Longer-lasting hydration with continued use
Extremely lightweight texture
No tackiness
No greasy finish
Excellent layering
Suitability across very different skin type
Minimal ingredients
How easily I can incorporate it into professional treatments

That's what makes a good formulation useful rather than merely impressive on an ingredient list.

Texture, Finish & Layering

Hydr8 B5 is a thin, crystal-clear, slightly viscous serum that glides very easily across damp skin.

It absorbs in seconds.

My skin is left feeling immediately plumped, cushion-soft and bouncy with a fresh, dewy finish.

I've experienced no pilling with my current routine.

In the morning, I layer:

Medik8 Hydr8 B5 → Medik8 Age-Defying Face Oil → DermaFix SPF → G.M. Collin Nutritive Cream → makeup.

It sits beautifully underneath every layer without making my skin feel overloaded or disrupting my makeup.

The key for me is allowing each layer to absorb before moving onto the next one, particularly giving Hydr8 B5 a moment to settle before applying the oil.

How I Use Medik8 Hydr8 B5 at Home

I use it in the morning as my first skincare step after cleansing.

I apply it onto damp skin.

That's important to how I use a humectant serum.

I then give it a moment to absorb before applying the rest of my skincare.

I also use Hydr8 B5 on my hands and feet when I want additional hydration.

And, as mentioned earlier, I've used it as the hydrating layer within a wet wrap on my tattoo.

How I Use Hydr8 B5 in Professional Facial Treatments

In a facial treatment, Hydr8 B5 is actually one of my last steps, not one of my first.

By that point I've already performed whatever is appropriate for that particular facial: cleansing, exfoliation, extractions, masks, light therapy, needling or other treatment modalities.

Often we're around an hour into the treatment before I apply Hydr8 B5.

I use it as one of my finishing serums because the immediate hydration and plumping effect means the client's skin looks visibly better before they walk out the door.

I then customise what goes over it according to the skin I'm treating.

For dry or ageing skin, I'm more generous with the serum and generally layer an oil over it.

For oily or acne-prone skin, I use a lighter hand and often skip the heavier oils.

I use Hydr8 B5 in approximately 99% of the facial treatments I perform because it's so versatile and reliably gives me that immediate plumping and hydration result.

How I Recommend Using Hydr8 B5

If you're new to hydrating serums, my main advice is:

Apply Hydr8 B5 to damp skin and follow it with an appropriate moisturizer or occlusive product.

Exactly what you put over it depends on your skin.

If you're oily or acne-prone, keep the rest of the routine light.

If you're dry or ageing, I would be considerably more generous and use an oil or richer moisturizing product over the serum to help seal the hydration in.

What I Pair With Medik8 Hydr8 B5

For Dry or Ageing Skin

My current favourite combination is Medik8 Hydr8 B5 + Medik8 Age-Defying Face Oil.

The combination is beautiful for adding hydration and then locking it in.

Other products I pair or would pair with it include:

DermaFix VitaPlex-C Cream for additional antioxidant support.

DermaFix Hyalu7 Boost if I want to really double down on hydration.

DermaFix ACC Retinal + Complex as part of a richer overnight renewal routine.

For Oily or Acne-Prone Skin

Hydr8 B5 can work beautifully without a heavy oil because it's already lightweight and oil-free.

If I want to layer it, I keep the rest of the routine light.

For daytime, I can follow it with a lightweight SPF such as DermaFix DermaShield SPF50.

With Retinoids and Acids

This is one of the areas where I find Hydr8 B5 particularly useful.

When you're using products designed to increase cell turnover or exfoliate the skin, having a straightforward hydration serum in the routine makes sense.

I use it alongside DermaFix ACC Retinal + Complex by applying Hydr8 B5 first, allowing it to absorb, and then continuing with the rest of the evening routine.

I can also pair it with DermaFix Resveratrol + Corrective Serum when additional restorative skincare is appropriate.

It can also sit within a routine containing Skin Truth Retinol 1% Cream, providing the hydration component while the retinol performs a completely different job.

Professionally, I also use hydrating serums around treatments such as chemical peels and microneedling when appropriate to the particular treatment protocol and condition of the client's skin.

Who Probably Doesn't Need Hydr8 B5?

I wouldn't specifically recommend purchasing this for really young children.

I would also be cautious about introducing it to someone experiencing active full-face eczema, dermatitis or a significant reactive skin flare without first considering what is happening with their skin.

And from a purely practical perspective, if you already have a hyaluronic acid serum that performs brilliantly for you, you don't necessarily need to buy another one simply because this one is good.

Final Verdict

If you want one of the better hyaluronic acid serums available, Medik8 Hydr8 B5 is a solid option.

There are still a couple of other HA serums I'd really like to use and properly compare, but this is easily within my top five.

It's light, non-greasy and non-sticky. It works across skin types. It layers beautifully. I get an immediate visible plumping effect, and after eight weeks I've also noticed that my skin remains hydrated and plump for longer.

I use it personally.

I've used it on my hands and feet.

I've even used it successfully as the hydration layer in a wet wrap on my tattoo.

And professionally, I use it in around 99% of my facial treatments because it gives me an immediate, predictable hydration and plumping result.

The important thing is understanding what it is.

It's a hydration serum, not a moisturizer, not an oil, not a pigmentation treatment and not a replacement for a complete skincare routine.

Use it on damp skin, layer appropriately for your skin type, and let it do the job it's actually designed to do.

For hydration, plumping and skin that feels considerably more supple without adding weight or grease, Medik8 Hydr8 B5 is one I genuinely recommend.

Available online here: [link].

Medik8 Hydr8 B5 FAQs

Is Medik8 Hydr8 B5 suitable for all skin types?

Yes. One of its biggest strengths is that it can be incorporated into routines for dry, ageing, normal, combination, oily and acne-prone skin.

The products you layer over it should change according to your skin type.

Is Medik8 Hydr8 B5 good for oily skin?

Yes.

Oily skin can still be dehydrated, and Hydr8 B5 provides lightweight, oil-free hydration without a greasy finish.

For oily or acne-prone skin, I simply use a lighter hand and avoid automatically layering heavy oils over it.

Is Medik8 Hydr8 B5 good for dry or ageing skin?

Yes, but I don't use it alone.

For dry or ageing skin, I apply it to damp skin and follow it with richer products. I particularly like pairing it with Medik8 Age-Defying Face Oil.

Should you apply Medik8 Hydr8 B5 to damp skin?

That's how I use and recommend it.

I apply it immediately after cleansing while my skin is still damp, allow it to absorb, and then continue with the rest of my routine.

Does Medik8 Hydr8 B5 replace moisturiser?

No.

It's a humectant hydration serum. Particularly for dry and ageing skin, I recommend following it with a moisturiser, oil or another appropriate product to help retain that hydration.

Does Medik8 Hydr8 B5 feel sticky?

Not on my skin.

It has a slightly viscous, water-light texture but absorbs within seconds and leaves virtually no sticky or tacky residue.

Does Medik8 Hydr8 B5 pill under makeup?

I haven't experienced any pilling.

I layer it underneath Age-Defying Face Oil, DermaFix SPF, G.M. Collin Nutritive Cream and makeup without a problem.

I allow each layer to absorb before applying the next.

Does Medik8 Hydr8 B5 help fine lines?

It visibly softens my fine dehydration lines almost immediately because hydrated skin looks fuller and plumper.

I would not describe it as a treatment for established deeper wrinkles.

Can Medik8 Hydr8 B5 be used with retinol?

Yes, I use hydrating serums alongside retinoid routines.

Hydr8 B5 supplies hydration while the retinoid performs its own treatment function.

How long does Medik8 Hydr8 B5 take to work?

I see a plumping effect immediately.

After around one week, my skin feels consistently more supple and less tight.

At 2–4 weeks, I noticed a substantial improvement in texture and the absence of my usual winter dry patches.

After eight weeks, my skin remains hydrated and plump for longer, including when I occasionally miss a day.

Is Medik8 Hydr8 B5 worth buying?