Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Intense Review: Hyaluronic Acid Serum
The Verdict
Hydr8 B5 Intense earns its place as the richer option in Medik8's hydration line-up: the same multi-weight hyaluronic acid base as standard Hydr8 B5, with Natural Moisturising Factors and saskatoon berry extract added for skin that needs more. It's a sensible upgrade if your skin regularly feels tight, dry or dull rather than an everyday essential for every skin type — for lighter daily maintenance, the standard <a href="/reviews/medik8/hydr8-b5">Hydr8 B5</a> is worth comparing first.
Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Intense | Hyaluronic Acid Serum | 30ml
£60.00
Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Intense is a richer version of Medik8's original hyaluronic acid serum, combining multi-weight hyaluronic acid with Natural Moisturising Factors and saskatoon berry extract to help improve the skin's appearance of hydration, plumpness and smoothness. It's fragrance-free, oil-free and formulated for skin that regularly feels tight, dry or dull, layering under moisturiser morning and evening.
What is Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Intense?
Hydr8 B5 Intense is the step-up version of Medik8's Hydr8 B5 serum, built around the same multi-weight hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 (panthenol) base, with two additions: Natural Moisturising Factors (NMFs) — a group of humectants already found in skin, including sodium PCA, urea and amino acids — and saskatoon berry extract, an antioxidant-rich fruit extract that gives the serum its distinctive purple-red tint. The formula is fragrance-free, oil-free and positioned for skin that needs more than a standard hydration step, rather than as a treatment for a specific skin condition.
Quick facts
| Detail | Hydr8 B5 Intense |
|---|---|
| Brand | Medik8 |
| Product type | Serum |
| Format | 30ml pump bottle |
| Key ingredients | Multi-weight hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 (panthenol), Natural Moisturising Factors, saskatoon berry extract |
| Texture | Silky, lightweight, naturally tinted purple-red |
| Fragrance | Fragrance-free |
| Oil content | Oil-free |
| Skin types | All skin types, particularly dry or dehydrated skin |
| Suggested use | Morning and evening, before moisturiser |
| Price band | Premium — see current price on the product page |
Key ingredients
Multi-weight hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant already present in skin, valued in skincare for its ability to attract and hold onto water — a well-established property of the ingredient itself rather than a claim specific to this formula. Medik8 uses several molecular weights here, with the aim of distributing hydration across different depths of the skin's outer layers rather than concentrating it in one spot.
Vitamin B5 (panthenol) and Natural Moisturising Factors
Panthenol is a well-known humectant and skin-conditioning ingredient, commonly paired with hyaluronic acid to help support the skin's moisture retention. Natural Moisturising Factors — a mix of components such as sodium PCA, glycerin, urea, amino acids and lactic acid — are designed to mirror substances already found in skin's outer layer, helping to bind and hold moisture for longer.
Saskatoon berry extract
Saskatoon berry (Amelanchier alnifolia fruit extract) is an antioxidant-rich ingredient that also gives the serum its natural purple-red colour. Antioxidants in general help protect skin from everyday environmental stressors such as pollution and UV exposure. It's this extract, alongside the added NMFs, that distinguishes Intense from the standard Hydr8 B5 formula.
Who is it suitable for?
- Dry or dehydrated skin that needs more than a standard hyaluronic acid serum
- Anyone whose skin regularly feels tight, dull or lacking in bounce
- Sensitive skin, given the fragrance-free and oil-free formulation
- Those who've used standard Hydr8 B5 and want a richer step up
- People in cold, dry or changeable climates who find their hydration needs fluctuate
Who might want to skip it?
- If your skin is normal to oily and copes fine with the lighter standard Hydr8 B5, Intense may be more than you need day-to-day
- Anyone who prefers a fully clear serum — the natural tint from saskatoon berry won't suit everyone's preference for texture and appearance
- If you're after a targeted treatment for a specific skin concern rather than general hydration, this isn't formulated for that purpose
How to use Hydr8 B5 Intense
- Cleanse, and apply any toner or exfoliating step first.
- Massage a few drops of Hydr8 B5 Intense across face, neck and décolletage on slightly damp skin.
- Follow with a moisturiser to help lock hydration in.
- Use morning and evening as part of a daily routine; in the evening it can be layered before a retinoid step such as Crystal Retinal once skin is adjusted to it.
Verdict
Hydr8 B5 Intense earns its place as the richer option in Medik8's hydration line-up: the same multi-weight hyaluronic acid base as standard Hydr8 B5, with Natural Moisturising Factors and saskatoon berry extract added for skin that needs more. It's a sensible upgrade if your skin regularly feels tight, dry or dull rather than an everyday essential for every skin type — for lighter daily maintenance, the standard Hydr8 B5 is worth comparing first.
If you're pregnant or breastfeeding
If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, please contact our team for advice before use.