Skinceuticals • Hydrating B5 Gel • Treatments

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*TOP REVIEWER* franzvonstuck on 6/2/2013 3:25:00 PM more reviews by franzvonstuck

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

This serum is a godsend for people with hyper sensitive and/or problematic skin.
My skin is very difficult: Combination skin with oily dehydrated t-zone and normal cheeks and prone to seborrheic dermatitis. On top of that, I have a melasma, pigment spots, blackheads and congestion-prone skin.
This skin condition explains, why I cannot use most of the skincare products on the market.
I got a sample of this years ago and tested it, but I internally cringed at the price. It costs 54 EUR (70 USD) for 30 ml in Germany.
I immediately noticed an increased hydration in my notoriously dehydrated skin and I liked it. But still, I refused to pay so much. I ordered the cosmetic skin solutions b5 serum and used it, but strangely, I never bought the cosmetic skin solutions again.
I wasn´t diagnosed with seborrheic dermatitis at that time and I used a ton of skincare products, which were totally wrong for my skin. I literally overfed my sensitive dehydrated skin with too much oils, fats and ingredients and still wondered, why I used so many products and never saw a result. I switched products and layered product over product, but my skin was still a little flaky and dehydrated.
Last autumn, I got another sample of this and liked it so much, that I bought the small 15 ml bottle. I still used too much products, but my skin felt good with the serum. Again, after using it up, I moved on to other products and forgot about the b5 serum.
Then, my seborrheic dermatitis flared big time and I had to change everything about my skincare routine. I had a hard time cutting back and adjusting to my problematic skin.
The toughest thing was to find products, that were gentle, minimalistic, hydrating and calming while no making my seborrheic dermatitis flare.
I remembered the hydrating b5 and went to get another sample.
This time, I fully recognized, how genius this product really is. My skin had an acute flare of seborrheic dermatitis and was actually calmed down by this serum while literally everything made my skin burn. The minimalistic ingredients which include hyaluronic acid, vitamin b5 and glycerin hydrate and soothe the skin. I wanted something to moisturize my skin and repair my skin barrier at the same time.
I don´t know, if people with quite normal skin will be very impressed by this, because it is a very basic product. But the basicness of the serum makes it stand out for people with problematic skin. Less ingredients simply means less risk of irritation.
I use it in the morning, applying it after cleansing on my damp face, let it sink in and put a light moisturizer on top. My skin looks good despite the seborrheic dermatitis and more important it feels good.
I bought the full size after using up my sample and I willingly paid the high price, because it works so good for my very problematic skin.
I don´t use many products now and only choose minimalistic products with less ingredients. I invest in high quality products and use less products and it shows good results. My skin looked never that good, when I used tons of other products and although I still suffer from the flare of my seborrheic dermatitis, I can see that my new routine works better for my skin.
This one has become a staple in my bathroom and although I wasn´t impressed by this serum from the beginning, I truly appreciate having such a simple and gentle, yet powerful product for my skin.
This has been a lifesaver for my skin, but I know that everyones skin is different and what works for me might not work for other people.
Still I think this might be worth a try for people with sensitive and problematic skin as this is a no nonsense product.

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litho14p on 2/19/2013 8:48:00 PM more reviews by litho14p

Age: 44-55   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Other    

This I used with theCFerulic acid and even though I hated the CFerulic I did like the B5 hydrating gel. The gel glides on and calms your skin. It leaves a nice smooth canvas for your daily SPF.and at night I add my nighttime moisturizer. Great product.

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l098899 on 1/28/2013 12:50:00 AM more reviews by l098899

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I can imagine why there are so many people love it, it's light, hydrating, not greasy, long lasting etc. i also like it simple, to the point. When you are suffering from some facial problem, and afraid to try some new products, B5 is definitely a good choice because its so gentleeeee and simple.However it's really pricy, and I am not that needy in hydrating because my moisturizer could totally fulfill my need. Maybe I will buy this product again when I visit a desert . And I really want to try their CF for brightening my skin tone .

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msweeneyttu on 1/27/2013 2:42:00 PM more reviews by msweeneyttu

Age: 30-35   Skin: Other, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Hazel    

This is my go to daytime moisture. I put it on in the am after I cleanse and tone, and it soaks right in. You only need a 2-3 drops so it can last for several months. Eliminates my flakes in winter. I would recommend and buy again.

I should note that people looking for a super moisture product would be disappointed with this. It is a gel, not a lotion, and feels like water with a hint of glycerine in it. I love that it is so lightweight and not greasy. I hate most face lotions because of the greasy feeling they leave, so this is a great alternative to those.

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Parpar on 12/23/2012 4:06:00 PM more reviews by Parpar

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Olive, Neutral   Hair: Black, Curly, Coarse   Eyes: Green    

As I'm not really a big fan of Skinceuticals products (pore-minimizing moisturizer, phloretin, cleansers, phyto) I thought this was going to be like all of the others: very expensive with no benefits...well I was wrong! I got a sample of this and I fell in love, so I purchased the full bottle. Yes, it's $78 (in Canada), but it's absolutely worth it. I have young skin (20 year old), with some milia type acne and enlarged pores. The retin-a that I am on for my acne would leave me with flakes that no moisturizer (not even the thickest would fix) and if they did, my skin would break out because they were so heavy. When I put this on, the flakes disappear, and it just soaks into my skin which I love. Also it doesn't make my very sensitive skin turn red, or break out. Other hyaluronic acid serums don't even come close to this, and it has very few ingredients which I love! This is my routine. AM: wash face with water, unscented dove soap or Fresh soy face cleanser. Spray on rosewater (pat onto skin)...I do this occasionally. Apply 2-3 drops of the B5 Gel, rub gently and then pat. Follow with patting on Jurlique's Moisture Replenishing Day Cream or CeraVe's cream. PM: wash face with Fresh cleanser, apply retin-a and CeraVe cream. If I am not applying the retin-a I just apply Jurlique's cream. I find that it's best if you apply the B5 Gel when your skin is moist, it works much better as your skin really soaks it up. Lastly don't apply this over retin-a or any treatment that is supposed to slough off your skin, otherwise you won't get the benefits of either product, and you'll just be wasting money! In the summer, I have really oily skin so this alone might be enough moisture for my skin. Currently it's winter and my skin is calm and glowly. Yay! I am so glad I found this.

*Edit* - April 13th 2012

I am still in love with this; I don't know how many bottles I have gone through, either. However I was using too much before, or my skin has changed. As now I can go with a couple of drops on my whole face (not on neck or chest) because I apply it when my skin is moist so it spreads.
AM: Cetaphil cleanser, B5 gel, Skinceuticals Fusion SPF.
PM: Cetaphil cleanser, either Skinceuticals Retexturizing Activator or Skinceuticals Blemish + Age Defense. Sometimes B5, but usually not. Moisturizer.

I know other brands make a gel/serum with hyaluronic acid so I will explore and update if those are better or on par with this. Until then I use this! =)

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*TOP REVIEWER* Carrol on 11/29/2012 1:26:00 AM more reviews by Carrol

Age: 44-55   Skin: Very Oily, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

LOVE this product and will never be without it. It is one of the best moisturizers out there, packed with hyaluronic acid. I have been using this product for over 5 years now and would never be without it. It feels deluxe when you smooth it over your face, and a little goes a long way. I always apply it first and then follow with any other facial treatment or moisturizer. It's a HG for me!

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RosieRoss on 11/28/2012 7:25:00 PM more reviews by RosieRoss

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

A M A Z I N G! Great for oily skin! Summer, winter... Any time of the year. Not sticky, not greasy. Really hydrating. I tried to go back to the creamy texture- did not work for me anymore!

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Neophiliac on 10/26/2012 7:14:00 PM more reviews by Neophiliac

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Olive   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

In winter, my oily skin loses moisture, yet lotion alone is of no help. My makeup did not sit well, so I came on Makeup Alley to find a product to help and saw good reviews for the Skinceuticals Hydrating B5 Gel. This B5 gel is pricey, but it does work. It hydrates your skin much better than lotion and can be used in conjunction with it. A nickle-sized drop goes a long way, so the bottle lasts. Since it is a serum, this is not oily and does not aggravate breakouts if you are acne-prone. This is the only Skinceuticals product that I found actually works.

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SARAHD33x on 10/18/2012 11:57:00 AM more reviews by SARAHD33x

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Green    

My esthetician reccomended this product for my dry flaky skin and let me say this- it works! I find that in order to get the best out of this product, I apply it right after I come out of the shower, that way my skin will absorb it quickly. It absorbs almost immediately, and does not leave an oily sheen on my skin.

It is quite expensive, but I think it's worth it. You only need 2 drops from the pipette, so the product lasts for a really long time.

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tobyleota on 9/19/2012 9:37:00 PM more reviews by tobyleota

Age: 36-43   Skin: Oily, Fair   Hair: Blond, Coarse   Eyes: Green    

I bought this when I purchased C E Ferulic, as it was recommended to use these products together. It's an okay moisturizer. No problems, but nothing fantastic either. It's a bit too filmy for my oily skin, but no break outs or anything horrible.

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laquiche on 7/21/2012 10:37:00 AM more reviews by laquiche

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Relaxed, Coarse   Eyes: Hazel    

For the price I would have liked a better moisture. This is an ok product for normal to oily skin, it sinks in really fast and leaves no greasy residue but when my skin is really dry this is not moisturising enough! I have better moisturising serums for half price (la roche posay, clarins, bioderma...)
Overall I like the packaging and like the fact that this product doesn't leave any greasy residue so I would probably buy it again for hot months.

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maquin22 on 5/16/2012 12:37:00 AM more reviews by maquin22

Age: 30-35   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Curly, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

I wish I had been introduced to the product sooner. This is a clear non sticky gel that sinks in immediately. I apply it after my Vitamin C serum dries. Since I begun using it, I find myself using less moisturizer each day. It eliminated all retinoid flakes with twice daily application.
I see a marked difference not only in hydration, but skin is plump and very healthy looking. Moisturizer can be applied over the serum if additional hydration is needed.

For reference I am in my early 30's with dryish skin sensitized by retinoids

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*TOP REVIEWER* Seattlemama on 5/1/2012 11:17:00 AM more reviews by Seattlemama

Age: 36-43   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond, Curly, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

My dermatologist recommended this to me for my rosacea-prone, dry, flaky skin. I am hypothyroid and have tried everything to help with flakes and this really seems to help. It's so light (because it's a gel) so it never feels greasy or shiny and it doesn't clog pores. I have not had any irritation or breakouts with this. Alone it does not provide quite enough protection so I use this on top of my regular moisturizer. The cons: price and the glass container. With two young kids and a tile floor in the bathroom, I have to hide this from them on a high shelf. But all in all, this is a great product and I will continue to use.

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QuilleyReturns on 2/1/2012 6:34:00 PM more reviews by QuilleyReturns

Age: Unknown   Skin: Other   Hair: Brown, Wavy   Eyes: Other    

This review is for Skinceuticals Hydrating B5 Gel, which is formulated to bind moisture to the skin. I basically use this as needed, but find it particularly helpful in the winter when the air tends to be drier. As a reference, my skin is aging/sensitive/acne-prone. Once a break-out occurs it will turn into a dark spot, so my goal is to keep my skin clean and moisturized at all times.

I use this immediately after cleansing, meaning I don't do that "pat dry" thing. I use it on my wet skin and let it soak in while I moisture my body. Then I apply moisturizer on top of it. It seems to give the moisturizer a real boost and it keeps the skin looking fresh and moist. I do not see this same sort of glow without it.

$52.00 is step for 1 fluid ounce, however I will repurchase. It's a very high quality product and it saves my skin in the winter months.

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*TOP REVIEWER* ninjalips on 12/16/2011 2:58:00 PM more reviews by ninjalips

Age: 36-43   Skin: Sensitive   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

This is a light serum which can be used inconjuction with other, thicker creams. I find that it hydrates but not enough for winter for ppl with dry/ sensitive skin like mine. Positives for me are that it doesn't cause a reaction for my super sensitive skin, it moisturises me and it can be layered underneath other products. The hydrating effects for me was cumulative, it took a few weeks until I was convinced that it does the job! I'm on my third bottle and although I don't think it's the perfect product, I'll use it until/if I find a better replacement. It's expensive but as you only need a few drops each time, it lasts. I use my around 6-7 weeks and apply on damp skin. It has phenoxyethanol, an alcohol derivative so I would recommend sensitive ppl to test it before purchase. A combination of B5 and Jurlique Wrinkle Softener helped the lines around my eyes and brows to soften for sure.

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retrolady on 11/19/2011 9:05:00 AM more reviews by retrolady

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Hazel    

this itch my skin a little when i apply on my face

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*TOP REVIEWER* BrigitteBardot on 10/24/2011 1:22:00 AM more reviews by BrigitteBardot

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I used this product awhile ago, and I didn't really notice any difference, but maybe my skin wasn't dry to begin with at the time.

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Kidorriko on 9/20/2011 10:38:00 PM more reviews by Kidorriko

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

My first product from skinceuticals was actually the Phloretin CF which I love. I used to get breakouts monthly but after I started using it, I did not get breakouts anymore.
I added the Hydrating B5 to my regime (before applying Phloretin CF) last week. I tried a sample at the store and was amazed as my skin instantly looked smoother for the whole day. I have been using the Hydrating gel for about a week and my skin has improved. My skin is generally quite dry even though I live in a very humid city. I noticed that my skin has gotten much softer and smoother. I will definitely keep using this!

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heatherunger on 8/14/2011 8:32:00 PM more reviews by heatherunger

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I purchased this product on the advice of my esthetician for $60 at the Medi Spa. She told me to use it alone, but the package directions indicate to follow with moisturizer. I noticed no difference with using this product and it was expensive. Additional, the packaging is terrible. I knocked the bottle over several times spilling large amounts of the product. Once when I knocked the bottle over, I quickly moved to pick it back up and accidentally knocked the end of the glass dropper on my counter and broke it! Not happy.

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catherineleemala on 8/3/2011 12:03:00 AM more reviews by catherineleemala

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I got mine from cosme-de.com. Still quite expensive compare with a lot of other products. Fortunately, best hydrating product have ever used. I just use 2 drops every morning and night, it gives me smooth skin without break out! It helps my skin go through dry and cold winter without problem. Would like buy it again.

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