Zara McDermott has plenty of recommendations for battling sensitive skin, including her go-to serum that’s ‘gentle on the skin’ and remains ‘a staple’ in her skincare routine
It’s no secret that Zara McDermott suffers from sensitive skin and other issues like rosacea, meaning she has to be careful what skincare products she uses that won’t leave her facing flare-ups. This month, she’s been taking to Instagram to share with fans some of the must-have products that she relies on through winter, including one particular serum that Zara hailed “the best”.
Medik8’s Hydr8 B5 Intense might be precisely what your skincare regimen has been lacking if you’re looking for a hyaluronic acid serum that keeps your complexion hydrated without aggravating sensitive skin.
This hyaluronic acid serum is a supercharged version of the brand’s bestselling Hdry8 B5, featuring added ingredients to deliver an instant moisture boost to your skin within 24 hours. You can purchase a full-size 30ml bottle for £59, or a travel-friendly 8ml size for £20, with customers hailing it as “definitely worth the money” in reviews.
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Zara posted on her social media, regarding this serum, wrigin: “The BEST. I love this hyaluronic acid. It’s so gentle on my skin, and I use it twice a day! I’ve never had a problem with this, and it’s never given me a flare-up. It’s such a staple in my skincare.”
The key ingredient in the Hydr8 B5 Intense serum is multi-weight hyaluronic acid, which helps attract and retain more than 1000 times its own weight in water. It draws moisture from the deeper layers into the upper ones, creating a nourished, supple and hydrated glow.
What distinguishes this from other hyaluronic acid serums is the inclusion of additional ingredients, including vitamin B5, which helps your skin retain moisture and regenerate new cells for a plumper appearance. It’s also enriched with Natural Moisturising Factors (NMFs), including glycerin, five different amino acids, lactic acid, and creatine, to maximise hydration.
You’ll also discover numerous other antioxidant ingredients which help stimulate collagen production and prevent moisture loss in your skin. To maximise the benefits of the Hydr8 B5 Intense serum, Medik8 recommends applying six drops to freshly cleansed skin morning and night – and don’t forget your neck and décolletage.
Medik8 shoppers seem pretty convinced that the Hydr8 B5 Intense serum is worth splashing out on, with one saying: “From a beauty therapist of 40 years, this product is unbelievable. So nourishing and anti-ageing, your skin will glow.”
Another devotee chimed in: “I couldn’t live without this serum! It has become a staple in my routine, and the immediate effects are phenomenal. I love how quickly it absorbs into the skin, leaving it hydrated, feeling firm, plump and glowy! I’ve had no dry skin since using this serum, and it’s one of my favourite medik8 products. Highly recommended and definitely worth the money.”
That said, the Hydr8 B5 Intense serum didn’t win over absolutely everyone. One less convinced user commented: “I think this is a MID product compared to others from Medik8. I didn’t see lots of improvement, and I finished all the bottles. I think you can find better hydration serums for less money.”
Another echoed similar sentiments: “The feel of this serum is lovely, but it doesn’t seem to do that much for me. I do have quite dry, tight skin in the winter, so it was quite good for layering, but I wouldn’t repurchase.”
Yet plenty of fans remain completely smitten. One delighted customer revealed: “I have used this for a year or more and can see definite improvement on fine lines. It’s light and silky, does not linger on the skin, so quickly absorbed, would highly recommend.”
Someone else concurred enthusiastically: “My skin has become more elastic and smooth; it glows and has a beautiful, healthy look.”
You can buy the Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Intense from Medik8, Lookfantastic or Sephora for £59. Alternatively, you can check out The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides), which, for a 30ml bottle, costs £8.80. Or take a peek at this Hyaluronic Acid 2% Plumping Serum from FaceTheory, which costs £22.


