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Dermaquest Essential B5 Hydrating Serum
Dermaquest

Dermaquest Essential B5 Hydrating Serum

Efficacy87/100IrritancyHigh·100% recommend (1 review)
See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing
Panthenol, Sodium hyaluronate + 12 more
Works well
What the product description says
“Essential B5 Hydrating Serum”
From product name

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job: glycerin, sodium hyaluronate.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: glycosaminoglycans, caprylyl glycol.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: panthenol

PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~5.2–6.3%
Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~3.9–4.8%
GlycosaminoglycansKey active· EmollientEffect: HighLong sugars that help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~3.2–3.9%
Centella asiatica extractKey activeEffect: HighA plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.~2.3–2.8%
Hydrolyzed wheat proteinKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumCan help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Avoid if sensitive to gluten~0.6–0.9%
ProlineKey activeEffect: Medium~0.45–0.7%
GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~0.4–0.6%
SerineKey activeEffect: HighAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles~0.35–0.65%
Plankton extractKey activeEffect: MediumCan help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.35–0.6%
Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowUsed to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin~0.3–0.5%
Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.2–0.35%
Propylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating~0.2–0.4%
Cucumis sativus fruit extractEffect: Low, below effective doseMight be somewhat helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and neutralizing free radicals but its typical concentration in a product is too low for having an effect~0.5–0.75%
LecithinEffect: Low, below effective doseUsed mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.3–0.6%
Anti-aging
Centella asiatica extract, Ferulic acid + 1 more
May help
What the product description says
“Essential B5 Hydrating Serum$ 75.00this advanced, multilevel hydrating serum attracts and retains moisture in the skin; enhancing skin firmness, softness and elasticity preventing aging and dehydration.”
Source: N/A

This product contains centella asiatica extract, ferulic acid, serine. These ingredients might be able to help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness, but there is not enough evidence that it actually works.

Centella asiatica extractKey activeEffect: MediumA plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.~2.3–2.8%
Ferulic acidKey activeEffect: MediumA potent anti-oxidant that has been shown to be effective in neutralizing free radicals in skin. There seem to have a synergetic effect of ferulic acid, vitamin E and C, meaning that when the ingredients are used together, they enhance each other's ability protect the skin against free radicals. Ferulic acid also helps to stabilize other ingredients - including vitamins C and E. It can help to even out the skin tone. Ferulic acid is approved for use as a sunscreen ingredient in Japan in concentrations up to 10%~0.5–0.75%
SerineKey activeEffect: MediumAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles~0.35–0.65%
Anti-oxidation
Side benefit · Centella asiatica extract, Ferulic acid + 4 more
Works well

This product contains antioxidants (ferulic acid) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).

The following ingredients - centella asiatica extract also can have an antioxidant effect, but there is less evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin.

Centella asiatica extractKey activeEffect: MediumA plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.~2.3–2.8%
Ferulic acidKey activeEffect: HighA potent anti-oxidant that has been shown to be effective in neutralizing free radicals in skin. There seem to have a synergetic effect of ferulic acid, vitamin E and C, meaning that when the ingredients are used together, they enhance each other's ability protect the skin against free radicals. Ferulic acid also helps to stabilize other ingredients - including vitamins C and E. It can help to even out the skin tone. Ferulic acid is approved for use as a sunscreen ingredient in Japan in concentrations up to 10%~0.5–0.75%
Echinacea purpurea extractEffect: LowPlant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties. Can be irritating~1.9–2.3%
Malva sylvestris flower extractEffect: LowUsed as a fragrance~1.4–1.7%
Sambucus nigra flower extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin~0.35–0.65%
Cucumis sativus fruit extractEffect: Low, below effective doseMight be somewhat helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and neutralizing free radicals but its typical concentration in a product is too low for having an effect~0.5–0.75%
Evens skin tone
Side benefit · Ferulic acid
May help

The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually works: ferulic acid.

Ferulic acidKey activeEffect: MediumA potent anti-oxidant that has been shown to be effective in neutralizing free radicals in skin. There seem to have a synergetic effect of ferulic acid, vitamin E and C, meaning that when the ingredients are used together, they enhance each other's ability protect the skin against free radicals. Ferulic acid also helps to stabilize other ingredients - including vitamins C and E. It can help to even out the skin tone. Ferulic acid is approved for use as a sunscreen ingredient in Japan in concentrations up to 10%~0.5–0.75%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
4 strong irritants: Malva sylvestris flower extract, Arnica montana flower extract + 2 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 16 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Echinacea purpurea extractPlant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties. Can be irritatingHigh~1.9–2.3%est.
Malva sylvestris flower extractUsed as a fragranceHigh~1.4–1.7%est.
Sambucus nigra flower extractA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skinHigh~0.35–0.65%est.
Arnica montana flower extractA plant extract that can be irritating. It can have some anti-bacterial properties, but there are no evidence of a beneficial effect for skinHigh~0.5–0.75%est.
Propylene glycolHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.4%est.
Lavandula angustifolia oilAn essential oil. Potential allergen and can be irritating. It has some anti-bacterial propertiesHigh~0.05–0.15%est.
LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.1%est.
Centella asiatica extractA plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.Medium~2.3–2.8%est.
Hydrolyzed wheat proteinCan help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Avoid if sensitive to glutenMedium~0.6–0.9%est.
Cucumis sativus fruit extractMight be somewhat helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and neutralizing free radicals but its typical concentration in a product is too low for having an effectMedium~0.5–0.75%est.
Plankton extractCan help attract water to the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.35–0.6%est.
TriethanolamineUsed to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smellMedium~0.25–0.45%est.
Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.2–0.35%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.15–0.25%est.
Hexylene glycolHelps create a more spreadable product textureMedium~0.15–0.25%est.
Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.1–0.2%est.
Comedogenic
1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
1 flagged
These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.
IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount
Plankton extractCan help attract water to the upper layer of the skin3/5~0.35–0.6%est.
Alternatives
Cheaper, or higher on efficacy
Triple Strength Vitamin C, E & Ferulic Acid Serum
pureclinica Triple Strength Vitamin C, E & Ferulic Acid Serum
Higher efficacy · 100/10063% match
$29.99
TEST- BTBS Liquid Brilliance Super Serum
Bigger than Beauty Skincare TEST- BTBS Liquid Brilliance Super Serum
Higher efficacy · 100/10061% match
View all alternatives

User reviews

Would you recommend?
100%·yes

1 of 1 community members would buy it again.

100% would0% wouldn't
  • KimiD· Aug 2024Recommends

    The ingredient list is impressive. I would continue with this product.

What reviewers noticed
Marker shows the average response

Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Panthenol~5.2–6.3%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Reduces rednessMoisturizingReduces irritation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function

More about Panthenol
Sodium hyaluronate~3.9–4.8%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate
Glycosaminoglycans~3.2–3.9%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Long sugars that help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Glycosaminoglycans
Centella asiatica extract~2.3–2.8%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingReduces rednessReduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-blemish

A plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.

More about Centella asiatica extract
Echinacea purpurea extract~1.9–2.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation

Plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties. Can be irritating

More about Echinacea purpurea extract
Symphytum officinale rhizome/root extract~1.6–2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Symphytum officinale rhizome/root extract
Malva sylvestris flower extract~1.4–1.7%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation

Used as a fragrance

More about Malva sylvestris flower extract
Plantago ovata seed extract~1.2–1.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Plantago ovata seed extract
Hedera helix leaf/stem extract~0.7–1.05%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Hedera helix leaf/stem extract
Parietaria officinalis extract~0.65–0.95%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Parietaria officinalis extract
Hydrolyzed wheat protein~0.6–0.9%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Avoid if sensitive to gluten

More about Hydrolyzed wheat protein
Sambucus nigra flower extract~0.35–0.65%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidation

A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin

More about Sambucus nigra flower extract
Arnica montana flower extract~0.5–0.75%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A plant extract that can be irritating. It can have some anti-bacterial properties, but there are no evidence of a beneficial effect for skin

More about Arnica montana flower extract
Cucumis sativus fruit extract~0.5–0.75%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Might be somewhat helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and neutralizing free radicals but its typical concentration in a product is too low for having an effect

More about Cucumis sativus fruit extract
Ferulic acid~0.5–0.75%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatoryEvens skin toneAnti-aging

A potent anti-oxidant that has been shown to be effective in neutralizing free radicals in skin. There seem to have a synergetic effect of ferulic acid, vitamin E and C, meaning that when the ingredients are used together, they enhance each other's ability protect the skin against free radicals. Ferulic acid also helps to stabilize other ingredients - including vitamins C and E. It can help to even out the skin tone. Ferulic acid is approved for use as a sunscreen ingredient in Japan in concentrations up to 10%

More about Ferulic acid
Glutamine~0.45–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Glutamine
Proline~0.45–0.7%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing
More about Proline
Leucine~0.4–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Leucine
Serine~0.35–0.65%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-aging

An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

More about Serine
Plankton extract~0.35–0.6%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Plankton extract
Glycerin~0.4–0.6%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin
Butylene glycol~0.3–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Butylene glycol
Lecithin~0.3–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Lecithin
Polysorbate 20~0.3–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polysorbate 20
Carbomer~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations

More about Carbomer
Triethanolamine~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Used to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smell

More about Triethanolamine
Propylene glycol~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating

More about Propylene glycol
Phenoxyethanol~0.15–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Caprylyl glycol~0.2–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.15–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Hexylene glycol~0.15–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps create a more spreadable product texture

More about Hexylene glycol
Disodium edta~0.1–0.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta
Lavandula angustifolia oil~0.05–0.15%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An essential oil. Potential allergen and can be irritating. It has some anti-bacterial properties

More about Lavandula angustifolia oil
Linalool~0.05–0.1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool
Ingredient list view

Water, Panthenol, Sodium hyaluronate, Glycosaminoglycans, Centella asiatica extract, Echinacea purpurea extract, Symphytum officinale rhizome/root extract, Malva sylvestris flower extract, Plantago ovata seed extract, Hedera helix leaf/stem extract, Parietaria officinalis extract, Hydrolyzed wheat protein, Sambucus nigra flower extract, Arnica montana flower extract, Cucumis sativus fruit extract, Ferulic acid, Glutamine, Proline, Leucine, Serine, Plankton extract, Glycerin, Butylene glycol, Lecithin, Polysorbate 20, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Propylene glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene glycol, Disodium edta, Lavandula angustifolia oil, Linalool

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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
DermaquestEssential B5 Hydrating SerumYOUR PRODUCTpureclinicaTriple Strength Vitamin C, E & Ferulic Acid SerumThrive CausemeticsLiquid Light Therapy All-in-One Face SerumBigger than Beauty SkincareTEST- BTBS Liquid Brilliance Super Serum
Match—63%61%61%
Price—$29.99$59.00—
Shared key ingredients—5 of 85 of 85 of 8
Key difference—Vitamin CNiacinamideNiacinamide
Irritancy High Medium Medium Medium
Drying alcohol————
View product Shop Shop Shop
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Product summary

"Dermaquest - Essential B5 Hydrating Serum" is effective for: Anti-inflammatory and Moisturizing

This product could be helpful for: Evens skin tone and Anti-aging, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.

Ingredient callouts

  • Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) at about 5.20% - 6.30% concentration. In this concentration, Panthenol works effectively to improve the skin barrier and reduce inflammation.
  • Humectants (sodium hyaluronate 3.90% - 4.80%, panthenol 5.20% - 6.30% and glycerin 0.40% - 0.60%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.

What our users say

Based on 1 review 100% recommend this product
  • When it comes to comedogenicity, the reviewer found that it does not clog pores.
  • When it comes to using this sunscreen under makeup, the user found that it pills under a foundation.
In terms of the smell, our users report that no smell.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 27 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Skin moisturizing effects of panthenol-based formulationspdfs.semanticscholar.org
  2. 2
    Safety Assessment of Panthenol, Pantothenic Acid, and Derivatives as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
  3. 3
    Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin agingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. 4
    Hyaluronan (Hyaluronic Acid): a natural moisturizer for skin careresearchgate.net
  5. 5
    Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Titrated Extract of Centella asiatica in Phthalic Anhydride-Induced Allergic Dermatitis Animal Modelmdpi.com
  6. 6
    Centella asiatica in cosmetologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Dermaquest Essential B5 Hydrating Serum
DermaquestEssential B5 Hydrating Serum
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As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.