This guide compares Hydrating B5 and H.A. Intensifier Multi-Glycan, explains how to choose a serum for your skincare goals and shows where your chosen product fits in your routine.
The short answer
Hydrating B5 is the choice when hydration is the main goal: a light, oil-free serum with vitamin B5 and hyaluronic acid, suitable according to the manufacturer for all skin types, including dehydrated and blemish-prone skin. H.A. Intensifier Multi-Glycan is the choice when you want visibly plumper skin and less visible fine lines as well as hydration: a corrective serum with hyaluronic acid, Proxylane™ and extracts that help maintain the skin's hyaluronic acid levels. In the morning, apply your chosen serum after a vitamin C serum if you use one, and before moisturiser and sunscreen.
Comparison: Hydrating B5 and H.A. Intensifier Multi-Glycan
| Property | Hydrating B5 | H.A. Intensifier Multi-Glycan |
|---|---|---|
| Main goal | hydration, a smoother and softer skin feel | visibly plumper skin, less visible fine lines, long-lasting hydration |
| Key ingredients (manufacturer) | vitamin B5, hyaluronic acid | 1.3% hyaluronic acid, 12% Proxylane™, licorice root extract, purple rice extract, post-biotic ferment |
| Skin type (manufacturer) | all skin types, including sensitive, dehydrated and blemish-prone skin | dry, normal, oily, combination, sensitive, dehydrated and ageing skin |
| How to apply | 2 to 3 drops on face, neck and décolleté, avoiding the eye area | 4 to 6 drops on forehead, cheeks, chin and neck, once or twice a day |
| When | morning or evening; in the evening after a retinol product | morning and evening; can be used with retinol according to the manufacturer |
What dehydrated skin means
Dehydrated skin is skin that lacks moisture. According to SkinCeuticals, this can show as dryness, uneven tone, a change in complexion and fine lines. The manufacturer recommends both serums for dry and for oily skin, so the choice depends not only on your skin type, but also on what you want to achieve.
How to choose: hydration, or visible plumpness as well
If your goal is everyday hydration and a smoother skin feel, Hydrating B5 is the simple choice. The manufacturer states that it enhances the effect of a daily moisturiser, hydrates without clogging pores and contains no parabens, alcohol, colourants or fragrance, so it also suits sensitive and blemish-prone skin.
If you want to work on visible plumpness and fine lines as well as hydration, H.A. Intensifier Multi-Glycan is the more targeted step. According to the manufacturer, it helps increase glycosaminoglycans such as hyaluronic acid in the upper layers of the skin: skin looks plumper straight away, and over time the look of elasticity, firmness and facial contours improves.
How to use a hyaluronic acid serum in your routine
The order is the same for both serums: in the morning, after cleansing and your vitamin C serum, apply the hyaluronic acid serum, then moisturiser and sunscreen. The manufacturer advises applying products from thinnest to thickest. Which vitamin C serum to choose is explained in our vitamin C serum guide.
In the evening, apply Hydrating B5 after your retinol product. According to the manufacturer, H.A. Intensifier Multi-Glycan can also be used together with retinol.
Do you still need a moisturiser?
According to the manufacturer, Hydrating B5 can be used on its own or together with a daily moisturiser when you want extra hydration. If you use a cream, apply the serum first: the hyaluronic acid can then hold water from the cream more easily. In the morning, the last step is always sunscreen.
Frequently asked questions
Which hyaluronic acid serum should I choose for dehydrated skin that feels tight?
If the main goal is to restore moisture, start with Hydrating B5: a light, oil-free serum suitable according to the manufacturer for all skin types, including dehydrated skin. If you also want visibly plumper skin and less visible fine lines, choose H.A. Intensifier Multi-Glycan. If the tight feeling does not settle or your skin is irritated, ask a skincare professional.
Hydrating B5 or H.A. Intensifier: what is the difference?
This comparison concerns H.A. Intensifier Multi-Glycan, not earlier H.A. Intensifier versions. Both serums hydrate the skin. Hydrating B5 combines vitamin B5 and hyaluronic acid for hydration, while H.A. Intensifier Multi-Glycan also helps skin look plumper and fine lines less visible.
Is Hydrating B5 enough without a moisturiser?
According to the manufacturer, Hydrating B5 can be used on its own or with a daily moisturiser when you want extra hydration. If you use a cream, apply it after the serum. In the morning, sunscreen always follows.
When will I see results?
For Hydrating B5, the manufacturer states that with daily use results are usually visible after two months. With H.A. Intensifier Multi-Glycan, skin looks plumper straight away according to the manufacturer, and the effect on fine lines builds over weeks of regular use.
Can I use a hyaluronic acid serum every day?
Yes. Both serums are made for daily use. The manufacturer recommends H.A. Intensifier Multi-Glycan morning and evening.
Sources and date checked
Product information is based on the German SkinCeuticals manufacturer pages, checked on 12 October 2026.
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