Reality television star and influencer Zara McDermott has opened up about the skincare staple she relies on to manage her sensitive skin and rosacea, without triggering any painful flare-ups.
The Serum That Earned Zara's Trust
In a series of recent Instagram posts, McDermott highlighted her winter skincare essentials, singling out one product in particular for high praise. The product in question is the Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Intense serum, a hyaluronic acid-based formula she described as "the best".
"I love this hyaluronic acid. It's so gentle on my skin, and I use it twice a day!" McDermott wrote on social media. She emphasised its reliability for her condition, stating, "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."
What Makes This Serum Special?
The Hydr8 B5 Intense is a supercharged version of Medik8's popular Hydr8 B5 serum. Its key ingredient is multi-weight hyaluronic acid, which is renowned for its ability to attract and retain over 1000 times its own weight in water, drawing moisture from deeper skin layers to the surface.
What sets it apart from other serums is its enriched blend of additional ingredients designed to maximise hydration and skin health. These include:
- Vitamin B5 to aid moisture retention and support new cell regeneration for a plumper look.
- Natural Moisturising Factors (NMFs), a complex containing glycerin, five amino acids, lactic acid, and creatine.
- Antioxidants that help stimulate collagen production and prevent moisture loss.
The brand recommends applying six drops to cleansed skin morning and night, extending the application to the neck and décolletage.
Customer Reviews: Glowing Praise and Some Dissent
Priced at £59 for a 30ml bottle or £20 for an 8ml travel size, the serum has garnered a dedicated following. Many reviews on the Medik8 site echo McDermott's positive experience.
One reviewer, claiming to be a beauty therapist of 40 years, called the product "unbelievable," adding, "So nourishing and anti-ageing, your skin will glow." Another devotee stated, "I couldn't live without this serum!... I've had no dry skin since using it."
However, the product did not convince everyone. A less impressed customer found it to be a "MID product" from the brand, suggesting better hydration serums could be found for less money. Another agreed, noting it was good for layering but not effective enough for them to repurchase.
Affordable Alternatives to Consider
For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, the article pointed towards alternatives like The Ordinary's Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, which costs £8.80 for 30ml, or FaceTheory's Hyaluronic Acid 2% Plumping Serum for £22.
Zara McDermott's endorsement highlights the ongoing search for effective, non-irritating skincare solutions for those with sensitive skin conditions like rosacea, proving that sometimes, a higher price point is worth it for a product that delivers consistent results without compromise.
