Beauty Product Reviews

Comforting cleanser with an overpowering scent

The consistency of Atoderm Shower Oil is more liquidy than I expected when I first tried it, like a gel-oil. It cleanses very effectively without stripping the skin or leaving a residue behind. After showering, my skin tends to be dry and dehydrated from exposure to the warm water alone, so I follow-up with Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Balm or Gel Cream. I don't feel the need to use as much lotion as I used to since I started using the shower oil, though.

I was initially hesitant to try it because of the fragrance ingredient due to my eczema and sensitive nose. It hasn't caused any irritation so far and is a vast improvement over the Vanicream Gentle Body Wash I'd been using for years. I find the scent pleasant but overpowering. It'd be just about perfect if the scent level was reduced, or if Bioderma released a fragrance-free version.

Effectively soothing

Bioderma Sensibio AR Cream is very thick and somewhat difficult to apply evenly, so I use it twice daily as a spot treatment on my cheeks, nose, and chin, where my rosacea is most active. It's easiest to apply when my face is still slightly damp after cleansing. A pea-sized amount is likely all you'll need each time. Despite its thick texture, it absorbs quickly and feels light on the face. As part of my anti-redness routine, I believe it has reduced the appearance of rosacea (flushing and uneven texture) over the last two months of use.

My only gripe is the inclusion of canola oil, which is high in oleic acid, and can be quite comedogenic depending on the ratio to other ingredients. Unlike many other moisturizers I've tried, however, Sensibio AR hasn't caused a noticeable increase in acne.

Probably completely unnecessary, but it feels nice

I've used Avene Thermal Spring Water Spray off and on for years, and I was surprised to discover that it could actually reduce redness and irritation. After switching to Bioderma, I found that I actually prefer Hydrabio Brume because it performs the same, and the spray action is stronger, which makes for a very refreshing treat. I use it after washing and drying my face, with 1-2 small drops of pure glycerin patted in to "trap" the moisture.

Gentle and reliable

I have combination skin that's acne and dehydration prone, with eczema and rosacea to top it off. I don't wear makeup, but I've used Bioderma Sensibio H2O as either a morning or secondary cleanser to help remove thick physical sunscreen for years, and it became my only cleanser every time I experienced eczema or rosacea flares. It works well on a reusable cotton rounds, but I prefer to fill a foaming dispenser with it and use it on a gentle silicone scrub pad--the bottle lasts much longer. It doesn't irritate my skin no matter how often I use it in a day.

Wish I'd tried Bioderma products sooner

I have combination skin that's acne and dehydration prone, with eczema and rosacea to top it off. I've tried two dozen Avene products with mixed or outright disappointing results given how expensive it is in the US. Most other cleansers I've tried, even Avene's Tolerance Control Extremely Gentle Cleanser and Cetaphil's reformulated Gentle Skin Cleanser, caused redness and irritation after a few uses, and dried out my lips, nose, and eyelids. The Avene Tolerance Extreme Cleansing Lotion was gentle enough but couldn't cleanse adequately.

I switched to Bioderma Sensibio Foaming Gel in my search for a gentle cleanser that could still effectively remove sunscreen without causing dryness and irritation. After all of the trouble, I absolutely adore this cleanser. I can use it twice a day when I need to, but typically use Bioderma Sensibio H2O in the morning, and the foaming gel in the evening. I'm so happy I found it--I actually enjoy my skincare routine again!