I'm grouping these two together as it is simply a case of picking which texture or description you prefer.
Describe the brand in three words. French. Pharmacy. Affordable.
What are they? 'The patented biological complex Aquagenium™ generates intense hydration, immediately and lastingly.'
Moisturisers
Who are they for? Across both moisturisers, all skin types.
What’s in them?
Gel: aqua/water/eau, glycerin, isododecane, cyclopentasiloxane, dipropylene glycol, niacinamide, squalane, polymethylsilsesquioxane, c14-22 alcohols, hdi/trimethylol hexyllactone crosspolymer, ammonium cryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, c30-45 alkyl cetearyl dimethicone crosspolymer, carbomer, pentylene glycol, tocopheryl acetate, c12-20 alkyl glucoside, steareth-21, disodium edta, salicylic acid, sodium hydroxide, mannitol, xylitol, hexyldecanol, peg/ppg-18/18 dimethicone, rhamnose, malachite extract, pyrus malus (apple) seed extract, brassica campestris (rapeseed) sterols, tocopherol, fragrance (parfum)
Creme: aqua/water/eau, glycerin, isododecane, cyclopentasiloxane, propylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate, dimethicone, propanediol, xylitol, cetyl palmitate, hydrogenated polydecene, niacinamide, tridecyl trimellitate, arachidyl alcohol, polymethylsilsesquioxane, glyceryl dibehenate, behenyl alcohol, hdi/trimethylol hexyllactone crosspolymer, tribehenin, dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, pentylene glycol, tocopheryl acetate, arachidyl glucoside, acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, glyceryl behenate, disodium edta, squalane, salicylic acid, sodium hydroxide, mannitol, sodium hyaluronate, hexyldecanol, tocopherol, polysorbate 60, rhamnose, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, pyrus malus (apple) seed extract, brassica campestris (rapeseed) sterols, fragrance (parfum)
What's not in them? mineral oil, parabens
Possibly acne/allergy/troubling for some ingredients? fragrance
Natural? Organic? Man-made? Vegan? Man-made
Tested on animals/sold in territories that require testing? No/Yes
How do they smell? Extremely faintly. The scent is light and dissipates very quickly.
How do they feel on the skin?/Absorption rate? They feel great and absorb very nicely, but you don't feel a lot of residue on the surface of the skin. If you're someone who like to 'feel' your product, they may not be enough for you.
How do you use them?/Where to use in your routine? They're both moisturisers, so obviously after your serums etc.
Can they be taken around the eyes? Yes
How long before you should see results? You'll feel immediate hydration and the skin will plump.
How long did I test them for? I've had them since they launched and tested them for a few weeks.
How much are they? /Size/Approximate cost per usage? A bargainous £14.50 for 40ml (tube) and 50ml (pot) although it's currently on offer for under £10.00. Read on.
What’s good about them? I've found these moisturisers to be really good, especially at the price point. I like a beautiful, expensive moisturiser as much as the next skincare junkie, but as I've stated numerous times in the past, if you want to keep your budget in check, spend on your serums/serum-oils, and save on your moisturiser.
The gel is extremely light, does not sit on the skin and absorbs almost immediately, perfect for those of you with an oilier skin. Also great as a makeup base/primer.
The cream is slightly heavier, but not greasy or sticky in the slightest.
Both creams are designed to give radiance and lift dullness, although in fairness, you would expect that from any moisturiser, that's kind of the point of them no?
They both contain niacinamide, which is great, but the pot also contains sodium hyaluronate so if you're dehydrated maybe opt for that one.
Having said all of that, I would recommend checking these out if you are struggling to find a moisturiser as the seasons change. (More of which tomorrow)
If you are really dry, I would go for the cream in the pot.
If you're excessively oily, obviously the tube.
If you're somewhere in the middle, aim for both a texture preference, and look at what you use under it.
If you don't like serums/oils, I'd go for the pot and the extra protection.
If you have combination skin and like a good serum or oil, go for the tube.
If you get dry in the colder months, it's the pot. The tube will be too light.
What’s not so good about them? You may find some 'rolling' if you use these with other heavily silicone-based products. If you experience rolling, use less product. Of either the serum or the creams...
Used lightly, as all moisturisers need to be, you should be fine.
Works well with? They've worked particularly well for me when used over oils during the day.
What’s the website like? Good. Full of information and they list the ingredients. YAY! www.bioderma.com
How’s the distribution? Available freely or limited? In the EU and the UK, it's widely available. For all other countries, including the USA, search here: www.bioderma.com/choose-country
Would I purchase/repurchase? Yes. The tub for me, the tube for Ava and her brothers.
Similar products? Not really, CeraVe, Cetaphil and such like would come under this umbrella for the price point, but not really on the efficacious scale.
Bioderma Hydrabio Gel/Creme and Creme are normally priced £14.50 but are currently £9.66 on Escentual.com *This post contains some affiliate links. If you are happy to click on them and support the blog, thank you very much. If you would rather not, just google the product. It's all good. See my full disclaimer here: http://bit.ly/1rpEmSq The views expressed on this site are the author's own and are provided for informational purposes only. The author makes no warranties about the suitability of any product or treatment referenced or reviewed here for any person other than herself and any reliance placed on these reviews or references by you is done so solely at your own risk. Nothing on this site shall be construed as providing dermatological, medical or other such advice and you are always advised to seek the advice of a suitable professional should you have any such concerns.
