Those of you who have been hanging out with me for the past 6 years will know how HUGE a proponent of cleansing oils I am. I’m not just saying it. I have a post where I tell you about every single cleansing oil I’ve ever tried over the years. Its a MONSTER of a post – go read it. But you know what?
I don’t use cleansing oils anymore. I haven’t said this before have I?
The reason is, they are far too drying on my skin now than they used to be. When I realised this (it’s very important to know your own skin, folks!) I started looking for alternatives to my double cleansing routine. I started out trying cream cleansers but if I’m to be honest. I find them a bit too fiddly for my liking. So, I shifted focus to the hottest new skincare product in recent years (to me anyway) – miceller solutions or cleansing waters. Oh dear. I think I’ve hit on a new obsession.
I started out trying micellar cleansing waters with the very popular Bioderma but you see, I started out with the wrong one. I had purchased 2 large 500ml bottles in Hong Kong a while back (what can I say? I’m kiasu :P) and started out using the Bioderma Sébium for oily-combination skin. I thought, “Hey I don’t have sensitive skin. I’ll go with Sebium first. How different can they be anyway?”
Mistake. I hated it.
Ok, I didn’t hate it per se, but I don’t like it. It felt drying, didn’t seem to clean very well and although my skin felt clean, it also felt stripped. Oh and I felt like there was a layer over it. Long and short, I didn’t like it and shoved it aside, tarring Bioderma Sensibio with the same brush. Oh boy! Was I wrong to do that!
I then moved on with my micellar water journey with Caudalie Cleansing Water but when I had finished it up, I told myself to use something I already had as opposed to running out and getting something else. I have a bad habit. I’ll freely admit it 😛
So I pulled out the Bioderma Sébium Micelle Solution again, and again hated it. Sorry if you like it, folks. I can tell you that this is not one for anyone with dry skin or even combination skin. It might work for someone with oily skin though. I can’t say. But yes, hated it and I go around telling people “Honestly, I don’t get the fuss about Bioderma cleansing water. My skin doesn’t feel that clean and it feels dry. Meh!”
And then I picked up the Bioderma Sensibio and suddenly, I saw the light. I understood why people rave over this one. It does leave my skin feeling lovely and clean and cool. It feels gentle on my skin, and most importantly, my skin did not feel dry!
The way how miceller solutions work is a bit scientific to me but what these products are, are essentially waterless cleansing solutions. The Bioderma Sensibio Micelle Solution for Sensitive Skin says that it cleanses, removes makeup and sooothes skin, while the Bioderm Sebium cleanses and purifies skin. You don’t have to rinse after that.
Technically, the Bioderma Sensibio operates as a makeup remover, cleanser and toner in one handy bottle. You can wipe it over your skin at the end of the day to remove your makeup and then move straight on to your skincare. For those with sensitive skin that is easily irritated you reduce the amount of products on your skin and that can help calm sensitive skin.
A family of Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micelle Solution for Sensitive Skin 😛
I however use this as a makeup remover and as the first step to my double cleansing routine. Yes, I still cleanse. My skin just doesn’t feel very clean just after this you know, and I don’t get the idea of not rinsing a cleanser off your skin 😛
I tried using the Bioderma Sensibio to remove eye makeup but it fails at that for me. Eyeshadow is removed quite easily but waterproof mascara stays put. After a few frustrating attempts, I quit altogether. I still use a separate eye makeup remover that does the job in a faster time with lesser fuss. So, I use this purely to remove face makeup.
I just soak a cotton pad with the solution (careful, the hole in the flip top cap can dispense too much at one go) and then gently rub it over my skin in circular motions. You can do wiping motions, its your choice. Then, I flip the cotton pad over, go over once more and that’s it.
If I wanted it truly clean, I’d go over again with a clean Bioderma Sensibio-soaked cotton pad. I’ve found that it does need about 2 passes with the cotton pad to get my makeup off completely with Bioderma Sensibio but after that, my skin feels cool, clean and smooth. I do do another wash in the shower with my regular Vichy cleansing gel just to be sure its all clean. And that’s it for my night routine.
Some people use this in the day, as their morning face cleanser. Your face doesn’t get very dirty in the night while you’re sleeping so a quick pass with a piece of cotton soaked in Bioderma Sensibio is enough to refresh and clean your skin. I tried it, but couldn’t get the hang of it. I still need that splash of cool water on my skin in the morning to wake me up.
I’ve been using this for a few months now, and I strongly believe that it’s part of my change in my skincare routine that has helped it be at its best in a long time. It may be gentle, but it also gets my skin clean with minimum fuss. My skin doesn’t dry out, and it feels clean and comfortable. That is so important!
Here is the ingredient list for both Bioderma Sebium and Sensibio.
If you come across references to Bioderma Crealine and are wondering how that is different, apparently that’s the old name. Its now renamed Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micelle Solution 🙂
In a nutshell
Bioderma is a French pharmacy brand of skincare that popularised micelle solutions or waterless cleansing in the beauty world in recent times. Bioderma Sebium which comes in a light blue clear liquid and green packaging is targeted at those with combination and oily skin. The product cleanses and purifies skin and acts as cleanser and makeup remover. I don’t recommend it for anyone with dry skin because I find it too drying myself. Bioderma Sensibio is targeted at sensitive skin and I also think it suits dry skin better. Its very gentle on my skin, removes my face makeup (I don’t use it for eyes) and leaves my skin feeling soft, clean and refreshed. Its now my first step in my evening double cleansing routine and my skin looks and feels so much better! I can’t say I won’t stray but I’ll definitely keep this one as a staple.
Pros: Affordable, Easy to use, Cleans off makeup and dirt from skin well without drying and irritation, Leaves skin feeling smooth clear clean and refreshed, Gentle formula
Cons: Not available in Malaysia at time of writing, Nothing else 😛
Who will like this: Anyone who feels regular cleansers may be too harsh on their skin
I’m about halfway through my 500ml Sensibio bottle and I can’t use the Sebium one so I use it to remove makeup swatches or for cleaning my fingers after putting on my makeup 😛 Now here’s the sucky bit for fellow Malaysians – we still don’t get Bioderma in Malaysia (at least not that I know of at time of writing) BOO! 🙁 It is available in Singapore if you’d like to have your friends or family there pick it up for you. I think I spotted it at Watson’s… (or was it Guardian pharmacy?) but from recollection, it was quite pricey.
I picked mine up in Sasa in Hong Kong for roughly RM55/500ml which I now realise is a bargain. If you are keen on trying these, you can get it online at Escentual.com (goes on sale often including now!) or StrawberryNET.com. I just picked up the 250ml and 100ml bottles during the last Escentual.com sale. Couldn’t resist. Update: I stumbled on a couple of local online stores that sell these but the price markup is crazy. Just go with either of the 2 international sites here. You will have a little wait, but price-wise you could get the 500ml for the price of a 250ml priced locally. Much better value.
Further update: Reader Rahainah has informed me that she does Bioderma pre-order sprees sourced directly from France and her prices are quite competitive plus! If you’d like to know more, you can check out her spree thread on LowYat.com here.
ISN’T IT SO CUTE?! 😛
Ok, I have a reason for getting the 100ml, other than the fact its cute. I figured, I could reuse the bottle when I’m done and it’ll come in handy when I fly. Not often, but when I do, it’ll come in handy 😀
Are you a fan of Bioderma micelle solution cleansing waters? Which one do you use?
I think most people would use Biderma Sensibio. To answer my own question, I think it does live up to its hype. I do think its excellent for my skin and I don’t have to worry about clogged pores from mineral oils etc in cleansing oils anymore. Sure, its not as one-stop as a cleansing oil is, but my dry skin loves it better. I’ve found a new obsession so you can expect me to be testing micelle solutions around the block! Hit me with your faves! 😀
Paris B
Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micelle Solution (combination or oily skin) and Bioderma Sebium H2O Micelle Solution (sensitive skin) Price: RRP £4.50-14.50 Availability: Escentual.com and StrawberryNET.com both ship worldwide
Hey Paris,
Did you know after cleansing your face, running your face under warm water for maybe 10-20 seconds, you can just ‘slide’ your waterproof mascara just like that? 😛 It works for me though.
I used to have a hard time removing waterproof mascara with makeup remover as well so, I kind-of read somewhere that this is the correct way to remove it. If not mistaken, maybe from one of the ‘instructions’ on how to remove waterproof mascara from one of the Japanese brand that I use. 😀
And well, I have been curious about Bioderma Sensibio as well. I guess maybe it’s time I get a small bottle to try out!
Thanks for the tip Sharon! I have tried it but it works only with certain mascara. I have one by Australis that’s uber easy to remove with just warm water but generally, all my other mascara need a proper remover. Maybe I’m just not very adept with the warm water thing haha 😛 Most Japanese mascara say its possible but they also recommend water of about 38 degrees which can be a bit hot.
I love this! Its terribly expensive in Singapore. So I stock up when I go to hk or paris.
I used mandom express before. Quite a few bottles. But bioderma one beats mandom way too much.
Is Mandom the Bifesta one that everyone else is talking about? I can never keep up with these name changes 😛
PB my hearts aches as I read you use the Sebium water for swatches; in my combo skin it works heavenly however it’s a little over my possibilities right now so I’m looking for another one.
In my skin cleasing milks are only “not bad” now I think I’ll use towelettes for doing the first step of double cleasing until I can get a good micelle solution.
Haha Sorry Efrain! Its just far too dry for me 🙁 I never got the hang of using towelettes or those makeup remover towels. It never seems to feel very clean. Which ones do you like? I hear the Nivea ones are good but I’m not crazy about trying them. I used to use Simple 🙂
I haven’t tried any, but the pure version of the Nivea’s one sound interesting. The idea of using towelettes appeared in my mind when I remember that sometimes when I’m in a rush and had a makeup mistake I used a baby towelette instead of makeup remover.
I have read of many people who find it more practical, plus you get a bit of exfoliation too. Just be sure not to rub too hard. Don’t want those lines before their time!
Hey thanks for the review! I’ve been researching on drugstore brands I should buy in Paris and this was a highly recommended product. Was thinking of getting it and now I know the sebium one can be too drying 🙂
I think it’s the copper sulfate that’s making your skin feel dry. If I’m not mistaken, that’s part of an ingredient to treat acne. It will dry skin.
Ooh good eye, Juan! The whole Combination OR Oily skin thing threw me for a loop I think. I never would have called my skin sensitive but now I know better hehe… I hear its definitely much cheaper in Paris so definitely stock up there!
I love how refreshed my skin feels after this. It doesn’t remove mascara well and for that, I still prefer to use an oil – based one. One very good thing about this is that it’s fantastic for removing swatches on arms and lips! Quick swipe and I can put another colour on. Hee hee!
I don’t like the one for oily combination skin either. Don’t understand why they have it when you can’t use it on the eyes as well. It’s more drying too.
If not mistaken, Sebium one is promoted to be used as a toner, not makeup remover 🙂
It’s strange because it’s promoted as a makeup remover here in Australia. Don’t know why when they tell you it’s not recommended to be used on the eyes 😛
Haha yes that’s really strange but it’s not the first time I heard of it. I do remember L’occitane had an apple cleansing oil and it was not meant to be used on eyes :S
And now we learn something new! /headdesk
I find it much quicker to just use an oil based eye makeup remover anyway. Much less tugging on skin 🙂 I actually thought the green one was a bit misleading. There’s no way its suitable for combination skin if you have a hint of dryness in your skin!
I saw Bioderma in Watson Singapore and I cannot actually remember the price. Your post today has gotten me interested to try micellar cleansing water since my Fancl cleasing oil will be finishing soon. Since my cleansing oil comes from Singapore anyway, I could ask my friend to get me a small bottle of Bioderma to try out. Lol.
Haha 2 birds 1 stone! 😉 Yes, Bioderma is pricier in Singapore but they do sell the small 100ml bottles so its worth getting a bottle just to try and see if it lives up to its hype for you. Then if you like it, buying online will be so much more convenient! 😉
I own the cute little 100ml ones and you can’t refill them! I can’t seem to get the pink cap off… My mum found the Sensibio stung her mature sensitive skin. I still have a few bottles lurking in my cabinet and might go back to it.
ARGH!! And here I thought I could have a ready made travel bottle boohoo! 🙁 Sorry to hear your mom didn’t like it but I guess there’s more for you then! 😉
This is what I use every morning! A quick wipe with the cotton pad and I jump into the shower. It wakes me up right away too 🙂
So refreshing and cool! I can’t do the morning thing but then since you refresh then shower, it makes sense. You don’t lose the fun of splashing water on your face hehe
PB, everytime I read your blog, my heart will beat faster as I am thinking is this going to add my “must buy” list. Hahahha…by the way, does escentual charge customs fee for your shipment? I have very good experience with strawberry. So wonder is this escentual as good as strawberry?
Haha sorry for the heart palpitations, Tuti 😛 But I assure you, not everything is expensive hehe… I don’t get charged by customs for my Escentual orders but they aren’t very big orders. Over here, we can get taxed for cosmetics purchases of a value over RM500 so I make sure to keep well within that limit. I believe the prices on Escentual during a sale are cheaper than those on Strawberrynet but the upside is shipping from SN is free and you get your discounts so maybe it adds up 😉
I had tried both Sensibio and Hydrabio. I prefer Hydrabio although I have sensitive combin skin. Sensibio failed my big time. Sad to hear that it didn’t work for u but glad that u found other option which is available in Malaysia 🙂
Sorry to hear Sensibio didn’t work for you. It worked a right treat for me for which I was quite pleased! Its not available here yet though so I get mine online. I haven’t tried Hydrabio but once I see it pop up online on sale, I’ll give it a go! Thanks for the rec, May 🙂
Bioderma got another one haha! I do love this, but it is SO pricey here. So, I’ve switched to the Vichy one(it’s got blue writing) and it works really well and doesn’t irritate my eyes. It’s a bigger bottle too, and has a pump which is far more convenient.
It is heart breaking that the costs of these products vary enormously according to the continent/country. And I also realised that we are very ungrateful (ok maybe not all of us, but I can speak to myself). Here in Turkey, Bioderma is very favorable in price-wise. I believe 500+500 ml 2 bottles only cost like 20 dollars or something. I found out that when a brand is available, it losses its hype on me. I’m reading these comments and thinking that “wow, these are my exact opinions when people are talking about Origins or Urban Decay” 🙂 (both unavailable here!)
Goodness! Its so cheap in Turkey too! Maybe I should visit Turkey instead of France since I”ve never been there hehe… 😉
Haha sadly yes. I fell hook line and sinker for the hype! But its worked well so I’m not complaining 😀 We don’t get even it here Tracy! ARGH! Oh and I got a bottle of the Vichy one online too! I thought it was a good time to try them and I’m glad you like it because if you do then the chances are that I will too! Mine didn’t have a pump though 🙁
I love Bioderma and I’m actually using the Sebium one although I have dry combination skin! I’m sorry to know that it does dries you out PB, but my skin is loving it, doesn’t make my skin break out and takes makeup off quickly. But I don’t use it every single day cos I don’t wear makeup everyday 🙂 Maybe that’s why. Maybe I’ll start using Sensibio once my Sebium is finished 🙂
Ah see how different our skin is Rahainah? 😀 Then again, I do use it as a daily remover so it might be why I feel the drying effects more.
If you ever go to france, you should stock up. Its 20 to 25 euros for a double pack of 500ml sensibio. You should try soaking two cotton pads with it. first one, press it on your top lashes for 10 secs. Then fold the other cotton pad, put it under your lower lashes and use the one that you left on for 10 seconds to gently slide it off. Flip sides for the other eye. It works for me for water proof mascara(tried on western and japanese brands). best of all, it doesn’t hurt your skin around the eye area, no eyelashes dropping off(I’ll cry when I see one on the cotton pad cos I dont have much) and no stinging. Hope it helps!
Thanks for the recommendation and suggestion Jeanne! 25 Euros for a full litre of Bioderma?! That’s so cheap! I should be looking for a flight to France shouldn’t I? haha… I’ve tried various ways of removing mascara with Bioderma but it just took me longer than if I just used a bi-phase eye makeup remover but I’ll give it another go. I can’t believe I can’t make it work when others can haha 😉 Thanks!
I’ve been using Bioderma Sensibio for years 🙂 I buy 500ml x2 pack and they last me up to a year. It also removes my waterproof mascara and eyeliners. You just need a little patience for that 🙂 I’ve no plan to try any other makeup remover, I love Sensibio!
I have to practise a little with the mascara removal then. I can’t believe everyone’s finding it so easy and here I am struggling 😛 I think Sensibio is great. I know I”ll get the itch to try a different one, but at least its just remover and that finishes quite quickly hehe…
Hello Paris!
I started using the Sensibio (biggest bottle) last week and loving it! I use it as make up remover and toner too. Easier and lessen my skincare steps too! I have the other bottle too but I haven’t try it (smallest bottle). My friend got it for me when she was in Thailand and I think it was from Boots there.
Yay another Bioderma Sensibio fan! 😀 I will warn you that the Sebium one is a bit drying and another reader has mentioned that its not meant to be a remover but a toner so be warned! Thanks for letting me know its available at Boots Thailand. I’ll be sure to check the next time I’m there!
I used bioderma for very long time. It is very effective but for me every cotton pad I tried it with left me with slight dryness and irritation in outer corner of my eye and sometimes dried out the whole eye lid.
I use Shu Uemura green oil for second month now and I love it, it doesnt break me out or dry me out… It looks like perfect solution for me now!
Yikes! Sorry to hear Bioderma didn’t work out well for you Catherine 🙁 Pity, since you are living where its so cheap too haha… Shu Uemura oils are definitely good stuff. Break me out like crazy but there’s a reason they are the NO. 1 selling cleansing oil in the world. It works!
I have just recently started using this to remove my daily face makeup.. it works well and hopefully it will help clear up my skin because I have no idea what, but something i’m currently using seems to be clogging my pores and causing breakouts! my usual double cleansing routine does not seem to stop my breakouts.. HELP!! im at my wits end.. any tips on how to identify the product that is causing clogged pores and breakouts? a blog post maybe? 😛 and tips to nurse clogged pores and breakouts too! thanks!
Hey Dee, I did find that using this helped my skin a lot! Its just so much more gentle than any other remover I’ve ever used which I think helps too. I’m not sure if you saw some of the other blog posts I have on me battling my breakouts? I’ve traced my sudden breakouts to food, digestive problems and health, and taking probiotics. If I have sleeping problems, it sometimes causes my skin to break out as well as dirty pillow cases 😛 As for nursing breakouts, I use my Vichy cleanser (or any salicylic based face cleanser), and use a good anti-imperfection cream. Vichy Normaderm and La Roche Posay Effaclar are 2 very good ones that work for me and drinking lots of water. Sometimes, it doesn’t work and thats when you have to figure out the true cause of the breakout and treat that before it all goes away. Good luck, Dee!
Paris, thanks for sharing this review and comparison! I am beginning to realize that though the Hada Labo cleansing oil does not break out on me or leave a greasy layer, it does clog up my skin. I am intrigued by this Bioderma cleansing solution 🙂 Perhaps I’ll check it out at Boots when I visit Bangkok soon.
I saw that Rahainah is offering 3 types of Bioderma and I am curious to know which one of the Crealine below is the reincarnation of the Sensibio that you’re using? Can you please help to enlighten me? Thank you 🙂
Bioderma Crealine H2O Cleansing Solution Perfume Free
Bioderma Crealine TS H2O Moisturising Make-up Remover & Cleansing Solution
Hey Jennifer – good question 😛 I believe they’re all the same thing and are all replaced with Bioderma Sensibio i.e. Crealine = Sensibio in the pink cap and packaging. There are only 3 types available now I believe – green (sebium), pink (Sensibio) and blue (hydrabio) I didn’t know its available at Boots Thailand either! I’m definitely going to check it out there when I’m there soon. 😀
I agree with you that the bioderma micelle solution doesn’t remove mascara well at all. Because of that, I didn’t get the hype but perhaps in more temperate climates, this type of cleansing water suits – e.g. using this instead of a facial wash in the morning. I feel uncomfortable doing that because I have splashed water on my face to wash it day and night although I do live in a country with four seasons. I have oily/combo skin too so I have a mental block just using a micelle solution. I don’t know if Malaysia has Bifesta Cleansing Express – it works just like Bioderma in that it is a cleansing water that you don’t need to double cleanse with. They recommend just splashing your face with water after using it. It’s very gentle on the skin as well.
I think a lot of it is to do with managing expectations. I was very disappointed that I couldn’t use it to remove my waterproof mascara either (which is so important in this infernal heat and humidity!) but I found it was very good for my face and seems to help calm it down 🙂 But as you said, its hard to get used to the idea of not washing your face. Perhaps in a country where there are more minerals in the water and its hard water, it could feel uncomfortable but I don’t know. Everywhere I go, I splash water on my face haha! We do have Bifesta here which I have just been given to understand is formerly known as Mandom. I think that’s very inexpensive so I’ll give it a go, thanks for the rec!
Anybody know what micelle solution is available locally in Malaysia? I’m going for an eye op next week and this would be perfect for cleansing my face while my eyes heal. Cannot get water in the eyes, you know.
Hi Cecilia, I’m told locally there’s Bifesta Cleansing Water which is a similar sort of product and available at most pharmacies. I haven’t tried it, but its an option I suppose! Good luck with the eye op!