Did you know Bioderma Sensibio H2O isn’t the only micellar water Bioderma makes?
That one is the most popular because it’s safe even for the most sensitive of skin types. But if your skin is on the drier side, Bioderma Hydrabio H2O is a better option for you. Here’s why:
What’s In Bioderma Hydrabio H2O Micellar Water?
PEG-6 CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC GLYCERIDES TO CLEANSE SKIN
Micellar cleansing waters are basically soapy water. They are made up mostly of water (obviously!) and one or more surfactants.
In the case of Bioderma Hydrabio H2O Micellar Lotion, this is PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides. It’s a mixture of mono-, di-, and tri- glycerides of caprylic and capric acids mixed with ethylene glycol used to carry oils into water-based systems.
Here’s how it works. Surfactants have two ends (or a head and a tail). The head is hydroliphic (attracts water and repels oils), while the end is lipoliphic (attracts oils and repels water). Oils and waters, like you probably know if you’ve tried to wash a greasy plate with water alone, don’t mix.
When enough surfactant is added to water, its molecules assemble into little groups called micelles. Their arrangement, though, isn’t random. The hydroliphic, water-loving heads are pointed outwards, towards the water, while the lipoliphic, water-hating tails face inwards, well away from it.
Enter cotton. Like the surfactants’ heads, cotton loves water too. So, when micellar water is poured onto cotton, the water-loving heads are instantly attracted to it.
They firmly stick to the cotton, while the oil-loving tails are now pointing outwards, towards your face.When you massage the cotton onto your face, the tails are able to dissolve the oils in your makeup and the excess sebum on your skin.
GLYCERIN TO HYDRATE SKIN
The main difference between Bioderma Sensibio H2O and Hydrabio H2O? The latter contains a big dollop of glycerin.
I’m not surprised to see it here. This micellar water is formulated for dry skin – and dry skin needs all the moisture it can get. It’s glycerin’s job to make sure it has enough.
Glycerin is a humectant that draws water from the environment into the skin. The extra moisture plumps up skin, makes fine lines and wrinkles look smaller, and even gives the complexion a dewy glow.
Related: The Complete Guide To Glycerin In Skincare
Need help creating the best skincare routine for you dry skin? Sign up to the newsletter below to receive the “Dry Skincare Routine Cheatsheet” (it includes product recommendations, too!).
Texture
Lightweight to the point of being runny.
Fragrance
Subtle and floral.
How To Use It
Soak a cotton pad in micellar water and gently wipe your face with it. No need to rinse off.
Performance & Personal Opinion
Bioderma Hydrabio H2O Micellar Water is similar to its Sensibio H2O cousin, only more hydrating. Just like Sensibio, it cleanses skin and removes makeup (as long as it isn’t waterproof) well.
But, it leaves my skin that bit more hydrated after cleansing than Sensibio. It’s great to use on winter days when I need a quick cleanse that removes impurites without drying out skin.
I only wish they hadn’t included a fragrance. Subtle and floral, it’s pleasant enough. But, with fragrances, there’s always the risk they may irritate someone’s skin. I’m relieved to report it didn’t cause any problems for mine.
Related: Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water Review
Who Is This For?
- Dry skin
- Anyone who needs a quick on-the-go cleanse
Who Is This NOT For?
- Oily skin
- Anyone looking for a makeup remover
Packaging
A practical see-through bottle with a blue cap.
Does Bioderma Hydrabio H2O Micellar Water Live Up To Its Claims?
| CLAIM | TRUE? |
|---|---|
| A cleansing, makeup-removing solution that gently moisturizes dehydrated skin. | It cleanses and moisturises dry and dehydrated skin, but it doesn’t remove makeup well. |
| Mixing cleansing power and optimal tolerance, our no-rinse solution softens, helps to visibly decongest and refreshes immediately. | Mostly true, but it can’t decongest skin (unless by decongest, they simply means it removes dirt on the surface of the skin – NOT the pores). |
Price & Availability
£10.80 at Dermstore, Escentual, and Feel Unique
Do You Need It?
It’s not a must, but if you’re looking for a micellar water for dry skin, you can’t go wrong with it.
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Dupes & Alternatives
- Avene Micellar Lotion ($18.00)
- La Roche Posay Micellar Water Ultra For Sensitive Skin ($15.99)
Ingredients
Aqua/Water/Eau, Glycerin, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Disodium EDTA, Mannitol, Xylitol, Cetrimonium Bromide, Rhamnose, Niacinamide, Hexyldecanol, Sodium Hydroxide, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Seed Extract, Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Sterols, Tocopherol, Fragrance (Parfum).
