Winter is a time of rest – for your skin too.
The colder climate wreaks havoc on your skin. It steals its moisture, dries it out and makes it flake. Cue all kinds of redness and irritations. Ugh.
It’s at times like this that I’m glad for basic, moisturising skincare that takes care of skin without irritating it even more.
Case in point: Bioderma Sensibio Light Cream, a back to basics moisturizer for sensitive combination skin that gets easily irritated. Here’s what I like about it:
What’s In Bioderma Sensibio Light Cream?
GLYCERIN TO HYDRATE SKIN
Glycerin is a moisture magnet.
It attracts water from the environment and the deepest layers of your skin and binds it into the upper layers. In other words, it makes sure that every layer of your skin is well-hydrated.
FYI, this isn’t drying. Your body is made up of 60% water so, as long as your skin’s protective barrier keeps moisture in, glycerin will hydrate your skin.
Hydrated skin is healthy skin. It’s softer, brighter and plumper (a clever trick that makes fine lines and wrinkles look smaller).
FYI, glycerin is the second ingredient in Bioderma Sensibio Light Cream. Super hydrating!
Related: What The Heck Is Glycerin And Why Is It In My Skincare Products?
CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE TO STRENGTHEN YOUR SKIN’S PROTECTIVE BARRIER
Don’t let the name scare you! Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is derived from coconut and glycerin.
It works as a moisturizer. Coconuts are loaded with fatty acids, some of the most moisturising things on this planet.
Here’s the deal: fatty acids strengthen the skin’s protective barrier so that moisture stays in and germs, pollutants and other enemies of your skin stay out.
A strengthened barrier is also better able to withstand the attacks of the colder winter weather and harsh anti-aging superstars like tretinoin.
FRUCTOOLIGOSACCHARIDES TO PROMOTE BACTERIA GROWTH
Fructo…. what?! What the heck is this weirdo in Bioderma Sensibio Light Cream?
Fructooligosaccharides are prebiotics (not a typo) derived from cane or beet sugar. They’re food probiotics feed on.
In skincare, they promote the growth of the good bacteria on your skin. You know, the good soldiers that protect you from bad bacteria. When there’s an imbalance, you’re more likely to get acne, rosacea and all those nasty conditions.
Plus, fructooligosaccharides are hydrating and help your skin retain moisture. You know by now how important that is.
Struggling to put together a skincare routine that banishes dryness and makes your skin supple and dewy? Download your FREE “Best Skincare Routine For Dry Skin” to get started (it features product recommendations + right application order):
Texture
Lightweight and fast-absorbing.
Fragrance
It’s fragrance-free.
How To Use It
In the AM, in between serum and sunscreen. At night, it’s the last step of your skincare routine.
Performance & Personal Opinion
Bioderma Sensibio Light Cream has a lightweight texture that packs a very hydrating punch. While I don’t think it’s moisturising enough for super dry, flaky skin, it’s perfect for my skin type.
What’s that? A little oily on the t-zone, a little drier on the cheeks. If I don’t keep the status quo, in winter my skin turns A LOT drier all over.
That’s where Bioderma Sensibio Light Cream comes in. It helps strengthen my skin’s protective barrier, so the endless cycle of freezing cold winds outside and boiling hot temperatures inside don’t suck all the moisture out of it.Â
I put it on at night and instantly my skin feels softer and suppler. In the morning, it’s better able to withstand the harsh weather.
You can use it in the morning too if you need the extra moisture boost. I don’t because the cream leaves a little greasy residue on my skin. It’s like it doesn’t absorb completely. I don’t mind that too much at night – heck, I put it on and go to sleep.
If your skin’s already a little dry and irritated, Bioderma Sensibio Light Cream can help soothe the redness and protect skin from further damage, giving it the time it needs to restore itself to health.
The catch? The cream has no antioxidant or extra antiaging ingredients. I totally see why. The focus here is on protecting and healing sensitive skin. This skin type needs basic skincare without all the bells and whistles.
You can add the antioxidants back once your skin has fully healed or, if you’re using Bioderma Sensibio Light Cream as prevention, use a separate antioxidant serum. You can check out my fave picks here.
Who Is This For?
- Sensitive skin
- Dry skin
Who Is This NOT For?
Oily skin.
Packaging
A white tube with pink accents. Sleek and practical.
Does Bioderma Sensibio Light Cream Live Up To Its Claims?
| CLAIM | TRUE? |
|---|---|
| Soothing and moisturing care for sensitive skin. | True. |
| Instantly soothes heating sensations and increases the skin’s sensitivity threshold. | True. |
| Perfectly moisturises. | It moisturises alright, but perfectly is an impossible claim to prove. How do you measure that? |
Price & Availability
$19.90/£15.00 at Dermstore, Feel Unique, Revolve and Walmart
Do You Need It?
If you have sensitive skin, this is a great moisturiser to consider.
Dupes & Alternatives
- Maelove One Cream ($27.95)
- Uriage Eau Thermale Water Cream (£16.49)
Ingredients
Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Isohexadecane, Glycol Palmitate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Triceteareth-4 Phosphate, Fructooligosaccharides, Mannitol, Xylitol, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Rhamnose, Laminaria Ochroleuca Extract, Glycol Stearate, PEG-2 Stearate, Pentylene Glycol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, 1, 2-Hexanediol, Disodium EDTA, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hydroxide.
What is the purpose of Cetearyl Isononanoate, Isohexadecane, Glycol Palmitate in this cream? Would love it if you could break it down!
Hania, they’re emollients that make skin softer and smoother.