Red is a bold and flattering colour, but not when it’s in the form of patches on our complexion. If you have acne-prone skin that’s gone through cycles of acne products and medication, you’ll know first-hand how sensitive and irritated your skin can become.
This paves the way for a weakened skin barrier, redness, an intolerance to skincare products, and even more blemishes. To counter these harsh effects, we’d like to introduce you to the Bioderma Sebium Sensitive, a soothing acne moisturiser that relieves redness and prevents the recurrence of acne.
To find out just how effective the cream is, Daily Vanity invited 10 readers to try the product for two weeks and give us their honest opinions about it. Spoiler alert: the average verdict for the moisturiser was a 4.7-star rating out of 5!
Before we dive into the reviews, let’s learn a little more about the Bioderma Sebium Sensitive. I’ll also be sharing my first impressions of the product and the visible results I saw after two weeks.
Pssst! Read till the end to find out how you can receive a free Sebium Sensitive sampling kit!
Suggested: Get to know your skin better today with BIODERMA’s Acne 101: Tips for acne-free skin webinar!
About Bioderma Sebium Sensitive
To target redness and inflamed acne, Bioderma’s Sebium Sensitive enlists the help of three key components: Fluidactiv™ patent, Bakuchiol, and Inflastop Complex™. Fluidactiv™ patent, or Seborestore technology, is formulated to biologically rebalance the composition of our sebum, thereby regulating oil production.
The moisturiser also contains Bakuchiol, an ingredient that’s touted as the gentler, natural alternative to retinol. It has soothing properties that comfort the skin and minimise issues associated with sensitivity and reactivity. It is also a potent antioxidant, which helps fight signs of ageing, such as fine lines and loss of firmness by targeting free radicals.
On top of that, there’s also Inflastop Complex™ in the formula, which calms inflamed spots and redness that could otherwise leave marks on your complexion. To counteract any harsh topical treatments you may be using, the moisturiser is packed with glycerin to provide immediate and lasting hydration.
Use the Bioderma Sebium Sensitive on freshly cleansed skin twice a day, morning and night. And of course, sunscreen should be the final step in your morning skincare routine.
Bioderma Sebium Sensitive retails for S$41.90 (30ml) at Guardian, Watsons, LazMall, Shopee Mall, Unity, and Welcia-BHG. Find out more about the new Sebium Sensitive here and check out the full Sebium range here.
Bioderma Sebium Sensitive review: First impressions
The texture of Bioderma Sebium Sensitive
After cleansing with Bioderma’s Sebium Gel Moussant and toning with the Sebium Lotion, I dispensed a bean-sized amount of the Bioderma Sebium Sensitive.
Housed in a compact tube, the Bioderma Sebium Sensitive has one of my favourite textures – gel-cream. The lightweight moisturiser has a pleasant floral scent that soothed my senses, but it isn’t too overpowering, which is how I prefer my skincare formulas. In fact, the allergen-free fragrance dissipates after a few minutes, so it won’t bother sensitive noses.
The cream absorbed in a matter of minutes and settled to a nice, matte finish, which is probably due to the mattifying powders and zinc in the formula. My skin felt instantly hydrated and comforted without being suffocated by a greasy or tacky layer – something that plenty of skin-soothing formulas tend to do, unfortunately.
The moisturiser seemed to calm my temperamental skin as well, which boded well for the rest of my trial.
Bioderma Sebium Sensitive review: Results after 2 weeks
After two weeks, my skin appeared less red and inflamed than before. It also felt much softer and smoother, and it wasn’t coated in a layer of sebum like before. The Bioderma Sebium Sensitive has been nothing but kind and comforting to my delicate skin with its gentle formula, and it seemed to prevent new acne from forming too.
My skin has a propensity to break out when I have a mask on for extended periods of time, but I didn’t notice any new blemishes when I was wearing the Bioderma Sebium Sensitive. It’s a great solution if you’ve been experiencing a bout of maskne (mask-induced acne). You can apply a thin layer of it over troubled areas or use it as a targeted treatment to bring down inflammation.
Overall, my skin tone looked a little more even and my complexion appeared more balanced and less angry. I have finally found the perfect product to combat redness and pesky maskne.
Bioderma Sebium Sensitive review: 10 readers give their honest opinions
Bioderma Sebium Sensitive
Summary
All of our reviewers agreed that the Bioderma Sebium Sensitive has a lightweight texture that sinks into the skin fast without leaving a greasy afterfeel. Most of them saw a reduction in redness from the first use, and they liked how it instantly soothed their skin. Two reviewers said it left a cooling effect on their skin too.
Most of them liked the pleasant, floral scent of the product, and it didn’t bother their noses or skin. After their two-week trial, most reviewers noticed less redness and inflammation. They also saw fewer breakouts and maskne with this moisturiser. Some even observed less oily skin that appeared more balanced.
Overall, our reviewers were pleased with the results they saw. All of them continued to use the moisturiser, and some also recommend it to those who are struggling with blemishes and maskne.
Albee, 21
Skin type: Normal, combination-dry
Skin concerns: Hyperpigmentation/dark spots, textured skin, blackheads/whiteheads, acne scars
The first thing I notice about the Bioderma Sebium Sensitive is that a little goes a long way with it. The lightweight cream absorbs into the skin very quickly, and I could see a slight reduction in tiny bumps and acne after the first use.
After two weeks, the facial bumps on my skin were less visible and my pimples looked calmer and less inflamed. I had a huge pimple that disappeared only after three days of use! It noticeably reduced the hormonal acne I got during the trial period as well. I only had one or two small pimples, which is a lot fewer than usual.
It has to be one of the best moisturisers I have ever used. 10 out of 10 – I would definitely buy this again.
Amber, 27
Skin type: Combination-dry
Skin concerns: Dull skin, hyperpigmentation/dark spots, visible/enlarged pores, blackheads/whiteheads
Whenever a zit pops up, I tend to hide at home till it’s gone, but I may have found the perfect solution for pesky pimples.
The fragrance of the Bioderma Sebium Sensitive is nice but a little too strong for my liking. The texture of the cream isn’t too thick and it glides easily on my skin. It absorbs quickly too and leaves my skin feeling much more moisturised after the first application.
After two weeks, my skin appears less oily and feels softer and more hydrated. Compared to other moisturisers I’ve tried, this one doesn’t leave my skin feeling sticky throughout the day. The product absorbs quicker into my skin compared to others too.
Jolene, 31
Skin type: Dry, combination-dry, sensitive, acne-prone
Skin concerns: Textured skin, dehydration, redness/irritation from inflamed acne/blemishes
When I get breakouts, I don’t even wish to leave the house because sometimes my skin gets so dry that it hurts. My confidence really takes a dip and I would rather stay at home. To combat dryness and redness, I would often reach for an aloe vera gel.
This Bioderma Sebium Sensitive feels really lightweight and it isn’t sticky at all. It absorbs in seconds and my skin felt instantly soothed from the first use. I didn’t experience any irritation from it too.
After two weeks, my skin felt softer and more hydrated. Large pores and facial bumps on my skin were visibly reduced. It’s safe to say that this product has worked very well for my skin type. My face didn’t feel dry or tight throughout the day too.
I really like how lightweight it feels because good moisturisers often leave a greasy feel on my skin for the whole day and can make my skin look very shiny. I would continue using this product in the long run.
Erlyanis, 21
Skin type: Combination-oily
Skin concerns: Uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation/dark spots, textured skin, visible/enlarged pores, clogged pores, acne, acne scars, redness/irritation from inflamed acne/blemishes
Sometimes I wouldn’t go out because of my pimples and acne scars. I get extremely insecure because of them, but I feel more confident leaving the house bare-faced now thanks to the Bioderma Sebium Sensitive.
The texture is non-sticky and smooth, and it left a slight cooling sensation as it dried. My skin felt well hydrated for over six hours. It soothed my skin and my complexion looked calmer after one use.
Two weeks later, my skin felt softer, smoother, and calmer. In fact, I saw a reduction in redness after three days. My pimples appeared less inflamed, and the facial bumps on my skin have reduced. My skin is also less congested, with few clogged pores. I’ve even received compliments on my skin from family and friends after using this product.
The moisturiser has worked really well for my skin type, and I would give a rating of five out of five stars. I love my skin a lot more now after using this product. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone who suffers from maskne or inflamed pimples.
Mari, 25
Skin type: Combination-oily, sensitive, acne-prone
Skin concerns: Uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation/dark spots, dehydration, visible/enlarged pores, clogged pores, blackheads/whiteheads, acne scars, redness/irritation from inflamed acne/blemishes
I would not leave the house without concealer on as wearing a mask further aggravates my acne and skin, making it red when I take my mask off. Without concealer, I was afraid of appearing looked improper when meeting people. It might seem like I’m not making an effort to take care of my skin.
I initially thought that the texture of the Bioderma Sebium Sensitive was quite thick, but it actually absorbed quite fast without leaving a sticky finish. I liked the packaging too as it’s more hygienic than tubs. After the first use, my skin actually felt cooler to a small degree. It didn’t look as red or irritated.
After two weeks, my pimples looked calmer and less inflamed. I even saw a reduction in blemishes and congestion. Overall, my skin barrier felt stronger and more resilient. I’d say it works better for me than other moisturisers I’ve tried in the past.
Compared to my previous routine where I had to mix a serum with a moisturiser, the Bioderma Sebium Sensitive feels like a 2-in-1 product. And since it’s a derm brand, I feel at ease knowing that it contains safe ingredients for my skin!
My skin is very sensitive, so I’m glad that I have finally found a product that is not only effective, but also doesn’t aggravate my skin further.
Sherry, 25
Skin type: Combination-oily, acne-prone
Skin concerns: Textured skin, visible/enlarged pores, clogged pores, acne, acne scars, redness/irritation from inflamed acne/blemishes
I tend to hide my blemishes with makeup, and I’ll avoid people when I have a breakout too. However, the Bioderma Sebium Sensitive has helped reduce redness and pimples, so I feel more confident now.
I love the texture of the moisturiser and its matte finish. It absorbs into my skin quickly without making my face feel sticky. My skin felt smoother and more hydrated after the first use. Although the scent is initially quite strong, it grew on me eventually.
After two weeks, the facial bumps on my complexion were less visible and the redness had gone down. My blemishes had lessened and my skin felt less oily too. Plus, my skin never feels oily or greasy with this moisturiser. It stays hydrated and doesn’t feel dry even in air-conditioned areas.
Kathleen, 28
Skin type: Combination-oily
Skin concerns: Visible/enlarged pores, clogged pores, blackheads/whiteheads, acne, acne scars
The Bioderma Sebium Sensitive has a pleasant scent and lightweight texture. My skin looked and felt much calmer and moisturised from the first use. I noticed less redness in general, and areas with acne were less dry.
The product absorbed in seconds, and I did not experience any irritation from it. After two weeks, my skin felt softer, smoother, and more hydrated – never dry or tight. The redness and bumps on my skin were reduced, and my acne looked calmer and less inflamed. I didn’t have to deal with flaky or dry skin, which usually occurs when I’ve been using a spot treatment for my acne.
Overall, the product has worked very well for my skin type. There’s even a slight glow to my complexion now! I will definitely keep using this.
Felicia, 29
Skin type: Combination-oily, acne-prone
Skin concerns: Dull skin, textured skin, visible/enlarged pores, blackheads/whiteheads, acne, acne scars, redness/irritation from inflamed acne/blemishes
When my skin breaks out, it makes me feel self-conscious especially when meeting new people, but the Bioderma Sebium Sensitive has helped with my acne and blemishes. It’s lightweight and has a pleasant scent. After one use, my skin felt moisturised and appeared less red almost instantly.
Two weeks later, my skin texture felt smoother and more refined. The redness had gone down significantly and my blemishes look calmer and less inflamed. In fact, there was a reduction in pimples. The Bioderma Sebium Sensitive also didn’t aggravate my skin compared to other moisturisers. Overall, I had a positive experience with this moisturiser.
Jasmine, 31
Skin type: Combination-oily, sensitive
Skin concerns: Hyperpigmentation/dark spots, textured skin, clogged pores, acne scars, redness/irritation from inflamed acne/blemishes
When I get breakouts, I feel more self-conscious. I also hate the red marks that my acne leaves, but the Bioderma Sebium Sensitive was able to soothe my skin in just one day. It has a pleasant scent and a lightweight texture, which makes it easy to apply. My skin felt less oily from the first application, and it left a non-sticky finish.
After two weeks, my skin felt softer, smoother, and more hydrated. My pimples look calmer and less inflamed. Plus, my complexion looked less oily. I didn’t experience any new breakouts during the trial period, and my skin barrier actually feels stronger and more resilient.
The Bioderma Sebium Sensitive has worked better for me than other moisturisers that I have used previously. I really like this product, and I’ll recommend and continue using it!
Chi Fang, 33
Skin type: Oily, combination-oily, acne-prone
Skin concerns: Dull skin, uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation/dark spots, textured skin, dehydration, visible/enlarged pores, clogged pores, blackheads/whiteheads, acne, acne scars, redness/irritation from inflamed acne/blemishes
The irritation and redness from my breakouts and pimples affect my self-esteem and confidence because people would assume that I have poor hygiene. I have suffered from acne for close to 20 years, which is why I hoped to see results with the Bioderma Sebium Sensitive.
I like its lightweight texture, and it has a light melon fragrance. My skin was soothed from the first application, and it felt matte but moisturised. After two weeks, my skin felt softer and more hydrated, and I saw a reduction in redness.
My maskne along my chin and jaw looked calmer and the swelling had gone down much faster with this moisturiser. I’d say the effectiveness of the moisturiser is better than most of the other moisturisers I used. Besides that, my skin looked less greasy too.
However, the Bioderma Sebium Sensitive does contain an artificial fragrance like most of the Western moisturisers I’ve tried, which deters me as my skin is already irritated and I’d prefer a more natural fragrance, such as a light tea tree scent.
Receive a free Sebium Sensitive sampling kit!
Click here to redeemThis article is brought to you by Bioderma.
