Bioderma micellar cleansing oil: what it is and how to choose

What is Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil?

The Canadian Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil is listed as a cleanser for sensitive skin. Bioderma also describes the oil in its US range as a cleansing and nourishing option with a comfortable texture and biomimetic lipids, meaning lipids designed to resemble those found naturally in skin. Sensibio includes both water and oil cleansers, so the family name does less detective work than you might hope. Micellar does not mean water based. Micellar technology can be used in an oil base, which is what distinguishes this product from the familiar Sensibio H2O bottle. Choose the oil if you want an oil texture for sensitive skin, rather than assuming every Sensibio cleanser feels or works exactly alike.12

How should you use the cleansing oil?

Use the directions on your Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil bottle for the amount, whether to begin on wet or dry skin, and how to remove it. Do not borrow the cotton pad and no rinse method from Sensibio H2O, or the wet skin method from Sensibio Foaming Gel. As general cleansing guidance, morning and evening cleansing is usually sufficient. Remove makeup before bed, use a gentle touch rather than scrubbing, and follow cleansing with moisturizer. For sensitive skin, avoid adding repeated washes or exfoliation simply to make your face feel more thoroughly cleaned.1345

How does micellar water compare with cleansing oil?

Micellar water contains small clusters of cleansing molecules called micelles, which lift away dirt, oil and makeup. Sensibio H2O is the water based option for sensitive skin; the oil offers a different texture rather than a different meaning of the word micellar. Micellar water is a cleanser rather than a toner, even if both bottles look qualified to do the same job. Choose it for cleansing and makeup removal, not as an extra step after an already complete cleanse.7

How do you use Sensibio H2O instead?

1. 1Apply a small amount of Sensibio H2O to a cotton pad or reusable cleansing pad.
2. 2Sweep gently across your face without rubbing to remove makeup and impurities.
3. 3Leave it without rinsing, as Bioderma directs for Sensibio H2O.
4. 4Follow with your moisturizer.

For heavy or waterproof makeup, micellar water alone may leave you needing another gentle cleanser. General micellar water guidance also includes following with a gentle cleanser when removing sunscreen or cosmetics. That is a reason to consider a second cleansing step for those situations, not a reason to double cleanse every morning. Avoid scrubbing to compensate for makeup that has not come away.57

What is Bioderma Micellar Cleansing Gel?

Sensibio Foaming Gel is Bioderma's mild, soap free micellar cleansing gel for sensitive skin. Unlike Sensibio H2O, it is a rinse off cleanser. Bioderma's US directions allow application to the face and eyes. Bioderma also lists Hydrabio Foaming Gel in Canada as a cleanser with micellar technology for all skin types. If you are looking for the Sensibio gel, check the range name as well as the word micellar.36

1. 1Wet your skin.
2. 2Apply Sensibio Foaming Gel and work it into a foam.
3. 3Rinse well with water.
4. 4Gently dry your skin.

Should oily or acne prone skin choose the oil?

For oily skin, a mild foaming cleanser is the more straightforward choice. General dermatology guidance advises avoiding oil based cleansers because they can irritate oily skin, and choosing products labelled oil free or noncomedogenic, meaning formulated not to clog pores. For acne prone skin, use an oil free makeup remover, then wash with a gentle cleanser. Cleanse when you wake up, before bed and after sweating. Sensibio's sensitive skin positioning is not a reason to treat the cleansing oil as an acne treatment.45

What should you expect, and when should you stop?

The practical aim is cleansing during use, not a treatment result that requires weeks of waiting. Micellar water removes dirt, excess oil and most makeup; it does not treat acne or erase wrinkles. Keep those expectations separate from Bioderma's description of the oil as cleansing and nourishing. Stop using a cleanser that irritates your skin rather than washing more aggressively. Redness, tingling, tightness and burning are signs of skin sensitivity. Avoid rubbing or pulling sensitive skin, and keep the number of products low. See a dermatologist if sensitivity persists or if you are struggling with acne and cannot identify which products are contributing.3457