Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Su: what it does and how to use it

What does Sensibio H2O actually do?

Sensibio H2O is a cleanser rather than plain water, despite a name that gives water most of the credit. Its cleansing agents form micelles: tiny clusters that capture oily particles and other impurities so they can be removed from the skin. A surfactant is a cleansing agent with one part attracted to water and another attracted to fat. That matters because water alone cannot remove all the oily dirt that collects on the face.3

Sensibio H2O also removes residues such as fine particles, heavy metals and pollen. You can use it to cleanse even when you are not wearing makeup. The liquid leaves no sticky or greasy film, making it an option for people who prefer a lightweight cleanser rather than a creamy cleansing texture.3

How do you use Bioderma Sensibio H2O?

1. 1Soak a cotton pad with Sensibio H2O. A reusable cotton pad is also suitable.
2. 2Gently cleanse around your eyes. For heavy or longwear eye makeup, let the soaked pad sit on the eyelids for a few seconds before removing the makeup.
3. 3Cleanse the rest of your face and your neck. Continue gently until the cotton pad comes away clear.
4. 4Leave the product on without rinsing if it is your only cleansing step. If you are removing sunscreen or cosmetics, follow with a gentle oil or water based cleanser.
5. 5Continue with your usual skincare, then moisturizer. Apply sunscreen in the morning.

Bioderma's US directions allow daily use, morning and/or evening, seven days a week. Morning use is for cleansing; evening use can remove makeup and the day's buildup. Clean gently rather than treating each pass as a scrub. Excessive cleansing, particularly with abrasive products, can damage the skin's protective film.23

Do you need to rinse it or use another cleanser?

Bioderma tells you that Sensibio H2O does not need rinsing. A second cleanse is a separate decision: general micellar water guidance recommends following with a gentle cleanser when removing sunscreen or cosmetic products. Very heavy or waterproof makeup can need that extra step. For straightforward cleansing without those products, micellar water can serve as the cleanser on its own.25

What is in the formula?

The US formula lists ten ingredients: water, PEG 6 caprylic/capric glycerides, fructooligosaccharides, mannitol, xylitol, rhamnose, cucumber fruit extract, propylene glycol, cetrimonium bromide and disodium EDTA. The product is unfragranced and has a pH of around 5.5. Bioderma describes its micellar cleansing technology as designed to preserve the skin's natural protective film. Read your bottle's ingredient list before buying or using it, especially if you need to avoid a particular ingredient: packaging can differ from the latest formula shown online.2

Who is it suited to?

Sensibio H2O is intended for adults and teens, including people with sensitive skin, and is listed for all skin types. As general guidance, micellar cleansers are particularly useful for dry or sensitive skin because mild cleansing agents remove grime without stripping away much of the skin's natural oil. That makes the format worth considering if stronger cleansers leave your face feeling tight. Sensibio H2O's intended use around the eyes does not mean every person will tolerate it there.156

What results should you expect, and how quickly?

Cleansing and makeup removal happen during use. A makeup removal test involving ten people measured 99% removal. Longer term comfort results were measured separately: in an observational study involving 400 people, 90% reported a decrease in unpleasant sensations after 28 days. A smaller study involving 33 people with sensitive skin measured a 79% reduction in discomfort sensations through self scoring over 21 days. Treat those comfort benefits as possible improvements over several weeks, not a reason to continue using a product that irritates your skin.1

Micellar water cleans skin; it does not treat acne or erase wrinkles, even if the skincare shelf would prefer every bottle to have several careers. Removing excess oil and impurities can help with clogged pores, but cleansing is not a replacement for treatment.5

Is Sensibio H2O a toner?

A clear liquid can be a cleanser without being a toner, because appearance is not a job description. Micellar water primarily removes grime. Toners are different products, often formulated to hydrate skin or deliver ingredients for particular concerns. If you already use a toner, apply it after cleansing, on clean, dry skin.5

What if it causes itching or a rash?

Stop using Sensibio H2O if you suspect it is causing an itchy or painful rash. Cleansers and makeup removers can cause contact dermatitis, an irritated or allergic skin reaction, including around the eyes. Eyelid skin is thin and delicate, and fragrance is not the only ingredient that can trigger a reaction. An unfragranced formula still needs to suit your skin.6

Contact dermatitis can cause itching, blistering, dryness and cracking within hours or days of exposure. A pharmacist can help with troubling symptoms. See a doctor if symptoms are persistent, recurrent or severe; a dermatologist can help identify the trigger if the cause remains unclear. Avoiding the substance responsible is central to preventing another reaction.7