I've shared my impressions of many micellar waters before, but today we're going back to the roots with the French brand that started it all, Bioderma.
Bioderma. The Maker. The Genius. The inventor of micellar water, that multi-tasking, no-rinse liquid that removes makeup, cleanses, and tones skin. How many times has micellar water saved me from the sin of going to bed with makeup on? Too many to count. I love my cleansing balms and creams, but when I'm exhausted after a long day and night partying working, when my eyes are already half closed and all I want is to hit the hay, sometimes sleeping with makeup on sounds more appealing than a multi-step Asian style skincare routine. I just don't have the strength. But I can gather the energy to grab a cotton pad, soak it in micellar water, and rub it all over, eyes included, no rinse. A single step, the end, good night. Zzzz

I'm sure you have heard about Bioderma before, and some of you may think that they only do one thing, their cult micellar water. This is not the case at all, Bioderma actually has several lines of products addressing different skin concerns, including serums, moisturizers, body products... And their famous micellar water is declined in 3 different specialty formulas (additional versions are available in France, with one for babies!):


- Sensibio H2O, with a pink cap, the #1 and original formula. In France this one is called Créaline H2O. It's fragrance-free and perfect for very sensitive skins.
- Sebium H2O, with a green cap, is formulated for oily and blemish prone skins.
- Hydrabio H2O, with a blue cap, the one I will talk to you about today.



Hydrabio is Bioderma's line for dehydrated sensitive skins, and the products in this range contain not only hydrating ingredients like glycerin, but also Aquagenium, a patented compound that stimulates skin's ability to retain moisture. Thus making the Hydrabio H2O Micelle Solution a 3-in-1 makeup remover, cleanser and hydrating toner!

Here's the full ingredients list: Water (Aqua), Glycerin, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Polysorbate 20, Mannitol, Xylitol, Rhamnose, Fructooligosaccharides, Niacinamide, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Propylene Glycol, , Hexyldecanol, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Cetrimonium Bromide, Fragrance (Parfum).

Hydrabio H2O micellar water has a light and pleasant aquatic scent. The fragrance being the very last ingredient in the list indicates that the amount is extremely small, so it is unlikely to cause reactions except to people with allergies to perfumes. If you prefer your products to be fragrance-free, then the Sensibio H2O version is the one for you!

This micellar water does a good job at removing light makeup, whether it's powder foundation, tinted moisturizer or eye makeup that's not long-wearing. I would say that it works better than most at getting rid of regular mascara. You CAN use it to remove heavier or waterproof makeup, but it's going to take quite a few cotton pads. This is true for basically every single micellar water I've ever tried, so it's simply not an exception.

My favorite way to use micellar water is actually as a morning cleanser, and with its moisturizing properties, Hydrabio H2O excels in that role. It leaves my skin perfectly clean but comfortable and plump. I do feel like it leaves a little bit of a residue - that's probably caused by the hydrating ingredients - so I like to follow with a spritz of mineral water (like Evian, Avène, La-Roche Posay, or these days Esthederm's cellular water). It's also formulated for sensitive skins, and I can confirm that it never caused any redness!



Hydrabio H2O by Bioderma is the first micellar water that targets dehydration, besides offering the convenience of this type of product. I'm convinced! Its makeup removing powers are above average and it leaves my skin comfortable and moisturized. It's a good pick for anyone with dry or dehydrated skin!


Online at beautylish.com and b-glowing.com



Yep, I made you scroll all the way down here for the big event! Because I love you, dear readers, I have a bottle of Hydrabio H2O Micelle Solution by Bioderma to give away to one lucky beauty enthusiast!

Important note: this giveaway is open to readers in the USA and Canada ONLY. Sorry international friends, I love you too, but shipping liquid to you is complicated.