Review: Bioderma Hydrabio Légère Moisturiser

As this summer and its tropical temperatures draw to a close, I want to write about the products that I have tried over the past few months and how I got on with them. I think it's important to give products, especially skincare ones, a few weeks to see what kind of effect they have on your skin.

During the summer, the last thing I want on my face is a thick and heavy moisturiser that sits uncomfortably on top of my skin. I couldn't quite find the right water-based product, though, as some of my searches only led to smelly and expensive products. When I unexpectedly came across the Zest Pharmacy in Soho back in July, the lovely shop assistant recommended the Bioderma Hydrabio Légère Moisturiser (stockist information below). I scrutinised the claims on the packaging: For dehydrated sensitive skin? Tick. Deep care generating hydration? Well, that's all I need from a moisturiser.

This is a lightweight product, which makes it perfect for hot summer days. Water is the first ingredient listed on the packaging, which is probably why my skin absorbed the moisturiser as opposed to having an oily film form on top of it. My skin almost instantly feels rehydrated but not oily when I put this on. This is particularly useful if you moisturise before you do your makeup, as it won't cause the makeup to slip and slide during the day. And what about the actual job it's supposed to do - moisturise? Well, I get dry, irritated patches of skin every now and then if I'm overzealous with the flannel or if I don't drink enough water. The Hydrabio Légère completely did away with those, which was surprising considering how thin the product is.

My only issue with this is how small the packaging is. For £14.00, you only get 40ml, which puts this moisturiser on the slightly pricier side. I guess a little does go a long way: I only use two pumps each time to cover my whole face, and even that is almost more than enough. But drugstore cheap-as-chips moisturiser this is not. I'm just glad I've found something that does not clog my pores, that gets rid of random dry patches of skin, and that simply feels good when I apply it.

You can find this product at (and purchase online from):
John Bell & Croyden: 50-54 Wigmore Street, London W1U 2AU
Zest Pharmacy: 18 Broadwick Street, London W1F 8HS
The Garden Pharmacy: 119, Long Acre, Covent Garden, London WC2E 9PB