Atoderm Intensive Gel Moussant Ultra Rich Foaming Gel
Atoderm Intensive Gel Moussant Ultra Rich Foaming Gel
Product Description
Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Gel Moussant is a soap-free, ultra-rich foaming gel that gently cleanses very dry, irritated and atopic-prone skin on both the face and body. Powered by niacinamide (Vitamin PP), zinc and copper, plus Bioderma's patented Skin Barrier Therapyβ’ complex, it lifts away impurities without stripping β relieving tightness and itching while reinforcing a weakened skin barrier.
β¨ Texture & Feel
Skin Barrier Therapyβ’
A patented complex that helps limit Staphylococcus aureus colonization, which can worsen irritation and itching on atopic skin.
Soap-Free Cleansing
Mild sugar- and coconut-derived surfactants cleanse face and body without stripping the skin's protective lipids.
Lipid-Replenishing
Nourishing agents support the skin's own lipid production, leaving it comfortable rather than tight after rinsing.
Prebiotic & Soothing
Fructooligosaccharides plus zinc and copper help rebalance the microbiome and calm reactive, easily irritated skin.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
No retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or essential oils. Niacinamide and prebiotics are widely considered safe β but confirm with your doctor.
Contains PEG esters and Polysorbate 20 that are not malassezia-safe. As a rinse-off cleanser contact time is short, so risk is lower than with leave-on products.
Fragrance-free, soap-free, paraben-free and hypoallergenic. Dermatologically tested under control on atopic-prone skin.
Fully compatible with retinol, vitamin C and AHA/BHA routines β it simply rinses away before your treatment steps.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
π Niacinamide (Vitamin PP / B3) ~2% Proven
Bioderma's hero active. Vitamin PP strengthens the skin barrier, calms redness and irritation, and helps fade blemishes and uneven tone β gentle enough for reactive, atopic skin.
- Source: Independent ingredient analyses estimate the concentration at roughly 2%, an effective level for barrier support and evening skin tone.
- Source: Niacinamide is converted in the skin to NAD, a coenzyme that supports cell repair and a healthier barrier.
βοΈ Zinc Sulfate Purifying Promising
An antimicrobial, mildly astringent mineral salt. It helps purify and rebalance skin prone to irritation without the foaming or stripping action of true surfactant sulfates.
- Source: Despite the "sulfate" name, zinc sulfate is not a cleansing surfactant like SLS and does not foam or dry skin the same way.
πΆ Copper Sulfate Purifying Promising
Paired with zinc as part of Bioderma's purifying duo. It supports the skin and helps limit microbial overgrowth that can aggravate dryness and atopic flares.
- Source: Copper and zinc salts are commonly used together in dermo-cosmetic formulas for their antimicrobial and skin-conditioning roles.
𫧠Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) Cleansing Proven
The primary foaming surfactant. SLES is milder and far less likely to irritate than SLS, and here it is buffered with humectants to keep cleansing gentle.
- Source: SLES is created from coconut or palm kernel oil and is considered much milder than sodium lauryl sulfate.
π¬ Lauryl Glucoside Cleansing Proven
A gentle, sugar- and lipid-derived co-surfactant. It boosts the soft foam and helps rinse away oil and impurities while keeping the formula mild.
- Source: Lauryl glucoside is made from glucose and lauryl alcohol and acts as a mild, easily rinsed surfactant.
πΎ Fructooligosaccharides Prebiotic Promising
A prebiotic humectant that helps feed beneficial skin flora and draw moisture to the surface, supporting a balanced microbiome on dry, reactive skin.
- Source: Fructooligosaccharides act as a prebiotic and humectant, with emerging evidence of antioxidant activity.
π¦ Xylitol Humectant Promising
A sugar-alcohol humectant and prebiotic that improves dry skin by reducing water loss and reinforcing the microbiome and barrier.
- Source: Studies show xylitol decreases transepidermal water loss and improves the biomechanical properties of the skin barrier.
𧴠Caprylyl Glycol Humectant Proven
A multitasking humectant and emollient that retains moisture, softens skin and gently boosts the formula's preservation thanks to mild antimicrobial activity.
- Source: Though derived from fatty acids, caprylyl glycol is not the drying type of alcohol and helps support a healthy barrier.
18 ingredients
Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Lauryl Glucoside, PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate, Disodium EDTA, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Zinc Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Copper Sulfate, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Polysorbate 20, Niacinamide, Fructooligosaccharides, Mannitol, Xylitol, Rhamnose.
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use it as your main cleansing step, morning and evening. After rinsing, follow with a barrier moisturizer such as Atoderm Intensive Baume or Gel-Crème for very dry, atopic skin.
π How to Use
Dampen
Apply to wet skin on the face and/or body using lukewarm water β hot water can aggravate dryness.
Lather
Massage gently to work up a soft foam, avoiding the immediate eye area.
Rinse
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water until no residue remains.
Moisturize
Pat dry and apply a nourishing moisturizer. Suitable for daily AM/PM use by the whole family (except premature infants).
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- You have very dry, tight or flaky skin
- You have eczema, atopic or easily irritated skin
- You want one gentle wash for both face and body
- You react to fragranced or harsh foaming cleansers
- You want a fuss-free, family-friendly cleanser
β Consider alternatives if:
- You have active fungal acne and need a fully malassezia-safe wash
- You strictly avoid all sulfates, including SLES
- You have very oily skin wanting a deep, mattifying cleanse
- You prefer a non-foaming cream or oil texture
π― Skin Type Compatibility
Soap-free and lipid-replenishing β cleanses without stripping and relieves tightness.
Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested on atopic-prone skin.
Cleanses comfortably; very oily zones may want a slightly deeper cleanse.
Gentle but not mattifying β better suited to dry-leaning skin than very oily types.
Non-comedogenic and soothing, though not certified fungal-acne safe.
π Results Timeline
Clean & Comfortable
Skin feels clean and soft right after rinsing, without the tight, squeaky feeling of harsh washes.
85% reported comfortLess Reactivity
With daily use, sensations of tightness and itching tend to ease as the barrier is supported.
~70% noticedCalmer Barrier
Fewer rough, dry patches and a more resilient feel reported by regular users.
~65% noticedMaintained Relief
Sustained comfort for atopic-prone skin when used consistently as part of a barrier routine.
~60% noticedβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Genuinely gentle β soap-free and fragrance-free
- Cleanses without stripping or leaving skin tight
- Multi-use for face, body and the whole family
- Niacinamide, zinc & copper soothe reactive, atopic skin
- A little lathers a long way β good value over time
- Dermatologically tested for sensitive/atopic skin
β Criticized
- Contains SLES, which strict sulfate-avoiders skip
- Not certified fungal-acne (malassezia) safe
- Light foam may feel underwhelming to some
- Basic packaging; large sizes lack a pump
- Pricier than entry-level drugstore cleansers
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
French-pharmacy lipid-replenishing wash made for atopic, eczema-prone skin, with niacinamide and shea. The closest like-for-like alternative.
A non-foaming cream cleanser with ceramides and hyaluronic acid. No zinc/copper complex, but excellent gentle hydration for dry skin.
A classic low-foam cleanser for sensitive skin. Simpler formula without the prebiotic and barrier-care complex, but very affordable.
π Comparison with Competitors
Bioderma Atoderm Intensive (This Product)
$18.95La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Wash
$13.99CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
$15.99Avène XeraCalm A.D Cleansing Oil
$25.00π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; close the cap after each use.
Recyclable plastic bottle with flip-top cap (pump on the 1L size).
Smallest 200 ml size still exceeds the 100 ml carry-on limit β decant into a travel bottle.
β Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or essential oils, and its key actives β niacinamide and prebiotics β are widely considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As always, check with your doctor about your personal routine.
Not strictly. It contains PEG esters and Polysorbate 20 that can feed malassezia. However, it's a rinse-off cleanser with brief contact time, so many fungal-acne-prone users tolerate it well β while purists who fully avoid these ingredients may prefer a different wash.
Yes. It's a gentle rinse-off cleanser, so it fits comfortably into any routine and simply washes away before you apply your treatment steps. There are no conflicts with retinol, vitamin C or exfoliating acids.
It's designed for very dry, sensitive, irritated and atopic or eczema-prone skin on both the face and body. Normal skin looking for a mild daily wash will also do well; very oily skin may prefer something more clarifying.
Comfort is immediate β skin feels clean without tightness right after rinsing, and the brand reports 85% of users feel comfort after use. With daily use, most people notice reduced tightness and reactivity within 1β2 weeks.
It's your first cleansing step, used morning and evening on damp skin, before any toners, treatments, serums and moisturizer. Always follow with a nourishing moisturizer on very dry skin.
Very low risk β we rate it around 1/5. It's a soap-free, rinse-off cleanser with no heavy oils or butters, so it's unlikely to clog pores for most skin types.
About 12 months after opening (12M PAO). Keep the bottle closed and stored away from heat and direct sunlight to keep the formula fresh.
Verdict: A reliable French-pharmacy workhorse for very dry, sensitive and atopic skin. It cleanses gently without stripping, soothes with niacinamide, zinc and copper, and earns its barrier-care reputation thanks to the patented Skin Barrier Therapyβ’ complex. It loses half a star for containing SLES and for not being fully fungal-acne safe β but for anyone with eczema-prone or reactive skin who wants one gentle face-and-body wash for the whole family, it's an easy recommendation.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skinβs own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging Β«promisesΒ» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 2 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 2 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting from 1 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 3 |
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Surfactant, Emulsifying, Cleansing, Foaming
|
|
|
| 1 |
Lauryl Glucoside
Surfactant, Cleansing
|
|
|
| 3 |
PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate
Solvent, Surfactant, Emulsifying, Cleansing
|
|
|
| 1 |
Disodium EDTA
Viscosity Controlling, Chelating Agent
|
|