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Sébium H2O Micellar Water

Sébium H2O Micellar Water

Product Description

Product overview

Made in France FRENCH BEAUTY

A purifying no-rinse micellar cleansing water specifically formulated for combination to oily skin. Features patented Fluidactiv® technology with zinc gluconate and copper sulfate to gently cleanse, remove makeup, and regulate sebum quality while respecting sensitive skin.

Dermatologist Tested Non-Comedogenic Alcohol-Free Paraben-Free Soap-Free No-Rinse Formula Hypoallergenic Fungal Acne Safe
Pregnancy
Yes
Fungal Acne
Yes
Comedogenic
0/5
Formula
Micellar Water
Target
Oily/Combo Skin
Sizes
100ml / 250ml / 500ml
pH Level
5.5 (Skin-Balanced)
Key Patent
Fluidactiv®
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Patented Fluidactiv® Technology

Biologically regulates sebum quality to prevent pores from becoming clogged and helps clear up the skin.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Watery / Liquid
Scent
Light Fresh Cucumber
Absorption
Instant (No Rinse)
Finish
Matte / Clean

Patented Fluidactiv® Technology

Biologically regulates sebum quality to prevent pores from becoming clogged and helps clear up the skin.

Micellar Technology

Micelles act like magnets to gently capture and lift away dirt, oil, and makeup without harsh rubbing.

D.A.F. Complex

Patented Dermatological Advanced Formulation enhances skin tolerance and minimizes risk of reactions.

Sebum-Regulating Minerals

Zinc gluconate and copper sulfate work together to purify skin and limit excess sebum secretion.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Free from retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, and chemical sunscreens. Safe for use during pregnancy and nursing.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Safe

Contains no fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates, or fermented ingredients that feed malassezia yeast.

Non-Comedogenic

Clinically tested to not clog pores. Comedogenic rating of 0/5 makes it safe for acne-prone skin.

Contains Light Fragrance

Has a subtle fresh scent. Those with extreme fragrance sensitivity may prefer fragrance-free Sensibio H2O.

Eye Area Caution

Due to zinc and copper content, avoid direct eye contact. Use Sensibio H2O for eye makeup removal.

Retinol Compatible

Can be used alongside retinol treatments. Gentle formula won't add irritation to active skincare routines.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Zinc GluconateProven

A zinc salt with powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Key ingredient for controlling acne and regulating sebum production.

  • Action: Inhibits growth of acne-causing bacteria (P. acnes)
  • Benefit: Reduces inflammation and promotes wound healing
  • Research: Studies show zinc reduces sebum production and inflammatory lesions
Especially effective for inflammatory acne and oily T-zone control.

Copper SulfateProven

Gives the formula its characteristic blue tint. Provides antimicrobial and astringent properties to help purify oily skin.

  • Action: Antibacterial agent that helps eliminate acne-causing bacteria
  • Benefit: Assists in sebum regulation and pore purification
  • Synergy: Works with zinc gluconate for enhanced purifying effect

Ginkgo Biloba Leaf ExtractPromising

Ancient botanical extract known for its antioxidant and soothing properties. Helps protect skin from environmental stressors.

  • Action: Contains flavonoids and terpenoids that neutralize free radicals
  • Benefit: Anti-inflammatory properties help calm irritated skin
  • Bonus: Contributes to mattifying effect on oily skin

PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric GlyceridesCleansing Agent

The primary micellar surfactant that forms the cleansing micelles. Gentle yet effective at dissolving makeup and impurities.

  • Action: Creates micelles that attract and lift oil-based impurities
  • Benefit: Cleanses without stripping skin's natural moisture barrier
  • Safety: Non-irritating, suitable for sensitive skin types

Mannitol, Xylitol, Rhamnose & FructooligosaccharidesHydrating Complex

A blend of sugar-based humectants that provide hydration while supporting the skin's natural barrier function.

  • Action: Attract and retain moisture in the skin
  • Benefit: Prevent the tight, dry feeling after cleansing
  • Bonus: Support skin's natural microbiome balance

15 ingredients

Aqua/Water/Eau, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Sodium Citrate, Zinc Gluconate, Copper Sulfate, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Mannitol, Xylitol, Rhamnose, Fructooligosaccharides, Propylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Cetrimonium Bromide, Fragrance (Parfum)

FREE FROM: Parabens, Alcohol, Soap, Oils, Silicones, Sulfates, Retinoids, Salicylic Acid, Essential Oils, Mineral Oil, Lanolin, Colorants
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Micellar Water
2
Cleanser (Optional)
3
Toner
4
Serum
5
Moisturizer
6
Sunscreen (AM)

Use as your first step to remove makeup and impurities. Can be used alone for light cleansing or followed by a foaming cleanser for heavy makeup days (double cleanse method).

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Saturate Cotton Pad

Shake bottle gently. Soak a cotton pad generously with Sébium H2O until it's fully saturated.

2

Gently Wipe Face

Sweep the cotton pad across your face and neck in gentle outward motions. Avoid rubbing harshly.

3

Repeat Until Clean

Use fresh cotton pads and repeat until the pad comes away clean. 2-3 pads are usually sufficient.

4

No Rinsing Required

Leave on skin without rinsing. Continue with your regular skincare routine. Use morning and/or evening.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You have oily or combination skin
  • You struggle with excess shine on your T-zone
  • You want a no-rinse makeup remover
  • You have acne-prone or blemish-prone skin
  • You need a gentle cleanser that won't strip skin
  • You're pregnant or breastfeeding
  • You have fungal acne (malassezia)
  • You're using retinol and need a gentle cleanser

Consider alternatives if:

  • You have very dry or dehydrated skin (try Hydrabio H2O)
  • You need to remove heavy waterproof eye makeup (use Sensibio for eyes)
  • You're extremely sensitive to any fragrance
  • You prefer a rinsing cleanser or cleansing oil
  • You want a deep pore-cleansing exfoliating product
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Oily Skin
Excellent

Specifically designed for oily skin. Zinc and copper help regulate sebum production and reduce shine throughout the day.

Combination Skin
Excellent

Perfect for T-zone oiliness while being gentle enough for drier cheek areas. Balances without over-drying.

Acne-Prone Skin
Excellent

Non-comedogenic formula with antibacterial zinc. Won't clog pores or trigger breakouts. Fungal acne safe.

Sensitive Skin
Good

D.A.F. complex improves tolerance. Contains light fragrance, so extremely sensitive skin may prefer Sensibio H2O.

Dry Skin
Moderate

Can be used but may not provide enough hydration. Consider Bioderma Hydrabio H2O for dry skin instead.

08

Results timeline

1-2 MONTHS
Immediate

Clean, Refreshed Feeling

Makeup and impurities removed. Skin feels clean, purified, and refreshed without tightness or dryness.

95% noticed immediate cleansing
1 Week

Reduced Shine

T-zone oiliness begins to improve. Skin appears less shiny throughout the day, especially in the morning.

78% reported less oiliness
2-4 Weeks

Clearer Complexion

Pores appear less clogged. Reduction in new blemishes as sebum quality improves from consistent use.

85% saw clearer skin
1-2 Months

Balanced Skin

Overall improvement in skin balance. Fewer breakouts, more mattified appearance, healthier-looking complexion.

82% would repurchase
09

Ratings by platform

9K+ REVIEWS
Amazon
4.5
Rating
8,500+
Reviews
Main complaint: Light fragrance bothers some users; struggles with heavy waterproof makeup
Ulta Beauty
4.7
Rating
450+
Reviews
Main complaint: Price per ml higher than drugstore alternatives
Target
4.6
Rating
100+
Reviews
Main complaint: Would prefer a pump dispenser for easier use
Sephora UK
4.8
Rating
200+
Reviews
Main complaint: Can feel slightly sticky before fully absorbing
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Effectively cleanses without drying or stripping skin
  • Visibly reduces oiliness and shine
  • No-rinse formula is convenient and time-saving
  • Doesn't cause breakouts (non-comedogenic)
  • Fungal acne and pregnancy safe
  • Gentle enough for sensitive oily skin
  • Large 500ml size offers great value
  • Can be used with retinol treatments

Criticized

  • Light fragrance may irritate very sensitive users
  • Not ideal for heavy waterproof eye makeup
  • More expensive than drugstore alternatives
  • May feel slightly sticky on some skin types
  • Not moisturizing enough for dry skin
  • Sebum control effects are temporary (few hours)
  • Requires multiple cotton pads for full removal
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
85% Match
Skinactive 3 In 1 Micellar Water
$8.99
Budget Pick

Very similar micellar technology at a fraction of the price. Mattifying formula for oily skin. Lacks the zinc/copper purifying complex but provides effective cleansing. Fragrance-free option available.

75% Match
Simple Kind to Skin Micellar Water
$7.49
Budget Pick

Fragrance-free, gentle formula. Good for sensitive oily skin but lacks sebum-regulating active ingredients. Best for those who want pure, simple cleansing.

70% Match
Micellar Cleansing Water
$9.99
Budget Pick

Purifying formula for oily skin. Good cleansing power but may feel slightly more stripping. Less sophisticated formula without patented complexes.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Effaclar Micellar Water For Oily Skin
Key Active Zinc PCA + Thermal Water
Target Skin Oily / Acne-Prone
Fragrance Light Fragrance
Fungal Acne Safe No (Polysorbate 80)
Pregnancy Safe Yes
Sensibio AR
Key Active Cucumber Extract + D.A.F.
Target Skin Sensitive / All Types
Fragrance Fragrance-Free
Fungal Acne Safe Yes
Pregnancy Safe Yes
Effaclar Micellar Water For Oily Skin
Key Active Basic Micelles Only
Target Skin Oily / Combination
Fragrance Fragrance-Free Option
Fungal Acne Safe Yes
Pregnancy Safe Yes
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening. Look for the open jar symbol on packaging.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep cap tightly closed.

Packaging

Transparent plastic bottle with flip-top cap. Also available in pump bottle format for 500ml size.

Travel Friendly

100ml size is TSA-approved for carry-on. Larger sizes available for checked luggage or home use.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Yes, Bioderma Sébium H2O is safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens that are contraindicated during pregnancy. The formula consists of gentle, pregnancy-safe ingredients including zinc gluconate and natural sugar-based humectants.

Yes, this product is fungal acne safe. It contains no fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates, or fermented ingredients that feed malassezia yeast. The formula is oil-free and uses PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides as the cleansing agent, which is safe for fungal acne. Multiple ingredient databases confirm its FA-safe status.

Yes, you can safely use Sébium H2O with all these actives. As a gentle micellar cleanser, it won't interfere with or deactivate your treatment products. In fact, its gentle, non-stripping formula makes it an excellent choice when using potent actives like retinol, as it won't add irritation. Use it to cleanse before applying your actives.

Sébium H2O is specifically formulated for combination to oily skin. It's excellent for those with: oily T-zones, enlarged pores, acne-prone or blemish-prone skin, excess shine, and those who want a mattifying cleanser. It's also suitable for sensitive oily skin due to the D.A.F. complex. Dry skin types should consider Bioderma Hydrabio H2O instead.

You'll notice immediate cleansing and a refreshed feeling after first use. Reduced shine typically appears within 1 week of consistent use. Improvement in overall skin clarity and reduced breakouts usually occur within 2-4 weeks. Maximum sebum-regulating benefits are typically seen after 1-2 months of daily use.

Use Sébium H2O as the first step in your routine to remove makeup, sunscreen, and impurities. It can be used alone for light cleansing or followed by a foaming cleanser for double cleansing after heavy makeup. Use morning and/or evening. After cleansing, continue with toner, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM only).

No, Bioderma Sébium H2O is non-comedogenic with a comedogenic rating of 0/5. It has been clinically tested and proven not to clog pores. The formula is oil-free and actually helps unclog pores through its patented Fluidactiv® complex, which regulates sebum quality and prevents pore blockages.

The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Once opened, use within one year for optimal efficacy and safety. The unopened shelf life is typically 30+ months from manufacture date. Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight. Check the batch code on the bottle to verify the production date if needed.

Sébium H2O is formulated for oily/combination skin with zinc gluconate and copper sulfate for sebum control and purification. It has a light fragrance. Sensibio H2O is for sensitive/all skin types, is fragrance-free, and contains cucumber extract for soothing. Choose Sébium if you're oily and want sebum control; choose Sensibio for sensitive skin or eye makeup removal.

While the formula is gentle, Bioderma recommends avoiding the eye area with Sébium H2O due to the zinc gluconate and copper sulfate content. For eye makeup removal, use Bioderma Sensibio H2O instead, which is specifically tested for ophthalmological safety. You can use both products: Sébium for face, Sensibio for eyes.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.5 / 5 ★★★★★

Verdict: Bioderma Sébium H2O is an excellent choice for those with oily or combination skin seeking a gentle, effective micellar cleanser. The patented Fluidactiv® technology combined with purifying zinc and copper delivers real sebum-controlling benefits that set it apart from basic micellar waters. While it's pricier than drugstore alternatives and contains a light fragrance, its pregnancy-safe, fungal-acne-safe, and non-comedogenic formula makes it a smart investment for acne-prone skin. A French pharmacy staple that lives up to its reputation.

Product Overview

question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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.

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Quick Product Notes

Click on icons for more information
question
lightbulb 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 «promises» 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.

muscle 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

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Notable Effects & Ingredients

anti-aging Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Citric Acid
brightening Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Citric Acid
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 1 ingredient(s):
Citric Acid
question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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!

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Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
1
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
1
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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.

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Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
53% 20% 26%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 15 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
3 B
PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Surfactant, Emulsifying
1 A
Sodium Citrate
Masking, Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent, Chelating
3 Unknown
Zinc Gluconate
Skin Conditioning, Cosmetic Biocide, Deodorant
0 Unknown
Copper Sulfate
Skin Conditioning
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS