Sébium H2O Micellar Water
Sébium H2O Micellar Water
Product Description
Product overview
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.
Patented Fluidactiv® Technology
Biologically regulates sebum quality to prevent pores from becoming clogged and helps clear up the skin.
Texture & feel
SENSORYPatented 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.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEFree from retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, and chemical sunscreens. Safe for use during pregnancy and nursing.
Contains no fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates, or fermented ingredients that feed malassezia yeast.
Clinically tested to not clog pores. Comedogenic rating of 0/5 makes it safe for acne-prone skin.
Has a subtle fresh scent. Those with extreme fragrance sensitivity may prefer fragrance-free Sensibio H2O.
Due to zinc and copper content, avoid direct eye contact. Use Sensibio H2O for eye makeup removal.
Can be used alongside retinol treatments. Gentle formula won't add irritation to active skincare routines.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSZinc 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
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)
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse 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).
How to use
HOW TO USESaturate Cotton Pad
Shake bottle gently. Soak a cotton pad generously with Sébium H2O until it's fully saturated.
Gently Wipe Face
Sweep the cotton pad across your face and neck in gentle outward motions. Avoid rubbing harshly.
Repeat Until Clean
Use fresh cotton pads and repeat until the pad comes away clean. 2-3 pads are usually sufficient.
No Rinsing Required
Leave on skin without rinsing. Continue with your regular skincare routine. Use morning and/or evening.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect 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
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESSpecifically designed for oily skin. Zinc and copper help regulate sebum production and reduce shine throughout the day.
Perfect for T-zone oiliness while being gentle enough for drier cheek areas. Balances without over-drying.
Non-comedogenic formula with antibacterial zinc. Won't clog pores or trigger breakouts. Fungal acne safe.
D.A.F. complex improves tolerance. Contains light fragrance, so extremely sensitive skin may prefer Sensibio H2O.
Can be used but may not provide enough hydration. Consider Bioderma Hydrabio H2O for dry skin instead.
Results timeline
1-2 MONTHSClean, Refreshed Feeling
Makeup and impurities removed. Skin feels clean, purified, and refreshed without tightness or dryness.
95% noticed immediate cleansingReduced Shine
T-zone oiliness begins to improve. Skin appears less shiny throughout the day, especially in the morning.
78% reported less oilinessClearer Complexion
Pores appear less clogged. Reduction in new blemishes as sebum quality improves from consistent use.
85% saw clearer skinBalanced Skin
Overall improvement in skin balance. Fewer breakouts, more mattified appearance, healthier-looking complexion.
82% would repurchaseRatings by platform
9K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- 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
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESVery 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.
Fragrance-free, gentle formula. Good for sensitive oily skin but lacks sebum-regulating active ingredients. Best for those who want pure, simple cleansing.
Purifying formula for oily skin. Good cleansing power but may feel slightly more stripping. Less sophisticated formula without patented complexes.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEBioderma Sébium H2O
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening. Look for the open jar symbol on packaging.
Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep cap tightly closed.
Transparent plastic bottle with flip-top cap. Also available in pump bottle format for 500ml size.
100ml size is TSA-approved for carry-on. Larger sizes available for checked luggage or home use.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes, 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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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 |
PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Surfactant, Emulsifying
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Citrate
Masking, Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent, Chelating
|
|
|
| 3 |
Zinc Gluconate
Skin Conditioning, Cosmetic Biocide, Deodorant
|
|
|
| 0 |
Copper Sulfate
Skin Conditioning
|
|





