Bioderma Hydrabio Hydrating Gel

Bioderma Hydrabio Hydrating Gel

Efficacy100/100IrritancyMedium

Works for

Moisturizing
Niacinamide, Glycerin + 11 more
Works well
What the product description says
“Hydrabio Hydrating Gel”
From product name

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job: glycerin, mannitol.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: squalane, isododecane.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: niacinamide

NiacinamideHeroEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~1.7–2.6%
GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~4.1–6.2%
IsododecaneKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps soften the skin and can decrease moisture loss. Helps create a nice product texture~3.8–5.6%
CyclopentasiloxaneKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin~2.8–4.2%
SqualaneKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.~1.5–2.3%
PolymethylsilsesquioxaneKey activeEffect: HighA silicone that improves product texture and helps dissolve other ingredients. Can form a non-greasy film on the skin to prevent moisture loss~1.3–2%
MannitolKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.55%
Peg/ppg-18/18 dimethiconeKey activeEffect: HighA silicone that mixes with water creating nice light-weight product texture~0.15–0.55%
HexyldecanolKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.6%
RhamnoseKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps oil and water mix together. It also helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.4%
Brassica campestris sterolsKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelp soften the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.35%
Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~0.4–0.95%
TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.05–0.25%
Anti-aging
Not advertised by the brand · Niacinamide, Rhamnose + 2 more
Works well

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains niacinamide.

Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.

NiacinamideKey activeEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~1.7–2.6%
RhamnoseEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together. It also helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.4%
Malachite extractEffect: LowA mineral that is claimed to be able to support collagen product in skin, but evidence of effectiveness is missing~0.1–0.35%
TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.05–0.25%
Evens skin tone
Not advertised by the brand · Niacinamide, Salicylic acid
Works well

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: niacinamide

Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.

NiacinamideKey activeEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~1.7–2.6%
Salicylic acidEffect: Low, below effective doseUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)~0.15–0.7%
Anti-blemish
Not advertised by the brand · Niacinamide, Salicylic acid
May help

This product might be able to help reduce blemishes and clogged pores because it contains niacinamide.

NiacinamideHeroEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~1.7–2.6%
Salicylic acidUnder-dosedUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)~0.15–0.7%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
1 strong irritant: Parfum
Medium risk
We flagged 8 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Salicylic acidUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)High~0.15–0.7%est.
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.05–0.15%est.
Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~0.4–0.95%est.
Tocopheryl acetateA more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.Medium~0.35–0.8%est.
C12-20 alkyl glucosideHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.35–0.8%est.
Steareth-21Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.4–0.9%est.
Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.2–0.75%est.
Pyrus malus seed extractApple seed extract. Might help neutralize free radicals in skinMedium~0.1–0.3%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged

User reviews

Would you recommend?
No community reviews yet.

Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.

Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Glycerin~4.1–6.2%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin
Isododecane~3.8–5.6%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin and can decrease moisture loss. Helps create a nice product texture

More about Isododecane
Cyclopentasiloxane~2.8–4.2%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MattifyingMoisturizing

A silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin

More about Cyclopentasiloxane
Dipropylene glycol~2–2.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. Slows down the rate of product drying

More about Dipropylene glycol
Niacinamide~1.7–2.6%
Hero · Moisturizing, Anti-blemish
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Evens skin toneAnti-blemishMoisturizingAnti-agingReduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryAntibacterialReduces redness

Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production

More about Niacinamide
Squalane~1.5–2.3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.

More about Squalane
Polymethylsilsesquioxane~1.3–2%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A silicone that improves product texture and helps dissolve other ingredients. Can form a non-greasy film on the skin to prevent moisture loss

More about Polymethylsilsesquioxane
C14-22 alcohols~1.1–1.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A non-drying alcohol that helps stabilize product formulations

More about C14-22 alcohols
Hdi/trimethylol hexyllactone crosspolymer~0.85–1.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to create a silky product texture and add volume to products

More about Hdi/trimethylol hexyllactone crosspolymer
Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer~0.55–1.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Increases thickness of a product. Texture enhancer for oil-in-water emulsions

More about Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer
C30-45 alkyl cetearyl dimethicone crosspolymer~0.5–1.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps to create a nice silky product texture

More about C30-45 alkyl cetearyl dimethicone crosspolymer
Carbomer~0.4–0.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations

More about Carbomer
Pentylene glycol~0.4–0.95%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture

More about Pentylene glycol
Tocopheryl acetate~0.35–0.8%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.

More about Tocopheryl acetate
C12-20 alkyl glucoside~0.35–0.8%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about C12-20 alkyl glucoside
Steareth-21~0.4–0.9%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Steareth-21
Disodium edta~0.2–0.75%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta
Salicylic acid~0.15–0.7%
Under-dosedIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryAnti-blemishExfoliationAntibacterialEvens skin tone

Used for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)

More about Salicylic acid
Sodium hydroxide~0.15–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide
Mannitol~0.15–0.55%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Mannitol
Xylitol~0.15–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and repair the skin barrier function

More about Xylitol
Hexyldecanol~0.15–0.6%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Hexyldecanol
Peg/ppg-18/18 dimethicone~0.15–0.55%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

A silicone that mixes with water creating nice light-weight product texture

More about Peg/ppg-18/18 dimethicone
Rhamnose~0.1–0.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-aging

Helps oil and water mix together. It also helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Rhamnose
Malachite extract~0.1–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-aging

A mineral that is claimed to be able to support collagen product in skin, but evidence of effectiveness is missing

More about Malachite extract
Pyrus malus seed extract~0.1–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

Apple seed extract. Might help neutralize free radicals in skin

More about Pyrus malus seed extract
Brassica campestris sterols~0.1–0.35%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Help soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Brassica campestris sterols
Tocopherol~0.05–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatoryAnti-agingMoisturizing

Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself

More about Tocopherol
Parfum~0.05–0.15%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Isododecane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dipropylene glycol, Niacinamide, Squalane, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, C14-22 alcohols, Hdi/trimethylol hexyllactone crosspolymer, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, C30-45 alkyl cetearyl dimethicone crosspolymer, Carbomer, Pentylene glycol, Tocopheryl acetate, C12-20 alkyl glucoside, Steareth-21, Disodium edta, Salicylic acid, Sodium hydroxide, Mannitol, Xylitol, Hexyldecanol, Peg/ppg-18/18 dimethicone, Rhamnose, Malachite extract, Pyrus malus seed extract, Brassica campestris sterols, Tocopherol, Parfum

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

Amazon USPrice as of 11/3 21:20 GMT
$22.99
Buy

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
BiodermaHydrabio Hydrating GelYOUR PRODUCTPaula's choiceInvisible Finish Moisture GelFace factsCeramide Blemish Gel MoisturiserAtwaterOil Regulator Facial Moisturizer
Match—89%87%85%
Price$22.99$38.72+$15.73$2.68−$20.31$35.00+$12.01
Shared key ingredients—3 of 83 of 85 of 8
Key difference—Oatmeal ExtractMineral OilPanthenol
Irritancy Medium Low Low Medium
Drying alcohol————
View product Shop Shop Shop

More alternatives: Mesoestetic Melan Tran Daily Depigmenting Gel CreamKYLIE SKIN Clarifying Gel Cream

Cheaper alternatives? See how this stacks up against similar formulas.
We compare ingredient profiles across our catalog — pick the closest match for your budget.
Open dupe finder

Product summary

"Bioderma - Hydrabio Hydrating Gel" is a well-rounded moisturizing product. As we expect from a proper moisturizer, the formula includes a combo of effective humectants and emollients. These are the two different types of ingredients that are essential for improving the skin hydration and supporting a healthy skin barrier. Glycerin, mannitol and rhamnose in this product (humectants) attract water molecules to the upper layer of the skin (the water comes from the outside air or from the deeper layers of the skin if the air is dry). Squalane, brassica campestris sterols, cyclopentasiloxane, hexyldecanol and isododecane in this product help decrease the water evoporation from the skin, so that it stays hydrated for longer. These ingredients also soften the skin and take away the feeling of tightness and dryness.

Ingredient callouts

  • We particularly like that there is a good concentration of niacinamide (niacinamide 1.70% - 2.60%) in this moisturizer. Niacinamide is a well-studied multi-tasking active. It is a great ingredient to have in a moisturizer. It is stable, and can work well in almost any hydrating formulation. There is solid evidence that niacinamide can help support skin barrier, regulate oil production and reduce acne and clogged pores. It also helps to fight photodamage and help improve the skin tone, reducing pigmentation marks.

Irritation risk

This moisturizer contains some common irritants, including those without a benefit for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be medium. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here

You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.

Price

The product retails for 12.53£ in the United Kingdom.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 14 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
  6. 6
Bioderma Hydrabio Hydrating Gel
BiodermaHydrabio Hydrating Gel

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.