Bioderma

Bioderma Sébium Active Foaming Gel

Name: Bioderma - Sébium Active Foaming Gel
Brand: Bioderma

Efficacy100/100IrritancyMedium

See all ingredients

Works for

Anti-blemish

Salicylic acid, Glycolic acid + 2 more

Works well

What the product description says

“It is especially dedicated to oily skin with acne tendency.Its formula combines a duo of smoothing active ingredients (Salicylic acid + Glycolic acid) that intensely cleanses and purifies the skin without drying it out.”

Source: Cocoon Center

This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: salicylic acid. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.

The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually works: glycolic acid

Salicylic acidHeroEffect: HighUsed 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)~2.1–2.5%

Glycolic acidKey activeEffect: MediumAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid~2.2–2.7%

Zinc gluconateEffect: LowTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skin~2.6–3.2%

InulinEffect: LowHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is claimed to support the growth of "good" bacteria in skin (as a "prebiotic"), but the research is lacking~0.55–0.85%

Cleansing

Caprylyl/capryl glucoside, Coco-glucoside + 2 more

Cleanses gently

What the product description says

“Sébium Active Foaming Gel”

From product name

This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin. It uses a combination of mild cleansing agents (caprylyl/capryl glucoside, coco-glucoside, glyceryl oleate, xanthan gum) and should be able to cleanse the skin gently. Still keep in mind that any cleansing can disrupt the skin barrier, and most people do not need to cleanse their skin more than once per day.

Even though this formulation is mild, the following cleansing agents could trigger an irritation or allergy for some people: coco-glucoside, glyceryl oleate

Caprylyl/capryl glucosideEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agent~9.5–11.7%

Coco-glucosideEffect: HighUsed as a cleansing agent (surfactant) in cleansers. Helps water and oil mix together in lotions. Can be irritating~1.9–2.3%

Glyceryl oleateEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together. Can be irritating~1.7–2.1%

Xanthan gumEffect: HighUsed to create a thicker product consistency~0.55–0.8%

Exfoliation

Not advertised by the brand · Glycolic acid, Salicylic acid + 1 more

Works well

This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: glycolic acid, salicylic acid.

Glycolic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid~2.2–2.7%

Salicylic acidKey activeEffect: HighUsed 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)~2.1–2.5%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

1 strong irritant: Parfum

Medium risk

We flagged 9 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~2.1–2.5%est.

Glycolic acidAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acidHigh~2.2–2.7%est.

Coco-glucosideUsed as a cleansing agent (surfactant) in cleansers. Helps water and oil mix together in lotions. Can be irritatingHigh~1.9–2.3%est.

Glyceryl oleateHelps oil and water mix together. Can be irritatingHigh~1.7–2.1%est.

ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.1–0.2%est.

Caprylyl/capryl glucosideHelps oil and water mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agentMedium~9.5–11.7%est.

Zinc gluconateTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skinMedium~2.6–3.2%est.

Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.7–1.1%est.

Sodium citrateHelps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve productsMedium~0.45–0.65%est.

Comedogenic

Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients

None flagged

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

L'Oréal Paris Daily Foaming Gel Cleanser

Cheaper76% match

$4.99

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Power-Cream Wash

Cheaper74% match

$9.49

View all alternatives

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Caprylyl/capryl glucoside~9.5–11.7%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agent

More about Caprylyl/capryl glucoside

Propanediol~5–6.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

More about Propanediol

Glycerin~3.6–4.5%

Formula

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

Zinc gluconate~2.6–3.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingExfoliationAnti-blemishAnti-oxidationAnti-inflammatoryAnti-agingEvens skin tone

Typically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skin

More about Zinc gluconate

Salicylic acid~2.1–2.5%

Hero · Anti-blemishIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-blemishExfoliationAnti-inflammatoryAntibacterialEvens 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

Glycolic acid~2.2–2.7%

Key activeIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-agingEvens skin toneExfoliationAnti-blemish

An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid

More about Glycolic acid

Coco-glucoside~1.9–2.3%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Cleansing

Used as a cleansing agent (surfactant) in cleansers. Helps water and oil mix together in lotions. Can be irritating

More about Coco-glucoside

Glyceryl oleate~1.7–2.1%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together. Can be irritating

More about Glyceryl oleate

Cellulose gum~1.5–1.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to create thicker product consistency and stabilize emulsions

More about Cellulose gum

Sodium hydroxide~0.95–1.15%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide

Citric acid~0.7–1.1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid

Inulin~0.55–0.85%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-blemish

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is claimed to support the growth of "good" bacteria in skin (as a "prebiotic"), but the research is lacking

More about Inulin

Xanthan gum~0.55–0.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Mannitol~0.5–0.75%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Mannitol

Sodium citrate~0.45–0.65%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve products

More about Sodium citrate

Xylitol~0.35–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

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

More about Xylitol

Cellulose~0.3–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Mattifying

Can be used to help absorb oil as well as add volume and imporve texture of products.

More about Cellulose

Fructose~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Fructose

Glucose~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Could be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function

More about Glucose

Rhamnose~0.2–0.4%

Formula

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

Fructooligosaccharides~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Fructooligosaccharides

Tocopherol~0.15–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

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

Hydrogenated palm glycerides citrate~0.15–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Hydrogenated palm glycerides citrate

Parfum~0.1–0.2%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum

Ingredient list view

Water, Caprylyl/capryl glucoside, Propanediol, Glycerin, Zinc gluconate, Salicylic acid, Glycolic acid, Coco-glucoside, Glyceryl oleate, Cellulose gum, Sodium hydroxide, Citric acid, Inulin, Xanthan gum, Mannitol, Sodium citrate, Xylitol, Cellulose, Fructose, Glucose, Rhamnose, Fructooligosaccharides, Tocopherol, Hydrogenated palm glycerides citrate, Parfum

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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
	BiodermaSébium Active Foaming GelYOUR PRODUCT	CeraVeGel Moussant Anti-Imperfections	UriageHyseac Anti-Blemish Cleansing Gel	SkinfixAcne+ 2% BHA Cleanser
Match	—	85%	80%	79%
Price	—	—	$16.59	$10.00
Shared key ingredients	—	4 of 12	4 of 12	4 of 12
Key difference	—	Niacinamide	Lactic Acid	Azelaic Acid
Irritancy	Medium	Low	Medium	Low
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

More alternatives: Eau Thermale Avene Cleanance Acne Cleanser L'Oréal Paris Daily Foaming Gel Cleanser

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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 22 studies and safety reviews.

1
Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
2
Zinc salts in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
3
An overview of zinc and its importance in dermatology-Part II: The association of zinc with some dermatologic disordersoatext.com
4
Zinc, copper and manganese enhanced keratinocyte migration through a functional modulation of keratinocyte integrinsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
5
Evaluation of the effects of topical zinc gluconate in wound healingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
6
A polyhydroxy acid skin care regimen provides antiaging effects comparable to an alpha-hydroxyacid regimenncbi.nlm.nih.gov
7
Applications of hydroxy acids: classification, mechanisms, and photoactivityncbi.nlm.nih.gov
8
Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
9
Beta Hydroxy Acidsfda.gov
10
A review of toxicity from topical salicylic acid preparationssciencedirect.com
11
Glycolic Acid Peels Versus Salicylic–Mandelic Acid Peels in Active Acne Vulgaris and Post‐Acne Scarring and Hyperpigmentation: A Comparative Studyonlinelibrary.wiley.com
12
Photoprotective and antiinflammatory effects of topical glycolic acidncbi.nlm.nih.gov
13
Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
14
Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skinmdpi.com
15
In Vitro Assessment of Skin Irritation Potential of Surfactant-based Formulations by Using a 3-D Skin Reconstructed Tissue Model and Cytokine Responseresearchgate.net
16
Allergen of the Year—Alkyl Glucosidepracticeupdate.com
17
Contact Sensitization to Emulsifying Agents: An Underrated Issue?journals.lww.com
18
Probiotics and prebiotics potential for the care of skin, female urogenital tract, and respiratory tractlink.springer.com
19
Topical Glucose Induces Claudin-1 and Filaggrin Expression in a Mouse Model of Atopic Dermatitis and in Keratinocyte Culture, Exerting Anti-inflammatory Effects by Repairing Skin Barrier Functionncbi.nlm.nih.gov
20
Potentially beneficial effects of rhamnose on skin ageing: an in vitro and in vivo studypubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
21
Vitamin E in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
22
Vitamin E and Skin Healthlpi.oregonstate.edu

BiodermaSébium Active Foaming Gel

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