1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
Hydration
Bioderma
Sébium H2O Micellar Water
face micellar water
Bioderma
Sébium H2O Micellar Water
face micellar water
Added Last edited
Fit by skin type
General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.
Dry
56%
Combination (dry)
56%
Balanced
86%
Combination (oily)
84%
Oily
84%
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15
Ingredients
3
Benefits
1
Actives
The dermatological micellar water. Purifies and respects the skin's balance. Gently cleanses without drying out skin, effectively removes makeup from face, purifies and limits sebum secretion, and offers an immediate feeling of freshness.
Key Insights
Benefits
3
Anti-Aging
Hydration
Soothing
Active Ingredients
1
AHA
Risks
1
Sulfate
Full Ingredients
15 total
About Sébium H2O Micellar Water
Overview
Sébium H2O Micellar Water is a lightweight micellar water from Bioderma, a brand based in France. The formula is built mainly around hydration. The ingredient list runs to 15 ingredients, each broken down in full below.
Texture and finish
By its ingredient list the formula reads as light: water and humectants lead, with emollients kept lower in the order. Hydration is handled by Water, Zinc Gluconate and Mannitol, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.
What the formula does
Hydration: High. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Water, Zinc Gluconate, Mannitol and Xylitol.
Soothing: Moderate. Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity, and here that comes from Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Xylitol and Rhamnose.
Who it suits
On richness alone it suits Balanced, Combination (oily) and Oily skin best, and is the least natural fit for Dry and Combination (dry) skin. Nothing in the list is flagged as a common irritant, which is a reasonable starting point for reactive skin — though a patch test is still the only way to know.
What it does not target
The formula contributes little or nothing on barrier support, antioxidant protection, oil control and brightening and tone. That is not a fault — most products are not meant to do everything — but if one of those is your priority, this is not the product that will address it.
What is not in it
Reading the full list, the formula is essential-oil-free, no drying alcohol, paraben-free, silicone-free, microplastic-free and sulfate-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging. It does contain fragrance, worth knowing if your skin reacts to any of them.
Where it fits in a routine
It can be used morning and evening. In a routine it goes first step. Use on damp skin and rinse thoroughly. Follow with a toner or essence while skin is still slightly damp.
This summary is generated from the product's ingredient list. It is not a review, it is not the brand's own marketing claims, and it does not replace advice from a dermatologist.
Pros and cons
Drawn purely from the ingredient list
Pros
- No essential oils
- No drying alcohol
- Silicone-free
- No microplastics
- Strong humectant content for hydration
- No common irritants flagged in the list
- No recognised malassezia (fungal acne) triggers
Things to know
- Contains fragrance or declared fragrance allergens
Which skin types it suits
Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.
Suitable for
- Balanced skin
- Combination (oily) skin
- Oily skin
Less suitable for
- Dry skin
- Combination (dry) skin
Sensitive skin
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
Skin concerns
Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.
Helps with
-
Hydration 6 ingredients
Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy
-
Soothing 3 ingredients
Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin
-
Anti-Aging 2 ingredients
Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Does not target
Anti-Acne
Blackhead Reducing
Dark Spot Fading
Evens Skin Tone
Oil Control
Pore Minimizer
Smooths Bumpy Skin
None of the ingredients in this formula are associated with these benefits. This is not unusual, as most products are designed to target a limited number of concerns.
Key ingredients
The actives, UV filters and benefit-carrying ingredients in this formula, in the order they are listed.
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
bis(D-Gluconato-O1,O2)zinc
Hydration
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract is an extract of the leaves of Ginkgo biloba, Ginkgoaceae
Soothing
Anti-Aging
7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
D-Mannitol
Hydration
8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Xylitol
Hydration
Soothing
9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
6-Deoxy-L-mannose
Anti-Aging
Soothing
10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Fructooligosaccharides are oligosaccharides produced enzymatically from sugar beets and consist chiefly of kestose, nystose and fructosyl nystose
Hydration
11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Propane-1,2-diol
Hydration
Citric Acid
AHA
12th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid
Formula analysis
Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.
Hydration
High
Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin
Barrier support
None
Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity
Antioxidant support
None
Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution
Oil control
None
Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine
Brightening
None
Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks
Soothing
Moderate
Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity
Cell renewal
None
Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover
Firmness signalling
None
Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support
Active and supporting ingredients
"Active" here means an ingredient carrying a recorded active type or a recognised UV filter.
Active ingredients (1)
- Citric Acid · 1–3%
Supporting ingredients (14)
Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.
Water
Peg-6 Caprylic/capric Glycerides
Sodium Citrate
Zinc Gluconate
Copper Sulfate
Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract
Mannitol
Xylitol
Rhamnose
Fructooligosaccharides
Propylene Glycol
Disodium Edta
Cetrimonium Bromide
Parfum
What is and is not in it
Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.
Free from
- Essential-oil-free
- No drying alcohol
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
- Microplastic-free
- Sulfate-free
- Dye-free
- Oil-free
- No animal-derived ingredients
Contains
-
Fragrance
Parfum
What to layer it with
Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.
Compatible with
- Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)
- Retinoids (retinol, retinal)
- AHAs (glycolic, lactic)
- BHA (salicylic acid)
- PHAs (gluconolactone)
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Azelaic acid
- Copper peptides
- Bakuchiol
- Niacinamide
- Hyaluronic acid
- Ceramides
- Signal peptides
- Panthenol
- Sunscreen
Nothing in this formula belongs to a group our rules can put in conflict, so it layers freely. Order still matters — thinnest texture first.
Where it fits in a routine
Morning
Evening
- Cleanse
- Toning
- Treat
- Moisturise
- Protect
This product is the "Cleanse" step.
- Use on damp skin and rinse thoroughly.
- Follow with a toner or essence while skin is still slightly damp.
Safety and suitability
Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not clearance — ask your doctor about anything you use daily.
- Fungal acne (malassezia)
- No ingredient here is a recognised food source for malassezia.
- Sensitive and reactive skin
- No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
- Recorded ingredient risks
- Sulfate
Ingredients by function
Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 15 ingredients on the label.
5
Humectant
Draws water into the upper layers of skin
3
Chelator
Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula
3
Texture agent
Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula
2
pH adjuster
Sets the acidity the formula needs to work
2
Solvent
Dissolves and carries everything else
2
Surfactant
Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together
1
Active
Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels
1
Fragrance / colour
Changes how the product smells or looks
1
Plant extract
Botanical material, usually for antioxidants or scent
1
Preservative
Keeps the product free of microbial growth
Ingredient breakdown
Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.
- Estimated level
- 30–80%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
- Roles
- Solvent
1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
Hydration
3 scientific references
- Skin Research and Technology, May 2015, pages 131-136
- Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, November-December 1999, pages 344-351
- Journal of Cosmetic Science, September-October 1993, pages 249-262
- Estimated level
- 5–20%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
- Roles
- Surfactant
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Mono-, di- and triglycerides, C8-10, ethoxylated (6 mol EO average molar ratio)
- Estimated level
- 5–20%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
- Roles
- Chelator, pH adjuster
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Trisodium citrate
- Estimated level
- 2–10%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
bis(D-Gluconato-O1,O2)zinc
Hydration
- Estimated level
- 2–10%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Copper sulphate
Sulfate
- Estimated level
- 2–10%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
- Roles
- Plant extract
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract is an extract of the leaves of Ginkgo biloba, Ginkgoaceae
Soothing
Anti-Aging
- Estimated level
- 1–5%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
- Roles
- Humectant, Texture agent
7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
D-Mannitol
Hydration
- Estimated level
- 1–5%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
- Roles
- Humectant
8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Xylitol
Hydration
Soothing
7 scientific references
- Microorganisms, January 2021, pages 1–14
- Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology, May 2019, pages 323-331
- Advances in Nutrition, January 2019, Supplement, pages S31-S48
- Experimental Dermatology, March 2018, pages 280-284
- International journal of Applied Pharmaceutical and Biological Research, 2017, pages 67-73
- Acta-dermato venereological, February 2017, pages 182-187
- https://wwwcir-safetyorg/sites/default/files/Mannitol, %20Sorbitol, %20Xylitol_0pdf
- Estimated level
- 1–5%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
- Roles
- Humectant
9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
6-Deoxy-L-mannose
Anti-Aging
Soothing
- Estimated level
- 1–5%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
- Roles
- Humectant
10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Fructooligosaccharides are oligosaccharides produced enzymatically from sugar beets and consist chiefly of kestose, nystose and fructosyl nystose
Hydration
- Estimated level
- 1–3%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
- Roles
- Humectant, Texture agent, Solvent
11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Propane-1,2-diol
Hydration
5 scientific references
- CosmeticsInfoorg, Accessed April 2021, ePublication
- Archives of Dermatological Research, November 2019, pages 337-352
- Critical Reviews in Toxicology, April 2013, pages 363-390
- International Journal of Toxicology, September-October 2012, pages 245S-260S
- Skin Pharmacology and Applied Physiology, 2001, pages 72-81
- Estimated level
- 1–3%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
- Roles
- Active, Chelator, pH adjuster
12th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid
- Estimated level
- under 1%
- Confidence
- Moderate — listed below the 1% line
- Roles
- Texture agent, Chelator
13th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Disodium dihydrogen ethylenediaminetetraacetate
- Estimated level
- under 1%
- Confidence
- Moderate — listed below the 1% line
- Roles
- Surfactant, Preservative
14th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1-Hexadecanaminium, N,N,N-trimethyl-, bromide
- Estimated level
- under 1%
- Confidence
- Moderate — listed below the 1% line
- Roles
- Fragrance / colour
15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Parfum is a term for ingredient labelling used to identify that a product contains a material or a combination of materials normally added to a cosmetic to produce or to mask a particular odour. According to Article 19 of the Cosmetics Regulation, 'Perfume and aromatic compositions and their raw materials shall be referred to by the terms ‘parfum’ or ‘aroma’. '
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Frequently asked questions
What ingredients are in Sébium H2O Micellar Water?
WATER, 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, PARFUM.
What are the active ingredients in Sébium H2O Micellar Water?
CITRIC ACID.
How do I use Sébium H2O Micellar Water?
Morning and/or evening: Soak a cotton pad with Sébium H2O Micellar Water. Gently cleanse and/or remove make-up from face. No rinsing required.
What skin types is Sébium H2O Micellar Water good for?
Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Balanced, Combination (oily), Oily skin best. It is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry) skin.
Is Sébium H2O Micellar Water good for sensitive skin?
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
Is Sébium H2O Micellar Water fungal acne safe?
No ingredient in this formula is a recognised food source for malassezia, the yeast behind fungal acne.
Can I use Sébium H2O Micellar Water while pregnant?
Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not medical clearance — check anything you use daily with your doctor or midwife.
Is Sébium H2O Micellar Water fragrance free?
No — it contains Parfum.
Does Sébium H2O Micellar Water contain alcohol?
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is no drying alcohol.
Is Sébium H2O Micellar Water silicone free?
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is silicone-free.
Does Sébium H2O Micellar Water contain essential oils?
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is essential-oil-free.
Is Sébium H2O Micellar Water paraben free?
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.
What can I layer with Sébium H2O Micellar Water?
It layers well with Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), Retinoids (retinol, retinal), AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone), Benzoyl peroxide.
When should I apply Sébium H2O Micellar Water?
Use it morning and evening, first step.
How many ingredients does Sébium H2O Micellar Water have?
It lists 15 ingredients, of which 1 are recorded as actives.
Who makes Sébium H2O Micellar Water?
Bioderma, a brand based in France.