BIODERMA Cicabio Cleansing Balm

I normally gravitate towards using foaming and gel cleansers as they work the best for my oily/combination skin. However, I also thing that cleansing balms and other gentle cleansers have a place in my skincare routine for something that is more hydrating and calming. I do have moments when my skin can get very dry or irritation and having a product like the Bioderma cleansing balm is a good option. As the name suggests, it's a balm so the texture almost feels like a lotion as it doesn't lather or foam up. I just apply some of the cleaning balm in my hands and then apply it directly onto my face. When it comes to cleaning a full face of makeup, I would say it's a good first step in the cleansing routine but not the best at removing makeup entirely. I would have to follow it up with a foaming cleanser. What I enjoy about the cleansing balm is that it leaves the skin feeling moisturised afterwards.

I appreciate the cream-balm texture. When mixed with water, it turns into a soft, paste-like texture that glides easily on my skin without irritation or much rubbing needed. There’s definitely no itching afterwards, which is great. And I can feel those fatty cleansing agents doing their work while still leaving my skin soft and clean after rinsing. The balm includes nourishing ingredients like shea oil and squalane, which seem to help keep my skin barrier happy. I like that it doesn’t strip my skin or leave any tight feeling. It smells a bit plastic-like at first but I think that might be because I have only opened the bottle. It feels very gentle during the process, so I think it would suit sensitive or damaged skin really well. Overall, it does the job — nothing dramatic in terms of visible change, but if you’re looking for a mild, soothing cleanser that supports your skin barrier rather than challenging it, this is a solid option.