This post will be reviewing the Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Baume.
I recently got into French Pharmacy Skincare at the beginning of 2021 after struggling a bit with the shipping prices of my fave Korean and Japanese skincare retailers. Yes, I get that the pandemic is still underway but some retailers have still not adjusted their shipping prices. Thankfully, IHerb has been coming through for me. The only problem is their limited selection of Asian skincare brands. So far, I’ve been able to work with what they have by limiting my purchases to their availability.
But then, while I’d love for Asian skincare to solve all my skincare needs, they sometimes fall short. During the winter, I experience really dry ashy skin, particularly on my body. While I have perfected my facial skincare routine, my body care is still a work in progress. My biggest struggle is finding a body moisturizer that will last for about 12 hours without making my skin look ashy. This is how I accidentally stumbled into French Pharmacy Skincare for body care.
The first product I tried was the La Roche Posay Lipikar Baume. I loved it so much that I was further intrigued to find other body moisturizers similar to it. One of my discoveries was the Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Baume. Listen, my body skin has never remained the same. I just finished my first squeeze tub and I honestly cannot wait to share all the good stuff with you.
First Impressions: Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Baume.
For those that are not aware, Bioderma is a privately owned French pharmaceutical company that specialises in medication for dermatological and hair/scalp conditions, as well as for Pediatry and cell regeneration. It was founded in 1977, in Aix en Provence, where its headquarters still reside.
They have a bunch of product lines for different skin concerns. This product falls under the Atoderm line which targets dry, very dry or atopic skin. When I saw that, I was like; yeah, this is my jam! Finally! there are products for my dry dehydrated skin. I almost went out to buy all the products in this line but I had to restrain myself. For now, I just have the cleansing body oil as well as the lip balm.
According to Bioderma, it is described as;
Intensively anti-itching and replenishing care. Ultra-soothing & ultra-nourishing.
- Soothes and reduces the urge to scratch
- Intensely nourishes and restores lipids
- Makes the skin feel more comfortable and becomes stronger. In a lasting way
Very good tolerance – Non-sticky, non-oily texture – Instant absorption – Unfragranced
Ingredient List
A quick look at the extensive ingredient list shows a great balance of humectants, emollients and occlusives. These include Glycerin, Mineral Oil, Sunflower Oil, Canola Oil, Vitamin E, Ceramides, Cholesterol and Zinc.
As expected, it is essential oil, alcohol and fragrance free, just perfect for sensitive skin as well.
At first, I was taken aback by the presence of the Mineral Oil but then I got the product to use on my body so I wasn’t so concerned anymore. Even when I used it on my face, it acted as an occlusive moisturizer at the final step of my skincare routine and didn’t clog my pores or anything. It just goes to show that Mineral Oil in moisturizers is not the enemy. it just depends on how it is formulated in products.
Texture & Consistency
I have a thing for thick moisturizers. In fact, the thicker they are, the better. So, when I discovered that this moisturizer was a balm, I was thrilled. Surprisingly, it’s not even that thick but it works. It has a lightweight texture with a semi-thick consistency that leaves a greasy finish. Some people might not like it but it absolutely works for me. I don’t have to apply so much effort before it absorbs right into my skin. It melts almost instantly.
Price, Size & Availability
One of the best things about living in Europe is the easy access to French Pharmacy skincare products. Even if I don’t want to buy it here in the UK, I could take a weekend trip to Paris just to stock up on skincare products. (Which I will still do once it is safe to travel). Asides from that, it comes in three different sizes; the 75 & 200ml tube and the 500ml pump bottle. Plus they’re pretty affordable as long as you don’t buy from overpriced stores.
Review: Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Baume
Earlier on, I mentioned that I bought this specifically for my body because I had trouble finding effective moisturizers to use on my body. So, I used like 90% of the tube of my body and about 10% on my face just to prove how effective it is for the face and body.
Performance
For my body, I love it so much. It has just the right consistency and I can be as generous as I want to be with it. I typically just slatter it all over my body. It leaves my skin moisturized for the whole day and most importantly, my skin doesn’t feel itchy which it tends to be when it is really dry.
For my face, it’s equally not bad at all. I love it as the last step of my skincare routine when I can’t be bothered to finish up with an occlusive. It doubles as a two in one product. I feel like I’m going to be reaching out for it in the coming winter.
Overall, it is lightweight enough for both the face and body. If your skin is not extremely dry, you might find it too greasy so I suggest you go for the other options Bioderma has.
Alternative French Pharmacy Body Moisturizers
While I absolutely love this product, it might not be some people’s cup of tea. Some people might also be on the lookout for similar products that they can try out. If you fall into any of these categories, here are some suggestions for you. (Tip: Look out for product described as ‘baumes’)
- La Roche Posay Lipikar AP+ Baume
- Bioderma Atoderm PP Baume
- Avene XeraCalm A.D. Lipid – Replenishing Balm
- Uriage Xémose Lipid-Replenishing Anti-Irritation
- Uriage Eau Thermale Unctuous Body Balm
- Embryolisse Nourishing Moisturizing Body Lotion
- SVR Topialyse Intensive Baume
In Conclusion,
If you’re serious about your body skincare, don’t sleep on French Pharmacy moisturizers. They are affordable, accessible and will get you more bang for your buck as they come in huge bottles. Plus they actually work and work well.
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