Bioderma Photoderm MAX Aquafluide SPF 50 + – Review

This post will be reviewing the Bioderma Photoderm MAX Aquafluide SPF50+.

When it comes to high protection sunscreens, European sunscreens are one of the top three after Australian and Japanese sunscreens. Two specific European sunscreens are famous for providing very high protection. They are;

• La Roche Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF 50+
• and this one by Bioderma; the Photoderm MAX Aquafluide SPF50+

So, if you’re going to be in the sun for extended periods this Summer and you’re looking for the best sunscreen for oily skin, this post is for you.

If you’re not familiar, Bioderma is one of the most popular French Pharmacy brands after La Roche Posay. They have a ton of popular products targeted to all skin types. My favourite for my dry, dehydrated skin is the Bioderma Atoderm Shower Oil and the Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Baume. I haven’t used more of their products because I keep trying new brands, but that will be rectified soon.

So, let’s get into this review!

First Impressions of the Bioderma Photoderm MAX Aquafluide SPF 50+

According to Bioderma;

A unique technological achievement combining extreme fluidity with a dry touch finish and very high protection.

With an association of UVA/UVB filters Photoderm MAX Aquafluide offers optimised protection against the harmful effects of UV rays (sunburn, sun allergies, etc.) combined with an internal biological protection : the Cellular Bioprotection™patent. This patent activates the natural defences, protects cells and prevents premature skin ageing.

Synergetic combination of 3 powders that gives a mattifying dry touch finish.

Ingredient List & Sunscreen Filters

Unlike Korean and Japanese sunscreen, French Pharmacy sunscreens hardly include any extra beneficial ingredients to make the products cosmetically elegant. They just go straight to the filters, which is what I have no choice but to do.

This is a chemical sunscreen with four filters which include;

• Octocrylene – for UVA & UVB protection
• Tinosorb M – for UVA & UVB protection
• Avobenzone – for UVA protection
• Tinosorb S – for UVA & UVB protection

Clearly, this sunscreen provides superior UVA protection against ageing and skin cancer. This is not surprising because the PPD, which stands for the persistent pigment darkening that measures a sunscreen’s amount of protection from UVA rays, is 46, the highest you’ll find on the market.

Texture & Consistency

This product has an ultra-light texture with a fluid consistency. It’s honestly the lightest sunscreen that I have ever used. It’s literally what Asian Skincare classify as ‘Sun Milk’. More importantly, this texture leaves a dry touch/mattifying finish. So, it sinks immediately into your skin and disappears afterwards without leaving any residue whatsoever behind. It’s really fantastic for those with oily skin or anyone that needs to reapply a lot during the day.

Packaging, Price & Availability

It is packed in a 40ml applicator tube which is brilliant given how fluid the product is. Any other type of packaging and the product would be spilling everywhere. As a European drugstore product, you’ll find it in most countries that stock Bioderma products. If you’re outside Europe and really want it, you have to purchase from retailers that ship globally. I think it’s reasonable given the quality of the product you’re getting in terms of the price.

Review of the Bioderma Photoderm MAX Aquafluide SPF 50+

I used this sunscreen briefly, and the only reason I don’t like and won’t purchase it again is because of its mattifying finish. I have dry, dehydrated skin, and the last thing I want is a mattifying product, especially since I don’t wear makeup. Other than that, it’s an all-around solid product.

With that said, let’s highlight the pros and cons of this sunscreen;

Pros

• Provide very high broad-spectrum protection
• Water-resistant
• Non-greasy and non-sticky
• Doesn’t sting the eyes
• Barely any white cast as long as it is blended in correctly.
• Doesn’t pill; it layers well under makeup and over skincare products.
• Absorbs super fast into the skin after application
• Perfect for people with oily-combination skin.
• Alcohol, essential oil and fragrance-free.
• Also comes in tinted versions.

Cons

• Its non-dewy mattifying finish excludes people with dry skin.
• Too lightweight and not hydrating or emollient enough.

Finally

Aside from the fact that it doesn’t cater to people with dry skin, there’s no doubt that the Bioderma Photoderm MAX Aquafluide SPF50+ is a must-have sunscreen this Summer.