The Best Byoma Skincare Products, According To Our Beauty Team

It's a brand known for its barrier bolstering products - but do they live up to the hype?

byoma

by Rachael Martin |
Updated

Byoma is having its (well deserved) moment in the spotlight. Dreamt up by Marc Elrick in the midst of the 2020 lockdown, the aim was simple – ‘accessible, affordable, approachable skincare that educated without being complicated.’ And it’s fair to say Elrick has achieved just that – beauty editors across the UK are quick to lend their seal of approval to Byoma and its simple (but brilliant) barrier boosting formulations.

Byoma products are designed to simplify your skincare regime – no stripping in sight. Instead, you’ll find a concise but efficacious edit that slot easily into a clearly-mapped routine. The active ingredients are plentiful (think hyaluronic acid, retinol and probiotics) but never stripping thanks to clever formulations that temper any potential irritation. Byoma's retinol, for example, is ideal for sensitive skin thanks to the inclusion of its proprietary Barrier Lipid Complex which supports a healthy skin barrier. This allows for all the complexion beautifying benefits of retinol, without any of the common side-effects. It's clever stuff.

Watch: The Skin Barrier Explained

So far, so good. But what do we really rate? Our beauty team comprises of women of different ages with a mixture of skin types. So, what better excuse to put Byoma to the test? The results are in…

SHOP: The Best Byoma Products 2024

Cassie Steer Acting Beauty Director says: 'I’ve done a little seasonal skincare switch recently and this deeply hydrating, ceramide-packed moisturiser doubles as my daily winter SPF (love a multi-tasker!). Although my skin craves extra hydration in the cooler seasons, I hate the feeling of anything too heavy and the gel-cream texture instantly (and invisibly) melts into my skin.'

Pros

  • Contains SPF 30
  • Suited to all skin types

Cons

  • Pump can be clunky

Rachael Martin beauty editor says: 'When I say I'm obsessed with this product, I truly mean it. Brimming with Byoma's unique barrier boosting Tri-Ceramide Complex (ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids) just a spritz bathes my skin in a refreshing mist that works to hydrate and nourish - no stickiness in sight. I'll use it to refresh my make-up during the day and notice how my complexion looks instantly brighter and more radiant. I'm prone to redness, but find this really helps to calm that too - there's the infusion of probiotic ferment to thank for that. My only gripe? The nozzle can be temperamental so proceed with caution.'

Pros

  • Excellent value for money
  • High concentration of active ingredients

Cons

  • Nozzle can be temperamental

Sameeha Shaikh beauty writer says: 'If you love an indulgent cleansing experience without the price tag, look to this. The jelly texture turns into a rich, creamy foam as your massage it in, which removes every scrap of make-up, dirt and daily build up, all without leaving you feeling stripped or tight. My acne-prone skin also loves the inclusion of antioxidant-rich liquorice root and calming green tea extracts, which hydrate and heal my often compromised skin.'

Pros

  • Lathers easily
  • Sweeps away make-up with ease
  • Non-comedogenic

Cons

  • Can be tricky to get the last of the product out.

Rachael Martin beauty editor says: 'I have oily, sensitive skin, so it can be tricky to find a good cleansing balm. Luckily, this buttery number is a total delight to use. I like to warm it in the palms of my hands before smoothing over my skin with a bit if warm water. My make-up literally melts away, leaving my skin feeling soft and supple without a trace of that post-cleanse tightness. The hero ingredients? Barrier lipids and restorative olive which provide all of the the smoothing goodness and non of the pore blocking. Would recommend.

Pros

  • Brimming with barrier lipids
  • Can work well as part of a double cleansing routine or on its own

Cons

  • Can finish one pot fairly quickly - be mindful about portioning!

Cassie Steer acting beauty director says: 'I’m not generally a huge fan of face oils as I find they tend to sit on the surface of my skin but this barrier-boosting elixir is my go-to for bringing skin back from the brink. I don’t use it over my entire face (although you absolutely can) and instead dot it onto the bits that need some extra TLC such as the dry skin around my nose and the eczema behind my ears.'

Pros

  • Non sticky
  • Sinks in quickly

Cons

  • Might not be the best option for those with skin prone to excess oil

Rachael Martin beauty editor says: 'First time retinol user? Consider giving this gentle yet effective oil-based retinol treatment a go. It's lightweight and soothing, sinking into the skin beautifully, despite being an oil. Just a pea-sized amount pressed into skin before bed works to improve tone and texture while wrinkles will appear minimised with consistent use. And of course there's the aforementioned proprietary Barrier Lipid Complex which soothes and keeps irritation at bay. Expect impressive results within three weeks.'

Pros

  • Ideal for first time retinol users
  • Suited to sensitive skin

Cons

  • Cannot be used during the day

Sameeha Shaikh beauty writer says: 'As a Byoma stan, you can understand my excitement when the skin experts decided to launch into body care earlier this year. This gentle wash is loaded with the brand's skin barrier supporting prebiotic complex and soothing oatmeal to nourish, protect and cleanse. This is definitely an upgrade to your everything shower...'

Pros

  • Suited to sensitive skin
  • Sulfate free (non drying)

Cons

  • Needs a considerable amount of water to help it emulsify

Rachael Martin beauty editor says: 'September is the time of the year where I'm reminded of the importance of moisturising my long suffering limbs - if the light layer of scaling is anything to go by, that is. Of course, I'm reaching for something soft, soothing and cocooning and Byoma's Senstive Skin Body Lotion does just that. The texture is silky, drenching my parched skin in a hefty hit of nourishment - think collodial oat to soothe and shea butter to hydrate. It's simple, yes, but it does what it promises.'

Pros

  • Ideal for sensitive skin types
  • Alcohol and fragrance free
  • Suited to those with eczema
  • Generous size - 400ml

Cons

  • Although fragrance free, some reviewers wish it had a 'more pleasant scent.'

Renee Washington beauty assistant says: 'If you're looking for gentle, effective skincare products that won't break the bank, I highly recommend giving Byoma a try. This hydrating serum sinks in quickly without leaving a greasy residue. My skin loves glycerin so this formula works very well - it keeps my face feeling plump and hydrated all day with just the tiniest dose. I've noticed a significant improvement in the texture too - it's softer and smoother.'

Cons

  • Pipette is temperamental

Rachael Martin is Grazia’s Beauty Editor. She covers all things beauty, health and wellness.

Main image credit: Instagram @byoma

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