The Bioderma Photoderm MAX Cream is a chemical (organic) sunscreen. It has an SPF of 50+ and PPD 42. PPD stands for Persistent Pigment Darkening – measures the UVA protection factor. UVA penetrate more deeply into the skin and can cause premature aging. The UVA protection in this sunscreen is really high which is superb for preventing wrinkles and protecting your skin from sun damage!
Application
Apply after your skincare and before makeup. Do not apply oils or heavy moisturizers that form a film on top of the skin before sunscreen because it needs to adhere well to the skin and oils will make it move around and not apply evenly. Thus decreasing protection.
Texture
It has a fluid creamy texture and glides really well on the skin. Dries down fast (or I’d rather say adheres fast) so you need to apply it quickly and avoid overblending it because it can ball up.
Leaves a slight white cast (probably due to Tinosorb M). I have fair skin so for me it just makes my skin look a bit more even toned and brighter but not in a weird way.
Scent
It does not contain any parfume so it just smells like usual sunscreen.

Performance
This sunscreen is made for normal and dry skin types, but I didn’t notice that it was in a cream form when I purchased it. Anyway I kept it and I’ve been using it daily since then and here’s what I think of it:
Whether the sunscreen will look very greasy or slightly shiny, it depends on what skincare products you’re using under the sunscreen.
There were a few times that I was looking like a grease ball because I used skincare that was too rich for my skin. Other times I applied products that were lighter in consistency and some were oil controlling so the sunscreen definitely looked better. This is one crucial thing to keep in mind.
Generally, upon application it does leave a very slight white cast but looks shiny and feels a bit sticky. The white cast and stickiness usually go away after 20-30 minutes. I like dewy complexion but I feel like this is more on the greasy side than dewy so I don’t always like how it stays on my skin.
But I have a very simple trick to fix it which works for me: Blotting paper!
Ideally you should do this 20 min after sunscreen application. Take a blotting paper and very gently lay it on the skin and pat lightly. Do not use a wiping motion or drag it across the face.
On days I use bb cream/cushion I use blotting paper as a last step.
It is hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. It did not break me out or irritate my skin in any way.
Ingredients
Active ingredients / Filters: Octocrylene (UVB/ Shortwave UVA), Tinosorb M (UVA/UVB) , Avobenzone (UVA), Tinosorb S (UVA/UVB), Bisoctrizole (UVA/UVB)
Contains newer superior filters that are photostable. Does not contain perfume or parabens.
Aqua/water/eau, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Octocrylene, Methylene Bis-benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol [nano], Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Cyclopentasiloxane, C20-22 Alkyl Phosphate, Glyceryl Stearate, Peg-100 Stearate, Ectoin, Mannitol, Xylitol, Rhamnose, Fructooligosaccharides, Laminaria Ochroleuca Extract, C20-22 Alcohols, Decyl Glucoside, Cyclohexasiloxane, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/ Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Pentylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Propylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium Edta, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin. [bi543]
Final Verdict on the Bioderma Sunscreen
Pros
- Very high UVB & UVA protection.
- Spreads and glides easily on the skin.
- Soft finish.
- Suitable for sensitive skin.
- Absorbs very well for dry skin types.
- It didn’t break me out.
Cons
- Looks very dewy upon application and takes a while to absorb (for oily skin).
- Depending on the skincare products you’ve used may become more greasy.
- Slight white cast.
Despite not being very suitable for my skin type due to the fact that it looks shiny, I do like this sunscreen. It did not irritate my sensitive skin and offers great broad spectrum protection! That UVA protection level is awesome! However, if you like to apply foundation over sunscreen I feel like it may be a little too much. Darker skin tones should be aware of the slight white cast. And in general, I think it will be more suitable for dry skin types. So maybe if your skin is on the dry side you won’t have any problem applying makeup over this. I may try the Aquafluide version in the future and see how it’ll perform compared to this one. Overall, it’s a good sunscreen that I would recommend!
Have you tried the Bioderma Photoderm MAX Cream spf 50+ sunscreen before? What are your thoughts? Please share them in the comments!
Also Read:
Vichy Idéal Soleil Anti-Ageing 3-in-1 Antioxidant Care SPF50 Review
NUXE Sun Delicious Cream High Protection SPF30 Review
Avene Very High Protection Dry Touch Fluid SPF 50+ Review
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About Me
Hi and welcome to Kbeauty Notes! :)
I’m Ledia and I’m very passionate about everything skincare. I created this blog to share my thoughts and experience with many amazing and not so great products out there, hoping to help you make better decisions regarding your skin health.
I’m very happy to bring you on this journey with me and I hope you enjoy it! <3
My Skin Type: Oily, acne prone, dehydrated, a little sensitive, large pores.
Skincare Concerns: hydration, pore care, anti-ageing, PIE (acne marks), brightening.
Contact: kbeautynotes@gmail.com
Can it be used for oily and acne face?
Yes, it can be used, but it depends on how oily your skin is, and since it’s a cream type, it can be a little on the heavy side when used during summer. You can try the Aquafluide version which has a lighter consistency.
You can also check out my review on Vichy Idéal Soleil Anti-Ageing 3-in-1 Antioxidant Care SPF50 since it has a matte finish and maybe you’ll find it more suitable for your skin type.
Keep an eye out for more sunscreen reviews coming soon 🙂