Bioderma Photoderm Stick SPF 50+ Review

Bioderma Photoderm Stick SPF 50+
4.6
/ 10
Moisturizing
0.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
9.1 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
50
SPF icon
SPF
Review

Does Bioderma Photoderm Stick SPF 50+ Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Bioderma Photoderm Stick SPF 50+ has to offer:
 
  • Strong occlusive moisturizing. This exceptionally occlusive moisturizer, ideal for dry and very dry skin, has a moderate moisturizing rating of 4.6 out of 10, impaired by the absence of humectants.
  • Very high sun protection for prolonged sun exposure, such as spending the day at the beach, hiking, or outdoor sports.

Key Benefits of Bioderma Photoderm Stick SPF 50+

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Bioderma Photoderm Stick SPF 50+:
 

Rich Moisturizer with the Right Occlusivity for Dry Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Bioderma Photoderm Stick SPF 50+ is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 4.6 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Purely occlusive. It has zero Humectancy (we didn't find any humectant ingredients on the ingredient list) and a very high Occlusivity of 9.1 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Wax (est. ≈11.0%) and Beeswax (est. ≈6.0%).

This type of product, when used as a standalone moisturizer, can deliver a substantial level of occlusive hydration that is adequate for dry skin. The occlusive profile of Bioderma Photoderm Stick SPF 50+ suggests a rich, thick texture, making it perfectly suited for dry skin.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Very High Sun Protection for Prolonged Sun Exposure, All Skin Types, and High-risk Conditions

With an SPF of 50, Bioderma Photoderm Stick SPF 50+ provides very high sun protection, suitable for intense sun exposure in tropical climates, beach vacations, or high-altitude environments.

This level of SPF blocks 98% or more of UVB rays, offering the highest level of defense against sunburn. Broad-spectrum formulations also provide strong protection against UVA rays, which are responsible for skin aging, pigmentation, and DNA damage.

For optimal protection, choose products labeled broad-spectrum to ensure defense against both UVA rays, which contribute to skin aging and pigmentation, and UVB rays that cause sunburn.

This level of SPF is ideal for all skin types, particularly fair, sensitive, or post-treatment skin (e.g., after laser or chemical procedures). It is also highly recommended for individuals at greater risk of skin cancer.

For extended outdoor activities or water exposure, choose a water-resistant formula and reapply every two hours for maximum effectiveness.

Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Bioderma Photoderm Stick SPF 50+

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Bioderma Photoderm Stick SPF 50+ to your skincare routine:
 

Best for Dry Skin - May Be Too Thick for Other Skin Types

With high occlusivity, this product is optimal for dry skin but may be too thick for combination and especially oily skin. Even on normal skin, it can feel too rich depending on the quantity applied, the environment, and individual preferences.

If you have oily, combination, or normal skin and are considering purchasing this product for the first time, it might be a good idea to try a sample before buying.

Needs to Be Paired with Extra Humectants for Optimal Moisturizing Efficacy

An ideal moisturizer for any skin type should balance the right level of occlusivity (depending on skin type) with a significant amount of humectants, while Bioderma Photoderm Stick SPF 50+ contains no humectants at all.

People with dry skin would definitely benefit from adding water-binding humectants to their moisturizing routine for effective dual-action moisturizing. If this is your only moisturizer, it may be worth including a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.

Pros & Cons of Bioderma Photoderm Stick SPF 50+

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Bioderma Photoderm Stick SPF 50+ to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Provides the right level of occlusivity to moisturize dry skin
  • Rich texture well-suited for dry skin
  • Provides very high sun protection, ideal for intense sun exposure in tropical climates, high-altitude environments, and beach vacations, suitable for all skin types

Cons: 

  • Ideally needs to be paired with extra humectants for optimal moisturizing efficacy

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
50
22
11
6
4
3
2
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Function:
Origin:
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Wax
Function:
Origin:
Beeswax
Function:
Origin:
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Function:
Origin:
Octisalate
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexyl Triazone
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Polydecene
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Microcrystalline Wax
Function:
Origin:
Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:
Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
0.0
None
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
18.2
11.0
6.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
4.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 0.0 10
0.0
None
Occlusivity All occlusives 18.2 20
9.1
11.0
6.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
4.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
None
All humectants 0.0 10
0.0
All humectants
0.0
None
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
11
6
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 18.2 20
9.1
All occlusives
18.2
11.0
6.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
None
Total
0
None
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
All antioxidants 0.3 3 No
All antioxidants
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
None
All soothing 0 5 No
All soothing
0
None
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Est. %50
Function
Origin
C12-15 Alkyl BenzoateA synthetic emollient ester. It works to improve the appearance of the skin by filling in the microcracks on the surface, thereby making the skin appear softer and smoother. It imparts a lightweight, velvety feel.
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Est. %22
Function
Origin
Dicaprylyl CarbonateA very fast-spreading emollient that gives a product an incredibly lightweight feel. Dicaprylyl carbonate works well as a solvent for suspending insoluble solids such as mineral sunscreens or iron oxide pigments.
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Wax
Est. %11
Function
Origin
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran WaxA solid, strongly emollient, and occlusive moisturizing wax obtained from rice bran oil. It is also used as a formula helper.
Beeswax
Est. %6
Function
Origin
BeeswaxA waxy substance made by bees while they are building their honeycombs. It is an occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient with wound healing and antimicrobial properties similar to those of honey. Its bleached, purified form is called Cera alba.
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl TriazineA synthetic "chemical" sunscreen ingredient that protects against UV damage and offers better stability and safety compared to some other traditional organic suncreen ingredients.
Octisalate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
OctisalateA UVB sunscreen also known as ethylhexyl salicylate. It is normally paired with UVA sunscreens to provide broad-spectrum protection. Octisalate also protects other ingredients, like colorants and antioxidants, from deterioration due to exposure to UV light.
Ethylhexyl Triazone
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Ethylhexyl Triazone
Hydrogenated Polydecene
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated PolydeceneA clear, colorless, highly viscous liquid that commonly serves as an emollient. This rich emollient is on the heavier side but provides a smooth sensorial profile upon application.
Hydrogenated Microcrystalline Wax
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated Microcrystalline Wax
Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) WaxObtained from the leaves of Carnauba wax palm, this occlusive, emollient, and film-forming wax is commonly used in lip products. It is comprised mainly of various wax esters and is one of the hardest and most resistant plant waxes.
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)One of two the most commonly used mineral sunscreens. It can absorb UV light, including UVB – which causes burning, tanning, and even skin cancer. Also used as a colorant, titanium dioxide gives a product a bright white color.
Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed OilA fatty oil extracted from the seeds of the castor bean plant with very unique fatty acid composition. It is used in skincare as an occlusive moisturizer and emollient that leaves the skin feeling soft and silky after application.
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyhydroxystearic AcidA soft and malleable amber wax naturally derived from vegetable sources. It allows minerals to be very finely dispersed, which can improve SPF, decrease the white cast in sunscreens, and increase the color expression in pigmented products.
Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.