The Soothing Body Balm That Relives My Dry, Itchy Winter Skin

Last Updated on January 17, 2026 by Giorgia Guazzarotti

What’s your worse winter skincare problem? For me, it’s body dryness. I suffer with it in summer, too, but when the colder months roll around, it gets 10x worse. I guess taking 2 hour long baths in steaming hot water doesn’t help. It’s one of the guilty pleasures that helps me unwind at the end of a long day spent running around icy London. But as soon as I get out of the bathtub, my skin shrivels like an old prune. It itches like crazy, too. I’ve tried all sorts of creams, balms and lotions to soothe and nourish my worse-than-the-Sahara skin over the years. One of my favourites is Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Baume. Here’s why:

What’s In Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Baume?

GLYCERIN

Have you noticed that every skincare product for dry skin has glycerin? There’s a reason for that. Glycerin is a moisture magnet. Literally. Like a magnet, it attracts moisture from the environment and binds it into the skin. Your skin then uses the extra moisture for all sorts of things: become softer to the touch, take on a dewy glow, and make fine lines and wrinkles look smaller (an effect of moisture plumping).

Related: The Complete Guide To Glycerin In Skincare

MINERAL OIL

Ah, the by-product of crude oil everyone loves to hate on! Hear me out before you dismiss it… For starters, mineral oil undergoes a strict purifying process that removes all traces of toxins and impurities from it. The end result – Cosmetic Grade Mineral Oil – is safe for use on the skin.

Mineral oil is one of the most moisturising things on this planet. It creates a barrier on the skin that traps in moisture, preventing it from evaporating into thin air. FYI, this barrier will trap anything it finds on your skin. If you’re using anything comedogenic beforehand, the trapped culprit may give you a breakout. But mineral oil itself isn’t comedogenic.

But why use mineral oils when there are so many natural oils available? It’s the gentlest. Most oils contain 30+ substances (really!). Just think of all the antioxidants, fatty acids, and fragrant components an oil has. Not to mention, the pollen, resins, and anything else that deposits on the plant while it’s growing up. Mineral oil is a simple molecule made in a sterilised lab. That means there’s less chance it’ll give sensitive skin a rash or irritation.

Related: 5 Myths About Mineral Oil You Need To Stop Believing Right Now

PALMITAMIDE MEA (PEA)

Palmitamide MEA (PEA) is an essential fatty acid with anti-inflammatory properties. According to an open-label, International study, PEA improves all symptoms of dry skin, including itching, scaling, dryness and erythema. Bioderma claims PEA is the hero that makes your skin stop itching. It certainly plays a part. But repairing your skin protective barrier does that too. This cream has plenty of heroes that can do that job. Like the mineral oil above and the ceramides below.

CERAMIDES

Did you know the word Ceramide comes from the Latin “cera”? It means wax. That’s just what ceramides are. Waxy substances that make up roughly half of your skin’s protective barrier. They basically waterproof skin so that moisture stays in and germs and bacteria stay out. Ceramides patch up any holes in your skin’s protective barrier, too. When it’s whole again, your skin is naturally soft and supple, and better able to withstand the assaults from the colder weather, too!

Related: How To Strengthen The Skin’s Protective Barrier (And Why It Matters)

The Rest Of The Formula & Ingredients

• Aqua/Water/Eau: It’s literally just water. Every cream needs a liquid base to exist, and water is it. It helps everything mix together and actually get into your skin.
• Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil: It’s sunflower oil, the same stuff you might have in your kitchen but fancier. It’s loaded with fatty acids and vitamin E that soften your skin and calm down any redness or irritation.
• Behenyl Alcohol: Don’t let the word “alcohol” freak you out. This is a fatty alcohol, which means it’s actually moisturizing and creamy, not the kind that dries you out and stings. It’s here to make the texture thick and luxurious.
• Canola/Canola Oil/Huile De Colza: Yeah, it’s canola oil, like the cooking oil, but when you put it on your skin it adds moisture and omega fatty acids that your skin actually needs. It’s light, absorbs nicely, and helps the cream glide on smooth.
• Sucrose Stearate: This is made from sugar and it’s basically the thing that keeps oil and water from separating into two gross layers in the jar.
• Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer: A synthetic thickener with a name that sounds like a chemical weapon but really just gives the cream that bouncy, gel-like texture.
• Pentylene Glycol: This pulls water into your skin to keep it hydrated, and as a bonus it also helps stop bacteria and mold from growing in your jar of cream.
• Phytosterols: These are plant-based fats that act like the natural fats already hanging out in your skin barrier. They help repair damage, fill in the gaps, and calm your skin down when it’s angry.
• Xylitol: A sugar alcohol that grabs onto water and helps your skin stay hydrated, plus it has some antibacterial superpowers on the side. I
• Zinc Gluconate: A gentle form of zinc that calms down inflammation and can help control excess oil if you’re dealing with that.
• Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer: Yet another synthetic thickener that’s only here to make the texture feel smooth.
• 1,2-Hexanediol: This helps dissolve other ingredients so they mix properly, and it also keeps the formula fresh by preventing gross stuff from growing in it.
• Caprylyl Glycol: Another hydrator that also doubles as a preservative helper to keep your cream from going rancid.
• Sodium Citrate: This keeps the pH of the formula at the right level so it doesn’t burn your face.
• Mannitol: A sugar alcohol that pulls moisture into your skin and also fights off free radicals that age you.
• Rhamnose: A plant sugar that’s been shown to boost collagen production and help keep your skin bouncy and elastic.
• Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate: A mild mixer made from lactic acid and lauric acid that helps blend everything together smoothly. It also conditions your skin a bit and improves how the product feels when you rub it in.
• Sodium Hydroxide: This is lye, which sounds terrifying, but it’s used in absolutely tiny amounts just to tweak the pH so the formula doesn’t irritate your skin.
• Polysorbate 60: An emulsifier that keeps the oily ingredients and watery ingredients from splitting up and creating a separated mess in the jar. It’s just here to maintain stability.
• Sorbitan Isostearate: Another emulsifier working alongside the others to keep the texture smooth and prevent everything from separating.
• Tocopherol: Vitamin E, the antioxidant that protects your skin from damage caused by pollution and sun exposure and all the crap in the environment. It also keeps the oils in the formula from going rancid, so it’s protecting both you and the product.
• Phytosphingosine: A lipid that your skin already makes naturally, and it’s actually a building block for ceramides. It fights inflammation, kills acne-causing bacteria, and helps repair your skin barrier, especially if your skin is sensitive or breaks out easily.
• Ethylhexylglycerin: A preservative booster that helps keep the product fresh while also making it feel nicer on your skin.
• Cholesterol: Not the kind that clogs your arteries, but the kind that’s naturally in your skin and works with ceramides and fatty acids to keep your barrier functioning properly.
• Carbomer: A synthetic thickener that turns liquids into gels and gives products that smooth, spreadable texture.
• Xanthan Gum: A natural thickener made from fermented sugar that gives the product structure and keeps ingredients from settling or separating. It creates that nice, stable texture you want in a moisturizer.
• Fructooligosaccharides: A prebiotic sugar that feeds the good bacteria living on your skin and helps keep your skin’s ecosystem balanced and healthy. It’s also a bit hydrating as a bonus.
• Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride: A super lightweight oil derived from coconut that makes the product spread easily and sink in fast without leaving a greasy film. It won’t clog your pores and it helps carry other ingredients deeper into your skin.
• Laminaria Ochroleuca Extract: An extract from golden algae that fights free radicals, calms inflammation, and helps protect your skin from environmental stress and damage. It supports barrier function and overall skin health.

Texture

The balm has a thick, creamy consistency that glides smoothly on the skin. It sits on the surface for a couple of minutes before sinking in, but it never feels greasy or oily.

Fragrance

It’s fragrance-free. That’s good. Fragrance is one of the most irritating ingredients in skincare and can make the irritation and itching worse.

How To Use It

A little goes a long way. I apply it all over my body after I get out of the shower (or bath). You can use it on your face as well, if it’s particularly dry or itchy. Mine isn’t, so I use the balm on my body only).

Packaging

Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Baume comes in a sleek bottle with a pump dispenser. It has an elegant minimalistic vibe that looks good on your vanity shelf. And it releases just the right amount of product you need.

Performance & Personal Opinion

Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Baume is one of the most moisturizing creams I’ve ever tried in my life. I massage it for a couple of minutes to give it the time to fully sink in before I put on my clothes. Straight after application, my skin feels so much softer and smoother. I’m happy to report, the moisturizing effects last all day, too. I don’t have to drop whatever I’m doing during the day to slather on another dose because my skin feels super tight (yes that happened – and yes, working from home helps). You get the point. It’s really as soothing and calming as it says. I find it helps with itching, too.

What I Like About Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Baume

• Insanely moisturizing, my skin actually feels soft ALL day
• Thick and creamy but doesn’t leave that gross greasy feeling
• Fragrance-free = no extra itching or irritation, thank god
• Really helps with dry, itchy spots
• You only need a tiny bit, so it lasts forever

What I DON’T Like About Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Baume

• Takes a couple mins to sink in, so can’t just slap on and get dressed immediately
• I stick to body only – face is optional, depends how dry you are

Who Should Use It?

• Anyone with dry, itchy, sensitive skin
• If you hate greasy creams but still want proper hydration
• Perfect for after a shower or bath when your skin’s like “help me”
• Basically anyone who wants soft, calm skin without thinking about it all day

Does Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Baume Live Up To Its Claims?

Price & Availability

$29.99 at Boots, Dermstore and Look Fantastic

Do You Need It?

Yes! If you have seriously dry, itchy skin, this is a godsend.