# Bioderma Sébium Mat Control for dry sensitive skin

**Lovi Fit: Caution fit for dry sensitive skin.**
Dry Skin Fit: Low · Effectiveness: High · Safety: Concerning.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/bioderma/sebium-mat-control/for/dry-sensitive-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for Canada.

Brand: [Bioderma](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/brands/bioderma)
Category: [Moisturizers and moisturizing serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/best/moisturizers)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry sensitive skin: flakiness, tightness, redness, fine lines, and wrinkles. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A poor match for dry sensitive skin; the moisturizers alongside fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate exfoliation for your dry and flaky skin due to salicylic acid, which gently sloughs off dead skin cells, but the presence of salicylic acid and fomes officinalis extract may have a drying effect on your dry skin.
- Zinc gluconate and fomes officinalis extract provide excellent mattifying and pore-refining effects, which may not be ideal for your dry skin type.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/bioderma/sebium-mat-control/for/oily-skin): Average
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/bioderma/sebium-mat-control/for/dry-skin): Caution
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/bioderma/sebium-mat-control/for/combination-skin): High
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/bioderma/sebium-mat-control/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/bioderma/sebium-mat-control/for/acne-prone-skin): High
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/bioderma/sebium-mat-control/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/bioderma/sebium-mat-control/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/bioderma/sebium-mat-control/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Caution (this page)
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/bioderma/sebium-mat-control/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): High

## Key ingredients

Fluidactiv Patent, Salicylic Acid, Zinc Gluconate, Glycerin, Mannitol

## What the research says

- Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen achieved a higher cure rate (39%) than salicylic acid (24%) and a wait-and-see approach (16%) for cutaneous warts at 13 weeks in primary care patients. ([CMAJ, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20837684/))
- A moisturizer containing licochalcone A, 1,2-decanediol, L-carnitine, and salicylic acid significantly reduced noninflammatory, inflammatory, and total acne lesion counts compared to a vehicle control in Thai patients during a 12-week maintenance phase. ([BioMed Research International, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33150170/))
- Treatment with 2% supramolecular salicylic acid hydrogel resulted in a regression and markedly improvement rate of 51.01% compared to 43.10% for Adapaline gel in patients with mild to moderate facial acne vulgaris, showing no significant difference in efficacy. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38590107/))
- A dermocosmetic cream containing Punica granatum Pericarp extract, Salicylic acid, Niacinamide, Zinc gluconate, and Aqua Posae Filiformis significantly decreased inflammatory, non-inflammatory, and total lesion counts in subjects with mild to moderate acne compared to untreated hemi-faces after 15 days. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41487026/))
- Daily use of a deep cleansing gel containing salicylic acid 2%, zinc gluconate 0.2% and lipohydroxy acid 0.05% significantly reduced total lesion count by 56.3% after 84 days in 35 subjects with mild to moderate truncal acne. ([Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36698447/))
- Different strains of Propionibacterium acnes modulate cutaneous innate immunity with varying pro-inflammatory potentials, with P. acnes type III showing the highest and P. avidum the weakest, and zinc gluconate down-regulates the expression of most induced immune markers. ([Experimental Dermatology, 2013](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23947673/))
- A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women. ([Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/))
- The emollient V0034CR significantly reduced TEWL compared to vehicle and vehicle plus glycerol, and significantly increased corneometry scores compared to vehicle and vehicle plus petrolatum in healthy volunteers with dry skin, demonstrating combined barrier function improvement from petrolatum and hydration improvement from glycerol. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31532576/))
- Ten days of treatment with a cream containing 20% glycerin significantly increased skin hydration measured by corneometer values in 17 healthy volunteers compared to a placebo cream, but showed no influence on transepidermal water loss or skin sensitivity to an irritating surfactant. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2001](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18498456/))
- Combining ectoine and mannitol with UV filters significantly improved protection of squalene oxidation, catalase activity, and trans-UCA compared to UV filters alone in 10 subjects on irradiated areas. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37539499/))
- Topical mannitol cream reduced self-reported pain scores compared to a control cream in 25 adults with capsaicin-induced lip pain. ([PM & R, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25978942/))
- A dermocosmetic containing bakuchiol, Ginkgo biloba extract, and mannitol improves inflammatory lesions, Investigator Global Assessment, and seborrhea intensity when added to adapalene 0.1% gel in patients with acne vulgaris. ([Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25914553/))

## What reviewers say

Users with oily and combination skin widely praise this product for its dual ability to hydrate while effectively controlling shine, often describing it as an excellent primer that leaves a velvety finish. Those with drier skin zones or dehydration issues occasionally find it lacking in moisture, and some users report that the matte effect may not last a full day in very humid conditions.

- Liked: Lightweight texture (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Effective oil control (often mentioned)
- Liked: Excellent makeup base (often mentioned)
- Liked: Pleasant scent (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Refines pores (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Insufficient hydration (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Price vs. quantity (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Potential breakouts (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Short duration (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Texture issues (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Could be used as part of your AM or PM routine. Start using this moisturizer 3 times a week and move to daily use if your dry skin tolerates it well.
- Apply this moisturizer after cleansing and toner in the morning, or after your serum in the evening. Always pair it with SPF in the morning.
- Gently press a small amount of the moisturizer into your skin. Avoid rubbing it harshly to protect your sensitive skin.
- Apply the moisturizer on slightly damp skin to help with hydration absorption. This also works well for dry and flaky skin types.
- Do a patch test before your first use. Avoid the eye area to prevent any irritation.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/2f72f5d69f07beeafc30237f829efbff.mp4

## Questions and answers

### Why does Lovi advise caution with Bioderma Sébium Mat Control for dry sensitive skin?

This product is a poor fit because ingredients like salicylic acid and zinc gluconate may dry out your dry skin and cause unwanted tightness. Moisturizing treatments that work better for this skin type need soothing ingredients and hydrating agents that lock in moisture and support the skin barrier without any risk of irritation.

### Which ingredients make this cream a poor fit for dry sensitive skin?

Salicylic acid, zinc gluconate, and fomes officinalis extract make this cream a poor fit because they may dry out dry skin and reduce oil, which this skin type does not need. A moisturizing treatment for dry sensitive skin needs soothing ingredients, rich hydration, and skin barrier support from agents like glycerin, along with no risk of irritation or allergens.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36698447/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41487026/)

### What does Fluidactiv Patent do for dry sensitive skin?

Fluidactiv Patent is not a good fit for dry sensitive skin because it is designed to manage sebum in oily skin, whereas dry skin needs rich moisturizing ingredients like ceramides and gentle surfactants to protect the skin barrier.
Sources: [Dermatologic Therapy, 2004](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14728695/), [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2000](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10971324/)

### What does Salicylic Acid do for dry sensitive skin?

Salicylic acid is generally a poor fit for dry, sensitive skin because it is designed to clear out pores by removing excess oil, which can easily leave dry skin irritated. A product of this type needs gentle exfoliating helpers paired with rich, soothing moisturizers and barrier-repairing ingredients to keep dry skin calm and comfortable.

### Where does this cream go in a skincare routine for dry sensitive skin?

This cream is used as an evening treatment step in your routine, but it may be too drying for dry sensitive skin because of salicylic acid and mattifying ingredients. A moisturizing treatment for this skin type needs gentle hydrating ingredients and soothing agents to keep skin soft and comfortable without causing dryness.

### Can I use this cream with retinol, and in what order?

You should use caution when combining this mattifying treatment with retinol on dry sensitive skin, as ingredients like salicylic acid may cause added dryness and irritation. If used together, apply retinol first followed by this treatment, or alternate nights to protect your skin barrier.

### How often should I use this cream?

This product is a poor match for your dry sensitive skin, as its ingredients may cause dryness and remove too much oil. Dry skin needs a rich moisturizing treatment with nourishing oils and gentle hydration boosters to keep it soft and comfortable.

### Can this cream clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for dry sensitive skin?

This cream is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts on dry sensitive skin, but it may cause further dryness and irritation. A moisturizer for this skin type needs gentle, rich hydrating ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid instead of pore-tightening or mattifying ingredients.

### Can I use this cream around the eyes or on my body?

You should use caution applying this cream around the eyes or on your body, because the skin in these areas is very thin and the salicylic acid and zinc gluconate inside may easily cause dryness and irritation. A product for thin skin like this needs gentle, hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides to keep the area soft and comfortable.
Sources: [Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12375070/)

### Is this cream fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

It has no drying alcohol and contains fragrance (parfum).

## Alternatives for dry sensitive skin

- [SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/skin1004/madagascar-centella-probio-cica-enrich-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$30.98 at Amazon
- [Obagi Hydrate Luxe Moisture-Rich Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/obagi/hydrate-luxe/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$103.73 at Amazon
- [The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/the-ordinary/natural-moisturizing-factors-ha/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$16.20 at Amazon

## Routine for dry sensitive skin

### AM

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$20.19 at Amazon
- Soothing Toner: [Clarins Toning Lotion with Camomile](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/clarins/soothing-toning-lotion/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$49.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer with Sun Protection: [d'Alba UVessence Mild Waterfull Sun Cream SPF 50](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/d-alba/uvessence-mild-waterfull-sun-cream-spf-50/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$38.00 at Amazon

### PM

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$17.99 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$20.19 at Amazon
- Soothing Toner: [Clarins Toning Lotion with Camomile](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/clarins/soothing-toning-lotion/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$49.00 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [COSRX Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cosrx/galactomyces-95-tone-balancing-essence/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$24.49 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/drunk-elephant/protini-polypeptide-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$95.99 at Amazon

### Weekly

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$17.99 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$20.19 at Amazon
- Nourishing Mask: [MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/mediheal/vita-essential-mask/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$29.99 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [COSRX Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cosrx/galactomyces-95-tone-balancing-essence/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$24.49 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/drunk-elephant/protini-polypeptide-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$95.99 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.ca: CA$26.99 (https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00ZY9MZZU?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- Shoppers Drug Mart: CA$25.99 (https://www.shoppersdrugmart.ca/bioderma-sebium-mat-control/p/BB_3701129811955?variantCode=3701129811955)
Prices checked 14 Oct – 2 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Glycerin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Cyclohexasiloxane, Dipropylene Glycol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Peg-10 Dimethicone, Hdi Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Chloride, Vinyl Dimethicone Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, C30-45 Alkyl Cetearyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Zinc Gluconate, Disodium Edta, Salicylic Acid, Mannitol, Xylitol, Rhamnose, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hydroxide, Dodecyl Gallate, Pyridoxine Hcl, Fomes Officinalis Extract Mushroom Extract, Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/bioderma/sebium-mat-control/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/bioderma/sebium-mat-control/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/bioderma/sebium-mat-control/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/bioderma/sebium-mat-control/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/bioderma/sebium-mat-control/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/bioderma/sebium-mat-control/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/bioderma/sebium-mat-control/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/bioderma/sebium-mat-control/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/bioderma/sebium-mat-control/for/dry-sensitive-skin (this page)
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/bioderma/sebium-mat-control/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/bioderma/sebium-mat-control/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/bioderma/sebium-mat-control/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/bioderma/sebium-mat-control/for/dry-sensitive-skin
