1. Origins & Brand Philosophy
BYOMA (pronounced “bye‑oh‑mah”) was launched in 2020 by Marc Elrick, born out of a desire to create skincare focused on restoring and strengthening the skin barrier, without unnecessary complexity or high prices. The brand quickly distinguished itself by integrating science-backed actives, accessible pricing (typically under £15 or $20), and a minimalist yet vibrant aesthetic.
The brand champions a “less-is-more” approach: streamlined formulations, transparent ingredient lists, and products that do the essential job of rebuilding the skin barrier centering on ceramides, niacinamide, squalane, and other moisturising/soothing agents.
Its educational messaging is also central BYOMA doesn’t just sell skincare; it empowers users to understand why a barrier‑first approach matters, making it especially appealing to skincare beginners and young consumers.
2. Signature Ingredients & Multi‑Benefit Actives
BYOMA products typically feature a core mix of ingredients focused on barrier repair and hydration:
- Tri‑ceramide complex (ceramides + cholesterol + fatty acids): mimics the skin’s natural lipids to seal in moisture and repair barrier integrity.
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): reduces redness, regulates sebum, brightens, and strengthens barrier resilience.
- Squalane: lightweight yet deeply hydrating, prevents moisture loss without greasiness.
- Green tea extract: antioxidant-rich and calming, helps soothe inflammation and control excess oil.
- Bakuchiol (in select formulas): a plant-based retinol alternative offering gentle renewal benefits with less irritation than traditional retinoids.
- Other supportive humectants like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and botanical extracts are often paired with the above to deliver universal hydration.
BYOMA also employs a proprietary Cera‑Sun Technology in its SPF product to both hydrate and protect, combining broad-spectrum SPF 50 with barrier‑supporting compounds like hyaluronic acid and antioxidants.
3. Sustainability & Packaging Ethos
BYOMA positions itself as a planet-conscious brand. Its packaging is made entirely of mono-material recyclable plastic, avoiding mixed materials that hinder recycling efforts. Shrink wrap and excessive box packaging are minimized, and square-shaped containers are designed for efficient shipping and shelf presentation.
The brand has also launched refillable versions of key products, encouraging reuse of pumps and droppers to cut down plastic waste over time. The company has pledged environmental initiatives, including partnerships with One Tree Planted to offset carbon emissions through tree-planting efforts.
Design studio Pearlfisher helped shape the brand identity: bold, youthful, and “shelf-popping,” with logos and vibrant packaging meant to disrupt the usual minimalist aesthetic of clinical skincare lines.
4. Standout Products
4.1 Moisturizing Gel‑Cream
Perhaps BYOMA’s most celebrated product, the Moisturizing Gel‑Cream is a lightweight, gel‑cream hybrid featuring the tri‑ceramide complex, niacinamide, and green tea extract. It absorbs swiftly, leaves no stickiness or greasiness, and is often cited as comparable in texture and performance to luxury hydrating creams at a fraction of the price (~£13–15 or $15).
Users and editors across InStyle and other media commend it for delivering hydration, glow, and comfort especially in the morning, and even under makeup without pilling.
4.2 Hydrating Serum
This milky serum is silky and lightweight, offering hydration, barrier‑support, and glow—thanks to squalane, ceramides, niacinamide, and antioxidants. Reviewers highlight reduced dryness, redness, and a steady boost in luminosity after consistent use (~£12.99).
4.3 Creamy Jelly Cleanser
A clear gel that transforms into a creamy lather on the skin, with liquorice root and green tea extracts. It’s gentle, non-stripping, and delivers a clean-but-soft finish. Users love how fresh it leaves the skin without tightness.
4.4 Balancing Face Mist
A light mist or toner that aims to hydrate and refresh between steps. However, several reviews note mechanical issues with the spray mechanism it can deliver heavy droplets unless pressed firmly.
4.5 Ultralight Face Fluid SPF 50
BYOMA’s Ultralight Face Fluid SPF 50 has earned praise as an ideal sunscreen under makeup. Its peach-tinted, hydrating, non-greasy formula absorbs well and avoids white cast or pilling. It contains hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, and barrier-supporting agents via Cera-Sun Technology (~£14.99).
4.6 Barrier‑Boosting Rich Cream
For drier or winter-prone skin, the Moisturising Rich Cream offers a richer consistency. While slightly thicker than the gel-cream, it’s still light enough for many to use year-round. Some reviewers note occasional issues with the pump (a fix BYOMA claims to have addressed) and cite that warm weather users may find it light for nighttime texture needs.
5. Expert and Media Endorsements
BYOMA consistently features in beauty editor roundups:
- InStyle lists BYOMA among the “15 Best Affordable Skin Care Brands,” noting its tri‑ceramide complex and that fans compared its Moisturizing Gel Cream favorably to premium luxury creams like Tatcha Water Cream.
- A beauty writer called BYOMA’s Moisturizing Gel Cream “makes their skin glow” and praised its lightweight, hydrating texture with niacinamide and green tea offers smoothing and brightening effects for as little as $15.
- Woman and Home reviewed the SPF fluid, describing it as the best lightweight sunscreen she’s found under makeup, praising hydration, texture, scent, and compatibility.
- PEOPLE Tested named BYOMA’s eye gel as the Best Budget eye cream for puffiness, with cooling gel texture, visible depuffing, and good blendability all at a modest cost.
6. Real‑World User Experiences: High Praise and Strong Warnings
While many users love BYOMA, user reviews especially on Reddit and Trustpilot reveal a significant minority encountering irritation or breakouts.
Positive Feedback
- Several users reported glowing complexion, less redness, improved hydration and texture within days of using serums and moisturizers, even for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
- Trustpilot includes many 5-star reviews, especially from those appreciating BYOMA’s affordability and how it works with makeup as a primer or base layer.
Cautions & Concerns
Barrier Irritation & Breakouts
- Some users developed skin irritation or contact dermatitis after using the Milky Toner or Jelly Cleanser, especially around the eyes (puffiness, itching, scaly dryness).
- Others, particularly with acne-prone skin, reported rapid breakouts after two weeks many suspected oleic acid in the formulas as a comedogenic culprit, despite BYOMA’s “non-comedogenic” label.
Formula Changes
- Some Reddit users noted that recent versions of the Moisturizing Gel-Cream appeared solid white instead of milky, coinciding with new breakouts suggesting potential reformulation may have changed tolerability for certain users.
Packaging Frustration
- Multiple users expressed frustration with BYOMA’s packaging: visually appealing but low in product content, hard-to-use pumps/droppers, and opaque bottles making it difficult to judge remaining product volume.
Preservative Transparency
- Concerns were raised about the apparent lack of declared preservatives in water-based products like toners, prompting questions about product safety and shelf life some suspect undisclosed preservative systems or “clean beauty” framing that obscures ingredients.
7. Best Uses & Ideal User Profiles
Who may love BYOMA:
- Dry, sensitive, or combination skin that benefits from ceramide-rich, barrier-focused hydration.
- Skincare beginners or those new to barrier-repair with minimalistic, affordable lines.
- Makeup users who want hydrating layers that don’t pill or grit under foundation.
- Anyone prioritizing environmental consciousness and recyclable/refillable packaging.
Who should be cautious:
- People prone to sensitive skin reactions, contact dermatitis, or eczema—especially around eyes.
- Those with oily or acne-prone skin, particularly if sensitive to oleic acid or lactic acid, both of which may trigger breakouts.
- Users who dislike low transparency packaging or finicky pumps, preferring more practical or resource-efficient formats.
Tips for Safe Use:
- Patch test any new product sample on inner wrist or behind ear for a couple of days.
- Reverse patch to sensitive areas like around the eyes or upper half of face if using toner or cleanser.
- Introduce products gradually, especially actives like niacinamide, bakuchiol, or lactic acid.
- If breakouts or irritation occur, stop using toners or serums first, then moisturisers.
- Consult ingredients if you’re prone to sensitivity especially to oleic and lactic acids, essential oils, or unknown preservatives.
- Refill program: take advantage of BYOMA’s reusable pump/dropper system, reduce waste.
8. BYOMA Within the Wider Skincare Landscape
- While BYOMA is often compared to TikTok‑friendly K‑beauty loving brands, it positions itself more as science‑driven barrier repair, without strong marketing buzzwords like “glass skin” or “clean‑beauty hype”.
- Unlike cult classics like CeraVe, BYOMA emphasizes younger aesthetics, refillable design, and active-rich minimalism but similar barrier-nourishing chemistry.
- BYOMA may resonate better with younger demographics or eco-conscious shoppers, while skincare veterans with advanced routines might find it missing deeper actives like high-percentage AHAs, vitamin C, or medical-grade retinoids.
9. Summary: Pros vs Cons
| ✅ Strengths | |
| Affordable (most products under £15) and accessible | |
| Barrier‑focussed formulas with ceramides, niacinamide, squalane | |
| Lightweight textures, comfortable under makeup | |
| Cruelty‑free, vegan, recyclable & refillable packaging | |
| Well‑reviewed for hydration, glow, calming redness | |
| Effective SPF 50 fluid that doesn’t pill |
| ❌ Limitations / Risks |
| Some users report irritation or dermatitis |
| Contains oleic and lactic acids risky for oily/acne‑prone skin |
| Packaging can feel misleading containers often larger than product volume |
| Complaints about pump/dropper mechanics |
| Preservative transparency questioned; formula changes reported |
| May not suit advanced skincare needs or moisturizer lovers needing heavier occlusion |
10. Final Thoughts & Recommendations
BYOMA is a thoughtful, beginner-friendly skincare line built around barrier restoration, supported by science-backed ingredients and accessible pricing. With standout products like the Moisturizing Gel‑Cream, Hydrating Serum, and Ultralight SPF Fluid, it covers core skincare needs in a clean, cohesive routine package.
The brand’s commitment to sustainability, transparent ingredient lists, and refillable packaging make it appealing to eco-minded consumers. At the same time, the modern, vibrant branding and low price point have helped BYOMA gain traction, especially on platforms like TikTok (with over 50 million #byoma views, and a moisturiser reportedly selling every six seconds).
However, BYOMA is not universally suitable. Multiple users particularly those with acne-prone, sensitive or reactive skin have reported irritation, breakouts, and allergic reactions. The presence of oleic acid, lactic acid, and essential oils in some formulations may be triggers for redness or clogged pores. Packaging transparency and product-to-container ratio have also drawn criticism.
Recommended approach:
If you’re looking to try BYOMA:
- Start with one product (e.g., Moisturizing Gel‑Cream or Hydrating Serum).
- Patch-test thoroughly.
- Observe skin’s response over 1–2 weeks before expanding usage.
- Avoid toner or actives if you know your skin reacts to mild exfoliants or fatty acids.
- Tap the refill/pump system to reduce waste if you plan to continue.