When it comes to sunscreens, most of us have the same complaints—greasy finish, white cast, or that heavy feeling that makes you want to skip reapplying. I have heard a lot about tinted sunscreens and how they are more effective than regular sunscreens. So, I finally decided to purchase Bioderma Photoderm Aquafluide SPF 50+, a product that claims to be light as water while offering strong, broad-spectrum protection. I’ve been using it for a while, and here’s my honest take.

First Impressions

The packaging is pretty straightforward—no-frills, yellow-and-white tube that’s handbag-friendly. Bioderma markets it as “aquafluide,” which immediately made me curious because I don’t like thick sunscreens. True to the name, the texture is runny and fluid-like, almost like a lightweight lotion or tinted moisturiser.

When I first applied it, I noticed how easily it spread across the skin. No tugging, no weird patchiness, and most importantly, no ghostly white cast (hallelujah!).

Texture & Finish

This is where Bioderma really shines. The texture is watery but not messy—it absorbs quickly and feels like nothing on the skin. It has a matte finish but not the drying kind. If you’re someone with oily or combination skin, this will be a dream come true because it doesn’t make you shiny throughout the day.

Dry skin folks might need to layer it over a moisturizer because it can feel a little too lightweight.

Protection Factor

With SPF 50+ and UVA/UVB protection, it covers you against both sunburn and long-term damage like pigmentation and premature aging. What I also like is Bioderma’s patented Cellular Bioprotection™, which supposedly helps protect skin at the cellular level. While I can’t “see” that working, it’s reassuring that the formula goes beyond just surface-level defense.

For daily city wear, it feels perfect. If you’re heading to the beach or outdoors for long hours, you’ll need to reapply generously (as with any sunscreen).

Makeup Compatibility

One of the biggest perks? It plays very well with makeup. Foundation goes on smoothly, no pilling, no cakey mess. Honestly, it feels like a primer in disguise. On no-makeup days, it gives my skin a naturally even, non-greasy finish, which is all I want.

Price

It is a bit pricey for Indian market. A 40 ml tube comes for Rs 1199. You can get it on nykaa. But considering how lightweight, comfortable, and effective it is, I’d call it more of an investment sunscreen. If sun protection is something you take seriously (and you should!), this feels like money well spent.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Ultra-light, watery texture
• No white cast (even on medium to deeper skin tones)
• Matte but comfortable finish
• High SPF with UVA/UVB protection
• Works well under makeup

Cons:

• Can feel a bit drying on very dry skin
• Not the cheapest option compared to local sunscreens
• Requires reapplication (but that’s just sunscreen reality)

Final Verdict

I have used multiple products from Bioderma and they never really disappoint. This one is no exception too. If you’ve been searching for a non-greasy, no-white-cast sunscreen that feels like a second skin, Bioderma Photoderm Aquafluide deserves a spot on your shelf. It’s especially good for oily/combination skin types who usually struggle with heavy SPF formulas.

Yes, it’s a little pricier, but for something you’re supposed to use every day, I’d say it’s worth the splurge.

Rating: 4.5/5 🌞

✅ Best For: Oily to combination skin, daily city wear
⚠️ Not Ideal For: Very dry skin without a good moisturizer underneath