Humaa Hussain
Every now and again, a beauty product comes along that takes TikTok by storm. Take Maison Francis Kurkdjian's Baccarat Rouge 540 perfume, which was hailed as the scent to make you smell rich (and we should hope so, at £235 a bottle) or Colorwow Dream Coat, which went crazy-viral when celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton demonstrated how it really does make hair waterproof—Mind. Blown.
However, when an affordable beauty brand takes off on TikTok, I take notice. I'm a big believer that you don't have to spend a fortune for good skincare, which is why Byoma has been catching my eye lately. I've already tried a couple of products from the aesthetically pleasing, brightly coloured skincare brand (which are all £15 and under, FYI), but since it's been all over my For You Page, I've been influenced to try more. And so has the rest of the internet, apparently, with #Byoma racking up 2.25 million views and counting on TikTok.
So what's all the hype about? Apart from the fun packaging and affordable price points, the ethos behind Byoma is something I can get behind. Founder Marc Elrick started developing Byoma back in 2020, and it has since been a huge hit. "During the initial COVID lockdown, people were playing chemist in their bathrooms, experimenting with super-strength actives—with less than desirable results," he says. "I chose to immerse myself in the skin science, and through extensive research, realised better skin stems from a boosted skin barrier. That’s how Byoma was born.”
I've tried a few products first hand and let me tell you, I have been converted. The Byoma SPF is truly one of the most lightweight and invisible SPFs I've tried, especially at such an affordable price point. It glides onto the skin and sinks in quickly, making it great underneath makeup and especially so if you have oily or combination skin like me. Unlike some SPFs, I find this doesn't clog my pores but still managed to leave my skin feeling hydrated.
As for the Creamy Jelly Cleanser, the jelly texture feels four times its price, and effortlessly melts away stubborn makeup without irritating the skin. The milky jelly formula also cushions the skin leaving it feeling comfortable once rinsed away. The added ceramides and fatty acids replenished and soothed out my skin too.
As such, the products all centre around repairing, reinforcing and shielding the skin's delicate barrier (they are also pH-balanced), which can become compromised when using too many products or ingredients. Pick up any Byoma product and you'll find the ingredients listed out in an easy-to-read format, and the brand actually tells you what the ingredient is and its purpose in the formulation.
Convinced? Scroll ahead for our review of the best Byoma skincare products and what to try for your skin type.
The Best Byoma Products, Listed:
1: Moisturising Gel-Cream SPF30
2: Moisturising Gel-Cream
3: De-Puff and Brighten Eye Gel
4: Hydrating Serum
5: Milky Oil Cleanser
Shop the Best Byoma Skincare Products:
I was floored when I tried this SPF. The gel-cream texture instantly melts into the skin with zero white cast—it's basically invisible. Junior beauty editor Grace Lindsay also rates it. Wearing SPF is a must to shield your skin against the damaging effects of UVA and UVB rays, so finding one that you want to wear every single day is crucial. This one sits pride of place on my dressing table.
Pros: Very lightweight and leaves zero whit cast behind.
Cons: May not be the best for super dry skin types.
I see this budget moisturiser pop up on my FYP a lot, but don't sniff at the price point until you've tried it—it rivals some of the more expensive moisturisers I've tried. The gel-cream texture sinks in quickly, making it great for makeup prep, and it's formulated with skin-soothing niacinamide, a tri-ceramide complex to restore the skin barrier and antioxidant green tea to shield from environmental aggressors throughout the day.
Pros: Very gentle and leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth.
Cons: It's texture is light so if you love something a bit more heavy, then this is not for you.
This landed on the beauty desk a few months back. The cooling gel instantly de-puffs and helps the eye area look awake after those nights when sleep has evaded you. It contains hydrating hyaluronic acid to plump, vitamin C to brighten and Byoma's tri-ceramide complex (which you'll find in many of its products) to cushion and restore the skin.
Pros: Sinks into the eye area really quickly and leaves a refreshing feel.
Cons: Not the best for really sensitive skin.
Who What Wear US beauty director Erin Jahns sold me on this one when I read how this £13 serum helped to clear her peri-oral dermatitis. It's ultra gentle, with the brand's ceramide complex and skin-quenching squalane and glycerin, which work in tandem to intensely nourish the skin whilst locking in moisture.
Pros: Keeps skin hydrated and looking plump.
Cons: Comes in a smaller bottle so would need to be replenished quickly.
Who What Wear UK junior beauty editor Grace Lindsay has convinced me to try this, one of Byoma's newest cleansers, next. "I love using this oil cleanser in the shower at the end of the day as the first step in my skincare routine," she says. "It melts away my makeup and leaves my skin feeling squeaky clean, but not stripped. Instead, my face is left silky soft thanks to the hydrating oil formula. One thing to note is that it doesn't remove waterproof mascara, so I would recommend a separate eye-makeup remover if you tend to wear a waterproof formula."
Pros: The best for double cleansing without feeling too harsh.
Cons: It has a strong smell so if that's not for you then I would avoid.
As for myself, I've been trialling the Creamy Jelly Cleanser, which gives a thorough cleanse on my oily T-zone. Some say it can be drying, so it's better suited for you if you have oily or combination skin.
Pros: The changing textures makes it a breeze to use.
Cons: Not really suited for dry skin.
This had me at "melting balm" and it really rivals some of the more premium balm cleansers out there. For when you have stubborn makeup to remove, this rich balm makes light work of it. It's also packed with skin-fortifying ingredients to restore the skin barrier, including lipids, grapeseed oil and olive-fruit extract.
Pros: Leaves the skin feeling smooth and soft.
Cons: If you're not a fan of grapeseed oil smell then I would avoid.
What I like about Byoma's products is that it's easy to find what is right for your skin type. Case in point with this brightening serum, which contains complexion-evening niacinamide in a gentle formula that won't irritate the skin.
Pros: Expect a glowing complexion after use.
Cons: The pipette doesn't let a lot of product out in one go so I'd need to use a few more drops.
If you have dry skin or you're currently in need of a moisturiser that's more cosseting during the change of seasons, then this one is ideal for you. It contains ceramides and rich shea butter to leave skin plumped and supple, whilst bakuchiol (often referred as a plant form of retinol) helps to improve the skin's tone and texture.
Pros: Nice consistency and leaves a great base for makeup.
Cons: I personally like my moisturisers in a squeeze bottle so this pump is a con for me.
Skin broken out or inflamed? Byoma's clarifying serum helps to restore a happier skin barrier with cermaides, PHAs (a gentle exfoliating acid) and zinc to help clear breakouts and restore calm to your complexion.
Pros: Illuminates the skin.
Cons: Sensitive skin might prefer to use a serum with a little less actives.
This face oil feels luxurious to use, and it isn't overly heavy on the skin. It's ideal for thirsty skin that needs help locking in moisture. The winning combination of lipids, squalane, jojoba oil and sea buckthorn oil help to repair and shield the skin.
Pros: Nourishing without being greasy.
Cons: Small bottle.
Whilst face mists are not an essential part of your routine, they can help add an extra layer of hydration and soothe the skin. This one does both, with probiotic ferment that helps to support a healthy skin barrier. Of course, it's super refreshing to use throughout the day, and doesn't leave a shiny residue.
Pros: Bottle is nice and large.
Cons: Leaves behind a slight scent.
This toner has become so popular that it seems to be out of stock everywhere right now. It contains lactic acid (one of my favourite ingredients for giving the skin a glow, sans the irritation of other acids) and lipids to restore as you swipe it over it over your skin. Expect a smoother skin texture and a healthy glow.
Pros: Controls oiliness for softer, smoother skin.
Cons: Lactid Acid can be a bit too much for sensitive skin at first go.
This set is ideal for packing in your carry-on if you're jetting off on a sunny holiday. The cleanser, serum and moisturiser will be sure to keep your skin looking effortlessly 'clean'.
Pros: A travel friendly kit that fits in your carry-on.
Cons: Could potentially be too little for long trips aways.
This clarifying kit lets you try some of Byoma's hero products for acne-prone skin. It's also the perfect size to take with you for after-gym session skincare touchups.
Pros: The perfect gift for skincare newbies.
Cons: Products are too small to see long term results from.
Is Byoma Suitable for Mature Skin?
While Byoma's playful packaging and accessible price point may initially seem tailored for teens, its focus on supporting the skin barrier makes it a versatile option for all ages. According to dermatologist Dr. Xinyi "Beibei" Du-Harpur (PhD MRCP), "A lot of Byoma products are based around supporting the skin barrier (including ingredients such as ceramides), which can become depleted as skin matures." So, while it's marketed as teen-friendly, those with mature skin could absolutely benefit from incorporating Byoma into their routines, especially if they're looking to strengthen their skin barrier or combat dryness.
Is Byoma a Korean Skincare Brand?
Byoma may take some cues from the ingredient-forward, skin-first ethos of K-beauty, but it's not actually a Korean skincare brand. Founded by London-based Marc Elrick, Byoma focuses on barrier care and accessibility, combining sleek design with simple, science-backed formulations. While its minimalist pastel packaging and emphasis on hydration might nod to Korean skincare trends, Byoma is a decidedly British creation.
Do Dermatologists Recommend Byoma?
If you're wondering whether Byoma has the dermatologist seal of approval, the answer is yes—but with some context. Dr. Beibei Du-Harpur explains, "Myself and many other dermatologists have recommended Byoma as an appealing, teen-friendly option which is kind to the skin barrier." This makes it a great entry point for skincare novices, but its gentle formulations mean it could also suit anyone looking for low-maintenance, barrier-focused skincare.
