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 $325 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 colored skincare brand (which are all $20 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, realized better skin stems from a boosted skin barrier. That’s how Byoma was born.”
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.
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 vanity.
I see this budget moisturizer 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 moisturizers 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.
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.
Who What Wear US beauty director Erin Jahns sold me on this one when I read how this $17 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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
If you have dry skin or you're currently in need of a moisturizer 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.
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.
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.
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.
This toner has become so popular that it seems to be out of stock everywhere right now. It contains lactic acid (one of my favorite 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.
This set is ideal for packing in your carry-on if you're jetting off on holiday.
This clarifying kit lets you try some of Byoma's hero products for acne-prone skin.
This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK.
