Last updated on 24th August 2023 by Sarah Sarsby
A while ago, I hosted a giveaway in partnership with the wonderful team over at dermoi! featuring 3 Codex Beauty products. Alongside the lucky winner receiving these products worth over £120, dermoi! kindly sent me these products to try for myself.
In this Codex Beauty review, I’m going to share my honest thoughts on 3 vegan and cruelty-free products that are recognised by The National Psoriasis Foundation. They all come from Codex Beauty’s Bia line, which aims to improve skin hydration and moisture retention.
Keep reading if you’d like to hear more about this growing skincare brand and whether these will be your new holy grail products.
** This post contains some affiliate links. This means at no extra cost to you, I earn some commission if you purchase a product through my link. All thoughts are my own, though, as always. If you want to find out more, visit my affiliate disclosure page **
A little bit about dermoi!
Before delving into the Codex Beauty review, I wanted to share a bit of background information about dermoi! and the interesting service it offers.
dermoi! is an innovative facial treatment service. You choose what type of treatment you’d like, then a certified and vetted facial aesthetician will come to your home and deliver your treatment. Whether you want glowing skin, a treatment for acne, or help to soothe dry skin, dermoi! has a solution for you.
There is also the dermoi! shop, where you can choose from a range of skincare products and gadgets to transform your skin, from beauty boxes through to SPFs and exfoliants. Brands on the shop include Indeed Labs (review on 2 products from this affordable brand here), MZ Skin, Fillerina, and loads more.
What is Codex Beauty?
Codex Beauty is a biotech company grounded in science, dedicated to supporting the microbiome and pioneering products having clinically proven, meaningful skincare benefits. All products are vegan and cruelty-free.
Codex Beauty founder Dr. Barbara Paldus created the brand in response to her concerns towards the safety, transparency, and sustainability of the skincare industry. Rather than solely thinking about ‘cosmetics’, Dr Paldus takes a, scientific, data-driven approach to skincare. All Codex skin care products are micro-biome certified which means they wont harm your microbiome, or cause inflammatory disorders.
dermoi! shop
The brand offers 2 lines: Bia and Antu.
Bia is all about hydration, moisture retention, protecting the skin barrier and being gentle. This line is great for people with sensitive skin like rosacea, psoriasis, and eczema, according to the dermoi! shop. Antu focuses on brightening, protecting, soothing and healing the skin. This collection includes a powerful antioxidant range and is beneficial for anti-ageing.
Skincare products I was gifted
I received the following 3 Codex Beauty products from the Bia range to try:
I’m going to review each of these products individually below. While I was excited to try all of the products, I have a soft spot for facial oils. I love a good facial oil!
1. Codex Beauty Wash Off Cleansing Oil
£43.99 for 100ml
Product claims
The Codex Beauty Bia Wash Off Cleansing Oil promises to soften the skin and gently remove impurities while supporting the moisture barrier. Suitable for all skin types, this wash-off cleansing oil claims to effectively hydrate, soothe, and protect the skin. It’s gentle enough that it supports the skin’s barrier to avoid redness, inflammation and sensitivity.
Key ingredients
The top 5 ingredients on the INCI list are:
- Borago (borage) officinalis seed oil: a non-fragrant, moisturising plant oil that’s a great source of beneficial fatty acids
- Salvia hispanica (chia) seed oil: a non-fragrant plant oil that’s considered the richest plant source of omega-3 fatty acids
- Polyglyceryl-4-oleate: an emulsifier
- Ribes nigrum (blackcurrant) seed oil: an emollient (softens or soothes the skin)
- Avena sativa (oat) kernel oil: a skin-soothing antioxidant with excellent moisturising benefits
See the full INCI list below:
Borago (Borage) Officinalis Seed Oil, Salvia Hispanica (Chia) Seed Oil, Polyglyceryl-4-Oleate, Ribes Nigrum (Blackcurrant) Seed Oil, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Oil, Pentylene Glycol, Tocopherol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Citrus Nobilis Peel (Mandarin) Oil, Anthemis Nobilis (Roman Chamomile) Flower Oil, Salvia Sclarea (Clary Sage) Oil, Myrtus Communis (Myrtle) Oil, Amyris Balsamifera (Amyris) Bark Oil, Limonene, Linalool.
My thoughts
The Codex Beauty Bia Wash Off Cleansing Oil is great for use in the evening as a first cleanse. It effectively and gently dissolves makeup, dirt and grease, without stripping your skin.
This cleansing oil feels very soft, nourishing and soothing too. After using it, my skin is renewed, cleansed, refreshed and hydrated.
I especially like using this oil to remove makeup, as it quickly melts away any base, lip or eye products I’m wearing. Or, this is my go-to choice when my skin is feeling more dehydrated than usual or when I’ve had a lack of sleep and my skin needs some extra TLC. So always, lol.
For people with sensitive skin and related conditions, this is a trustworthy and skin-friendly option. However, if you don’t have any particular skin concerns, I wouldn’t say the Bia Wash Off Cleansing Oil is a must-have. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a nice product, but there are more affordable and just-as-effective cleansing oils out there.
Rating: 4 stars
I enjoy using the Codex Beauty Bia Wash Off Cleansing Oil, but it’s not a game-changer for me.
2. Codex Beauty Bia Hydrating Skin Superfood
£30.99 for 75ml
Product claims
The Codex Beauty Bia Hydrating Skin Superfood is designed to provide instant and long-lasting hydration to your skin. This daily nourishing cream promises to restore and repair your skin barrier function, while providing relief to dry, flaking, and sensitive skin. Suitable for all skin types, this luxurious moisturiser claims to protect and soothe the skin. The formula is clinically proven to increase hydration by 42.5%.
Key ingredients
Excluding water, the top 5 ingredients on the INCI list are:
- Prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil: a non-volatile, non-fragrant oil used as an emollient and to help skin retain moisture
- Lactobacillus ferment: a lab-created probiotic that hydrates and soothes skin
- Sodium stearoyl lactylate: a stabiliser
- Propanediol: improves absorption of other ingredients
- Lactobacillus: conditions the skin
See the full INCI list below:
Aqua (Water), Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Lactobacillus Ferment, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Propanediol, Lactobacillus, Glyceryl Stearate, Viola Tricolor (Heartsease) Extract, Althaea Officinalis (Marsh-Mallow) Extract, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Helichrysum Italicum (Immortelle) Flower Extract, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract, Calendula Officinalis (Pot Marigold) Flower Extract, Symphytum Officinale (Comfrey) Leaf Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Phytic Acid, Citric Acid.
My thoughts
I like the Codex Beauty Bia Hydrating Skin Superfood, and it works seamlessly with the rest of my skincare routine. That’s my favourite thing about this moisturiser actually – its ability to absorb quickly and deliver long-lasting hydration, without making my skin look greasy or feel sticky.
This moisturiser is very lightweight. For oily skins, this will likely not cause you any problems as there’s no heaviness to it. For dry skins, this still provides a lot of nourishment. And for sensitive skins, well, you know this is going to be a hit as it’s approved by The National Psoriasis Foundation. So it’s an all-around winner in terms of suiting a very broad range of skin types.
This moisturiser does have a scent. And it’s quite bitter – not fragranced. Now, some reviews on the internet will have you believe this is the worst-smelling product ever, which is just nonsense. It’s honestly not that bad and disappears almost immediately once applied. I can’t pinpoint which ingredient or ingredients give it the smell, but it’s probably one of the plant extracts.
This is on the pricier side for a moisturiser. I’ve used cheaper ones that perform just as well. But, I do think the price is fair, as it’s effective and great for sensitive skin – something that not all moisturisers can guarantee. If you want a moisturiser that’s unlikely to irritate your skin, I’d strongly recommend this one.
Of course, skincare is personal, so always consult a dermatologist if you have any reservations or questions about particular products.
Rating: 4 stars
A solid, well-rounded moisturiser for sensitive skin but not a holy-grail product for me.
3. Codex Beauty Bia Facial Oil
£48.99 for 30ml
Product claims
The Codex Beauty Bia Facial Oil is packed with vitamins and essential fatty acids that promise to lock in moisture and nourish your skin. Say goodbye to flaky, dry skin, while increasing skin suppleness and boosting hydration.
Suitable for all skin types, this lightweight oil claims to provide antioxidant protection and reduces transepidermal water loss. This powerful oil is also clinically proven to increase skin hydration by 168%.
Key ingredients
The top 5 ingredients on the INCI list are:
- Rosa canina (rosehip) seed oil: a non-fragrant, emollient plant oil
- Actinidia chinensis (kiwi) seed oil: an emollient
- Adansonia digitata (baobab) seed oil: an emollient
- Prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil: a non-volatile, non-fragrant oil used as an emollient and to help skin retain moisture
- Opuntia ficus-indica (prickly pear) seed oil: an emollient that gives the skin a velvety feel
See the full INCI list below:
Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Seed Oil, Actinidia Chinensis (Kiwi) Seed Oil, Adansonia Digitata (Baobab) Seed Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Opuntia Ficus-Indica (Prickly Pear) Seed Oil, Hippophae Rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn) Fruit Extract, Fucus Serratus (Serrated Wrack) Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Myrica Gale (Bog Myrtle) Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract.
My thoughts
The Codex Beauty Bia Facial Oil is a serious treat for the skin! This luxurious facial oil is intensely moisturising and skin-softening but still doesn’t feel heavy or sticky. Some facial oils can linger on top of the skin after they’ve been applied, which, while they make your skin feel great, isn’t very practical.
This oil, thankfully, absorbs quickly without leaving any residue behind. It means I can wear it during the daytime, without worrying that my skin will look like an oily mess.
I actually think this facial oil is great to use as part of skincare prep before applying makeup. It delivers long-lasting hydration, so your skin won’t look patchy when you apply base products. It’s lightweight, so makeup doesn’t end up breaking down into a greasy mess. And the smoothing effect gives you a great, even canvas to work with.
When I apply the Codex Beauty Bia Facial Oil, I honestly notice a difference in my skin. It’s softer, more nourished, and smoother. This one meets all of its claims and does everything you want a high-end facial oil to do!
Rating: 5 stars
I can’t fault this skin-friendly facial oil.
Overall Codex Beauty skincare review
The Codex Beauty products I received are great. They’re all moisturising, skin-friendly, lightweight and gentle. None of them ever felt harsh, and they performed very well.
The Bia line does have a slightly bitter smell throughout. It’s most noticeable with the Bia Hydrating Skin Superfood, but it’s mildly present in the other 2 products. The moisturiser has received way more criticism for the smell than it deserves. And the smell doesn’t linger. After all, you buy skincare products because you want them to work for your skin, not because they smell great (that’s just a welcome bonus).
I think people with sensitive or drier skins will particularly appreciate these Codex Beauty products. The Bia range is focused on lasting hydration and being gentle, which it succeeds in doing.
To finish this review, Codex Beauty is worth checking out, especially if you’ve got a condition like rosacea or psoriasis where you need to be careful about which products you use. This is a gentle, high-performance line that delivers results.
Favourite product?
The Codex Beauty Bia Facial Oil. I absolutely love it!
Have you heard of Codex Beauty before? The brand is increasing in popularity, so I’m keen to see how much people know about this brand
Sarah Sarsby is the owner of A Woman's Confidence. With over 6 years' experience of writing in the fields of beauty and lifestyle, Sarah is passionate about all things content, makeup, skincare, wellness, and lifestyle. She has oily skin, is obsessed with lip gloss, and loves cookie dough.
I am absolutely obsessed with facial oils, this one sounds incredible! I have sensitive flare ups from time to time, so this range sounds fab!