Brand Comparison
Biotherm vs Real Barrier
A head-to-head comparison of two popular K-beauty brands. Which one is right for your skin?
Our Pick
Real Barrier
Higher editor rating (8.7 vs 7.5)
Biotherm
The French pharmacy brand most people forget exists. Life Plankton Essence is a legitimate hero serum that's been consistently reformulated since 1952. Aquasource gel moisturizer is a classic. L'Oréal ownership has watered down the 'prestige pharmacy' positioning a bit. Still a reasonable pick for hydration-forward routines.
Pros
- ✓ Life Plankton has real research behind it
- ✓ Strong hydration-focused lineup
- ✓ Widely available globally
- ✓ Reasonable premium-pharmacy pricing
Cons
- ✗ Brand energy has dipped in 2020s
- ✗ Formulations less distinctive than they used to be
- ✗ Not really a pharmacy brand — sold mostly at Sephora/department stores
Real Barrier
Real Barrier is the kind of brand dermatologists quietly recommend without the hype. Launched in 2015 as ATOPALM's adult-focused line, it's built around one core technology — MLE (Multi-Lamellar Emulsion), a patented way of formulating ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids in the same lamellar structure as human skin. The result is a hero Extreme Cream that rebuilds the barrier twice as fast as most ceramide moisturisers in independent testing. Not a brand you buy for a routine — a brand you buy for your most compromised skin days. The Intensive Moisture Essence and Aqua Soothing Ampoule are under-appreciated supporting actors. Real Barrier is Korea's quiet answer to La Roche-Posay Toleriane.
Pros
- ✓ patented MLE ceramide technology is legitimately differentiated and clinically backed
- ✓ Extreme Cream restored 99% of barrier function within two weeks in the brand's published clinical data
