PRODUCT REVIEW
Vichy Liftactiv B3 5% Niacinamide & Aha Complex Dark Spots & Pigmentation Serum
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Product summary
What can the product work for?
Anti-aging
What does the product description say?
glycolic acid
1.2% -
1.7%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid
niacinamide
3.9% -
5.9%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture.
The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
ascorbyl glucoside
0.2% -
0.8%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Has a potential to boost collagen production, nutralise free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products
Evens skin tone
What does the product description say?
tranexamic acid
0.95% -
1.45%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
An amino acid that is effective in reducing hyperpigmentation and evening out the skin tone. It can also help in skin barrier recovery. It is used to treat melasma, especially with injections and when taken orally
niacinamide
3.9% -
5.9%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture.
The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
glycolic acid
1.2% -
1.7%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid
Show more
Anti-blemish
niacinamide
3.9% -
5.9%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture.
The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
glycolic acid
1.2% -
1.7%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
MEDIUM
An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid
allantoin
0.5% -
1.2%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated
Exfoliation
glycolic acid
1.2% -
1.7%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid
hydroxyethyl urea
1.7% -
2.5%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
A derivative of urea, a compound that is naturally present in skin. Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients
hydroxyethylpiperazine ethane sulfonic acid
2.8% -
4.2%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
MEDIUM
Used to regulate product's pH, but can be also used as an exfoliator when included in higher concentrations. There is a controversy about whether it can generate free radicals and induce skin cell damage when used in topical products
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Moisturizing
glycerin
2.2% -
3.3%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
hydroxyethyl urea
1.7% -
2.5%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
A derivative of urea, a compound that is naturally present in skin. Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients
niacinamide
3.9% -
5.9%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture.
The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
Show more
Honesty check
How honest is this product?
Promise | Can it deliver? |
---|---|
Anti-aging | |
Evens skin tone |
Total Promises Fulfilled score:
100/100.
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Can it cause trouble?
- Overall product irritation risk
- Acne & comedogenic risk ingredients: 0
Potential irritants
propylene glycol
1.4% -
2.1%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Moisturizing
Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating
glycolic acid
1.2% -
1.7%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Evens skin tone,
Exfoliation,
Anti-aging,
Anti-blemish
An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid
Show more
Comodogenic ingredients
No comodogenic ingredients detected
User reviews (2)
Recommend
2 reviews
0%
|
100%
How well does it work for anti-aging?
1 review
Poor
Excellent
How well does it work for evening out skin tone?
1 review
Poor
Excellent
How would you describe the texture?
2 reviews
heavy
Light
How much does it pill under makeup?
2 reviews
A lot
Not at all
How much does this product clog
pores?
2 reviews
Definitely clogs pores
Doesn't clog pores
How would you describe the smell?
2 reviews
No smell
Light fragrance
Strong fragrance
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Similar products & dupes
Vichy - Liftactiv B3 5% Niacinamide & Aha Complex Dark Spots & Pigmentation Serum | Formotopia - BFFECT Acno Anti-Acne Serum Sponsored | Collistar - Anti-Dark Spot Concentrate Glycolic Acid and Niacinamide | skintific - 2% SALICYLIC ACID ANTI ACNE SERUM | CeraVe - Salicylic Acid Acne Control Gel, Acne Treatment for Face | BABOR - LIFTING RX Lift Serum | BFF - Balancing Serum | skinmade - Niacinamide + Allantoin serum | Formotopia - BFFECT Acno Anti-Acne Serum | Swissline - Peace Serum | TONYMOLY - Vital Vita 12 Poresole Ampoule | endota spa - Peptide 8 Hyaluronic Serum | |
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WIMJ similarity score |
78%
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86%
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79%
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79%
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78%
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78%
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78%
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77%
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77%
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Key ingredients |
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Irritancy | IRRITANCY
LOW
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LOW
| IRRITANCY
LOW
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
LOW
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
HIGH
| IRRITANCY
LOW
| IRRITANCY
LOW
| IRRITANCY
LOW
| IRRITANCY
HIGH
| IRRITANCY
LOW
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Potential Irritants |
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All ingredients |
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Ingredients & concentrations
All ingredients
Key Actives
niacinamide
3.9% -
5.9%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-blemish,
Anti-aging,
Moisturizing,
Evens skin tone,
Reduces irritation,
Reduces redness,
Antibacterial,
Anti-inflammatory
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture.
The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
allantoin
0.5% -
1.2%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-inflammatory,
Moisturizing,
Reduces irritation,
Reduces redness,
Anti-blemish,
Exfoliation
Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated
Show more
Potential irritants
propylene glycol
1.4% -
2.1%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Moisturizing
Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating
glycolic acid
1.2% -
1.7%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Evens skin tone,
Exfoliation,
Anti-aging,
Anti-blemish
An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid
Show more
Comodogenic ingredients
We couldn't find any comodogenic ingredients in this product
All ingredients
butylene glycol
6.1% -
9.1%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Moisturizing
Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin
niacinamide
3.9% -
5.9%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-blemish,
Anti-aging,
Moisturizing,
Evens skin tone,
Reduces irritation,
Reduces redness,
Antibacterial,
Anti-inflammatory
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture.
The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
Show more
Ingredient list view
Water, Butylene glycol, Niacinamide, Hydroxyethylpiperazine ethane sulfonic acid, Glycerin, Hydroxyethyl urea, Propylene glycol, Glycolic acid, Tranexamic acid, Allantoin, Sodium hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Ascorbyl glucoside, Caprylyl glycol, Hydrolyzed rice protein, Vitreoscilla ferment, Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate, Xanthan gum, Pentylene glycol
Sources
- Niacinamide - mechanisms of action and its topical use in dermatology
- Gehring, W. (2004). Nicotinic acid/niacinamide and the skin. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 3(2), 88–93. doi:10.1111/j.1473-2130.2004.00115.x
- Oxidative DNA damage induced by HEPES (2-[4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethanesulfonic acid) buffer in the presence of Au(III)
- Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions
- Safety Assessment of Hydroxyethyl Urea As Used in Cosmetics
- Surfactants and experimental irritant contact dermatitis
- Propylene Glycol
- Skin-sensitizing and irritant properties of propylene glycol
- Photoprotective and antiinflammatory effects of topical glycolic acid
- Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current review
- Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skin
- Effect of tranexamic acid on melasma: a clinical trial with histological evaluation
- Tranexamic acid accelerates skin barrier recovery and upregulates occludin in damaged skin
- The amelioration effect of tranexamic acid in wrinkles induced by skin dryness
- Efficacy and possible mechanisms of topical tranexamic acid in melasma
- Profile of wound healing process induced by allantoin
- The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health
- Stability, transdermal penetration, and cutaneous effects of ascorbic acid and its derivatives
- Protection Against Free Radicals (UVB Irradiation) of a Water-Soluble Enzymatic Extract from Rice Bran. Study Using Human Keratinocyte Monolayer and Reconstructed Human Epidermis