Vichy LiftActiv Niacinamide B3 Anti-Dark Spots and Pigmentation Cream SPF50
Works for
4 of 4 advertised claims delivered
Sun protectionSPF 50 · 4 UV filtersBroad spectrum
This product offers a good level of protection against both UVB and UVA rays.
This sunscreen uses organic (so-called "chemical") sunscreen filters. Organic, or "chemical" filters usually provide reliable sun protection and rarely leave a white cast. Sunscreens with organic filters can sting eyes.
This product can be considered "reef safe" because it does not contain the UV filters (oxybenzone and octinoxate) that can be harmful to coral reefs when present in the water in high concentrations.
Moisturizing22 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“Correct and reduce pigmentation and lessen the appearance of wrinkles with Vichy Liftactiv Niacinamide B3 Anti-Dark Spots and Pigmentation Cream SPF50.”
This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.
The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water.
When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from
within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job:
glycerin, sodium acetylated hyaluronate.
This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: dimethicone, cetearyl alcohol.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-1
Anti-aging5 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“Formulated with multipurpose dermatological active niacinamide, and skin-surfacing peeling active LHA, Liftactiv Niacinamide B3 Anti-Dark Spots and Pigmentation Cream SPF50 helps to reduce the appearance of existing dark spots whilst protecting your skin with ultra-high broad-spectrum SPF50.”
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains adenosine.
These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-1.
Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.
This product can also help prevent early signs of skin aging because it offers a good level of broad spectrum sun protection. Sun damage is the main cause of premature skin aging, and protecting your skin from the sun is the best anti-aging strategy.
Evens skin tone2 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“LiftActiv Niacinamide B3 Anti-Dark Spots and Pigmentation Cream SPF50”
This product offers broad spectrum sun protection. It means that it can prevent hyperpigmentation and help keep the skin tone even (sun damage is the main factor causing age spots, darkening of post-acne marks and other discolorations).
ExfoliationNot advertised by the brand · 1 ingredient credited for this claimStrong support
This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: capryloyl salicylic acid.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy1 strong irritant: ParfumMedium risk
Comedogenic5 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale5 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Glycerin~4.6–5.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
More about GlycerinEthylhexyl salicylate~4.2–5.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Octisalate. A UV filter. It offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not protect against the most aging sun rays (UVA). It loses its effectiveness quickly when exposed to sunlight. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen
More about Ethylhexyl salicylateEthylhexyl triazone~3.3–4.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Uvinul T. A UV filter. Effective against UVB rays. It is photostable. Can increase water resistance properties of the sunscreen. Unfortunately, not approved by the FDA (US) yet
More about Ethylhexyl triazoneAlcohol denat.~2.3–2.8%
- Irritation risk
- High
Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products
More about Alcohol denat.Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine~2.4–3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Tinosorb S. One of the most effective broad spectrum sunscreen ingredients. Protects from both UVA and UVB rays. It is photostable. Unfortunately, not approved by FDA (US) yet.
More about Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazineDimethicone~1.6–2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish
More about DimethiconeLauroyl lysine~1.4–1.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and creates a nice product texture
More about Lauroyl lysineButyl methoxydibenzoylmethane~1.7–2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Avobenzone. An organic, or so-called "chemical" UV filter. Protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Needs to be combined with other filters in a formulation to be stable.
More about Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethaneOctyldodecanol~0.75–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps to soften the skin and create a pleasant product texture and stabilize the formulation
More about OctyldodecanolBehenyl alcohol~0.65–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Non-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient
More about Behenyl alcoholIsopropyl isostearate~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
An emollient that helps soften the skin
More about Isopropyl isostearatePerlite~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of volcanic glass. Absorbs moisture and can temporarily mattify the skin
More about PerliteAluminum starch octenylsuccinate~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to thicken the product's consistency
More about Aluminum starch octenylsuccinateCetyl alcohol~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together
More about Cetyl alcoholHydrolyzed rice protein~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might have some anti-oxidant properties
More about Hydrolyzed rice proteinAdenosine~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Might help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)
More about AdenosineCapryloyl salicylic acid~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
Disodium edta~0.2–0.4%
Hydroxyacetophenone~0.2–0.35%
Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7Palmitoyl tripeptide-1~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Palmitoyl tripeptide-1Sodium acetylated hyaluronate~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of hyaluronic acid that works as an excellent moisturizer by attracting water into the upper layer of the skin. Is typically feels less sticky on the skin compared to the usual hyaluronic acid
More about Sodium acetylated hyaluronateSodium hyaluronate~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateNiacinamide~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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
More about NiacinamideTocopherol~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself
More about TocopherolAcrylamide/sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps water and oil mix together and create gel-like textures
More about Acrylamide/sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymerAmmonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurateButylene glycol~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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
More about Butylene glycolCarbomer~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
More about CarbomerCetearyl alcohol~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture
More about Cetearyl alcoholCetearyl glucoside~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil in the product mix well together and improves product texture
More about Cetearyl glucosideIsohexadecane~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Improves the texture of the product and helps soften the skin. Helps oil and water mix together and can be used as a cleansing agent
More about IsohexadecaneMyristic acid~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Helps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenic
More about Myristic acidPalmitic acid~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it
More about Palmitic acidPeg-100 stearate~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture
More about Peg-100 stearatePentylene glycol~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolPoly c10-30 alkyl acrylate~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Polysorbate 20~0.15–0.3%
Polysorbate 80~0.15–0.3%
Sodium lactate~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product
More about Sodium lactateSodium polyacrylate starch~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Sodium polyacrylate starchSodium stearoyl glutamate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sodium stearoyl glutamateSorbitan oleate~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sorbitan oleateStearic acid~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
More about Stearic acidCi 15985~0.15–0.3%
Ci 16035~0.15–0.25%
Phenoxyethanol~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolParfum~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumIngredient list view
Water, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Ethylhexyl triazone, Alcohol denat., Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, Dimethicone, Lauroyl lysine, Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Octyldodecanol, Behenyl alcohol, Isopropyl isostearate, Perlite, Aluminum starch octenylsuccinate, Cetyl alcohol, Hydrolyzed rice protein, Adenosine, Capryloyl salicylic acid, Disodium edta, Hydroxyacetophenone, Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl tripeptide-1, Sodium acetylated hyaluronate, Sodium hyaluronate, Niacinamide, Tocopherol, Acrylamide/sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer, Ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate, Butylene glycol, Carbomer, Cetearyl alcohol, Cetearyl glucoside, Isohexadecane, Myristic acid, Palmitic acid, Peg-100 stearate, Pentylene glycol, Poly c10-30 alkyl acrylate, Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 80, Sodium lactate, Sodium polyacrylate starch, Sodium stearoyl glutamate, Sorbitan oleate, Stearic acid, Ci 15985, Ci 16035, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum
Compare prices
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Worth comparing, line by line.
Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.
| VichyLiftActiv Niacinamide B3 Anti-Dark Spots and Pigmentation Cream SPF50YOUR PRODUCT | GarnierAmbre Solaire Anti-Age Super UV Face Protection SPF50 Cream | CeraVeAM Facial Moisturiser SPF50 Normal to Dry Skin | MEDI-PEELPeptide 9 UV Derma Sun Cream | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 76% | 75% | 74% |
| Price | $36.69 | $12.27−$24.42 | $19.82−$16.87 | $26.39−$10.30 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 6 of 13 | 6 of 13 | 9 of 13 |
| Key difference | — | Mexoryl Xl | Phytosphingosine | Copper Tripeptide-1 |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Low | High |
| SPF | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 |
| Drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
We believe that "Vichy - LiftActiv Niacinamide B3 Anti-Dark Spots and Pigmentation Cream SPF50" can provide reliable sun protection based on the ingredients listed. We love that it can protect from both UVA and UVB rays (not all sunscreens with SPF ratings give UVA protection. UVA rays do not cause sunburn, but still damage our skin and lead to early aging).
This moisturizer should also be hydrating enough to use without an additional moisturizer during the day. Like all broad-spectrum sunscreens, this product helps prevent early signs of aging.
Sunscreen filters
This sunscreen uses so-called "chemical", or organic UV filters (organic simply means that their molecules contain atoms of carbon). These filters typically give good sun protection and rarely leave a white cast, but they can be irritating for sensitive skin. Here are the exact UV filters in this sunscreen: tinosorb s 2.40% - 3.00%, avobenzone 1.70% - 2.00%, octisalate 4.20% - 5.10% and uvinul t 3.30% - 4.10%.
Irritation risk
We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be medium. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
Price
The product retails from 27.75£ up to 37.00£ in the United Kingdom.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 16 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
- 4
- 5
- 6
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