Vichy LiftActiv Serum 10 Review

A few years ago, when Dermalogica first opened a store in Mumbai at Napeansea Road, I went to get my “face-mapped”. That was when the SA told me that though I have an oily T-zone, my skin is dehydrated and so I needed to use products that would help in retaining moisture in my skin. I didn’t really pay heed to her advice then. When a Vichy SA mentioned that the moisture levels in my skin were really low and that I had dehydrated skin, I decided to do something about it. That’s when the Vichy LiftActiv Serum 10 entered my life and after having used it for more than 2 months, it is one of my HG serums (I say “one of” because currently I have three serums incorporated into my routine, all of which target different things). Read on to know more…

About Vichy LiftActiv Serum 10

“Major scientific breakthrough. 10 years of research. Pushing the boundaries of anti-aging science.

For the first time RHAMNOSE, an anti-aging ingredient highly concentrated at 10%, helps stimulate the activity of the Derm Source that boosts the natural processes of the skin.

In 10 minutes, wrinkles appear visibly reduced. Skin texture feels transformed under your fingertips: softer and velvety smooth skin, pores look reduced.
In 1 month, advanced anti-wrinkle efficacy, long-lasting lifting feel. “

What’s The Packaging Like?

The Vichy LiftActiv Serum 10 comes in a luxe silver bottle with a dropper/pump housed in the cap. The pump is very convenient since you can dispense the quantity you require in a very hygienic way. The silver bottle appears to be made of glass and while it certainly appears very elegant and secure enough to carry along when you travel, there is no way you can check how much of the product is remaining. Being a reflective silver, it is also very difficult to photograph but that is a gripe only beauty bloggers would have.

Who Should Use It? When To Use It?

All those seeking an anti-aging serum can use it. Personally, I would recommend it to those in their 30s and above. If you have dehydrated skin, then you MUST try this out. Even those with oily/combination skins can use this since it is water based. Thankfully the pipette allows you to control the amount of product you dispense so you can use just as much as your skin requires.

As with serums, this one has to be used after cleansing and toning and before you use your moisturiser. When I started using this, for almost 3 weeks, I used it morning and night but then, when I incorporated other products into my morning regime, I kept this serum only for nighttime use. In my routine, the Vichy LiftActiv Serum 10 goes on top of another serum, the OST C21.5 Vitamin C serum. This combination is working for me since the vitamin C serum targets spots and uneven skintone and the LiftActiv pumps intense hydration into my skin and targets the fine lines.

Ingredients

The second ingredient in the list, Rhamnose, is a naturally-derived plant sugar that is clinically proven to act on skin rejuvenation and fight the signs of aging. Sodium Hyaluronate is a sodium salt of Hyaluronic Acid. Hyaluronic acid gives skin it’s volume or plumpness and smoothness, by holding onto water. As we age, the natural Hyaluronic Acid levels in our skin slowly decline. Sodium Hyaluronate in skincare products help to hydrate skin and keep it moist and supple while also increasing volume and thus, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkle. Adenosine is a yeast-derived anti-inflammatory and anti-aging ingredient.

The Good?

The texture, the way it gets absorbed into the skin and the instant “zing” it gives my face. I can’t put a finger on what exactly it is that this serum does but as soon as I apply it, my skin appears smoother, “fresher” more plumped up and glowy. In fact, it actually looks like it did when I was pregnant! The texture is ah-mazing! Slightly thicker than water with a slippery feel to it (thanks to the silicone in it), it glides onto the face and gets absorbed easily leaving the skin feeling like silk. No sticky/greasy/oily feel but of course, it is a hydrating serum so don’t expect a matte finish. Depending on your skin type and the moisturiser you use over it, your face will get shiny/oily after a couple of hours. I even use this around my eyes and it hydrates my undereye area and really makes the fine lines appear less noticeable. The LiftActiv Serum 10 has a delightful, mild fragrance that to me smells like a blend of baby lotion and tender coconut.

The Not So Good?

It does have alcohol, silicone, phenoxyethanol and fragrance in it which might irritate sensitive skin. Ironically, I have used it on dry, irritated, flaking sensitive skin and while it did tingle a bit in that area, it gave tremendous booster shots of much needed hydration and helped my skin get back to normal super quick. Vichy products are usually gentle even on sensitive skin but it is always better to try it out before buying.

Price

At ₹2,650 for 30ml, it is slightly on the higher side but is totally, absolutely worth the price.

To Sum It Up

I. Love. This. Serum! Since I use it at night time, it combats the drying effect of the air-conditioning and infuses moisture into my dehydrated skin. When I wake up in the morning, my skin looks fabulously hydrated and young. I have been using it since more than two months and I still have about 1/4th of the bottle left (I think – it’s difficult to tell since the bottle is opaque). If you are in your 30s, looking for a hydrating anti-aging product, then you should give this a try.