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Vichy

LiftActiv Vitamin C Serum.

Vichy LiftActiv Vitamin C Serum
Serums

About this product

A 16% ascorbic acid vitamin C serum from Vichy's LiftActiv line, formulated to brighten and improve the look of skin tone and signs of aging.

Best for

Mature skin
Serums

The Guru Index verdict

80%

Approved

Approved · 80%
6Reviewers
5Approved
1Mixed
0Skip

What the gurus are saying

Dermatologists widely praise this as an effective, affordable vitamin C option suitable for normal to oily skin and those in their 30s and 40s seeking stronger anti-aging support. The formula is noted as lightweight, non-irritating, and easy to layer. The main caveat is that ascorbic acid is unstable and degrades quickly, so proper storage in a cool dark place is essential and application order matters, with vitamin C applied first after cleansing before other serums.
Synthesized from 6 expert reviews

Key actives & flags

Vitamin CHyaluronic acidVitamin EFragrance-freeAlcohol-free

Full ingredients

Aqua/​Water, Ascorbic Acid, Glycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Pentylene Glycol, Laureth-23, Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract, Carnosine, Neohesperidin Dihydrochalcone, Sodium Hyaluronate, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Tocopherol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Caprylic/​Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Glycol, Carrageenan, Phenoxyethanol

Every take, in full

What the gurus are saying.

Every take we've logged from this product's reviews across YouTube. Click any row to watch the moment they said it.

All takes Approved only Skip only Mixed only Hide sponsored
Approved
"I've recently liked Vichy LiftActiv Vitamin C Serum -- great stuff."
All 4 takes from Dr. Daniel Sugai
The Only 5 Skincare Ingredient Categories You Actually Need
"I've recently liked Vichy LiftActiv Vitamin C Serum -- great stuff."
How to ACTUALLY Fix Dark Spots (Dermatologist No-BS Guide)
"I love Vichy's new 16% ascorbic acid. You get a nice pure vitamin C option that works well in the morning."
The Best Affordable Vitamin C Serums!
"This is their newest one, 16% ascorbic acid, vitamin E, ferulic acid, and the dropper looks good. I'm looking forward to trying this out, but this could be a nice potential gift idea here, the new Vichy LiftActiv Vitamin C Serum. If you're in your 30s or 40s and you want something stronger because studies have shown it can reverse photoaging, which we definitely start seeing in our 30s, consider Vichy with their 15 to 16% vitamin C."
Unlocking The Secrets Of Layering Skincare Serums: Dermatologist's Layering Serums 101 Guide
"Vitamin C is such a labile ingredient, especially ascorbic acid. They're different forms of vitamin C serums either have the active ascorbic acid or the ascorbic acid derivative. Vichy LiftActiv Vitamin C Serum has the active ascorbic acid, but it's very labile and you want that to touch your skin first to help reduce dark spots and fight free radical damage. So I would say after cleansing, apply Vitamin C first before going on to hyaluronic acid."
Approved
"This is another great alternative that you can consider for those with normal to oily skin."
Approved
"In terms of drugstore options, one of my favorites is the Vichy Vitamin C Serum. If you have vitamin C, I always tell patients to store it in a cool dark place, you want to keep it potent and you don't want it to be exposed to sunlight."
Top Pick: budget friendly vitamin c
All 3 takes from Dr. Mamina
Understanding Hyperpigmentation + Treat Dark Spots with these Products
"If you're looking for more budget friendly vitamin C's I love the Vichy Vitamin C Serum."
From 20s to 50s, Anti-Aging Skincare Routines Best for YOU
"If you want a more budget friendly vitamin C, I really like the Vichy LiftActiv Vitamin C Serum."
Skincare for Your 30’s | Dermatologist-Recommended Steps
"In terms of drugstore options, one of my favorites is the Vichy Vitamin C Serum. If you have vitamin C, I always tell patients to store it in a cool dark place, you want to keep it potent and you don't want it to be exposed to sunlight."
Approved
"The Vichy LiftActiv Vitamin C Serum contains 15% L-ascorbic acid, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and pine polyphenols, which are another class of antioxidants. I like this one because it is very lightweight but still hydrating. It comes out as a serum and it's really easy to layer over. It doesn't irritate my skin, so I'm a big fan of this one."
~Mixed
"You've got the Vichy Vitamin C, which is a nice example of a serum. It's got multiple different types of things in there as well, so it's got things like vitamin E in there, and it's got glycerin, which helps with the skin barrier, and it's also got a few nice extracts that are going to really help with making sure that you're not getting many breakouts as well. Vitamin C you really want to start about 10%, go up to even 15% in lighter formulations. The ones that I actually like are 15% vitamin C and EGF. I really like this serum. It's so easy to use, lightweight. EGF stands for epidermal growth factor, which is for building new skin cells, but it's a lovely serum that's lightweight that can be applied to the skin and it also helps with the skin barrier."
All 2 takes from Dr. Somji Skin
Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing the Best Serum for Your Skin!
"You've got the Vichy Vitamin C, which is a nice example of a serum. It's got multiple different types of things in there as well, so it's got things like vitamin E in there, and it's got glycerin, which helps with the skin barrier, and it's also got a few nice extracts that are going to really help with making sure that you're not getting many breakouts as well. Vitamin C you really want to start about 10%, go up to even 15% in lighter formulations. The ones that I actually like are 15% vitamin C and EGF. I really like this serum. It's so easy to use, lightweight. EGF stands for epidermal growth factor, which is for building new skin cells, but it's a lovely serum that's lightweight that can be applied to the skin and it also helps with the skin barrier."
Doctor's Guide to Radiant Skincare: Crafting Your Routine
"You've got this Vichy vitamin C, it's not my favorite vitamin C in the market. The problem that you have with vitamin C is that it degrades quickly. It's a fantastic antioxidant that's great for redness, great for pigmentation, great for even anti-aging benefits as well, but in certain formulation it doesn't stay stable for long enough."
Approved
"I love the Vichy serums. The LiftActiv line is a real win for me. I recommend their glycolic acid product in the office pretty regularly, and I really like their vitamin C out of that line too."
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