Vichy LiftActiv B3 Serum for Dark Spots & Wrinkles - 1.01 fl oz

Common questions

Is Vichy LiftActiv B3 Serum for Dark Spots & Wrinkles - 1.01 fl oz healthy?

Vichy LiftActiv B3 Serum for Dark Spots & Wrinkles - 1.01 fl oz scores 78/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This serum contains beneficial ingredients such as niacinamide, glycolic acid, and tranexamic acid, which are known for their skin-brightening and anti-aging properties.

Which ingredients drive Vichy LiftActiv B3 Serum for Dark Spots & Wrinkles - 1.01 fl oz's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Glycolic Acid count in its favor; Propylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Vichy LiftActiv B3 Serum for Dark Spots & Wrinkles - 1.01 fl oz

Vichy
78 Good

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

$44.99 · 1.01 fl oz · $44.54 / fluid ounce
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 6
Harmful ingredients 3
Owned by L'Oréal
Category Serum
Summary

This serum contains beneficial ingredients such as niacinamide, glycolic acid, and tranexamic acid, which are known for their skin-brightening and anti-aging properties. However, the presence of preservatives like phenoxyethanol and chlorphenesin, which can cause irritation in some individuals, slightly lowers its safety profile. The product is moderately processed, which also impacts its overall rating.

Key ingredients 20

Niacinamide
Good

Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 that is known for its anti-inflammatory and skin-brightening properties. It helps to improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of dark spots. It is highly regarded in skincare for its multiple benefits.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with niacinamide, though overuse may cause mild irritation.

Benefits

It improves skin elasticity, enhances barrier function, and evens out skin tone.

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Glycerin
Good

Glycerin is a well-known humectant that attracts moisture to the skin. It helps to keep the skin hydrated and soft. It is widely used in skincare products for its moisturizing properties.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

It enhances skin hydration and improves skin barrier function.

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Glycolic Acid
Good

Glycolic Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates the skin, promoting cell turnover. It helps to improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines. It is effective in treating hyperpigmentation and acne.

Risks

Can cause irritation or sensitivity, especially in high concentrations.

Benefits

Improves skin texture, reduces fine lines, and brightens the complexion.

See more about Glycolic Acid →
Tranexamic Acid
Good

Tranexamic Acid is known for its ability to reduce hyperpigmentation and dark spots. It works by inhibiting melanin production in the skin. It is effective in improving skin tone and reducing discoloration.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Reduces dark spots and evens out skin tone.

Allantoin
Good

Allantoin is a soothing and moisturizing agent that helps to calm irritated skin. It promotes skin healing and improves skin smoothness. It is widely used in skincare for its protective and hydrating properties.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with allantoin.

Benefits

Soothes and protects the skin, promoting healing and hydration.

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Ascorbyl Glucoside
Good

Ascorbyl Glucoside is a stable form of Vitamin C that provides antioxidant benefits. It helps to brighten the skin and reduce signs of aging. It is effective in improving skin tone and texture.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

Brightens the skin and provides antioxidant protection.

Aqua/Water/Eau
Neutral

Water is a common solvent used in cosmetic formulations. It acts as a base for the serum, helping to dissolve other ingredients. It does not provide direct benefits or risks.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with water in cosmetic products.

Benefits

Water helps in the application and absorption of the serum.

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Butylene Glycol
Neutral

Butylene Glycol is a common humectant that helps to retain moisture in the skin. It also acts as a solvent and improves the texture of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

In rare cases, it may cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It helps to keep the skin hydrated and enhances the penetration of other ingredients.

See more about Butylene Glycol →
Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid
Neutral

This ingredient is used as a buffering agent to maintain the pH balance of the product. It helps to stabilize the formulation. It does not have direct skincare benefits or risks.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with this ingredient in cosmetic formulations.

Benefits

It helps to maintain the stability and effectiveness of the serum.

Hydroxyethyl Urea
Neutral

Hydroxyethyl Urea is a moisturizing agent that helps to improve skin hydration. It is used to enhance the texture and feel of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

It provides moisture to the skin, improving its overall feel and appearance.

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Sodium Hydroxide
Neutral

Sodium Hydroxide is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It is necessary for maintaining the stability and effectiveness of the product. It does not provide direct skincare benefits.

Risks

In high concentrations, it can be irritating, but it is used in safe amounts in cosmetics.

Benefits

Ensures the product maintains an appropriate pH level for stability.

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Caprylyl Glycol
Neutral

Caprylyl Glycol is a skin-conditioning agent that helps to improve the texture and feel of the product. It also has antimicrobial properties that enhance the preservation system. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

Improves product texture and provides mild antimicrobial effects.

See more about Caprylyl Glycol →
Hydrolyzed Rice Protein
Neutral

Hydrolyzed Rice Protein is used for its conditioning and moisturizing properties. It helps to improve skin hydration and texture. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

Enhances skin hydration and improves texture.

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Vitreoscilla Ferment
Neutral

Vitreoscilla Ferment is used for its skin-conditioning properties. It helps to improve the overall health and appearance of the skin. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

Improves skin health and appearance.

Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Neutral

This ingredient is used as a chelating agent to improve the stability of the product. It helps to bind metal ions that can destabilize the formulation. It does not provide direct skincare benefits.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

Enhances product stability by binding metal ions.

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Xanthan Gum
Neutral

Xanthan Gum is used as a thickening agent to improve the texture and consistency of the product. It helps to stabilize emulsions and suspensions. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

Improves product texture and stability.

See more about Xanthan Gum →
Pentylene Glycol
Neutral

Pentylene Glycol is a humectant and solvent that helps to retain moisture in the skin. It also has antimicrobial properties that enhance the preservation system. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

Enhances skin hydration and provides mild antimicrobial effects.

See more about Pentylene Glycol →
Propylene Glycol
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

May cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive skin.

Benefits

It helps to retain moisture and enhances the absorption of other ingredients.

See more about Propylene Glycol →
Phenoxyethanol
Bad

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. It is effective but can cause irritation in some individuals. It is considered a safer alternative to parabens but still has potential risks.

Risks

May cause irritation or allergic reactions, especially in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Prevents microbial contamination, extending the product's shelf life.

See more about Phenoxyethanol →
Chlorphenesin
Bad

Chlorphenesin is a preservative used to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in cosmetics. It is effective but can cause irritation or allergic reactions. It is considered safe in low concentrations but has potential risks.

Risks

May cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.

Benefits

Helps to preserve the product by preventing microbial growth.

See more about Chlorphenesin →

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