We put Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Serum to the test after receiving a complimentary sample from the brand. Keep reading for our full product review.
Vichy’s serum provides lightweight hydration to the skin. Hyaluronic Acid (HA), the star ingredient, is naturally present in the skin, and it plumps and hydrates skin by retaining water. As we age we stop producing as much HA, which can be a factor in drier, less firm skin. But by applying HA topically we can reap many of the same benefits—after all, it can hold almost 1000 times its weight in water!
Hyaluronic acid is well-tolerated by most skin types, so it’s an easy addition to any skincare routine (your current products might already include it, as well!). I added the Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Face Moisturizer into my routine to see how it fares against other HA serums I’ve used.
Ahead—my honest thoughts.
About My Skin: Looking for hydration
When it comes to caring for my skin, I prefer hydrating products over those that dry it out. Even though my skin leans oily and acne-prone, I find it regulates itself better when I give it lots of moisture. In this case, though, I needed the extra hydration—I recently had a microchanneling facial (which is similar to microneedling) and I was dealing with the flaky, dry aftermath.
After washing my face in the morning and evening, I applied the Vichy serum. In the morning I followed it up with my moisturizer-SPF combo, First Aid Beauty 5 in 1 Face Cream SPF 30, and the evenings I used Augustinus Bader The Cream.
The Feel: Slick and gentle
Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Serum is a clear, lightweight serum. It has no added fragrance, and the product itself has little scent—a feature a fragrance-sensitive person like myself appreciates.
The serum is slick and easy to apply all over in just a few seconds. It leaves the skin slightly tacky for the first couple of minutes, but this is the best time to follow up with a moisturizer if you’re using it (and given how HA works, you probably should).
Byrdie / Joline Buscemi
The Results: Supple, healthy skin
The Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Serum was put to the test since I began using it a week out from a microchanneling treatment and my skin was still flaky. I haven’t always had the best results from hyaluronic products (I sometimes find them not as hydrating as they claim).
The formula is safe to use on all skin types and can be applied near eyes and on lips—a feature I’m thankful for as I skip eye creams instead of using my usual products over my entire face.
This serum uses Sodium Hyaluronate, a derivative of hyaluronic acid. It’s more stable than pure HA and can reach further into the skin. It’s also formulated with Vichy Volcanic Water, the brand’s proprietary ingredient that’s packed with 15 minerals and is clinically proven to strengthen, hydrate, and soothe skin. And while less trendy, the large amount of glycerin in the serum plays a big role in how moisturizing it is.
Overall, I found the Vichy serum to hydrate my skin well without interfering with my usual skincare or makeup steps. I think most people will find it’s easy to incorporate into their routine.
Byrdie / Joline Buscemi
The Value: About average
My bottle was $29.50 for 50 mL (just over an ounce and a half). Two pumps covers my face and neck, and with twice a day usage I expect it to last me around two months. The serum is available in a smaller and larger size as well: 30 mL for $19.99, and 75 mL for $39.50.
My only problem with the price tag is that it has no other benefits than hyaluronic acid and hydration—there may be other products available with multiple active ingredients for around the same price.
The one saving grace? The glass bottle ups the wow factor and makes it feel like you’re getting a high value product.
Byrdie / Joline Buscemi
Similar Products: Lots to choose from
L’Oreal Paris Skincare Revitalift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum ($30):I was also able to try out this HA serum from L’Oreal. It’s a little more expensive per ounce, but still comparable in price. Vichy doesn’t share the percentage of HA in its product, but I did find the Vichy serum to feel more hydrating than L’Oreals.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 ($7):For a super affordable option, try this serum which is just $6.80 for an ounce. It uses Sodium Hyaluronate and Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, a form of HA that is supposed to better deliver the ingredient to the skin. It also has the bonus of B5, another skin hydrator.
