A Definitive Guide to Vichy’s Face Creams

When I think of my favorite drugstore skin-care brands, Vichy instantly comes to mind. As one of the leading beauty brands in France, Vichy’s skin-care line boasts a wide range of products — from serums to cleansers — that  feature the brand’s exclusive Mineralizing Thermal Water, which is known to help strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier. Among the most-loved products in the Vichy range are the moisturizers and face creams, which we reviewed for you ahead.

Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Face Moisturizer 

This gel-like moisturizer combines Vichy’s hallmark 89% mineralizing thermal water with natural origin hyaluronic acid. Together, the ingredients plump, hydrate and nourish your complexion. As an added bonus, the product boosts your skin’s barrier and protects against environmental aggressors like pollution, which is extremely important if you live in a city. Two drops are recommended for the entire face, or it can be used prior to moisturizing like a serum or mixed in with one of your favorite creams. It’s recommended for all skin types and can be applied both morning and night.

Vichy LiftActiv Peptide-C

This advanced anti-aging moisturizer works to reduce wrinkles and brighten the skin. Once applied, it immediately makes your face feel and appear firmer. Not to mention, it’s super hydrating, contains phyto peptides, vitamin C and mineralizing thermal water to strengthen the skin’s barrier. It’s great for all skin types and should be applied morning and night on clean, dry skin.

Vichy LiftActiv Supreme

LiftActiv Supreme fights signs of tired skin for a healthier-looking complexion. The light, comfortable cream immediately hydrates skin to smooth the look of fine lines and wrinkles, while also brightening dullness. With continued use, your deep wrinkles should become noticeably smoothed. When I first tried this product, I was in awe of how fresh my skin felt throughout the day. Once absorbed, there was no greasy residue; my skin felt smooth and hydrated for hours. Because it’s so lightweight, I look forward to layering it underneath my makeup as well. It’s good for dry, normal, oily, combination and sensitive skin types and should be used in the morning.

Vichy LiftActiv Night Cream 

I was immediately intrigued by this product because it’s formulated with rhamnose, a naturally-derived plant sugar that can help correct the effects of skin aging. The formula helps visibly reduce the appearance of wrinkles and helps to boost skin's firmness. After putting it to the test, I noticed a more radiant complexion. My skin felt hydrated and plump, making it all the more tempting to ditch my makeup and sport a bare-faced look, instead. Recommended for normal, combination and sensitive skin types, this product should be applied to the  face and neck every night.

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Rich Cream

Formulated with advanced Dynamic Hydration technology, hyaluronic acid and aquabioryl, this soothing 48-hour hydration cream helps lock in water, replenish skin and form a protective barrier. The result? Skin that appears radiant and plumped. I love how this innovative moisturizer immediately sinks into skin and leaves a velvety-soft finish post-application. On days where my skin feels dry from the elements, it helps replenish lost moisture, and best of all, my skin stays hydrated all day — which is why it’s recommended for dry to normal skin types. You can use Aqualia Thermal Rich Cream on your face and neck morning and night. I like to use Aqualia Thermal Dynamic Hydration Power Serum before a heavier moisturizer for an added boost of hydration.

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Night Spa

This hydrating night cream brings the benefits of a spa treatment to your home. You can opt to wear it as a velvety sleep mask, too. It contains hyaluronic acid and conditioning oils moisturize the skin overnight. When I tried this, my skin felt smooth and plump come morning. I love how the cream gives my complexion a radiant-looking glow. It’s the perfect addition to my fall and winter nighttime routine. Dry, normal and sensitive skin types can really benefit from applying a thick layer one to three times a week to promote a balanced complexion.

Vichy Idéalia Day Cream

If you’re on the hunt for a day cream that does some extra work for your skin, this is a great option. The energizing cream is formulated with fermented black tea, adenosine and antioxidant blueberry polyphenols. Not only does it deliver all-day hydration, but also helps to even skin tone, refine pores and smooth the look of fine lines. I’m a huge fan of multi-tasking products and love that this cream not only gives my skin the moisture it needs, but also boosts my skin’s radiance and improves its texture. While it can be used alone, I typically pair it with the Idéalia Radiance Serum.

Vichy Idéalia Night Cream 

It’s easy to notice the signs of a poor night’s sleep on your complexion. Dullness, uneven tone, reduced skin elasticity and overall tired-looking features are a dead giveaway. I always try my best to get the recommended hours of sleep per night, but on shorter nights, it’s nice to have a back-up plan. I tried this product on one of those dreaded sleepless nights and woke up to skin that felt soft and smooth without any dryness. I also love the way the fresh balm-in-gel texture deeply nourished my skin while I slept. For an added touch of relaxation, I start by taking a pea-sized amount and warming the formula between my fingers.

Vichy Nutrilogie 2

If you have very dry skin, it’s important to use an ultra moisturizing cream. This rich face moisturizer provides 24 hours of hydration and all-day comfort without a greasy feel. My skin tends to get very dry in the fall and winter, so keeping it hydrated is essential for keeping my complexion looking its best and  allowing for smooth makeup application. I use Nutrilogie 2 both morning and evening on both my face and neck, sometimes on its own for a natural glow or under my makeup.

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