1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
Vichy
LIFTACTIV B3 ANTI-DARK SPOTS SERUM
face serum
Vichy
face serum
Added Last edited
Fit by skin type
General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.
See how this fits your skin
Take the skin test and I'll show you how suitable this product is for you.
Take the skin testVichy LIFTACTIV B3 ANTI-DARK SPOT SERUM acts at different skin layers, to tackle dark spots formation at the epidermis basal layer while peeling visible dark spots at the skin surface. B3 serum also reduces wrinkles. Complexion looks even and radiant.
LIFTACTIV B3 ANTI-DARK SPOTS SERUM is a watery-light serum from Vichy, a brand based in France. The formula is built mainly around hydration. The ingredient list runs to 21 ingredients, each broken down in full below.
By its ingredient list the formula reads as very light — essentially a water-and-humectant base with little emollient weight. With almost no emollient load it should absorb quickly and finish close to matte. Hydration is handled by Butylene Glycol, Glycerin and Hydroxyethyl Urea, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.
Hydration: High. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Hydroxyethyl Urea and Water.
Brightening: Moderate. Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks, and here that comes from Niacinamide, Tranexamic Acid, Ascorbyl Glucoside and Glycolic Acid.
Soothing: Moderate. Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity, and here that comes from Allantoin, Zinc Retinoate Hydroxide and Niacinamide.
Barrier support: Moderate. Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity, and here that comes from Niacinamide.
On richness alone it suits Combination (oily) and Oily skin best, and is the least natural fit for Dry and Combination (dry) skin. Nothing in the list is flagged as a common irritant, which is a reasonable starting point for reactive skin — though a patch test is still the only way to know.
The formula contributes little or nothing on antioxidant protection and firmness signalling. That is not a fault — most products are not meant to do everything — but if one of those is your priority, this is not the product that will address it.
Reading the full list, the formula is fragrance-free, essential-oil-free, no drying alcohol, paraben-free, silicone-free and microplastic-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging.
It can be used morning and evening. In a routine it goes after toner, before moisturiser. Apply to clean, dry skin and give it a minute to absorb before the next layer. Introduce one new treatment at a time so you can identify what is working.
This summary is generated from the product's ingredient list. It is not a review, it is not the brand's own marketing claims, and it does not replace advice from a dermatologist.
Drawn purely from the ingredient list
Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.
Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy
Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance
Fades hyperpigmentation and evens out dark spots over time
Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin
Tightens and refines the look of enlarged pores
Refines texture by gently exfoliating rough, uneven patches
None of the ingredients in this formula are associated with these benefits. This is not unusual, as most products are designed to target a limited number of concerns.
The actives, UV filters and benefit-carrying ingredients in this formula, in the order they are listed.
1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Butane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 107-88-0/ EC No. 203-529-7) (R)-(-)-butane-1,3-diol” (CAS No. 6290-03-5/ EC No. 228-532-0)
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a gentle skincare active that repairs the skin barrier, calms redness, controls oil and evens tone at 2–5%. Official IUPAC name: **3-Pyridinecarboxamide**
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane
7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Propane-1,2-diol
8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Acetic acid, hydroxy-
9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Cyclohexanecarboxylic acid, 4-(aminomethyl)-, trans-
10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Urea, (2,5-dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl)-
15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-O-alpha-D-Glucopyranosyl-L-ascorbic acid
17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Protein hydrolyzates, rice. Substance obtained by acidic, alkaline, or enzymatic hydrolysis of rice composed primarily of amino acids, peptides, and proteins
21st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,2-Dihydroxypentane
Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.
Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin
Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity
Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution
Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine
Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks
Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity
Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover
Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support
"Active" here means an ingredient carrying a recorded active type or a recognised UV filter.
Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.
Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.
Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.
Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
This product is the "Treat" step.
Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.
Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 21 ingredients on the label.
Dissolves and carries everything else
Draws water into the upper layers of skin
Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula
Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels
Forms a film that slows water loss
Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution
Sets the acidity the formula needs to work
Keeps the product free of microbial growth
Calms visible redness and irritation
Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells
Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula
Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together
Absorbs or scatters ultraviolet light
Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.
1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Butane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 107-88-0/ EC No. 203-529-7) (R)-(-)-butane-1,3-diol” (CAS No. 6290-03-5/ EC No. 228-532-0)
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a gentle skincare active that repairs the skin barrier, calms redness, controls oil and evens tone at 2–5%. Official IUPAC name: **3-Pyridinecarboxamide**
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
4-(2-Hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Urea, (2-Hydroxyethyl)-
7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Propane-1,2-diol
8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Acetic acid, hydroxy-
9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Cyclohexanecarboxylic acid, 4-(aminomethyl)-, trans-
10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Urea, (2,5-dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl)-
11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Sulfated Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate is the product of the sulfation of Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate.
12th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Zinc Retinoate Hydroxide is the product obtained by the reaction of Retinoic Acid and zinc chloride neutralized by sodium hydroxide
13th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Phenoxyethanol
14th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,2-Propanediol, 3-(4-chlorophenoxy)-
15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-O-alpha-D-Glucopyranosyl-L-ascorbic acid
16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Octane-1,2-diol
17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Protein hydrolyzates, rice. Substance obtained by acidic, alkaline, or enzymatic hydrolysis of rice composed primarily of amino acids, peptides, and proteins
18th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Vitreoscilla Ferment is product obtained by the fermentation of Vitreoscilla
19th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
L-Aspartic acid, N,N'-1,2-ethanediylbis-, trisodium salt
20th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Xanthan gum
21st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,2-Dihydroxypentane
Products in the same category that share this formula's distinguishing ingredients.
Numbuzin
Shares 8 key ingredients with LIFTACTIV B3 ANTI-DARK SPOTS SERUM: Water, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Tranexamic Acid, Pentylene Glycol
Numbuzin
Shares 8 key ingredients with LIFTACTIV B3 ANTI-DARK SPOTS SERUM: Water, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Tranexamic Acid, Pentylene Glycol
Medicube
Shares 7 key ingredients with LIFTACTIV B3 ANTI-DARK SPOTS SERUM: Water, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, Allantoin
Anua
Shares 7 key ingredients with LIFTACTIV B3 ANTI-DARK SPOTS SERUM: Water, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Allantoin, Niacinamide
NEOGEN
Shares 7 key ingredients with LIFTACTIV B3 ANTI-DARK SPOTS SERUM: Water, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Allantoin
NIOD
Shares 7 key ingredients with LIFTACTIV B3 ANTI-DARK SPOTS SERUM: Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Niacinamide
WATER, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, NIACINAMIDE, HYDROXYETHYLPIPERAZINE ETHANE SULFONIC ACID, GLYCERIN, HYDROXYETHYL UREA, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, GLYCOLIC ACID, TRANEXAMIC ACID, ALLANTOIN, SULFATED SODIUM CHONDROITIN SULFATE, ZINC RETINOATE HYDROXIDE, PHENOXYETHANOL, CHLORPHENESIN, ASCORBYL GLUCOSIDE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, HYDROLYZED RICE PROTEIN, VITREOSCILLA FERMENT, TRISODIUM ETHYLENEDIAMINE DISUCCINATE, XANTHAN GUM, PENTYLENE GLYCOL.
NIACINAMIDE, GLYCOLIC ACID, ASCORBYL GLUCOSIDE.
Apply several drops to a clean and dry face, morning and evening. Avoid the contact with eyes and lips. Press the middle of the applicator to deliver a few drops on your skin.
Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Combination (oily), Oily skin best. It is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry) skin.
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
No ingredient in this formula is a recognised food source for malassezia, the yeast behind fungal acne.
Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not medical clearance — check anything you use daily with your doctor or midwife.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is fragrance-free.
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is no drying alcohol.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is silicone-free.
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is essential-oil-free.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.
It layers well with Azelaic acid, Copper peptides, Bakuchiol, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Ceramides. Take more care combining it with Retinoids (retinol, retinal), Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone), Benzoyl peroxide — use them in separate routines or on alternate days.
Use it morning and evening, after toner, before moisturiser.
It lists 21 ingredients, of which 3 are recorded as actives.
Vichy, a brand based in France.
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