Vichy LIFTACTIV RETINOL SPECIALIST SERUM

Vichy

LIFTACTIV RETINOL SPECIALIST SERUM

face serum

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Fit by skin type

General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.

Dry
57%
Combination (dry)
57%
Balanced
87%
Combination (oily)
83%
Oily
83%

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39
Ingredients
6
Benefits
3
Actives
Find Dupes

Our new night RETINOL SPECIALIST SERUM is powered by superior anti-ageing complex to target all types of wrinkles, even the deepest ones: This serum increases cellular renewal, restores skin density and reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Skin is more even, radiant and resurfaced. Our Retinol Guard technology ensures the strongest form of pure retinol to be delivered safely and deeply in the skin.

Key Insights

Benefits

6
Anti-Acne
Anti-Aging
Evens Skin Tone
Hydration
Pore Minimizer
Soothing

Active Ingredients

3
Hyaluronic acid Retinoids Signal peptides

Risks

4
Alcohol
Pregnancy Unsafe
Sulfate
Synthetic polymer

About LIFTACTIV RETINOL SPECIALIST SERUM

Overview

LIFTACTIV RETINOL SPECIALIST SERUM is a lightweight serum from Vichy, a brand based in France. The formula is built mainly around hydration. The ingredient list runs to 38 ingredients, each broken down in full below.

Texture and finish

By its ingredient list the formula reads as light: water and humectants lead, with emollients kept lower in the order. Hydration is handled by Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate and Peg-9 Butylene Glycol Laurate, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.

What the formula does

Hydration: High. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Peg-9 Butylene Glycol Laurate and Water.

Soothing: Moderate. Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity, and here that comes from Tridecyl Isononanoate, Sodium Hyaluronate and Tocopherol.

Who it suits

On richness alone it suits Balanced, Combination (oily) and Oily skin best, and is the least natural fit for Dry and Combination (dry) skin. A few ingredients carry irritation flags, so reactive skin should patch test before using it on the whole face.

What it does not target

The formula contributes little or nothing on barrier support, antioxidant protection, oil control and brightening and tone. 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. One ingredient on the label has not been matched to our database yet, so the analysis above reads a slightly incomplete list.

What is not in it

It does contain drying alcohol, worth knowing if your skin reacts to any of them.

Where it fits in a routine

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.

Pros and cons

Drawn purely from the ingredient list

Pros

  • Strong humectant content for hydration

Things to know

  • Contains drying alcohol high in the list
  • 3 ingredients could feed malassezia (fungal acne)
  • Contains ingredients usually flagged for review during pregnancy
  • Part of the label has not been matched to our ingredient database yet

Which skin types it suits

Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.

Suitable for

  • Balanced skin
  • Combination (oily) skin
  • Oily skin

Less suitable for

  • Dry skin
  • Combination (dry) skin

Sensitive skin

A few ingredients here carry irritation flags. Reactive skin should patch test on the jawline for a few days before using it on the whole face.

Skin concerns

Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.

Helps with

  • Hydration 10 ingredients

    Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy

  • Anti-Aging 8 ingredients

    Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

  • Soothing 2 ingredients

    Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin

  • Anti-Acne 1 ingredient

    Targets breakouts by reducing bacteria and unclogging pores

  • Evens Skin Tone 1 ingredient

    Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance

  • Pore Minimizer 1 ingredient

    Tightens and refines the look of enlarged pores

Does not target

Blackhead Reducing Dark Spot Fading Oil Control Smooths Bumpy Skin

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.

Key ingredients

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

Hydration

2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane

Hydration Anti-Aging

3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

1,2-Dihydroxypentane

Hydration

7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Dioctyl ether

Hydration

8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Glycine Soja Oil is the oil obtained from the soybean, Glycine soja, Leguminosae, by extraction or expression. It consists esentially of triglycerides of oleic, linoleic and saturated acids

Anti-Aging Hydration

10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Propane-1,2-diol

Hydration

15th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Ethanone, 1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-,p-Hydroxyacetophenone

Anti-Aging Hydration

16th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 is the reaction product of palmitic acid and Tetrapeptide-7

Anti-Aging
Tripeptide-1 Signal peptides

18th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Tripeptide-1 is a synthetic peptide containing glycine, histidine, and lysine

Anti-Aging
Sodium Hyaluronate Hyaluronic acid

21st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Hyaluronic acid, sodium, salt

Hydration Anti-Aging Soothing
Retinol Retinoids

24th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Retinol; vitamin A

Anti-Aging Anti-Acne Pore Minimizer

25th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Carbonic Acid, Dicaprylyl Ester

Hydration

Formula analysis

Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.

Hydration High

Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin

Barrier support None

Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity

Antioxidant support None

Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution

Oil control None

Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine

Brightening None

Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks

Soothing Moderate

Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity

Cell renewal None

Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover

Firmness signalling Low

Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support

Active and supporting ingredients

"Active" here means an ingredient carrying a recorded active type or a recognised UV filter.

Active ingredients (4)

Supporting ingredients (34)

Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.

Water Glycerin Pentylene Glycol Isononyl Propionate Tridecyl Isononanoate Alcohol Denat. Dicaprylyl Ether Glycine Soja Oil Soybean Oil Propylene Glycol Esters Propylene Glycol Peg-6 Caprylic/capric Glycerides Zinc Undecylenoyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein Steardimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Rice Protein Hydroxyacetophenone Zinc Palmitoyl Nonapeptide-14 Sodium Pentaerythrityl Hydroxypropyl Iminodiacetate Dendrimer Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate Sodium Hydroxide Vitreoscilla Ferment Dicaprylyl Carbonate Tetrabutyl Ammonium Bromide Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate Peg-9 Butylene Glycol Laurate Glycol Caprylyl Glycol Carbomer Glyceryl Isostearate Polysorbate 20 Ppg-6-decyltetradeceth-30 Sulfated Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate Zinc Lactate Tocopherol Xanthan Gum

What is and is not in it

Part of this label has not been matched to our ingredient database, so only what is present is listed — no absence is claimed.

Contains

  • Drying alcohol

    Alcohol Denat.

What to layer it with

Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.

Compatible with

  • Retinoids (retinol, retinal)
  • Copper peptides
  • Bakuchiol
  • Niacinamide
  • Hyaluronic acid
  • Ceramides
  • Signal peptides
  • Panthenol
  • Sunscreen

Use with caution

  • AHAs (glycolic, lactic)

    Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.

  • BHA (salicylic acid)

    Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.

  • PHAs (gluconolactone)

    Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.

  • Benzoyl peroxide

    Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.

  • Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)

    Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.

  • Azelaic acid

    Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.

Where it fits in a routine

Morning Evening
  1. Cleanse
  2. Toning
  3. Treat
  4. Moisturise
  5. Protect

This product is the "Treat" step.

  • 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.

Safety and suitability

Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Contains Retinol, usually reviewed with a doctor during pregnancy.
Fungal acne (malassezia)
3 ingredients could feed malassezia: Peg-9 Butylene Glycol Laurate, Glyceryl Isostearate, Polysorbate 20. That is about the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that you will break out.
Sensitive and reactive skin
A few ingredients here carry irritation flags. Reactive skin should patch test on the jawline for a few days before using it on the whole face.
Recorded ingredient risks
Alcohol, Pregnancy Unsafe, Sulfate, Synthetic polymer

Ingredients by function

Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 38 ingredients on the label.

9
Emollient

Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells

8
Solvent

Dissolves and carries everything else

8
Texture agent

Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula

7
Surfactant

Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together

5
Humectant

Draws water into the upper layers of skin

4
Active

Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels

3
Antioxidant

Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution

3
Peptide

Amino-acid chains that signal for repair or firmness

2
Occlusive

Forms a film that slows water loss

2
Preservative

Keeps the product free of microbial growth

1
Chelator

Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula

1
pH adjuster

Sets the acidity the formula needs to work

Ingredient breakdown

Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.

1 Water Solvent
Estimated level
30–80%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Solvent

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

Hydration
3 scientific references
  • Skin Research and Technology, May 2015, pages 131-136
  • Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, November-December 1999, pages 344-351
  • Journal of Cosmetic Science, September-October 1993, pages 249-262
2 Glycerin Humectant
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Occlusive, Texture agent, Solvent

2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane

Hydration Anti-Aging
6 scientific references
  • Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation, March 2021, pages 223-231
  • International Journal of Toxicology, November/December 2019, Volume 38, Supplement 3, pages 6S-22S
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, August 2016, ePublication
  • British Journal of Dermatology, July 2008, pages 23-34
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, June 2007, pages 75-82
  • Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, June 2003, pages 7, 360-7, 365
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Solvent

3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

1,2-Dihydroxypentane

Hydration
4 scientific references
  • https://thedermreviewcom/pentylene-glycol/
  • Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, July 2017, pages 106-111
  • Prospector, June 2015, ePublication
  • International Journal of Toxicology, October 2012, pages 147S-168S
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line

4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Isononyl propionate; 7-Methyloctyl propanoate

Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Emollient

5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Hexanoic acid, 3,5,5-trimethyl-, tridecyl ester

6 Alcohol Denat. Texture agent
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent, Solvent, Preservative

6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Alcohol Denat. is ethyl alcohol that is denatured with one or more denaturing agents in accordance with the national legislation of each European Community (EU) country.

Alcohol
7 Dicaprylyl Ether Emollient
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Emollient, Solvent

7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Dioctyl ether

Hydration
2 scientific references
  • SpecialChem, Accessed January 2022, ePublication
  • Personal Care Council, December 2021, ePublication
8 Glycine Soja Oil Emollient
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Emollient

8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Glycine Soja Oil is the oil obtained from the soybean, Glycine soja, Leguminosae, by extraction or expression. It consists esentially of triglycerides of oleic, linoleic and saturated acids

Anti-Aging Hydration
8 scientific references
  • Phytotherapy Research, March 2020, pages 435-437
  • AAPS PharmSciTech, October 2018, pages 3, 029-3, 039
  • The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, February 2018, pages 28-37
  • International Journal of Molecular Sciences, December 2017, ePublication
  • Molecules, Volume 22, September 2017, ePublication
  • Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, September 2013, pages s123-s127
  • Journal of Medicinal Food, January 2012, pages 89-95
  • International Journal of Dermatology, April 2011, pages 470-477
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Emollient

9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Soybean Oil Propylene Glycol Esters is the product obtained by the transesterification of Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil with propylene glycol

10 Propylene Glycol Humectant
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Texture agent, Solvent

10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Propane-1,2-diol

Hydration
5 scientific references
  • CosmeticsInfoorg, Accessed April 2021, ePublication
  • Archives of Dermatological Research, November 2019, pages 337-352
  • Critical Reviews in Toxicology, April 2013, pages 363-390
  • International Journal of Toxicology, September-October 2012, pages 245S-260S
  • Skin Pharmacology and Applied Physiology, 2001, pages 72-81
11 Peg-6 Humectant
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Solvent

11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

.Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-hydro-.omega.-hydroxy-, (6 mol EO average molar ratio)

Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Emollient, Surfactant

12th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Glycerides, mixed decanoyl and octanoyl

Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent

13th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Protein hydrolysates, wheat, reaction product with undecylenic acid, zinc salt

Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line

14th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Protein hydrolyzates, rice, 2-hydroxy-3-(octadecyldimethylammonio)propyl derivatives, chlorides

15 Hydroxyacetophenone Antioxidant
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Antioxidant

15th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Ethanone, 1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-,p-Hydroxyacetophenone

Anti-Aging Hydration
4 scientific references
  • Journal of Oleo Science, February 2019, pages 183-191
  • Applied Environmental Microbiology, June 2018, ePublication
  • Journal of Biosciences, May-June 2004, pages 345-353
  • Scientific Reports, April 2021, pages 1–7
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Active, Peptide

16th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 is the reaction product of palmitic acid and Tetrapeptide-7

Anti-Aging
5 scientific references
  • Cosmetics, November 2020, ePublication
  • International Journal of Toxicology, Volume 37, Supplement 3, November 2018, pages 90S–102S
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, June 2015, pages 152–160
  • Molecular Pharmaceutics, March 2013, pages 1, 063-1, 069
  • Plastic Surgical Nursing, April 2012, pages 71–72
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Peptide

17th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Zinc Palmitoyl Nonapeptide-14 is the zinc salt of the palmitic acid ester of Nonapeptide-14

18 Tripeptide-1 Occlusive
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Occlusive, Active, Peptide

18th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Tripeptide-1 is a synthetic peptide containing glycine, histidine, and lysine

Anti-Aging
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant, Chelator

19th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Sodium Pentaerythrityl Hydroxypropyl Iminodiacetate Dendrimer is the sodium salt of a multibranched polymer formed by the sequential reaction Pentaerythritol with hydroxypropyl iminodiacetic acid

Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Antioxidant

20th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Benzenepropanoic acid, 3,5-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-hydroxy-, 2,2-bis[[3-[3,5-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-hydroxyphenyl]-1-oxopropoxy] methyl]-1,3-propanediyl ester

Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Active

21st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Hyaluronic acid, sodium, salt

Hydration Anti-Aging Soothing
5 scientific references
  • Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift fur Dermatologie, Venerologie, und Verwandte Gebiete, December 2017, pages 987-993
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, July 2014, pages 277-287
  • Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, October 2012, pages 20-23
  • DermatoEndocrinology, July-December 2012, pages 253-258
  • Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, September 2011, pages 990-1000
22 Sodium Hydroxide pH adjuster
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
pH adjuster

22nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Sodium hydroxide

Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line

23rd 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

24 Retinol Active
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Active

24th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Retinol; vitamin A

Anti-Aging Anti-Acne Pore Minimizer Pregnancy Unsafe
10 scientific references
  • Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, September 2019, pages 918-923; and March 2015, pages 271-280
  • Experimental Dermatology, August 2019, pages 906-913
  • Archives of Dermatological Research, May 2017, pages 275-283
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, February 2017, pages 56-65
  • Dermatology, May 2014, pages 314-325
  • Dermatoendocrinology, July 2012, issue 3, pages 308-319
  • Toxicological Research, March 2010, pages 61-66
  • Archives of Dermatology, May 2007, pages 606-612
  • The Journal of Pathology, January 2007, issue 2, pages 241-251
  • Clinical Interventions in Aging, December 2006, pages 327-348
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Emollient

25th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Carbonic Acid, Dicaprylyl Ester

Hydration
5 scientific references
  • OCL, April 2018, pages 1-10
  • Journal of Surfactants and Detergents, July 2017, pages 1, 337–1, 349
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review, December 2016, pages 1-50
  • https://wwwcir-safetyorg/sites/default/files/dialkyl%20carbonatespdf
  • https://wwwulprospectorcom/en/na/PersonalCare/Detail/75/204256/Cetiol-CC
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Preservative

26th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Tetrabutylammonium bromide

Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent

27th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

2,2-Dimethyl-2-(2'-propenamido)ethanesulfonic acid, sodium salt, homopolymer

Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Emollient, Surfactant

28th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-3-hydroxybutyl-.omega.-1-oxododecyloxy- (9 mol EO average molar ratio)

29 Glycol Humectant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Texture agent, Solvent

29th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Ethane-1,2-diol, Ethylene glycol

30 Caprylyl Glycol Emollient
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Emollient

30th 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

31 Carbomer Texture agent
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent

31st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

2-Propenoic acid, polymer with 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propane-1,3-diol 2-propenyl ether

Synthetic polymer
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Emollient, Surfactant

32nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Isooctadecanoic acid, monoester with glycerol

Hydration
8 scientific references
  • Supercharged Hydration
  • How Hyaluronic Acid Benefits Skin
  • What is Dehydrated Skin & How to Choose the Best Products
  • What Your Moisturizer Must Contain
  • Moisturizer Myths You Should Stop Believing Now
  • The Benefits of Glycerin in Skin Care
  • The Best Face Oils for Skin
  • How Facial Oils Help Skin
33 Polysorbate 20 Surfactant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

33rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Sorbitan, monododecanoate, poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) derivs.

Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

34th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Tetradecanol, 2-decyl-, ethoxylated, propoxylated (30 mol EO, 6 mol PO average molar ratio)

Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line

35th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Sulfated Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate is the product of the sulfation of Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate.

Sulfate
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line

36th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Zinc dilactate

37 Tocopherol Antioxidant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Antioxidant

37th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

3,4-Dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-2H-benzopyran-6-ol; .alpha.-tocopherol; Vitamin E

Anti-Aging Evens Skin Tone Soothing
4 scientific references
  • Journal or Agricultural and Food Chemistry, June 2010, pages 7013-7020
  • Journal of Investigative Dermatology, November 2001, pages 1212-1217
  • Canadian Family Physician, July 2006, pages 855-856
  • Dermatologic Surgery, April 1999, pages 311-315
38 Xanthan Gum Surfactant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant, Texture agent

38th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Xanthan gum

Not yet matched to our database

These are printed on the label but have not been linked to an ingredient record yet, so they are excluded from the analysis above.

TRISODIUMETHYLENEDIAMINEDISUCCINATE

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Frequently asked questions

What ingredients are in LIFTACTIV RETINOL SPECIALIST SERUM?

WATER, GLYCERIN, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, ISONONYL PROPIONATE, TRIDECYL ISONONANOATE, ALCOHOL DENAT., DICAPRYLYL ETHER, GLYCINE SOJA OIL, SOYBEAN OIL PROPYLENE GLYCOL ESTERS, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, PEG-6, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC GLYCERIDES, ZINC UNDECYLENOYL HYDROLYZED WHEAT PROTEIN, STEARDIMONIUM HYDROXYPROPYL HYDROLYZED RICE PROTEIN, HYDROXYACETOPHENONE, PALMITOYL TETRAPEPTIDE-7, ZINC PALMITOYL NONAPEPTIDE-14, TRIPEPTIDE-1, SODIUM PENTAERYTHRITYL HYDROXYPROPYL IMINODIACETATE DENDRIMER, PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRA-DI-T-BUTYL HYDROXYHYDROCINNAMATE, SODIUM HYALURONATE, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, VITREOSCILLA FERMENT, RETINOL, DICAPRYLYL CARBONATE, TETRABUTYL AMMONIUM BROMIDE, SODIUM POLYACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE, PEG-9 BUTYLENE GLYCOL LAURATE, GLYCOL, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, CARBOMER, GLYCERYL ISOSTEARATE, POLYSORBATE 20, PPG-6-DECYLTETRADECETH-30, SULFATED SODIUM CHONDROITIN SULFATE, ZINC LACTATE, TOCOPHEROL, XANTHAN GUM.

What are the active ingredients in LIFTACTIV RETINOL SPECIALIST SERUM?

PALMITOYL TETRAPEPTIDE-7, TRIPEPTIDE-1, SODIUM HYALURONATE, RETINOL.

How do I use LIFTACTIV RETINOL SPECIALIST SERUM?

Apply once time per day in the evening on freshly cleansed and dry skin. Avoid the eye and lip area. Always make sure to provide good moisturization to your skin. Avoid direct contact with eyes. If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water. Do not use in conjunction with other retinol products. Step 1: Gently press the middle of the applicator to deliver 3-4 drops of the serum into the palm of your hand; Step 2: Using clean hands, massage evenly into the skin on your face and neck; Step 3: Week by week, you can increase the usage of the serum. Week 1: Apply 2 nights a week; Week 2: Use every other night; Week 3: Use nightly as tolerated. In case of persisting discomfort space out applications, and/or reduce the quantity.

What skin types is LIFTACTIV RETINOL SPECIALIST SERUM good for?

Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Balanced, Combination (oily), Oily skin best. It is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry) skin.

Is LIFTACTIV RETINOL SPECIALIST SERUM good for sensitive skin?

Some ingredients here carry irritation flags, so sensitive skin should patch test on the jawline for a few days before applying it to the whole face.

Is LIFTACTIV RETINOL SPECIALIST SERUM fungal acne safe?

3 ingredients could feed malassezia: Peg-9 Butylene Glycol Laurate, Glyceryl Isostearate, Polysorbate 20. That describes the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that they will cause a breakout.

Can I use LIFTACTIV RETINOL SPECIALIST SERUM while pregnant?

It contains Retinol, which are usually reviewed with a doctor during pregnancy. Ask your doctor or midwife before using it.

Does LIFTACTIV RETINOL SPECIALIST SERUM contain alcohol?

Yes — it contains Alcohol Denat..

What can I layer with LIFTACTIV RETINOL SPECIALIST SERUM?

It layers well with Retinoids (retinol, retinal), Copper peptides, Bakuchiol, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Ceramides. Take more care combining it with AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone), Benzoyl peroxide, Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), Azelaic acid — use them in separate routines or on alternate days.

When should I apply LIFTACTIV RETINOL SPECIALIST SERUM?

Use it morning and evening, after toner, before moisturiser.

How many ingredients does LIFTACTIV RETINOL SPECIALIST SERUM have?

It lists 38 ingredients, of which 4 are recorded as actives.

Who makes LIFTACTIV RETINOL SPECIALIST SERUM?

Vichy, a brand based in France.

Brand
Vichy
Country
France

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