Vichy:
Pros: Some fragrance-free products; all the sunscreens but one
contain either avobenzone or titanium dioxide for sufficient UVA protection;
one commendable moisturizer; some good, inexpensive cleansers;
a good moisturizing mask, scrub for dry skin, and lip balm.
Cons: Repetitive moisturizer formulas that rarely rise above the median
for excellence; Thermal Spring water is not the cure-all its made out to be;
jar packaging is pervasive; limited options for oily skin.
Vichy LiftActiv Pro Night Detoxifying Anti-Wrinkle and Firming Care:
($31.00/1.69 ounces) is a very standard, but effective, moisturizer for
normal to dry skin. It is strikingly similar to several L'Oreal, Biotherm, and Lancome
moisturizers, with Vichy's price point falling somewhere in the middle of
these sister lines. As with moisturizers from these other L'Oreal-owned lines,
jar packaging prevails and state-of-the-art ingredients are in short supply.
Of course, nothing in this moisturizer can lift or detoxify skin.
Vichy Purete Thermale Detoxifying Exfoliating Cream:
($12.00/2.5 ounces) is an exceptionally emollient scrub that is recommended
only for dry to very dry skin. The amount of shea butter, paraffin, and mineral oil
makes it difficult to rinse, but it's almost impossible to use this too aggressively,
which is a good thing.
Vichy Thermal Spa Water: ($5.00/1.69 ounces) is just water with nitrogen
and carbon dioxide. Whether that has benefit for skin is anyone's guess
because there is no research showing that to be the case.
This Spa Water is nearly identical to La Roche-Posay's Thermal Spring Water
($6 for 1.7 ounces); both companies are owned by L'Oreal.
Vichy Normaderm Deep Cleansing Gel, for Clear Skin: ($14.00/6.76 ounces)
is a standard water-soluble cleanser that contains only a tiny amount of AHA
and BHA, too little to exfoliate skin (never mind the brief contact these ingredients
have with it). The amount of witch hazel water isn't cause for concern,
making this a good option for normal to oily skin.
For more info, download Vichy Makeup Reviews, a free ebook.
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