Many people are looking for a serum that can help them achieve smoother, brighter, and younger-looking skin. Two popular products that promise to deliver these results are Vichy LiftActiv B3 Serum and La Roche Posay Retinol B3 Serum. Both of these serums contain niacinamide and retinol, two powerful ingredients that have anti-aging, dark spot correcting, and skin texture-improving benefits. But apart from that similarity, you may be more concerned about what exactly makes them different. For that concern, this article will try to compare these two products in a closer look. By the end, you will be able to decide which serum is more suitable for you and why.
We will talk about the following:
- What are Vichy LiftActiv B3 Serum and La Roche Posay Retinol B3?
- What are the ingredients of Vichy LiftActiv B3 Serum and La Roche Posay Retinol B3?
- How are the textures of Vichy LiftActiv B3 Serum and La Roche Posay Retinol B3?
- How is the ideal usage of Vichy LiftActiv B3 Serum and La Roche Posay Retinol B3?
- What are the price differences between Vichy LiftActiv B3 Serum and La Roche Posay Retinol B3?
- Which one to buy?
| Vichy LiftActiv B3 Serum | La Roche Posay Retinol B3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 1.5 x 2.3 x 4.29 inches | 2.17 x 1.4 x 4.33 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 0.96 ounces | 1.06 ounces |
About Vichy LiftActiv B3 Serum and La Roche Posay Retinol B3
Vichy and La Roche-Posay are both renowned French-originated skincare brands that have made significant contributions to the beauty industry. Vichy or Vichy Laboratoires is a well-known French brand that has been committed to skin health for more than 90 years. They specialize in various skincare products like body care, eye care, facial masks, facial serums, sunscreens, makeup, and many more.
For face serum, the LiftActiv B3 Serum is one of Vichy’s innovative products. It’s an anti-ageing dark spot corrector serum formulated with dermatological ingredients. This serum is claimed to be designed to deliver visible results on dark spots only within 8 weeks, resulting in a more even skin tone as well as smoother skin.
Meanwhile, La Roche-Posay is a New York-based renowned skincare brand rooted first in France. The brand was also founded in a French town in 1975, and it still manufactures products there today. La Roche-Posay is committed to making dermatology accessible to people through health tech and the brand is known for offering transformative products specifically designed for all skin regardless of age, ethnicity, or any other skin pathology.
The Retinol B3 Serum is one of the brand’s innovative products. It is an anti-aging serum that visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, reduces premature sun damage, and leaves the skin feeling smoother, hydrated, and renewed. This serum basically combines concentrated pure retinol and vitamin B3 for optimal effectiveness while also being suitable for sensitive skin.
Comparatively, both serums aim to address signs of aging and improve skin texture and tone. Both are also known for their scientifically-backed ingredients and formulations. Furthermore, both serums even contain Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) to address signs of aging. However, the key difference lies in their additional active ingredients which we will try to look in closer detail below.
Ingredients of Vichy LiftActiv B3 Serum and La Roche Posay Retinol B3
Vichy LiftActiv B3 Serum
This serum is a highly concentrated blend of 13% derm-grade ingredients consisting of Niacinamide as a B Vitamin that has been shown to visibly lighten dark spots, Glycolic Acid or Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that gently exfoliates to reveal a more even skin tone, then TXA as a derivative of an amino acid that works to reduce skin discolouration, and peptides that help stimulate collagen production and improve skin elasticity.
Other than that, Vichy LiftActive B3 Serum also has peeling actives to exfoliate for a homogeneous and luminous skin tone. At the basal layer, there will be anti-inflammation action to reduce dark spot formation at the root of the pigmentation disorder. While at the skin surface, peeling action to fade out visible dark spots. Furthermore, this serum is also suitable for all phototypes, is fragrance-free, allergy-tested and dermatologist-tested for safety.
La Roche Posay Retinol B3 Serum
This serum has key ingredients consisting of Pure Retinol which is a derivative of vitamin A (retinoic acid) to promote surface cell turnover and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, Niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3) to restore skin’s moisture barrier, and visibly fading skin discolorations, a bit of Hyaluronic Acid to hold a large amount of water to help maintain the skin’s moisture.
Then it also contains Glycerin to hydrate skin by absorbing water from the surrounding environment, Dimethicone as a skin protectant to help reduce water loss, and last but not least La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water; which is a soothing water sourced in the town of La Roche-Posay in France containing a unique combination of minerals, trace elements, and a high concentration of selenium, a natural antioxidant.
Textures of Vichy LiftActiv B3 Serum and La Roche Posay Retinol B3
Vichy LiftActiv B3 Serum
This serum is said to have a watery, light, and oil-free texture. The consistency is quickly absorbed by the skin and leaves the skin feeling pleasantly soft, not leaving a sticky film at all. Most users also said it leaves the skin velvety smooth and evens out the skin ton after the application, overall very pleasant and light on the skin. As said before, the serum is fragrance-free so it doesn’t have any noticeable added scent.
La Roche Posay Retinol B3 Serum
This serum has a lightweight, hydrating texture that visibly renews skin, reducing lines and wrinkles and creating a more luminous look. The texture is often described to be fluid and moisturizing with a non-sticky, non-greasy, velvety finish. Some users also state that the texture is thin but surprisingly a little goes a long way while it soaks in nicely into the skin. The serum is also a formula with a mild fragrance, but not heavily perfumed.
Ideal Usage of Vichy LiftActiv B3 Serum and La Roche Posay Retinol B3
Vichy LiftActiv B3 Serum and La Roche Posay Retinol B3 are both excellent skincare products with highly similar benefits, but they have slight differences in their formulations. By performance, Vichy LiftActive B3 Serum is basically an anti-aging dark spot corrector serum that is designed to reduce dark spots and wrinkles, even skin tone, and is suitable for all skin tones.
Unlike La Roche Posay Retinol B3 Serum, Vichy LiftActiv B3 Serum does not contain retinol. Instead, it contains other powerful key ingredients like Niacinamide, Glycolic Acid (AHA), Tranexamic Acid, and Peptides. These ingredients’ primary function may not be battling skin aging although they can also reduce it, but they work together so well to target dark spots and even skin tone.
For its application, it’s recommended to be used as a first step in your routine after cleansing and under a moisturizer, which you may use this product twice daily for optimal results. For the application practice, you can turn the product upside down and squeeze the base of the applicator tip to dispense the formula. As you have done so, apply several drops all over a clean, dry face in your morning (under an SPF) and evening.
On the other hand, La Roche Posay Retinol B3 Serum is an anti-aging serum that targets signs of aging, uneven skin tone, dullness, and breakouts too. It contains concentrated pure retinol, a potent ingredient known for its anti-aging benefits. It’s also known to stimulate the production of new skin cells and inhibit the breakdown of collagen. This makes it a “strong” ingredient in terms of its ability to significantly impact the skin’s appearance and texture.
It’s recommended to use La Roche Posay Retinol B3 Serum in 3-4 drops quantity during the evening and after cleansing the face. It’s ideal to apply this serum on your face and neck while taking care to avoid the eye area. Just gently massage the serum with your fingertips, it can be used alone or under another product.
The serum is advised to be used only once in your daily evening skincare routine. But if you are new to retinol, it is recommended to start with using the serum 2-3 times a week to help build tolerance and gradually build up to every other night, and then to daily use. Always remember that retinol can irritate the skin, especially in the early days of using a new retinol product. That’s why you are also expected to follow the application of this serum with a daily moisturizer and SPF.
Price Differences between Vichy LiftActiv B3 Serum and La Roche Posay Retinol B3
On the market, the price of Vichy LiftActiv B3 Serum is around $45 for the 20ml size, while La Roche Posay Retinol B3 Serum is priced at $45 for the 30ml size. Upon this estimation, it can be inferred that the Vichy LiftActiv B3 Serum is more expensive per milliliter compared to the La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum. Although both serums are priced at $45, the Vichy serum offers a smaller quantity (20ml) compared to La Roche-Posay’s (30ml).
| Vichy LiftActiv B3 Serum | La Roche Posay Retinol B3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Features | - Anti aging serum and dark spot remover for face to lighten, brighten and correct uneven skin tone with peptides, glycolic acid, niacinamide (vitamin b3) and tranexamic acid for hyperpigmentation. - Skin brightening serum to help fade the look of discoloration and improve overall skin appearance. - Best to use glycolic acid serum before SPF (AM) and moisturizer (PM). Use for 8 weeks for best results. | - This Pure Retinol & Vitamin B3 serum visibly reduces the look of lines, wrinkles, & signs of premature sun damage. - This serum has a lightweight, hydrating texture that visibly renews skin, reducing lines and wrinkles and creating a more luminous look. - Apply 3-4 drops in the evening to the face & neck. Use alone & always with SPF protection. Avoid contact with eyes. |
Conclusion
In the end, both serums offer potent anti-aging benefits, but they differ slightly in their formulations and target areas. If you’re primarily concerned about dark spots and achieving an even skin tone, Vichy LiftActiv B3 Serum may be the better option for you. Its blend of niacinamide, glycolic acid, tranexamic acid, and peptides work synergistically to reduce dark spots and improve skin texture.
However, if you’re looking to target signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, and dullness, La Roche Posay Retinol B3 Serum might be more suitable. With its concentrated pure retinol and niacinamide, it effectively promotes skin cell turnover, stimulates collagen production, and improves overall skin texture.
Eventually, the choice between these two serums comes down to your specific skincare concerns and preferences. You have to consider factors such as targeted benefits, ingredients, texture, and price when making your decision and confidently choose the serum that best matches your needs the best.