Vichy Aqualia Thermal Water Gel Moisturizer Review

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Water Gel Moisturizer
5.5
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
1.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Ingredients

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Water Gel Moisturizer Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat., Butylene Glycol, PEG/PPG/Polybutylene Glycol-8/5/3 Glycerin, Dimethicone, Isononyl Isononanoate, Red 33 (CI 17200), Blue 1 (CI 42090), Dimethiconol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Disodium EDTA, Caprylyl Glycol, Carrageenan, Citric Acid, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Xanthan Gum, t-Butyl Alcohol, Fragrance
Review

Does Vichy Aqualia Thermal Water Gel Moisturizer Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Vichy Aqualia Thermal Water Gel Moisturizer has to offer:
 
✅ Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.5 out of 10.

  

Key Benefits of Vichy Aqualia Thermal Water Gel Moisturizer

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Vichy Aqualia Thermal Water Gel Moisturizer:
 

🔵 Lightweight Humectant Moisturizer Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Vichy Aqualia Thermal Water Gel Moisturizer is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.5 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 1.0 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈7.5%), Butylene Glycol (est. ≈3.0%) and PEG/PPG/Polybutylene Glycol-8/5/3 Glycerin (est. ≈2.5%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, offering significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients.

It’s also a great choice for people with normal skin who prefer lightweight moisturizers.

💧 A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant boost will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

📌 Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Pros & Cons of Vichy Aqualia Thermal Water Gel Moisturizer

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Vichy Aqualia Thermal Water Gel Moisturizer to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

✅ When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
✅ As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing boost, beneficial for any skin type
✅ Lightweight texture
 

⭕ Cons: 

✅ We couldn't find any
   

Summary: Vichy Aqualia Thermal Water Gel Moisturizer

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Vichy Aqualia Thermal Water Gel Moisturizer
, when used alone, delivers lightweight, humectant-rich moisturizing, making it ideal for oily skin. As part of a moisturizing routine, it provides a humectant boost, beneficial for all skin types.
 
📌 Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

 

Ingredient Breakdown

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
7.5
5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol Denat.
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
PEG/PPG/Polybutylene Glycol-8/5/3 Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Isononyl Isononanoate
Function:
Origin:
Red 33 (CI 17200)
Function:
Origin:
Blue 1 (CI 42090)
Function:
Origin:
Dimethiconol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Carrageenan
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
t-Butyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
13.9
7.5
3
2.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
2.0
2.0
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 13.9 10
10.0
7.5
3
2.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 2.0 20
1.0
2.0
Moisturizing rating
5.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
7.5
3
2.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 13.9 10
10
All humectants
13.9
7.5
3
2.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
2
All occlusives 2.0 20
1.0
All occlusives
2.0
2.0
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
None
Total
0
None
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
All antioxidants 0.3 3 No
All antioxidants
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
All soothing 0.3 5 No
All soothing
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %75
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Glycerin
Est. %7.5
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Alcohol Denat.
Est. %5
Function
Origin
Alcohol Denat.

Denatured alcohol is ethanol that contains additives that make it unsafe to consume. It is mainly used as a solvent and an antimicrobial agent. A major drawback to alcohol denat. is that it dries out the skin.

Butylene Glycol
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol

A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.

PEG/PPG/Polybutylene Glycol-8/5/3 Glycerin
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
PEG/PPG/Polybutylene Glycol-8/5/3 Glycerin
Dimethicone
Est. %2
Function
Origin
DimethiconeThe most common silicone in skincare. It forms a silky, smooth film on the skin’s surface and can help to prevent water loss. It also aids in wound healing and can treat and soften scars. Dimethicone is considered to be very safe for use.
Isononyl Isononanoate
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Isononyl IsononanoateAn ester of a branched fatty acid with a branched fatty alcohol. It is an easily spreadable emollient that has a silky, dry, non-greasy feel on the skin.
Red 33 (CI 17200)
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Red 33 (CI 17200)Also known as D&C Red 33 or Acid Red 33, this ingredient is a synthetic azo used to color skincare products. It produces a cool red hue, with undertones of blue that lead to a hint of purple.
Blue 1 (CI 42090)
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Blue 1 (CI 42090)A synthetic dye commonly known as Brilliant Blue FCF that produces rich blue colors for various cosmetic uses. FD&C Blue #1 can also be found in foods, medications, and dietary supplements, as it is considered non-toxic and safe for use.
Dimethiconol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
DimethiconolA synthetic dimethicone with rich, non-tacky emolliency. It features the typical sensorial profile of silicones, with high spreadability and a luxurious, oil-free after-feel. Dimethiconol can also serve as an antifoaming agent.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate

A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant properties.

Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl TaurateAn emulsion stabilizer and thickener with gelling properties. The products containing this ingredient frequently feature lightweight and refreshing aesthetics upon application to the skin.
Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Carrageenan
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CarrageenanA gum-like thickener derived from a species of red algae called Irish moss. It helps to form a soft film on the skin, and aids in stabilizing product forms.
Citric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citric AcidA gently exfoliating AHA that helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. In comparison to other AHAs, citric acid has been shown to be one of the least effective. It is also very commonly used as a stabilizing and pH-controlling agent.
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Biosaccharide Gum-1A polysaccharide with humectant moisturizing and soothing properties.
Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Xanthan GumA natural multi-functional ingredient that originates from fermented sugars. Xanthan gum acts as a viscosity-building agent to thicken skincare products. It is also an excellent stabilizer and works well to hold other ingredients together.
t-Butyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
t-Butyl Alcohol
Fragrance
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
FragranceUnder trade secret law, manufacturers have the right not to disclose what exactly went into the fragrance and use the unspecific word Fragrance or Parfum instead. Many fragrances are highly allergenic.