Vichy LiftActiv B3 Tone Correcting Cream, Night with Retinol

Vichy LiftActiv B3 Tone Correcting Cream, Night with Retinol
5.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.3 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
9.7Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers

Review

Does Vichy LiftActiv B3 Tone Correcting Cream, Night with Retinol work?

Based on the ingredient list analysis by CreamScan AI, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Vichy LiftActiv B3 Tone Correcting Cream, Night with Retinol:

  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.2 out of 10.
  • Potent anti-wrinkle effect. With an anti-wrinkle rating of 9.7 out of 10, Vichy LiftActiv B3 Tone Correcting Cream, Night with Retinol is highly potent in reducing wrinkles.
  • Soothing: Vichy LiftActiv B3 Tone Correcting Cream, Night with Retinol contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Lightweight moisturizer ideal for oily skin and a humectant boost for any skincare routine

According to CreamScan analysis, Vichy LiftActiv B3 Tone Correcting Cream, Night with Retinol is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.2 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.3 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈9.0%), Panthenol (est. ≈4.1%) and Niacinamide (est. ≈4.0%).

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.

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.

Potent anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Vichy LiftActiv B3 Tone Correcting Cream, Night with Retinol has a very high anti-wrinkle rating of 9.7 out of 10.

It contains 2 active ingredients with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy:

  • Niacinamide (est. ≈4.0%),
     one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients. A clinical study involving 30 participants (Kawada et al.) confirmed that a cream with 4% niacinamide reduced the average depth of wrinkles around the eyes by 9% after 8 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without niacinamide).
  • Retinol (est. ≈0.15%),
     the most effective non-prescription anti-wrinkle ingredient. Numerous clinical studies have shown its positive effects at concentrations as low as 0.1%. A study with 36 participants (Kafi et al.) confirmed that a lotion containing 0.4% retinol reduced wrinkle severity by 21% after 24 weeks of use, compared to the same formulation without retinol (vehicle).
Among others, Vichy LiftActiv B3 Tone Correcting Cream, Night with Retinol also contains some ingredients marketed often as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Adenosine, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, these ingredients do not contribute to the anti-wrinkle rating.
 

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Rich in skin-protecting antioxidants

We estimate that Vichy LiftActiv B3 Tone Correcting Cream, Night with Retinol is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Niacinamide (est. ≈4.0%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Skin soothing and calming potential

Based on the ingredient list analysis, Vichy LiftActiv B3 Tone Correcting Cream, Night with Retinol is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Panthenol (est. ≈4.1%) and Niacinamide (est. ≈4.0%).

When applied to the skin, compounds of soothing ingredients, such as triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, work together to soothe the skin through various mechanisms: reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, repairing the skin barrier, and providing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
60
9
6
4.1
4
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
0.15
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
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:
Isononyl Isononanoate
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Diisopropyl Sebacate
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
PEG-40 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Rice Protein
Function:
Origin:
Adenosine
Function:
Origin:
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Function:
Origin:
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Function:
Origin:
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Function:
Origin:
Vitreoscilla Ferment
Function:
Origin:
Retinol
Function:
Origin:
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Function:
Origin:
PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 20
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Lactate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Polyacrylate Starch
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Tristearate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Trideceth-6
Function:
Origin:
Yellow 6 (CI 15985)
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
20.0
9
4.1
4
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 20.0 10
10.0
9
4.1
4
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.6 20
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
9
4.1
4
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 20.0 10
10
All humectants
20.0
9
4.1
4
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 0.6 20
0.3
All occlusives
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
6 /10 4 4 6
10 /10 0.4 0.15 3.7
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
9.7
Niacinamide
6
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
4
Retinol
3.7
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
10 /10
when present at, %
0.4
in this formula, est. %
0.15
Adenosine
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
9.7
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 4.9 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
4.9
Niacinamide
4
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
0.3
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
4.1
4
All soothing 8.1 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
8.1
4.1
4
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %60
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. %9
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Isononyl Isononanoate
Est. %6
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.
Panthenol
Est. %4.1
Function
Origin
PanthenolA popular soothing and moisturizing derivative of vitamin B5. Panthenol is particularly beneficial for dry, flaking, burned, or damaged skin. It is used to alleviate the symptoms of a rash, dermatitis, eczema, chapped lips, and sunburn.
Niacinamide
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Niacinamide

Also known as vitamin B3, this ingredient is a true superstar with confirmed moisturizing, anti-acne, hyperpigmentation, and antioxidant benefits. Two studies confirm its significant anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Dicaprylyl CarbonateA very fast-spreading emollient that gives a product an incredibly lightweight feel. Dicaprylyl carbonate works well as a solvent for suspending insoluble solids such as mineral sunscreens or iron oxide pigments.
Pentylene Glycol
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Pentylene Glycol

A naturally or synthetically derived preservative that exhibits effective antifungal and antibacterial traits. It also acts as a booster for more traditional preservatives. Pentylene glycol can also serve as a moisturizing humectant and solvent.

Diisopropyl Sebacate
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Diisopropyl Sebacate
Cetyl Alcohol
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Cetyl AlcoholA waxy solid fatty alcohol derived from palm oil. It is most commonly used as a co-emulsifier and affects the final aesthetic of the product, leaving a soft and silky feeling on the skin. Cetyl alcohol is also used as a viscosity controlling agent.
PEG-40 Stearate
Est. %1
Function
Origin
PEG-40 StearateThis PEG, or polyethylene glycol, is excellent at emulsifying water and oil together to form oil-in-water emulsions. Due to its water-loving nature, PEG-40 stearate can also act as a cleansing agent.
Silica
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SilicaA widely used cosmetic ingredient with the same chemical composition as the sand found on beaches. A common function of silica is its ability to control viscosity. In certain chemical forms, it can effectively thicken cream-style products.
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycine Soja (Soybean) OilAn occlusive moisturizing oil expressed from soybeans. It does not leave an oily feeling on the skin due to its low content of saturated fatty acids. Glycine soja oil contains emollient fatty acids and a significant amount of antioxidants.
Hydrolyzed Rice Protein
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Rice ProteinA protein derived from rice bran with film-forming abilities. It can help increase moisturization in skin.
Adenosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Adenosine

A key molecule responsible for energy transportation, signaling, and enzyme activity. Adenosine is a popular anti-wrinkle ingredient, however, the key study about its anti-wrinkle efficacy (1) does not meet CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards as it is not double-blind.

Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7

A synthetic peptide that mimics the activity of immunoglobulin G and signals to the skin to stop the inflammation. It has been shown in studies to reduce wrinkles and enhance collagen content.

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1

A small peptide consisting of three amino acids with anti-wrinkle effects. Together with Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, it is a part of the popular anti-wrinkle complex called Matrixyl™ 3000.

Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl HydroxyhydrocinnamateAn antioxidant that protects vulnerable ingredients from the damage caused by ultraviolet radiation, which can also lead to the generation of damaging free radical species.
Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hydroxide

An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin.

Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Trisodium Ethylenediamine DisuccinateA chelating agent that disables harmful heavy metal ions present in skincare.
Vitreoscilla Ferment
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Vitreoscilla Ferment
Retinol
Est. %0.15
Function
Origin
Retinol

One of the most famous and well-researched anti-aging ingredients with a maximum anti-wrinkle power of 10 out of 10. It is proven to decrease wrinkles and help the skin regain its thickness, firmness, and texture. Retinol is also effective in treating pigmentation issues such as dark spots and acne.

Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerA synthetic ingredient that is used to thicken water and alcohol. It results in a more lightweight formula and is commonly found in gel products.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
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.

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.
Carbomer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CarbomerA synthetic ingredient with the ability to gel water. When used in emulsions, such as lotions and creams, carbomer can also act as an emulsion stabilizer.
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.
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
HydroxyethylcelluloseA naturally-derived thickener that can form clear gel textures without the slimy feeling, unlike some other natural gel-formers.
PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate
Polysorbate 20
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 20A viscous, amber-colored liquid that functions as a solubilizer to disperse small amounts of oil into a large water phase. Polysorbate 20 is frequently used to solubilize fragrance oils into water-based emulsions.
Sodium Lactate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium LactateA sodium salt of lactic acid. Its main function is as a humectant but it can also serve as a pH adjuster. Additionally, sodium lactate can also be used as a chemical exfoliant due to its close chemical relation to lactic acid.
Sodium Polyacrylate Starch
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Polyacrylate Starch
Sorbitan Tristearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbitan Tristearate
Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.

Trideceth-6
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Trideceth-6
Yellow 6 (CI 15985)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Yellow 6 (CI 15985)A petroleum-derived reddish-yellow dye, also known as Sunset Yellow. It is the third most used pigment in food, cosmetics, and drugs.
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.
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.