Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Volcanic Water | Unbiased Skincare Efficacy Review by AI

Review

Does Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Volcanic Water Work?

According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Volcanic Water has to offer:

Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.

Key Benefits of Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Volcanic Water

These are the key benefits you can expect from using Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Volcanic Water:

Lightweight Purely Humectant Moisturizing, Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Volcanic Water is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? It is purely humectant. It has zero occlusivity (we didn't find any occlusive ingredients on the ingredient list) and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, entirely due to the high content of Manganese PCA (est. ≈22.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, providing significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula without any occlusive ingredients.

Tip: Certain studies suggest that humectants alone may not effectively moisturize the skin. If you use this product as your only moisturizer, we recommend following it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients.

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 AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Volcanic Water

CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Volcanic Water to your skincare routine:

If It’s Your Only Moisturizer, It Needs to Be Paired with Some Occlusives

While humectants are highly effective at attracting water to the skin, studies (J. N. Kraft, C. W. Lynde) suggest they may not be efficient when used alone.

One major drawback of purely humectant moisturization is that the water attracted by humectants to the upper layers of the skin can evaporate completely into the environment through transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Adding occlusive ingredients helps seal this moisture into the skin and prevent further water loss.

If you’re using Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Volcanic Water as your only moisturizer, consider pairing it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients, such as oils, butters, or silicones. These work alongside humectants to create a protective barrier, locking in hydration and ensuring longer-lasting moisturization. The amount of occlusive needed depends on your skin type - the drier the skin, the more occlusives it requires.

If this product is used not as a standalone moisturizer but as part of your skincare routine, such as a toner or serum, it should be applied before your main moisturizer (unless it's a sunscreen), which will provide the necessary occlusivity on top of it.

Pros & Cons of Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Volcanic Water

Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Volcanic Water 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:

Only if used as a standalone moisturizer - it needs to be paired with occlusives to seal in humectants

Astringent
Abrasive
Formula helpers

Other

Est. % The Estimated % is our algorithm-based assumption about an ingredient's concentration in a formula. Learn more The Estimated % is our algorithm-based assumption about an ingredient's concentration in a formula. Learn more	Ingredient	Origin	Functions
50	Iron Powder Iron Powder	Naturally occurring These are ingredients initially present in nature, such as elements (Zinc, Gold, or Silver), minerals, or water. Naturally occurring These are ingredients initially present in nature, such as elements (Zinc, Gold, or Silver), minerals, or water.	Formula helper Opacifying – reflects light and creates opaque products. Reducing – reduces substances by donating electrons. Formula helper Opacifying – reflects light and creates opaque products. Reducing – reduces substances by donating electrons.
22	Manganese PCA Manganese PCA	Botanical, Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Botanical, Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure.	Moisturizing (Humectant) Humectants are moisturizing ingredients that draw moisture to the skin, either from deeper layers or from the environment (when it's humid). Moisturizing (Humectant) Humectants are moisturizing ingredients that draw moisture to the skin, either from deeper layers or from the environment (when it's humid).
11	Fluorenone Fluorenone
6	Potassium Iodide Potassium Iodide		Antimicrobial Antimicrobials prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms on the skin. Antimicrobial Antimicrobials prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms on the skin.
4	Silicon Silicon	Naturally occurring These are ingredients initially present in nature, such as elements (Zinc, Gold, or Silver), minerals, or water. Naturally occurring These are ingredients initially present in nature, such as elements (Zinc, Gold, or Silver), minerals, or water.	Abrasive Abrasives 'physically' exfoliate the skin (i.e., manually remove dead skin cells) by rubbing against its surface. Abrasive Abrasives 'physically' exfoliate the skin (i.e., manually remove dead skin cells) by rubbing against its surface.
3	Magnesium Hydroxide Magnesium Hydroxide		Formula helper Absorbent – soaks up excess oil from the skin. Bulking – increases the volume of a product. Opacifying – reflects light and creates opaque products. pH adjuster – alters the pH level of a formula. Formula helper Absorbent – soaks up excess oil from the skin. Bulking – increases the volume of a product. Opacifying – reflects light and creates opaque products. pH adjuster – alters the pH level of a formula.
2	Sodium Iodide Sodium Iodide		Antimicrobial Antimicrobials prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms on the skin. Antimicrobial Antimicrobials prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms on the skin.
1.5	Sulfur Sulfur is a registered OTC drug ingredient that can be used to fight acne. As a keratolytic, it helps remove dead skin buildup. Sulfur Sulfur is a registered OTC drug ingredient that can be used to fight acne. As a keratolytic, it helps remove dead skin buildup.	Naturally occurring, These are ingredients initially present in nature, such as elements (Zinc, Gold, or Silver), minerals, or water. Naturally occurring, These are ingredients initially present in nature, such as elements (Zinc, Gold, or Silver), minerals, or water. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure.	Anti-Acne, Anti-acne agents treat acne blemishes, blackheads, and whiteheads. Anti-Acne, Anti-acne agents treat acne blemishes, blackheads, and whiteheads. Sebum Regulating, Sebum regulating agents reduce excess oil production in the skin. Sebum Regulating, Sebum regulating agents reduce excess oil production in the skin. Anti-Seborrheic, Anti-seborrheic ingredients help to treat seborrheic dermatitis. Anti-Seborrheic, Anti-seborrheic ingredients help to treat seborrheic dermatitis. Formula helper Antistatic – reduces electric charge buildup. Formula helper Antistatic – reduces electric charge buildup.
1	Boron Nitride A synthetically made compound that has several functions. As an opacifier, it can provide a range of appearances, ranging from translucent to completely opaque. It is also an excellent absorber and is capable of high oil absorption. Boron Nitride A synthetically made compound that has several functions. As an opacifier, it can provide a range of appearances, ranging from translucent to completely opaque. It is also an excellent absorber and is capable of high oil absorption.	Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure.	Formula helper Absorbent – soaks up excess oil from the skin. Bulking – increases the volume of a product. Opacifying – reflects light and creates opaque products. Slip modifier – provides lubricity to a product. Formula helper Absorbent – soaks up excess oil from the skin. Bulking – increases the volume of a product. Opacifying – reflects light and creates opaque products. Slip modifier – provides lubricity to a product.
0.3	Lithium Sulfide Lithium Sulfide
0.3	Strontium Sulfide Strontium Sulfide
0.3	Zinc Carbonate Hydroxide Zinc Carbonate Hydroxide		Formula helper Bulking – increases the volume of a product. pH adjuster – alters the pH level of a formula. Formula helper Bulking – increases the volume of a product. pH adjuster – alters the pH level of a formula.
0.3	Ammonium Alum Ammonium Alum		Astringent Astringent ingredients provide the skin with a tightened feeling, help to reduce the appearance of large pores, and assist in the healing of small cuts and wounds. Astringent Astringent ingredients provide the skin with a tightened feeling, help to reduce the appearance of large pores, and assist in the healing of small cuts and wounds.
0.3	Oleyl Phosphate Oleyl Phosphate		Formula helper Emulsifying – helps to mix water and oil together. Formula helper Emulsifying – helps to mix water and oil together.

Iron Powder

Function:

Origin:

Manganese PCA

Function:

Origin:

Fluorenone

Function:

Origin:

Potassium Iodide

Function:

Origin:

Silicon

Function:

Origin:

Magnesium Hydroxide

Function:

Origin:

Sodium Iodide

Function:

Origin:

1.5

Sulfur

Function:

Origin:

Boron Nitride

Function:

Origin:

0.3

Lithium Sulfide

Function:

Origin:

0.3

Strontium Sulfide

Function:

Origin:

0.3

Zinc Carbonate Hydroxide

Function:

Origin:

0.3

Ammonium Alum

Function:

Origin:

0.3

Oleyl Phosphate

Function:

Origin:

Ratings

Manganese PCA

Benchmark

None

Benchmark

Moisturizing rating

5.0

Ingredient		Est. %	Benchmark Sciense based points to which we compare all humectants and all occlusives in a product to calculate its Humectancy and Occlusivity. Sciense based points to which we compare all humectants and all occlusives in a product to calculate its Humectancy and Occlusivity.	Raiting
Humectancy	All humectants	22	10	10.0
	Manganese PCA Manganese PCA	22
Occlusivity	All occlusives	0.0	20	0.0
	None
Moisturizing rating				5.0

Ingredient	Est. %	Benchmark According to various studies, a formula made up of 10% humectants will significantly increase skin hydration. Some studies also suggest that any further icrease in the consentration of humectants does not translate inty any more hydration and may even be dehydrating. To achieve maximum Humectancy, the product should have humectants with a total score of 10 and more. According to various studies, a formula made up of 10% humectants will significantly increase skin hydration. Some studies also suggest that any further icrease in the consentration of humectants does not translate inty any more hydration and may even be dehydrating. To achieve maximum Humectancy, the product should have humectants with a total score of 10 and more.	Humectancy
Manganese PCA Manganese PCA	22
All humectants	22	10	10

Manganese PCA

Benchmark

Ingredient	Est. %	Benchmark The most occlusive product possible is 100% petrolatum (hello Vaseline Jelly). According to studies, hovewer, even 10% petrolatum can achieve almost the same mosturizing effect. The occlusive properties of petrolatum are at least twice as superior as other occlusive ingredients. This is why, in order to match the moisturizing efficacy of 10% petrolatum, a product needs to contain at least 20% of other occlusives. Our benchmark for maximum Occlusivity is 20 (and the petrolatum score is always doubled). The most occlusive product possible is 100% petrolatum (hello Vaseline Jelly). According to studies, hovewer, even 10% petrolatum can achieve almost the same mosturizing effect. The occlusive properties of petrolatum are at least twice as superior as other occlusive ingredients. This is why, in order to match the moisturizing efficacy of 10% petrolatum, a product needs to contain at least 20% of other occlusives. Our benchmark for maximum Occlusivity is 20 (and the petrolatum score is always doubled).	Occlusivity
None
All occlusives	0.0	20	0.0

None

Benchmark

Ingredient	Ingredient anti-wrinkle power Shows on a scale of 0-10 how effective an ingredient is at reducing wrinkles. Both the Reported Efficacy of the ingredient and the Strength of Evidence are taken into account. Shows on a scale of 0-10 how effective an ingredient is at reducing wrinkles. Both the Reported Efficacy of the ingredient and the Strength of Evidence are taken into account.	when present at, %	in this formula est. %	Rating
None
Total				0

None

Anti-wrinkle rating

Ingredient	Est. %	Benchmark It differs from one antioxidant ingredient to another, but, on average, the research suggests that topically applied antioxidants are effective in consentrations of 3% or above. Any product with a total antioxidant score of 3 or more is considered to be reach in antioxidants. It differs from one antioxidant ingredient to another, but, on average, the research suggests that topically applied antioxidants are effective in consentrations of 3% or above. Any product with a total antioxidant score of 3 or more is considered to be reach in antioxidants.	Rich in Antioxidants
None
All antioxidants	0	3	No

None

Benchmark

Ingredient	Est. %	Benchmark The effective concentration of soothing ingredients varies, but we consider a product rich in soothing ingredients if their estimated concentration is equal to or higher than 5%. The effective concentration of soothing ingredients varies, but we consider a product rich in soothing ingredients if their estimated concentration is equal to or higher than 5%.	Rich in Soothing
None
All soothing	0	5	No

None

Benchmark

Ingredients explained

Iron Powder
Est. %	50
Function	Opacifying, Opacifying – reflects light and creates opaque products. Opacifying, Opacifying – reflects light and creates opaque products. Reducing Reducing – reduces substances by donating electrons. Reducing Reducing – reduces substances by donating electrons.
Origin	Naturally occurring These are ingredients initially present in nature, such as elements (Zinc, Gold, or Silver), minerals, or water. Naturally occurring These are ingredients initially present in nature, such as elements (Zinc, Gold, or Silver), minerals, or water.

Manganese PCA
Est. %	22
Function	Moisturizing (Humectant) Humectants are moisturizing ingredients that draw moisture to the skin, either from deeper layers or from the environment (when it's humid). Moisturizing (Humectant) Humectants are moisturizing ingredients that draw moisture to the skin, either from deeper layers or from the environment (when it's humid).
Origin	Botanical, Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Botanical, Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure.

Fluorenone
Est. %	11
Function
Origin

Potassium Iodide
Est. %	6
Function	Antimicrobial Antimicrobials prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms on the skin. Antimicrobial Antimicrobials prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms on the skin.
Origin

Silicon
Est. %	4
Function	Abrasive Abrasives 'physically' exfoliate the skin (i.e., manually remove dead skin cells) by rubbing against its surface. Abrasive Abrasives 'physically' exfoliate the skin (i.e., manually remove dead skin cells) by rubbing against its surface.
Origin	Naturally occurring These are ingredients initially present in nature, such as elements (Zinc, Gold, or Silver), minerals, or water. Naturally occurring These are ingredients initially present in nature, such as elements (Zinc, Gold, or Silver), minerals, or water.

Magnesium Hydroxide
Est. %	3
Function	Absorbent, Absorbent – soaks up excess oil from the skin. Absorbent, Absorbent – soaks up excess oil from the skin. Bulking, Bulking – increases the volume of a product. Bulking, Bulking – increases the volume of a product. Opacifying, Opacifying – reflects light and creates opaque products. Opacifying, Opacifying – reflects light and creates opaque products. pH Adjuster pH adjuster – alters the pH level of a formula. pH Adjuster pH adjuster – alters the pH level of a formula.
Origin

Sodium Iodide
Est. %	2
Function	Antimicrobial Antimicrobials prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms on the skin. Antimicrobial Antimicrobials prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms on the skin.
Origin

Sulfur
Est. %	1.5
Function	Anti-Acne, Anti-acne agents treat acne blemishes, blackheads, and whiteheads. Anti-Acne, Anti-acne agents treat acne blemishes, blackheads, and whiteheads. Sebum Regulating, Sebum regulating agents reduce excess oil production in the skin. Sebum Regulating, Sebum regulating agents reduce excess oil production in the skin. Anti-Seborrheic, Anti-seborrheic ingredients help to treat seborrheic dermatitis. Anti-Seborrheic, Anti-seborrheic ingredients help to treat seborrheic dermatitis. Antistatic Antistatic – reduces electric charge buildup. Antistatic Antistatic – reduces electric charge buildup.
Origin	Naturally occurring, These are ingredients initially present in nature, such as elements (Zinc, Gold, or Silver), minerals, or water. Naturally occurring, These are ingredients initially present in nature, such as elements (Zinc, Gold, or Silver), minerals, or water. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure.

Sulfur is a registered OTC drug ingredient that can be used to fight acne. As a keratolytic, it helps remove dead skin buildup.

Boron Nitride
Est. %	1
Function	Absorbent, Absorbent – soaks up excess oil from the skin. Absorbent, Absorbent – soaks up excess oil from the skin. Bulking, Bulking – increases the volume of a product. Bulking, Bulking – increases the volume of a product. Opacifying, Opacifying – reflects light and creates opaque products. Opacifying, Opacifying – reflects light and creates opaque products. Slip Modifier Slip modifier – provides lubricity to a product. Slip Modifier Slip modifier – provides lubricity to a product.
Origin	Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure.

A synthetically made compound that has several functions. As an opacifier, it can provide a range of appearances, ranging from translucent to completely opaque. It is also an excellent absorber and is capable of high oil absorption.

Lithium Sulfide
Est. %	0.3
Function
Origin

Strontium Sulfide
Est. %	0.3
Function
Origin

Zinc Carbonate Hydroxide
Est. %	0.3
Function	Bulking, Bulking – increases the volume of a product. Bulking, Bulking – increases the volume of a product. pH Adjuster pH adjuster – alters the pH level of a formula. pH Adjuster pH adjuster – alters the pH level of a formula.
Origin

Ammonium Alum
Est. %	0.3
Function	Astringent Astringent ingredients provide the skin with a tightened feeling, help to reduce the appearance of large pores, and assist in the healing of small cuts and wounds. Astringent Astringent ingredients provide the skin with a tightened feeling, help to reduce the appearance of large pores, and assist in the healing of small cuts and wounds.
Origin

Oleyl Phosphate
Est. %	0.3
Function	Emulsifying Emulsifying – helps to mix water and oil together. Emulsifying Emulsifying – helps to mix water and oil together.
Origin