Hands up if you take water for granted.
*raises hand*
I’m so busy feeding my skin all the antioxidants it needs, I often forget to quench its thirst for water. Ahem…
Most of the time, it’s not a problem. In the hottest months my skin has all the moisture it needs. No point in adding more.
But in winter? That’s when you realise how precious water is for your skin. The freezing cold winds and low humidity plot to suck all the air out of your skin, leaving it dry, dull and flaky.
That’s your cue to introduce a hydration booster into your skincare routine. Atm, I’m using the new Vichy Mineral 89 Fortifying And Plumping Daily Booster. Here’s why:
- What’s In Vichy Mineral 89 Fortifying And Plumping Daily Booster?
- Texture
- Fragrance
- How To Use It
- Performance & Personal Opinion
- Who Is This For?
- Who Is This NOT For?
- Packaging
- Does Vichy Mineral 89 Fortifying And Plumping Daily Booster Live Up To Its Claims?
- Price & Availability
- Do You Need It?
- Dupes & Alternatives
What’s In Vichy Mineral 89 Fortifying And Plumping Daily Booster?
VICHY’S THERMAL WATER TO HYDRATE AND SOOTHE SKIN
It’s no secret that water is the main ingredient in most skincare products. But in Vichy Mineral 89 Fortifying And Plumping Daily Booster it makes up a whooping 89% of the formula! That’s A LOT of water!
It’s not just plain water, either. It’s Vichy’s Thermal Water. The difference? Thermal waters come from hot springs and are rich in minerals that – legend goes – gives them moisturising, soothing and skin-strengthening properties.
Each type of thermal water has a slightly different composition. Vichy’s has 15 minerals, including potassium, magnesium and calcium. These are the same minerals found in your skin’s natural moisturising factor.
Unfortunately, all the studies I could find about Vichy’s thermal water are made by companies selling it. Still, water is good for your skin and the minerals in it are known to have soothing and moisturising properties. It’s not just a fad.
Want to get the most out of your skincare products? Click on the image below to subscribe to my newsletter and receive the “How To Combine Actives Like A Pro” cheatsheet.
HUMECTANTS TO HYDRATE SKIN
Vichy Mineral 89 Fortifying And Plumping Daily Booster has only 11 ingredients. Vichy did it on purpose so the booster wouldn’t irritate even the most sensitive of skin types.
Most of these other ingredients, such as glycerin and sodium hyaluronate, are humectants. That’s a fancy way of saying they draw moisture from the environment and dump it into the skin, binding it there.
I have a soft spot for sodium hyaluronate. It’s a form of hyaluronic acid that can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water! With all this moisture, your skin can’t help but get softer, plumper and glower!
Related: Why You Should Add Hyaluronic Acid To Your Skincare Routine
Texture
Lightweight, gel-like consistency that absorbs immediately into the skin.
Fragrance
It’s fragrance-free.
How To Use It
Morning and/or night, right after cleansing.
Performance & Personal Opinion
Now that winter’s coming fast, the low temperatures can suck all the moisture out of my skin, leaving it dry and even flaking. Anything that adds moisture back and helps fight this dehydration is welcome. 🙂
The catch? It’s not enough to add moisture into the skin. You have to keep it there. Vichy Mineral 89 Fortifying And Plumping Daily Booster isn’t a moisturiser.
It’s a booster you apply after cleansing and then seal in with a moisturiser (FIY, you can apply a serum in between). Thankfully, it layers well with other skincare products.
This is something you’d use if you have dry or sensitive skin that needs that extra burst of moisture to stay soft and supple. If you find that your skin is feeling a little tighter than usual at this time of the year or your skin is always on the dry side, this could be a great addition to your skincare routine.
It does the hydrating job so well, it leaves my skin softer and plumper for hours.
Who Is This For?
Everyone can use it, but it’s most suitable for dry and dehydrated skin.
Who Is This NOT For?
If you don’t need a hydrating serum, this isn’t for you.
Packaging
A clear to blue-coloured bottle that evokes the look and feel of water. The pump applicator releases just the right amount of product you need. Beautiful and practical.
Does Vichy Mineral 89 Fortifying And Plumping Daily Booster Live Up To Its Claims?
CLAIM | TRUE? |
---|---|
Hydrates and plumps your skin with moisture. | True. |
Instantly strengthens the skin’s barrier function. | It helps a little, but I still recommend following up with a moisturiser for this. |
Acts as a protective shield against Pollution. | No. You need antioxidants for this. |
A fresh, light gel-like texture that absorbs into the complexion immediately, drenching it with moisture. | True. |
The first step in your skincare regime which leaves skin plump, protected and ready for the next step. | First after cleansing. It does leave skin plumper and ready for the next step. |
Price & Availability
$29.50/£25.00 at Dermstore, Escentual, Feel Unique and Ulta
Do You Need It?
If you’re looking for a hydrating serum, this is a great option to consider.
[penci_review]
Dupes & Alternatives
- La Roche Posay Heal B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum (£27.75): available at Feel Unique and Look Fantastic
- Niod Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Acid (£25.00): available at Beauty Bay and Cult Beauty
- Paula’s Choice Resist Hyaluronic Acid Booster ($34.00): available at Dermstore, Nordstrom, Paula’s Choice and Selfridges
- The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (£5.90): available at Beauty Bay, Cult Beauty and Feel Unique
Ingredients
Aqua, PEG/PPG/Polybutylene Glycol-8/5/3 Glycerin, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Methyl Gluceth-20, Carbomer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Biosaccharide Gum-1. Code F.I.L. : D201455/1
I like the sound of this but i agree it is rather basic. I love water its amazing but it can also be the worst thing for your skin as water can actually dehydrate your skin due to transepidermal water loss its insane!
Andrew James – beautyandtheboy.com
Andrew, I agree. The key with water is to use it with an occlusive moisturiser/oil so its can’t escape. I think it would work well for someone who is already using all their actives (retinol, vitamin C etc) and is just looking to add a burst of hydration to their skin.
Hai Gio
can we make our own Hyaluronic Acid serum by mixing water with Hyaluronic acid with 2% dilution? is it as effective as store bought ones ?
Harsha, if you want to make your own hyaluronic acid serum, I recommend you use this recipe: https://simpleskincarescience.com/diy-hyaluronic-acid-serum-recipe/
Hi Gio
Great article as usual ! I got a bottle of this Mineral 89 serum a month ago and loving it! it’s not sticky at all and I LOVE Hyaluronic acid! What do you think of Dr Sebagh serum repair? when you have time, can you do a review on on Dr Sebagh’s product? your articles are so good I can’t stop reading them!
Alan, I’ve been meaning to do an overview of Dr Sebagh products for ages now. It’s coming soon! That serum is good. A bit basic for the price but definitely very hydrating.
Are there any Dr Sebagh products you’re particularly interested in?