Vichy Liftactiv Specialist B3 Serum for oily skin
Niacinamide
Glycolic Acid
Tranexamic Acid
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Hydrolyzed Rice Protein
High
- HighOily Skin Fit
- AverageEffectiveness
- HighSafety
A great choice for oily skin; a few serums fit it even better.
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily skin: shine, enlarged pores, blackheads, and blemishes. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.
Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works
Lovi Assistant explains
- Highly suitable for your oily skin due to niacinamide and glycolic acid, which help regulate sebum and exfoliate dead skin cells, respectively, improving overall skin tone and reducing hyperpigmentation.
- The formula also provides general hydration and soothing benefits, supporting your skin's health without exacerbating oiliness.
- The product is safe for your skin, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of harsh ingredients.
How to apply
- Use this serum in your PM routine. Start by applying it 3 times a week and build up to daily use if your skin tolerates it well.
- Apply the serum after cleansing and toning, but right before your moisturizer for the best results.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin. Let it absorb ⏱ for a minute before applying the next product.
- Apply the serum on clean and dry skin since your skin is not sensitive and you want to target oily shine. This helps control excess oil throughout the night.
- Avoid the delicate eye area and do a patch test before using the serum for the very first time.
People Say
★4.5Overall rating based on 1.0k+ reviewsBased on a very large amount of data, this serum is highly praised by users dealing with hyperpigmentation, dullness, and uneven skin tone for its ability to visibly fade dark spots and brighten the complexion. Its lightweight, fast-absorbing formula is frequently noted as gentle on sensitive skin. Some users indicate that consistent, long-term use is necessary to see significant results on stubborn dark spots and deep wrinkles.
Highlights
Evens skin tone Often Mentioned
- “it has seemed to have evened my skin tone as I used to have alot of dark patches”
- “My skin looks brighter and more plump”
- “I can see my skin is brighter and glowing after 3 weeks.”
- “Now I have radiant, even and smooth skin.”
Fades dark spots Often Mentioned
- “I have definitely noticed a difference in my dark spots they seem to be slowly fading”
- “helps me correct some dark pigmentation spots I had on my left cheek.”
- “Helps with smoothing fine lines & fading dark spots!”
- “diminishing the appearance of dark spots and evening out skin tone.”
Lightweight and fast-absorbing Often Mentioned
- “The formula is so light and doesn't leave skin feeling oily.”
- “It absorbs quickly into my skin and is so smooth”
- “This lightweight, non-greasy serum absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving a sticky residue.”
- “The serum is light and Its absorbs quite quickly and it's not sticky”
Gentle on sensitive skin Sometimes Noted
- “This is a great serum for sensitive skin.”
- “I like it doesn't irritate my skin.”
- “didn't cause me any negative reaction and my skin felt smoother”
- “gentle on sensitive skin.”
Takes time for results Sometimes Noted
- “haven't seen a change in dark spots but I need to give it more time”
- “It's still too early to tell any visible difference”
- “hopeful that with continued use I will see the changes”
- “Repeated use and time will tell.”
Applicator design issues Rarely Noted
- “The only issue I have with it is the applicator, I wish it had a drop applicator instead so I don't waste so much product”
- “The applicator... is a bit unique. With the long pointed tip offering precision, I felt like a scientist”
- “I wish it had a drop applicator instead so I don't waste so much product”
Ineffective on deep wrinkles Rarely Noted
- “so far have not seen any improvement in my deep wrinkles.”
- “I'm hoping in time I will see some results.”
- “haven't seen any improvement in my deep wrinkles.”
Sources: lovi.care, dermstore.com, lookfantastic.com, walmart.ca, my-origines.com, lovelyskin.com, and more
Questions and answers
What makes Liftactiv Specialist B3 Serum a great fit for oily skin?
This serum is a great fit for your oily skin because niacinamide and glycolic acid help regulate extra oil and gently clear away dead skin cells. These ingredients also help even out your skin tone and fade dark spots while keeping your skin hydrated and calm without feeling heavy. It is very gentle on your skin and is unlikely to cause irritation.
Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for oily skin?
Niacinamide and glycolic acid make this serum a great fit for oily skin because they help regulate oil and gently exfoliate dead skin cells. These ingredients improve your overall skin tone and reduce dark spots while keeping your skin calm and hydrated without adding extra shine.
What does Niacinamide do for oily skin?
Niacinamide helps balance oily skin by significantly reducing excess oil production and shine. It is well tolerated and may improve skin texture without clogging pores.
Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 2006Antioxidants, 2021
What does Glycolic Acid do for oily skin?
Glycolic acid helps clear away dead skin and excess oil for a smooth, clean feel. It gently removes buildup from the surface, which keeps pores clear and skin looking fresh.
Molecules, 2023Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2011
Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for oily skin?
This treatment serum goes in the evening routine after cleansing and toning, and before moisturizing. Putting treatments in the evening keeps things simple and provides extra safety around sun exposure.
Can I use this serum with retinol, and in what order?
You can use this serum with retinol, but to keep your skin calm it is best to apply them on different nights or use this serum in the morning and retinol at night. Because both ingredients are active, alternating them helps prevent dryness and irritation while still improving your skin tone.
How often should I use this serum?
This serum is used in your evening routine once a week to start, and if your skin feels fine and you see good results, you can carefully use it more often. Niacinamide and glycolic acid help regulate oil and gently remove dead skin cells while keeping your skin calm.
Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily skin?
Vichy Liftactiv Specialist B3 Serum is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts on oily skin, as it contains niacinamide and glycolic acid to help regulate oil and clear dead skin cells without harsh ingredients. While some users may experience initial purging or take time to see results, the formula is generally well-tolerated and supports skin health.
Is this serum fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.
What the research says
Niacinamide significantly decreased hyperpigmentation and increased skin lightness compared with vehicle alone after 4 weeks of use in women by inhibiting melanosome transfer.
The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Topical treatment of nicotinamide, alone or in combination with other active ingredients, reduces the progression of skin aging and hyperpigmentation in clinical trials while being well tolerated.
Antioxidants, 2021Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, gluconolactone, and licochalcone A combined with 0.1% adapalene showed no hindrance compared to adapalene monotherapy and provided benefits in reducing complications in 25 subjects with mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019Topical post-laser application of human adipocyte-derived mesenchymal stem cell media combined with niacinamide significantly improved wrinkle index, melanin index, patient satisfaction, and investigator esthetic improvement scores compared to vehicle cream in patients with aging skin.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021Topical nicotinamide prevented solar-simulated UV-induced immunosuppression in healthy volunteers, and men experienced immunosuppression at solar-simulated UV doses three times lower than those required for women.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2008Topical 5% niacinamide applied twice daily for 12 weeks reduced fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmented spots, red blotchiness, and skin sallowness, and improved skin elasticity compared to vehicle control in 50 female white subjects with facial photoaging.
Dermatologic Surgery, 2005Repeated short-contact 70% glycolic acid peels provided superior results in atrophic acne scars compared to daily low-strength glycolic acid cream or placebo in 58 women over 24 weeks.
International Journal of Dermatology, 2000Serial glycolic acid peels combined with a modified Kligman formula significantly reduced facial PIH severity in Indian patients compared to the modified Kligman formula alone.
Dermatologic Surgery, 2017Topical application of 5% vitamin C cream significantly improved global clinical scores, increased skin microrelief density, and induced elastic tissue repair in photoaged skin compared to excipient control in healthy female volunteers.
Experimental Dermatology, 2003Ascorbic acid 2-glucoside gel significantly reduced gingival melanin pigmentation after 4 weeks compared to placebo in 73 subjects with symmetric pigmentation.
Journal of Periodontology, 2009Topical application of VC-IP cream twice daily for 8 weeks reduces periorbital wrinkles in female subjects compared to a placebo cream.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022Rice protein hydrolysate and its characteristic peptides Leu-Leu-Lys, Leu-Pro-Lys, and pyroGlu-Lys reduced melanin content, tyrosinase activity, and ROS production in UVB-induced human epidermal melanocyte PIG1 cells by regulating the JNK/Β-Trcp/NFΗB-p65/MITF signaling pathway and lowering TRP-1 and TRP-2 expression.
Food & Function, 2020
Ingredients
Water, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid, Glycerin, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Propylene Glycol, Glycolic Acid, Tranexamic Acid, Allantoin, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Vitreoscilla Ferment, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Xanthan Gum, Pentylene Glycol
Behind this fit score
Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
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Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
How does it fit your skin?
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