Versus

Vichy Liftactiv B3 Serum Dark Spots & Wrinkles Versus The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

Serum
Serum
French Brand France
Canadian Brand Canada

Updated on June 07, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe serums. They have a total of 4 ingredients in common

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, sensitive skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, parabens or sulfates

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

What's inside (and what isn't)

What's inside (and what isn't)

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.

You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water
Preservative

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.

It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.

Antimicrobial, Preservative

Chlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative. It helps protect a product against bacteria in order to extend shelf life. In most cases, Chlorphenesin is paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol.

Chlorphenesin is a biocide. This means it is able to help fight the microorganisms on our skin. It is also able to fight odor-releasing bacteria.

Chlorphenesin is soluble in both water and glycerin.

Studies show Chlorphenesin is easily absorbed by our skin. You should speak with a skincare professional if you have concerns about using Chlorphenesin.

Learn more about Chlorphenesin

Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate is used to help stabilize a product.

It is a chelating agent, meaning it helps prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This prevents unwanted reactions in products. Metal ions can come into a product via the water ingredient. They are found in trace amounts and are not known to be harmful.

When to use

103 Routines
45% use in am
55% use in pm
83% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
2,903 Routines
42% use in am
58% use in pm
86% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Vichy Liftactiv B3 Serum Dark Spots & Wrinkles 20 ingredients

3.8 /5
from 4 ratings
Absorbs Well (3) Works Well (3) Light (2)
p4j's avatar

p4j

1 year ago
Review

Works for dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Lightweight. Oily and sensitive skin can use! (unless you’re sensitive to niacinamide and glycolic acid)

#great value
#expensive
#light
#absorbs well
alinashapoo's avatar

Alina Shapoo

15 days ago
Review

Okayish
-tad bit sticky but that’s okay for my dry skin
- gave me no breakouts so that’s good
- hoping will brighten up my dull skin (been using for a week)

#heavy
#absorbs well
#sticky
#works well

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% 17 ingredients

2.9 /5
from 36 ratings
Pilling (16) Great Value (14) Works Well (12)
Elapidae's avatar

Ela

3 months ago
Review

It’s a great starter product with azelic acid.
The price is relatively cheap, the tube will last you long time and it delivers what it should - azelic acid.
However, despite people’s suggestions here I personally would not use it as last step. It does not say it on their homepage but azelic acid has usually low ph. Thus adding it as last step might cause damaged skin barrier on a long run! Show more

#great value
#drying
#works well
anniec's avatar

anniec

1 year ago
Review

Hate
I have rosacea and perioral dermatitis so I thought this would heal my skin but I HATE it. It’s silicone based so it dries matte and you can’t apply sunscreen or any makeup on top. You also can’t reapply because it’ll start pilling. Don’t even think about touching your face after putting this on because it’ll pill. It also stings really bad which is the opposite of what you need for rosacea Show more

#irritating
#heavy
#pilling