A fast-absorbing 1.5% hyaluronic acid serum with vitamin Cg that promises instant hydration and smoother-looking lines. Here is how it really performs in a real-world routine.
If your skin looks tired by lunchtime or makeup settles into fine lines by the end of the day, you are likely dealing with dehydration. Vichy LiftActiv Supreme HA Wrinkle Corrector sets out to solve exactly that with a 1.5% hyaluronic acid blend supported by vitamin Cg and Vichy’s mineral-rich volcanic water. After weeks of testing it in simple and advanced routines alike, here is what stands out, what to expect, and how to get the best results.
Overview
LiftActiv Supreme HA Wrinkle Corrector is a lightweight, water-based serum designed to visibly plump fine lines fast while offering gradual smoothing with continued use. The formula combines high and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid for both surface-level hydration and deeper water retention. Vitamin Cg, a stable form of vitamin C known as ascorbyl glucoside, adds a subtle brightening and antioxidant assist, while Vichy’s mineral water helps support the skin barrier.
The serum aims to target dehydration lines on the forehead, between the brows, around the eyes, and smile lines. In practice, it excels at making skin look fresher and more bouncy within minutes. Over a few weeks, it can help shallow lines look softer, though it will not replace retinoids or in-office procedures for deep-set wrinkles. The formula has a light, neutral scent with no strong fragrance and feels comfortable even on sensitive days.
Price sits in the mid-range for a hyaluronic acid serum, and the bottle lasts about one to two months with twice-daily use. The value you get depends on how much you rely on it for daily hydration and whether your routine already includes a strong humectant step.
Who it’s for
This serum is a smart fit if you want immediate plumping, a lighter texture than a gel cream, and a formula that plays nicely under sunscreen and makeup. It suits:
- Normal, combination, and dry skin that looks crepey or dull when dehydrated.
- Sensitive skin that prefers gentle formulas without strong fragrance.
- Anyone using retinoids or exfoliating acids who needs a hydrating buffer to keep barrier comfort in check.
It may not be ideal if you want a single product to significantly fade deep wrinkles or dark spots. Consider it a hydration specialist that helps lines look better because your skin is well watered and elastic, not a replacement for long-term remodeling ingredients like retinoids or peptides in higher concentrations. Oily skin can still benefit, but using too much may feel tacky. In very dry climates, it shines when paired with a moisturizer that locks in the water it attracts.
How it feels and performs
Texture is a silky water-gel that spreads easily and sinks in within 30 to 60 seconds. One pea-size amount covers the face; add a second pea-size for the neck and any high-movement zones like the crow’s feet area. The finish starts dewy then settles to a soft, hydrated look without greasiness. If you apply a heavy silicone primer or thick sunscreen immediately afterward, you can get some pilling. Waiting a minute before the next step and using thinner layers prevents this in most cases.
Hydration is immediate. Skin looks smoother and feels more elastic once the serum sets. Fine dehydration lines soften right away and look even better after moisturizer. With consistent use, expect these practical results:
- Day 1: Skin feels bouncier and makeup sits more evenly, especially around laugh lines and under the eyes.
- Week 1 to 2: Subtle smoothing of fine lines as moisture balance stabilizes. The plumped look lasts longer through the day.
- Week 4 and beyond: Maintenance mode. Continued use keeps the surface smooth and comfortable, though deep folds will look largely the same.
On sensitive or retinoid nights, it helps cut the tight, papery feeling that can follow active treatments. The serum is comfortable around the orbital bone, and the light texture makes it easy to layer under an eye cream. In low humidity, it performs best when you apply it to slightly damp skin and seal it with a moisturizer. In high humidity, you can keep the routine light and still stay well hydrated.
Makeup compatibility is strong. Liquids and creams glide on more evenly, and setting lines are less noticeable by late afternoon. If you are seeing pilling, reduce the amount, allow a short wait time, and switch to a thinner moisturizer or a different sunscreen texture.
How to use for best results
Use on clean skin, morning and night. The simplest routine looks like this:
- Cleanse and leave skin slightly damp, not dripping.
- Apply 1 to 2 pumps or a pea-size amount of LiftActiv Supreme HA Wrinkle Corrector. Spread and then press lightly with palms.
- Follow with moisturizer to lock in hydration.
- Finish with broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning.
Layering tips:
- With retinoids: Apply this first, let it settle for 60 seconds, then apply your retinoid and follow with moisturizer. If your skin is very reactive, try moisturizer sandwiching by applying serum, then moisturizer, then retinoid.
- With exfoliating acids: Use acids on alternate nights, or apply the serum first to lightly cushion potential dryness. Avoid overexfoliating when your barrier feels tender.
- With vitamin C: This serum includes vitamin Cg at a modest level. If you already use a dedicated vitamin C serum, apply that first on dry skin, then layer Vichy for hydration.
- Under makeup: Wait about one minute before primer or foundation. Aim for thinner layers to minimize pilling.
Practical notes: Store away from heat and direct light. If skin feels tight in winter, add a richer cream on top. In very humid weather, you may get enough comfort with only a light gel cream after this serum.
Pros and cons
- Plumps and smooths dehydration lines fast, making skin look fresher within minutes.
- Lightweight, quick-absorbing texture that layers well under sunscreen and makeup.
- Plays nicely with retinoids and acids to support barrier comfort.
- No strong fragrance and feels gentle on sensitive days.
- Precision dispenser makes it easy to use the right amount without waste.
- Only modest impact on deep-set wrinkles, so it is not a one-step anti-aging strategy.
- Can feel tacky or pill if you overapply or layer immediately under heavy silicone formulas.
- Needs to be sealed with moisturizer in dry or indoor-heated environments to prevent tightness.
- Daily use can empty the bottle quickly if you are generous with application.
- Vitamin Cg offers light brightening but will not replace a dedicated vitamin C serum.
Final verdict
Vichy LiftActiv Supreme HA Wrinkle Corrector is a reliable hydration workhorse that delivers what most people want from a hyaluronic acid serum. It gives immediate bounce, cushions the look of fine lines, and keeps makeup from settling into creases. The texture is elegant, the formula is gentle, and the results are consistent as long as you use it correctly and follow with a moisturizer, especially in dry weather.
If your main goal is to look fresher and smoother quickly, this is an easy yes. If you are chasing deeper wrinkle reduction, keep it as your daily hydrator and add a proven remodeling ingredient like retinol in the evenings. For the price, the performance feels fair, and the day-to-day comfort it brings to a routine makes it a bottle you will actually finish.
See also
If you want a simpler hydration-first option from the same brand, compare its feel and finish with the Vichy Mineral 89 Booster. For a different take on concentrated hyaluronic acid and how it stacks up in texture and results, see our hands-on notes in the SDINCEUTICS Hyaluronic Concentrate Serum review.
To seal in all that water and keep skin comfortable through the day, pair your serum with a gel moisturizer like the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel or a barrier-focused cream such as the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. If uneven tone and enlarged pores are also on your list, a gentle niacinamide formula can help alongside hydration, so browse our picks in Best Niacinamide Serums for Pores and Tone.
FAQ
Can I layer Vichy LiftActiv Supreme HA Wrinkle Corrector with retinol or exfoliating acids?
Yes. Apply the Vichy serum first on slightly damp skin, let it settle for about a minute, then use your retinol or acid. If your skin runs sensitive, alternate nights with acids and try a moisturizer sandwich on retinoid nights to buffer dryness.
Is it safe to use around the eyes?
It is comfortable around the orbital bone and designed to be gentle. Apply a small amount and avoid getting it into the eyes. If you are very prone to milia, keep layers thin and follow with a lightweight eye cream rather than something heavy.
How long until I see results on fine lines?
You will see a plumping effect within minutes. With consistent morning and evening use, most people notice fine dehydration lines looking softer within 1 to 2 weeks. Deeper folds are less responsive and usually require a retinoid for visible change.
Will it pill under sunscreen or makeup?
Pilling is uncommon if you use a pea-size amount, wait 60 seconds, and choose compatible textures. Thin sunscreens and lightweight moisturizers tend to layer best. If you see pilling, reduce the amount and extend wait times between steps.
Should I use it in the morning, at night, or both?
Use it both morning and night for steady hydration. Apply to slightly damp skin, then seal with moisturizer. In dry climates or during winter, a richer cream on top boosts comfort. Always finish your morning routine with sunscreen.
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