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A lightweight hydrating serum with Vichy mineralizing thermal water and sodium hyaluronate. Simple formula, good hydration, but loses points for containing fragrance. A solid basic hydrator but not as clean as competitors.
Score breakdown
Efficacy
Safety
Comedogenicity
Transparency
Skin-type fit
Strengths
- Vichy thermal water minerals
- Sodium hyaluronate hydration
- Lightweight gel texture
- Simple short ingredient list
Weaknesses
- Contains fragrance/parfum (allergen)
- No proven active ingredients beyond HA
- Premium price for basic formula
Full ingredient list
Best for
Our full review
Vichy Mineral 89 earns a B (77/100) for its no-frills hydration. The star is 89% Vichy mineralizing thermal water, which delivers calcium, potassium, and silicates, minerals that support skin barrier function. Sodium hyaluronate (undisclosed %) binds water in the stratum corneum, giving that plump, dewy feel within hours. However, the formula includes fragrance, which can irritate sensitive skin and explains why it doesn't reach an A. If you tolerate scent and want a simple, fast-absorbing hydrator, this is a solid pick. For fragrance-free alternatives, see our vsCompetitors below.
How to use
Apply 2-3 drops to clean, damp skin morning and/or evening. Gently press into face and neck, no rubbing. Follow with moisturizer if your skin needs extra comfort. The serum is water-thin, so layer it before thicker creams or oils. Avoid mixing with vitamin C serums at the same time; use vitamin C in the AM and Mineral 89 in the PM if you want both. The glass dropper is hygienic but fragile, don't drop it.
Who is it for?
Ideal for normal to dry skin that needs a hydration boost without heaviness. Also works for combination skin in humid climates. If you have sensitive or reactive skin, the fragrance may be a deal-breaker. Not ideal for oily, acne-prone skin looking for oil-free mattifying options, this serum is purely about hydration, not sebum control.
What to expect
Week 1: Immediate lightness and a dewy finish. Skin feels softer, but the effect fades by evening if you don't layer with moisturizer. Week 4: More consistent hydration, especially if used twice daily. Fine lines appear less pronounced due to plumping. Week 12: Barrier feels stronger, less tightness after cleansing. If you're using it alone, dry patches may still need extra moisture. For long-term benefits, pair with a ceramide cream.
Common mistakes
Using it on bone-dry skin. Hyaluronic acid needs water to work, apply to damp skin or mist with thermal water first. Skipping moisturizer. This serum hydrates but doesn't lock in moisture. Without a cream on top, the water it binds can evaporate, leaving skin drier than before. Mixing with acids at high concentrations. If you're using a strong AHA/BHA, apply it first, wait 10-15 minutes, then use Mineral 89 to avoid pH conflicts.
FAQ
Can I use Mineral 89 with retinol?
Is this serum suitable for acne-prone skin?
Does it work under makeup?
How it compares
The Ordinary's version is fragrance-free, contains three molecular weights of hyaluronic acid for deeper hydration, and includes panthenol (vitamin B5) to soothe. It's also cheaper and scores an A (88/100). Choose it if you want a cleaner, more effective hydrator without scent.
La Roche-Posay's serum also gets a B (78/100) and is nearly identical in function, hyaluronic acid + vitamin B5, but adds madecassoside for repair. It's fragrance-free and better for sensitive skin. If you're torn between the two, pick La Roche-Posay for the extra soothing benefits.