Review: Vichy UV-Activ Daily Protective Anti-Pigmentation Fluid Sunscreen SPF50 PA+++

Sunscreen is my biggest indulgence when it comes to my skincare routine. I don’t skimp on it whether in costs or in usage. Recently, I found that La Roche Posay Anthelios XL cream works very well for me. However, as its not readily available in Malaysia, I had to find a substitute.

Find one I did in Vichy UV-Activ Daily Protective Anti-pigmentation Fluid sunscreen with SPF50 PA+++. What a mouthful! We’ll call it Vichy UV-Activ sunscreen from now on.

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First off, Vichy as well as La Roche Posay are in the L’Oreal stable so they use the L’Oreal patented Mexoryl XL and SX as their chemical sun filters to block UV-A and UV-B rays. It also contains Titanium Dioxide as a physical blocker. I’ve worked out by now that my skin is friendly with both Mexoryl and Titanium Dioxide so I did not expect any untoward breakouts and truly I got none.

If you are sensitive to Mexoryl or Titanium Dioxide do take note that this may not work for you.

Light lotion texture

I liked the texture which I found light and fluid like a creamy lotion rather than like water (Sunplay, Biore) or thick cream like the La Roche Posay. It applies easily on the skin and absorbs quickly without any sticky oily feel. I’ve read of a few people who complained that this Vichy UV-Activ sunscreen makes them oily. Well, I did not experience this – it might be due to the fact that my skin may be a little drier but even on the oilier T-zone area, I did not experience an oil slick.

High SPF and PA rating

I’m all for high sun protection ratings so having SPF50 and a high PA+++ rating is good for me. I did not burn out in the sun although I felt that this one was a little lighter than the La Roche Posay Anthelios XL despite them both having the same rating. Perhaps because its a lotion and spreads easily I don’t use enough but I do try to apply more these days.

Fragrance Free and Non drying

I like that there is no fragrance and that it does not dry my skin. It contains Vichy’s signature thermal spa water for hydration too. I experienced no breakouts and no complaints really!

Vichy says you can use this in place of moisturizer. If you have oily skin you might try that. I use this on top of my regular day moisturizer because I don’t think its enough by itself.

Vichy UV-Activ sunscreen vs L’Oreal UV Perfect sunscreen

Compared to the L’Oreal UV Perfect sunscreen, I find the Vichy one better for me because:-

• It does not make me oily nor feel as oily as the L’Oreal UV Perfect
• It has no fragrance

A 30ml tube of Vichy UV-Activ sunscreen retails at Vichy counters for about RM90. I’m happy to use this if I run out of La Roche Posay Anthelios but it will always be a bridesmaid for me, not quite the bride 🙂

Ingredients: Aqua/Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Glycerin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Propylene Glycol, Terephthalyidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid, Titanium Dioxide, Drometrizole Trisiloxane, Triethanolamine, Steatic Acid, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, PEG-100 Stearate, Carbomer, Isobutylparaben, Glyceryl Stearate, Dimethicone, Methylparaben, Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate, Aluminium Hydroxide, Tromethamine, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopherol, Disodium EDTA, Propylparaben, Xanthan Gum, Cetyl Alcohol, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben

Pros: Lightweight feel, Fragrance Free, High SPF and PA Rating, Did not make my skin oily

Cons: Some may consider it pricey though I don’t, some people have complained that it makes them oily

How ironic that I should choose today of all days to write about sunscreen when its grey and rainy outside. Its so cool (bordering on the Tundra here in the office) and the sound of the rain against the window is so soothing, I’m just about to fall asleep! Just don’t let anyone catch me eh? 😉

Stay beautiful,

Paris B