I will be honest with you, I have not reviewed many VICHY products, mainly because they don’t have a sizeable presence in the sunscreen market vs. other French pharmacy brands. Also, VICHY is less likely to be stocked by local pharmacies vs. Bioderma or Avene.
But BEFORE that a reminder…
What damages are we trying to protect against when we use sunscreens?
Sunscreens contain UV filters. I like the EU definition which is, ‘UV-filters’ means substances which are exclusively or mainly intended to protect the skin against certain UV radiation by absorbing, reflecting or scattering UV radiation
Happy Skin Days’ sunscreen test
I apply this very basic test to all sunscreens that I test on this blog
1) Are harmful chemicals present?
The harmful chemicals that I look for are specifically BHT, Oxybenzone, Formaldehyde releasing preservatives and parabens. This sunscreen has none of these.
2) This product is at least a SPF 30
3) What are the UVA and UVB filters present in this product?
I am happy with the UVA and UVB filters present in this product. You can take my word for it or you can simply refer to this image:
If you would like more detail, then drop me a line or leave a comment and I’m happy to engage in a conversation with you.
Look and feel of the product.
The product has a fragrance: a subtle powdery, chalky smell. It’s not unpleasant and completely wearable throughout the day.
This sunscreen blends in with ease AND, importantly, leaves NO white cast. It is like a second skin.
Also, the sunscreen claims to be an “anti-brillaince mattifying” product, and, without a doubt, there is no shine, and the finish is matte.
My only issues with this product are its more drying than Bioderma (or my regular sunscreen, Ultrasun), and it causes my eyes to sting during testing. I didn’t put the sunscreen under my eyelids (which is what I usually do).
Would I use this product again?
Honestly, this is a good sunscreen that offers good protection. It nails the matte finish look with no white cast, and this is an excellent reason to buy this sunscreen.
My personal preference is to use products that don’t sting my eyes or cause them to water. Skincare is extremely personal, and your eyes may be 100% fine with this product.
Based on the “eye” problem, I would not purchase this.
Where can I buy this?
I bought this outside India for about US$ 33. But even where I live the price ranges from US$ 25 – US$ 33. The same product in Europe appears to be US$ 20.
And did I mention I couldn’t find it in India?
The moral of the story is don’t overpay for sunscreen.
See also