Head to Head
Vichy Mineral 89 vs La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5
Vichy Mineral 89 and La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 compared on formula length, fragrance and alcohol, texture and skin fit: the two French pharmacy hyaluronic serums, honestly separated.
Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Serum
The minimalist benchmark: pure hyaluronic acid in mineral rich volcanic water, in a formula of just 11 ingredients.
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Suractivated Serum
The pharmacy heavyweight, now in its Suractivated form: a four hyaluronic acid system with vitamin B5, glycerin and thermal spring water.
Where They Differ
Formula length and what is left out
Mineral 89 publishes 11 ingredients and leaves out fragrance, alcohol, silicone, oil and parabens. Hyalu B5 runs a longer list built around a four hyaluronic acid system, glycerin, vitamin B5 and madecassoside, and it includes parfum and alcohol denat. A shopper minimising variables picks Vichy; a shopper maximising the support cast picks La Roche-Posay, knowingly.
Texture and finish on skin
Mineral 89 is a clear, firm gel that settles to almost nothing, which is why it works as a first layer and under makeup. Hyalu B5 is a richer, more viscous serum with a cushioned hand feel that dry skin reads as substance. In a morning routine, the Vichy disappears under sunscreen; the La Roche-Posay feels like a step in its own right.
The water each brand builds around
Vichy builds its identity on volcanic water with 15 essential minerals, aimed at barrier support. La Roche-Posay builds on its thermal spring water, long associated with soothing sensitive skin care. Both are brand waters with published brand research behind them; in daily use the difference registers less than the texture and fragrance differences above.
The Specification, Side by Side
| Measure | Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Serum | La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Suractivated Serum |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 30 ml / 1 fl oz | 30 ml / 1.01 fl oz |
| Format | Pump gel serum | Dropper serum |
| Key Hydrators | Pure hyaluronic acid, Vichy Volcanic Water, glycerin | Four hyaluronic acid system, vitamin B5 (panthenol), glycerin |
| Fragrance | Fragrance free, as printed on the listing | Scented, parfum in the published ingredient list |
| Ingredient Count | 11 ingredients, as printed on the listing | Not published |
| Additional Actives | Not published | Madecassoside, La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water |
Choose Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Serum if
- Your skin is sensitive, reactive or fragrance avoiding
- Your skin is oily or combination and you want a gel that disappears
- You layer several steps and want the hydration layer to be the plain one
Choose La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Suractivated Serum if
- Your skin is dry or dehydrated and gels feel insubstantial
- You are comfortable with fragrance and denatured alcohol in a leave on formula
- You want vitamin B5 and madecassoside in the same bottle as your hyaluronic acid
Questions, Answered
Can I use Mineral 89 and Hyalu B5 in the same routine?
You can, but there is little reason to stack two hyaluronic serums in one application. A sensible split is Mineral 89 in the morning for its clean layering, and Hyalu B5 in the evening when its richer texture and fragrance matter less, sealed with your night cream.
Keep Researching
Every page in the Hyaluronic Acid Serums edit.
- 01Hyaluronic Acid Serums: the hubHub
- 02Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums 2027Best of
- 03Hyaluronic Acid Serums for Dry SkinGuide
- 04How to Layer a Hyaluronic Acid SerumGuide
- 05Hyaluronic Acid Serums for Oily SkinGuide
- 06Vichy Mineral 89 Serum ReviewReview
- 07La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Suractivated Serum ReviewReview
- 08Dermalogica Circular Hydration Serum ReviewReview
- 09Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench vs Drunk Elephant B-HydraComparison
- 10Hyaluronic Acid Serums Buying GuideBuying guide
- 11Hyaluronic Acid Serum Care and KeepingCare
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