Vichy — Thermal Water with 15 Minerals. The Science, Marketing and Truth About Minéral 89

Vichy — a brand built on thermal water

Vichy is a brand that has, since 1931, built its identity around a single ingredient: thermal water from the volcanic springs of the Auvergne region in France. This approach stirs equally strong emotions among its advocates and its sceptics. Some see it as a miraculous mineral elixir, others as plain water with good PR. The truth, as usual, lies somewhere in between. Let's take a look at the data.

15 minerals — what does Vichy thermal water actually contain?

Vichy thermal water originates from deep volcanic springs, where over thousands of years it became enriched with minerals from basaltic rock. Its mineral profile includes 15 minerals and trace elements:

• Iron (Fe) — involved in oxidative processes and oxygen transport within cells
• Manganese (Mn) — a cofactor of the enzyme SOD (superoxide dismutase), one of the key cellular antioxidants
• Lithium (Li) — in microscopic doses, it shows a soothing effect on inflammatory skin conditions
• Strontium (Sr) — reduces the sensation of burning and itching — dermatological studies confirm its action on nociceptive receptors
• Bicarbonates — give the water buffering properties, stabilising pH
• Silicon, zinc, copper, fluorine and others at lower concentrations

Total mineralisation is around 5.1 g/l — this is a highly mineralised water, considerably richer than La Roche-Posay water (~0.4 g/l) or Avène (~0.3 g/l). Does more minerals mean better water? Not necessarily — but it does mean a different mechanism of action. Check the details in our ingredient encyclopedia.

Volcanic origin — Auvergne and the geology of its composition

The Auvergne region in central France is an area of extinct volcanoes. Vichy thermal water filters through layers of volcanic rock for an estimated 4,000 years before it reaches the spring. This geological filter gives it a unique profile — rich in bicarbonates and minerals of basaltic origin.

This is not ordinary bottled mineral water. The spring is legally protected (by a protection zone several kilometres in radius), and the water's composition is regularly monitored by French health authorities. Vichy cannot change or "improve" the composition — it takes what the geology provides. In that sense, thermal water is the most "natural" ingredient in cosmetics — it cannot be manufactured, only sourced.

Minéral 89 — the flagship product under the microscope

Minéral 89 is a serum that became Vichy's global bestseller. The name refers to the proportion: 89% Vichy thermal water + hyaluronic acid. The formula is minimalist — beyond the base, it contains glycerin and little else. This is deliberate minimalism:

• Hyaluronic acid with a molecular weight selected for surface hydration — it forms a moisturising film on the skin's surface
• 89% thermal water — delivers minerals directly to the epidermis in the form of a booster
• No fragrances, parabens or alcohol — a formula tolerated by most skin types

Does Minéral 89 work? Vichy's clinical studies showed improved skin hydration, a strengthened barrier and reduced signs of fatigue after 4 weeks of use. These are honest results — the serum doesn't promise to reverse ageing, it delivers hydration and minerals. Check its composition in our ingredient search.

Clinical studies — what do the data say?

Vichy has conducted research on thermal water in the context of several skin conditions:

• Atopic dermatitis — a study published in Annales de Dermatologie showed that a 21-day course of Vichy thermal water significantly reduced the severity of atopic dermatitis symptoms (SCORAD index) compared with a control group
• Post-procedure irritation — thermal water applied after laser treatments shortened recovery time and reduced erythema
• Psoriasis — preliminary data suggest a beneficial effect of bicarbonates on keratinisation processes, but more research is needed

An important caveat: many of these studies are funded by Vichy/L'Oréal. This doesn't disqualify the results (most dermocosmetic studies have a sponsor), but it does call for a healthy dose of scepticism. Independent replications would be valuable.

Thermal spray — science or marketing?

This brings us to the most controversial product: the thermal water spray in aerosol form. It costs 30–50 PLN for 150 ml and is… water in a can. Is it worth it?

Arguments in favour:

• The strontium and lithium in the formula have a proven soothing effect
• pH-buffering minerals help restore balance after contact with alkaline detergents
• The cooling effect eases discomfort from redness and irritation

Arguments against:

• As the water evaporates from the skin's surface, it takes moisture with it — without occlusion, the spray can paradoxically dry the skin out
• The mineral concentration is low — exposure lasts seconds, not minutes
• For the price of the spray, you could buy a full-size face cream with better results

Our verdict: the Vichy thermal spray is a product with marginal skincare benefit that works mainly as a comfort element. If you have rosacea and need quick soothing during the day, it can come in handy. As a daily part of a routine for healthy skin, it's an unnecessary expense.

Vichy compared with other thermal brands

How does Vichy stack up against the competition? La Roche-Posay relies on selenium, Avène on low mineralisation (paradoxically — fewer minerals = lower risk of irritation for extremely sensitive skin), and Vichy on high mineralisation and a broad spectrum of elements. No single approach is objectively the best — each answers a different skin need.

Summary — is Vichy thermal water worth your attention?

Yes, but with reservations. Vichy thermal water has a real, study-confirmed mineral profile that sets it apart from ordinary water. Minéral 89 is an honest moisturising product. The Liftactiv and Neovadiol lines offer solid anti-ageing formulas with vitamin C and retinoids.

The thermal spray, however, is a product of questionable skincare value, and the marketing built on the "power of volcanoes" can be overstated. Minerals help — but they won't work miracles. Treat Vichy as a solid pharmacy brand with an interesting ingredient base, not as a source of magic elixirs.

Want to find out which Vichy products have the best composition? Head to our ingredient search and compare the formulas for yourself.