Mineral 89 Probiotic Fractions
Mineral 89 Probiotic Fractions
Product Description
Product overview
A regenerating and repairing serum concentrate powered by probiotic fractions grown in Vichy Volcanic Water, enriched with 4% niacinamide to repair visible signs of stress on skin. Clinically proven to improve radiance by 45%, elasticity by 41%, and reduce fine lines by 23% in just 4 weeks.
Probiotic Fractions Technology
Vichy's patented probiotic fractions cultivated in volcanic water to repair skin barrier and strengthen defenses.
Texture & feel
SENSORYProbiotic Fractions Technology
Vichy's patented probiotic fractions cultivated in volcanic water to repair skin barrier and strengthen defenses.
80% Vichy Volcanic Water
Rich in 15 essential minerals sourced from the Auvergne volcanoes in France for skin fortification.
4% Niacinamide
Vitamin B3 soothes inflammation, evens skin tone, and minimizes pores and fine lines.
Antioxidant Protection
Vitamin E (Tocopherol) protects against free radicals and environmental stressors.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENo retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Safe for use during pregnancy and nursing.
Free from ferments, fatty acids, esters, and polysorbates that feed malassezia. Will not trigger fungal acne.
Oil-free, silicone-free formula will not clog pores. Suitable for acne-prone skin.
Hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and tested on sensitive skin. Ophthalmologist tested for eye area use.
Clinically proven to reduce retinoid-induced irritation when used together. Apply before retinol to buffer.
Niacinamide pairs safely with vitamin C. Use vitamin C in AM and this serum AM/PM for best results.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSNiacinamide (Vitamin B3) 4%Proven
A multitasking powerhouse that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pore appearance, evens skin tone, and improves signs of aging. One of the most researched and effective skincare actives.
- Barrier Repair: Increases ceramide synthesis for stronger, healthier skin
- Anti-Inflammatory: Calms redness, soothes irritation, and reduces acne
- Brightening: Fades dark spots and evens out skin tone
Vitreoscilla Ferment (Probiotic Fractions) 5%Proven
Vichy's patented probiotic fraction technology. Derived from Vitreoscilla bacteria and cultivated in Vichy Volcanic Water. Supports skin microbiome and accelerates barrier recovery.
- Barrier Function: Stimulates epidermal regeneration and repair
- Immune Defense: Activates skin's natural immune and antioxidant defenses
- Recovery Speed: Accelerates skin recovery by up to 69%
Sodium Hyaluronate 0.4%Proven
The salt form of hyaluronic acid with smaller molecular weight for better skin penetration. Holds up to 1000x its weight in water for deep hydration and plumping effects.
- Hydration: Attracts and retains moisture in the skin
- Plumping: Reduces appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Barrier Support: Helps maintain skin's moisture barrier
Tocopherol (Vitamin E)Proven
A powerful antioxidant that protects skin cells from free radical damage caused by UV rays, pollution, and other environmental stressors.
- Antioxidant: Neutralizes free radicals and prevents oxidative stress
- Moisturizing: Helps maintain skin's natural moisture levels
- Healing: Supports skin repair and regeneration
16 ingredients
Aqua/Water/Eau, Niacinamide, Propanediol, PEG/PPG/Polybutylene Glycol-8/5/3 Glycerin, Glycerin, Methyl Gluceth-20, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Carbomer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Citric Acid, Vitreoscilla Ferment, Caprylyl Glycol, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Maltodextrin, Butylene Glycol
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply as the first step after cleansing, before other serums and moisturizers. Can be used both morning and evening. If using with retinol, apply this serum first to buffer irritation.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse Your Skin
Start with a freshly cleansed, dry face. Remove all makeup and impurities for best absorption.
Apply 1-2 Drops
Dispense 1-2 drops onto fingertips. A little goes a long way with this concentrated formula.
Pat Gently Into Skin
Gently pat the serum onto face and neck with soft, pressured dabs. Allow skin to fully absorb.
Follow With Moisturizer
Once absorbed, follow with your regular moisturizer. In the morning, always finish with SPF.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- Your skin looks dull, tired, or stressed
- You have a compromised skin barrier
- You're experiencing early signs of aging
- You have sensitive or reactive skin
- You want to prep skin for retinol use
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding
- You have fungal acne concerns
- You prefer fragrance-free products
Consider alternatives if:
- You need heavy-duty anti-aging (consider retinol)
- You want intense brightening (try vitamin C)
- You prefer thicker, creamier textures
- You're looking for exfoliation (try AHA/BHA)
- You have very oily skin wanting mattifying effects
- You prefer natural/organic-only formulas
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESLightweight, oil-free formula absorbs instantly without adding shine. Non-comedogenic and won't clog pores.
Provides hydration via hyaluronic acid but may need a richer moisturizer on top for very dry skin.
Balances perfectly across different face zones. Hydrates dry areas without adding oil to T-zone.
Hypoallergenic, fragrance-free formula specifically designed for sensitive and reactive skin types.
Non-comedogenic (0/5), fungal acne safe. Niacinamide helps reduce inflammation and control breakouts.
Improves elasticity and reduces fine lines. Best paired with retinol for comprehensive anti-aging benefits.
Results timeline
4 WEEKSInstant Hydration & Comfort
Skin feels immediately hydrated, soft, and comfortable. Lightweight texture absorbs without stickiness.
90% noticed non-sticky finishReduced Redness & Irritation
Niacinamide begins calming inflammation. Skin appears less stressed and more even-toned.
69% faster recovery from irritationImproved Skin Texture
Barrier function improves, skin feels smoother and more resilient. Pores appear refined.
28% improvement in textureVisible Transformation
Full clinical benefits achieved: increased radiance, improved elasticity, reduced fine lines.
45% more radiant, 41% more elastic, 23% fewer fine linesRatings by platform
663+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Lightweight, fast-absorbing, non-sticky texture
- Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic
- Clinically proven results (900+ women tested)
- Safe for pregnancy, breastfeeding, and fungal acne
- Works well under makeup without pilling
- Reduces retinol-induced irritation
- Visible improvement in radiance and texture
- High-quality French pharmacy formulation
Criticized
- Small 30ml bottle for mid-range price
- Results take 2-4 weeks to become visible
- Milky texture differs from original Mineral 89
- Not as hydrating as the original HA version
- Contains PEGs (concern for some consumers)
- Glass dropper bottle less travel-friendly
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESHigher concentration of niacinamide (10% vs 4%) with added zinc for oil control. Lacks probiotic fractions and volcanic water technology. May be too strong for sensitive skin.
Another French pharmacy serum with hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5. Focuses more on hydration than barrier repair. No probiotic technology but similarly gentle for sensitive skin.
Drugstore option with hyaluronic acid and aloe. Provides basic hydration but lacks niacinamide, probiotics, and clinical testing. Best for simple hydration needs.
French pharmacy hydrating serum with patented Aquagenium complex. Good for dehydrated skin but focuses on hydration rather than barrier repair. No probiotic technology.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEVichy Mineral 89 Original Booster
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. No refrigeration required.
Glass dropper bottle with protective outer carton. Recyclable packaging.
Yes, 30ml is under 100ml TSA liquid limit. Glass bottle requires careful packing.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes, this serum is completely safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, chemical sunscreens, or any other ingredients that are contraindicated during pregnancy. The formula is dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic, and fragrance-free, making it one of the safest options for expecting and nursing mothers.
Yes, this serum is fungal acne safe. It does not contain fermented ingredients, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, esters, polysorbates, or oils that feed malassezia yeast. The Vitreoscilla Ferment is a probiotic fraction (not a ferment) and does not trigger fungal acne. It has been verified as fungal acne safe by multiple ingredient checkers including SkinSort and Folliculitis Scout.
Yes to all! This serum is actually clinically proven to reduce retinoid-induced irritation when used together. Apply this serum first, then follow with retinol. For vitamin C, you can use them in the same routine—vitamin C in the morning and this serum AM/PM. With AHAs/BHAs, apply acids first, wait 20-30 minutes, then apply this serum to help soothe any potential irritation.
This serum works well for all skin types but is especially beneficial for: stressed or fatigued skin, sensitive or reactive skin, skin with a compromised barrier, combination to oily skin (lightweight, non-greasy), and those starting retinol. It's hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, making it suitable even for acne-prone and very sensitive skin types.
You'll feel immediate hydration and comfort upon application. Visible improvements typically follow this timeline: 1 week for reduced redness and irritation, 2 weeks for improved texture and barrier function, and 4 weeks for full clinical benefits including 45% more radiance, 41% improved elasticity, and 23% reduction in fine lines. For best results, use consistently morning and evening.
Apply this serum as the first step after cleansing (and toning if you use one). It goes before other serums, moisturizers, and sunscreen. The order is: Cleanser → Toner (optional) → Mineral 89 Probiotic Fractions → Other serums (vitamin C, retinol) → Moisturizer → Sunscreen (AM). You can use it both morning and evening.
No, this serum has a comedogenic rating of 0/5 and will not clog pores. It is oil-free, silicone-free, and non-comedogenic. The lightweight, gel-like formula absorbs quickly without leaving any residue. It's actually beneficial for acne-prone skin as the 4% niacinamide helps regulate sebum production and minimize pore appearance.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. The 30ml bottle typically lasts 2-3 months with twice-daily use (1-2 drops per application). Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain potency. The glass dropper bottle helps protect the formula from contamination and oxidation.
Verdict: Vichy Mineral 89 Probiotic Fractions is an excellent choice for anyone dealing with stressed, dull, or sensitized skin. Backed by extensive clinical research (900+ women tested) and 25+ years of Vichy's probiotic expertise, this serum delivers on its promises of improved radiance, elasticity, and barrier repair. The fragrance-free, hypoallergenic formula makes it safe for even the most sensitive skin, while being pregnancy-safe and fungal acne-safe adds to its versatility. While the 30ml bottle may seem small for the price, the concentrated formula means a little goes a long way.Best for: Stressed skin needing recovery, sensitive skin types, retinol users seeking to reduce irritation, and those wanting clinically-proven French pharmacy skincare.
Product Overview
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Niacinamide
Skin Conditioning, Hair Conditioning, Smoothing
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Redness
Irritation
Dark Spots
Pores
|
|
| 1 |
Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent
|
|
|
| 0 |
PEG/PPG/Polybutylene Glycol-8/5/3 Glycerin
Humectant
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|






