Description
Vivier Retinol 0.5% is a mid-strength encapsulated retinol for fine lines, uneven texture and congestion, aimed at people who have already used a lower-strength retinol. It is applied as a pea-sized amount to face, neck and decolletage in the evening, building up frequency as your skin adjusts.
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What Retinol 0.5% does
Vivier lists four benefits: it is a mid-strength formula for users ready to build on their retinol results, it promotes cellular renewal to enhance skin tone and texture and help reduce congestion and blemishes, it helps support collagen to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and it reveals smoother, brighter-looking skin with improved clarity.
Key ingredients
Vivier lists 0.5% slow-release microencapsulated retinol using Poly-Pore technology, plus squalane, vitamin C as ascorbyl palmitate, and vitamin E. The brand’s stated reason for encapsulating the retinol is to release it gradually and reduce the irritation and redness often associated with retinol.
Who it is for
Anyone stepping up from a lower-strength retinol, or with moderate rather than mild concerns. If you have never used retinol, start at 0.3%. If you want the strongest in the range and you already tolerate 0.5%, 1.0% is the next step.
How to use it
A pea-sized amount to face, neck and decolletage in the evening. Vivier advises building frequency gradually to reduce the chance of initial irritation. Daily sunscreen is not optional with a retinol, and Vivier separates retinol from AHA products in the same routine.
How it fits with your treatments at Bar Beauty
Retinol needs to be paused around several of our treatments and restarted at the right point afterwards. We give you a written stop and restart window rather than leaving you to guess, because getting it wrong is the most common cause of a rough recovery.
Buying Vivier in Toronto
We are an authorized Vivier retailer, and with retinol the advice matters as much as the bottle. Read more on our Vivier page, see how to verify authentic skincare, or browse all of our medical-grade skincare.
Bar Beauty Medical, 46 Fort York Blvd, CityPlace Toronto, open 7 days. Authorized retailer for the brands we stock. Product guidance here is general; we confirm what suits your skin and the right timing around any treatment at your free consultation.
Why we stock it: The middle rung of the Vivier retinol ladder, and the one most patients settle on. We schedule it around Morpheus8 at our Toronto clinic.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Vivier Retinol 0.5% for?
Vivier describes it as a mid-strength formula for users ready to build on their retinol results, and as the choice for moderate skin concerns. Beginners are directed to 0.3%.
What is Poly-Pore technology?
Vivier’s term for the encapsulation it uses to hold pure retinol and release it gradually. The brand’s stated purpose is to deliver retinol results without the irritation and redness often associated with retinol products.
How do I start it without irritation?
Apply a pea-sized amount to face, neck and decolletage in the evening and build frequency gradually, which is Vivier’s own advice. We will set the schedule with you based on your skin and any treatments booked.
Can I use it with an AHA product?
Vivier advises against using AHA products in the same routine as retinol. If you want both, they need to be separated, and we will map that out for you.
Do I need sunscreen with it?
Yes. Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen belongs with any retinol routine. Vivier’s SHEER SPF range is stocked here for exactly that reason.
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