Viviology Review: The Affordable New Active Skin Care Our Editor’s Obsessed With
Amy Clark is Adore Beauty's former Senior Editor and co-host of Skincare School the podcast (and self-appointed beauty road-tester!). Amy's worked as a journalist, beauty editor and podcaster for several years, previously writing and talking about all things beauty at Mamamia and You Beauty. When she's not writing honest, no BS product reviews and taking selfies 'for work', you'll find Amy eating halloumi in a hair towel turban and... taking more selfies.
I'll cut to the chase because we've got a lot of exciting content to get through.
I'm talking pee your pants, alert the group chat-level exciting.
Adore Beauty has just launched a shiny new skincare brand called Viviology, and our entire team is low-key obsessed with it.
The brand's shtick?
Confusion-free cosmeceuticals that are affordable, accessible and actually work.
Told you it was exciting.
Keep scrolling for literally everything you need to know about Viviology, the beauty brand you're about to see everywhere.
What Is Viviology?
Viviology is a very fun, very good-looking new Aussie active skincare brand.
Created by Melbourne-based dermal therapist James Vivian in collaboration with Adore Beauty, Viviology delivers everything you need to start your skincare journey and nothing you don't.
The streamlined skincare range backed by science is all about making skin-caring simple, fun and inclusive.
In short, it's like having your dermal therapist on speed dial.
After more than a decade mastering the study of great skin, James has been lovingly testing and tweaking Viviology samples for the last two years to bring you bottles containing only the absolute best.
And yes, AB staff also volunteered their faces to get the job done, including our founder and 'Chief Viviology Road-Tester' Kate Morris.
Viviology is exclusively stocked at Adore Beauty online (Australia and NZ) and the James Vivian Toorak clinic.
The inclusive, gender neutral brand is also Australian-made, vegan, cruelty-free, and free from artificial fragrances, sulphates, mineral oil, alcohol and parabens.
And the packaging is made from 30-50% post-consumer recycled materials where possible, printed using soy-based inks and made from FSC materials.
Talk about an over-achiever.
Meet the Viviology Products.
The core Viviology range features six products, all priced between $35-$59.
It's designed to be a complete, well-rounded skincare routine for most skin types and concerns.
Nothing more. Nothing less. Here's the Viviology lineup:
- Viviology Gentle Foaming Cleanser 200mL - Exactly what the name suggests.
- Viviology Liquid Exfoliant 200mL - A liquid chemical exfoliant containing exfoliating acids.
- Viviology Ceramide Moisturiser 50mL - A universal moisturiser to hydrate most skin types.
- Viviology Niacinamide + HA Serum 30mL - Your everyday hydrating serum.
- Viviology Vitamin C Serum 30mL - A potent vitamin C serum for antioxidant protection.
- Viviology Retinol Serum 0.3% 30mL - The ultimate entry-level retinol serum for beginners and more sensitised skin-havers.
Best Viviology Products.
One of the things I love about James’ skin care approach is the straight up transparency.
Rather than claiming to work better when used exclusively, Viviology skin care is designed to play well with other products and slot into any and every skincare routine.
You can pick and choose which Viviology products tickle your fancy or best suit your budget, or use them together for a complete cosmeceutical skincare routine.
And if the ‘best’ Viviology product in my eyes doesn’t work for you, that’s OK too.
James adds, “Everyone’s skin is so different. I want Viviology to encourage people to tune into their skin, what it needs and what it doesn’t like.”
“We’ve purposefully made these products to be as inclusive as possible so they work for most skin types, but if you’re using a product and your skin is telling you ‘I don’t like this’, then I’d always say it’s not the right product for you.”
For example, James (pictured above) is allergic to hyaluronic acid, so he can’t actually use his own all-rounder hydration serum.
*He really took one for the team and made the Viviology Niacinamide and HA Serum for the greater good, didn't he?
James has also been using retinol for more than 10 years, so the gentle yet effective Viviology 0.3% retinol serum wouldn’t touch the sides of his robust skin cells.
But the Viviology vitamin C serum?
That’s a keeper in his everyday skincare routine, as are the Viviology cleanser, exfoliating liquid and moisturiser.
Viviology Skincare Reviews.
Beauty IQ Uncensored podcast co-host Joanna and I have been trialling some ultra top secret sneak peek Viviology samples for the last month.
And you know what? Our favourite Viviology products are completely different.
The products that blew my mind - including one I'll never shut up about - might not earn a spot in Jo’s skincare routine, and vice versa for me with her top picks.
So, let’s get into our Viviology reviews so you can add some of these products to cart before they sell out.
1. Viviology Gentle Foaming Cleanser, $35.
What is it?
Viviology Gentle Foaming Cleanser 200mL helps remove makeup and impurities, but leaves skin feeling comfortable and cleansed, not stripped.
What’s in it?
- Calendula Extract: Possesses natural antiseptic and antibacterial properties.
- Aloe Vera Leaf Juice: A water-binding ingredient that helps to deliver antibacterial benefits to skin.
- Glycerin: Acts as a humectant (water-loving ingredient) to draw moisture from the air, back into the skin.
How to use Viviology Gentle Foaming Cleanser:
Controversial, but James reckons in an ideal world, we should all be cleansing for two minutes.
If that’s just not going to fly, dedicate 60 seconds of your time morning and night to lathering up a small amount of cleanser in your hands and massaging it into the skin.
“People underestimate how important cleansing our skin truly is. You really want to focus on areas of texture and congestion,” he says.
Rinse well with cool to tepid water. Repeat if wearing makeup.
Are you making these cleansing mistakes? Watch our YouTube video to find out!
Our Viviology Gentle Foaming Cleanser review:
Foaming cleansers and my dry skin don’t usually gel (geddit?), but this one’s not like the others.
The light gel texture has a silky, slippy feel to it and builds up to a luscious foamy lather rather than a handful of squeaky bubbles.
I like using this product as my second cleanser after a cleansing balm or oil.
The fresh native scent is lovely, but maybe the best thing about this cleanser is that it genuinely won't sting your eyes.
My skin feels soft to touch after cleansing, something Jo’s a big fan of too.
“I'm not one to stray far from my trusty asap cleanser, but I'm really liking this Viviology one,” she says.
“It's a very similar texture to the old faithful and seems to do the trick without leaving my skin feeling dry or dehydrated post-cleanse.”
2. Viviology Liquid Exfoliant, $45.
What is it?
Viviology Liquid Exfoliant 200mL gently removes devitalised skin cells, and smooths and evens skin texture and tone.
It also improves the absorption of other products for a brighter, smoother and fresher complexion.
What’s in it?
- Lactic Acid: A hydrating AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) that sloughs away dead skin cells to smooth skin texture, minimise the appearance of fine lines and pores, and brighten the look of skin.
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): A beloved brightening ingredient that can help to reinforce skin's natural moisture barrier, making it ideal for acne-prone skin.
- Bladderwrack and Sweet Cherry Fruit Extracts: Calm skin and contain free radical-neutralising antioxidants to even skin tone and brighten the appearance of dull skin.
- Hydrators Glycerin and Aloe Vera Leaf Juice are great additions.
Watch this YouTube video on the difference between chemical exfoliants and scrubs below.
How to use Viviology Liquid Exfoliant:
James would like you to exfoliate your skin as much as possible because “your exfoliant is like raking the leaves before you fertilise the ground [aka your skin] with serums.”
If you’ve used exfoliants before with no trouble, soak a cotton pad and swipe it over cleansed skin at night before applying serums.
Go as often as your skin tolerates it, focusing on congested and textured areas.
Beginners and more sensitised folk can start with 2-3 times per week. Don't use on peeling, irritated or broken skin.
And always wear your sunscreen in the morning!
Our Viviology Liquid Exfoliant review:
First of all, the push pump packaging is genius.
It takes .675 seconds to soak your cotton pad with a couple of pumps of the super lightweight liquid exfoliant.
Then swipe, swipe, swipe, and you’re done. No tingling or irritation.
Just visibly smoother, more even-looking skin the next day.
You’ll particularly enjoy this gentler but no less effective lactic acid toner if you find glycolic acid exfoliants bite-y.
3. Viviology Ceramide Moisturiser, $45.
What is it?
Viviology Ceramide Moisturiser 50mL is a mostly universal moisturiser that softens, moisturises, comforts and reinforces the skin's own moisture barrier to lock in hydration for bouncy, plumped skin.
What’s in it?
- Ceramides: The building blocks of skin that keep our skin barrier nice and strong.
- Polyglutamic Acid: Different molecular weights of this humectant plump both surface and deeper layers of skin with moisture to reduce the appearance of pores, fine lines and wrinkles.
- Squalane and Jojoba Seed Oil: Rich emollients that help to soften and moisturise skin, reinforcing skin's natural moisture barrier.
- Native Australian Extracts: Snowflower and Strawberry Gum Leaf Extract moisturise, soften and smooth the skin while offering potent antioxidant properties.
James explains why ceramides are underrated in this YouTube video below.
How to use Viviology Ceramide Moisturiser:
Apply morning and night after serums, and before sunscreen in the AM.
How much you use depends on what your skin feels like.
Prefer a light finish? Use a tiny amount and perhaps only in the evening. Dry skin-havers, don't be stingy.
Our Viviology Ceramide Moisturiser review:
I asked James which products in the range were the hardest to get right, and was surprised to hear the moisturiser was a challenge.
It makes sense though, because despite being a skincare 'basic', we all like very specific and often different things in a moisturiser.
The Viviology team has done their darnedest to make this moisturiser one that'll work for most of us.
The Viviology Ceramide Moisturiser is creamy, but not greasy or heavy. Neither matte nor dewy. Light enough for oily skin types, but rich enough for those with dry or dehydrated skin.
Jo adds, "If you're looking for a moisturiser to support your barrier and comfort your skin, look no further."
"This is particularly a great option for winter if you're a southern stater like me and experience dryness, flakiness and irritation from the cold. It has a rich texture and is well-packaged for travel."
As for me? My very dry skin prefers something even richer and thicker, but I'm enjoying this applied under makeup in the morning.
4. Viviology Retinol Serum 0.3%, $59.
What is it?
Viviology Retinol Serum 0.3% 30mL is a slow-release 0.3% encapsulated retinol serum that improves skin texture and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Note, vitamin A products like this one aren't suitable if you're pregnant or lactating.
What's in it?
- Encapsulated Retinol 0.3%: Slow release distribution minimises the risk of reaction, but at a potency to enhance skin radiance and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles across the skin.
- Ceramides and Peptides: Help moisturise and smooth skin for a plumper and firmer-looking complexion.
- Sandalwood Seed Oil: High in Ximenynic Acid, this powerhouse ingredient can help protect and fortify skin.
We break down the different forms of vitamin A in this YouTube video below.
How to use Viviology Retinol Serum 0.3%:
Slow and steady is the name of this retinol game.
E.g. Start using the serum every third night for two weeks; every second night for two weeks; then nightly. Stop use if redness, sensitivity or discomfort occurs.
And don't bother using retinol if you can't commit to wearing sunscreen every single day, OK?
James also confirms more product doesn't = better results.
It will increase your chances of irritation, though. You only need a pea-sized amount to reap the benefits.
Our Viviology Retinol Serum 0.3% review:
Some people hear 'retinol' and duck for cover, but the Viviology retinol serum is probably the most entry level cosmeceutical serum in the range.
The 0.3% encapsulated retinol percentage was chosen because it's clinically-proven to create a change in the skin, but gentle enough that most skin types can tolerate it without irritation.
Advanced vitamin A skincare fiends won't get their kicks from this serum.
The time-release technology combined with the creamy, hydrating base makes the Viviology Retinol Serum perfect for retinol beginners and those with sensitised skin.
Or anyone who prefers to use a gentler retinol serum more frequently (that's me!).
The texture of this retinol serum is heaven.
Comfy and hydrating, it feels like a warm hug from a loved one followed by practical solutions to your life problems.
5. Viviology Niacinamide + HA Serum, $49.
What is it?
Viviology Niacinamide + HA Serum 30mL is a triple-Hyaluronic Acid (HA) and B-vitamin complex that leaves skin feeling seriously plump, bright and protected.
The two-in-one serum deeply hydrates by binding water to the skin to fight the visible signs of dehydration. Skin appears brighter, bouncier and feels comfortable. Winning.
What's in it?
- Triple Hyaluronic Complex: Three different molecular weights to help bind water to skin for a plumped up, less dehydrated-looking complexion.
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Helps to reinforce skin's natural moisture barrier and brighten the appearance of skin.
- Resveratrol, Bilberry Extract and Native Australian Emu Apple Extract: Potent antioxidant sources help with protection against free radical damage, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Peptides: Help to smooth for a plumper and firmer skin appearance.
Watch this YouTube video for all the facts on niacinamide for skin!
How to use Viviology Niacinamide + HA Serum:
If this serum was a character, it'd be Miss Congeniality because it gets along with everyone.
The does-all hydrating, brightening, skin barrier-strengthening serum can be applied day and night.
Pump out a pea-sized amount and massage onto skin. Layer with your regular serums and moisturiser, and SPF during the day, duh!
Our Viviology Niacinamide + HA Serum review:
This is one of Jo's favourite products of the lot.
"I'm a sucker for a B and HA serum, and this one doesn't disappoint. It gives me glow, feels soothing and layers well with my other skincare products."
"It smells a little like Fireball (by that, I mean it has a cinnamon-y fragrance I enjoy). I also use it on my friends when doing dermal therapy treatments."
I also rate this serum. The Viviology Niacinamide + HA Serum is exactly what it says it is, and does exactly what it says it will.
And for less than $50. Bloody bargain.
6. Viviology Vitamin C Serum, $55.
What is it?
Viviology Vitamin C Serum 30mL is a brightening, antioxidant-rich serum with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid, Ferulic Acid, Kakadu Plum Extract and Vitamin E.
In other words: Glow, baby, glow.
Viviology vitamin C serum defends against free-radical damage while helping to fade the look of hyperpigmentation for a brighter, more even complexion.
What's in it?
- 15% L-Ascorbic Acid: A high percentage of the vitamin C derivative clinically-proven to be the most effective and potent.
- Ferulic Acid: Enhances the potency of vitamin C while also helping to target fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots and other signs of premature ageing.
- Native Australian plant extracts like Australian Kakadu Plum, Finger Lime and Lemon Myrtle Water provide vitamin C with even more support so it can do its job.
- Phaeodactylum Tricornutum (Algae) Extract: Reduces the look of skin redness and provides hydration.
Learn more about what vitamin C does for skin in this YouTube video below.
How to use Viviology Vitamin C Serum:
Vitamin C serums are best applied in the morning because our skin is most exposed to environmental damage during the day.
After cleansing, apply one pump of Viviology Vitamin C serum and press the serum into the skin.
Next, add your hydrating or niacinamide serums (or your Viviology Niacinamide + HA Serum) followed by moisturisers and sunscreen.
If you find vitamin C serums irritating, try the 'cushioning' or 'cocktailing' techniques.
James explains cushioning or softening the blow of the vitamin C serum by applying a hydrating serum first may reduce irritation.
Or better yet, cocktail or mix your vitamin C and hydrating serums together. It won't dilute the potency, but this technique allows you to really massage both serums into the skin.
Our Viviology Vitamin C Serum review:
I'll keep this brief because a full in-depth review of the Viviology Vitamin C Serum is coming soon.
But I'm calling it... this is the best Viviology product (in my opinion), and maybe even the best vitamin C serum under $100 I've tried.
Jo found it to be a bit too spicy for her rosacea-prone skin. She's going to try cushioning or cocktailing it with the Viviology Niacinamide + HA Serum and report back.
I loved everything about this vitamin C serum, from the runny lightweight texture and subtle spicy meat scent - if you know, you know - to the high-potency formula and the glow it leaves behind.
More details to come, but trust me, it's gooooood.
If you want to learn more about Viviology, James Vivian or the School of Viviology, head to viviologyskin.com for heaps of aesthetically-pleasing educational content.
You can also follow Viviology (@viviologyskin) and James Vivian (@jamesvivian) on Instagram.
Everyone else, better go place your Viviology order ASAP before the masses catch on.
You've been warned.
Want to learn more about looking after your skin? Check out these articles below:
