Avène vs Olay
Avène and Olay are two distinct skincare lines known for thoughtful moisturizers, serums, cleansers, and eye products. The French brand Avène relies on glycerin and science-backed formulations to suit oily, acne-prone skin best, featuring standouts like the Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm, Cleanance, and Hyaluron Activ B3 Concentrated Plumping Serum. Meanwhile, Olay features nourishing niacinamide and glycerin to suit sensitive skin and acne-prone skin best, with standout items such as the Super Eyes Daily Eye Serum, Regenerist Luminous Tone Perfecting Cream, and Brightening Eye Cream. While both brands support a calm and balanced complexion, they differ through their specific ingredient blends and targeted solutions for mature skin and dark spots.
Avène is a French skincare brand founded in 1990 and owned by Fondation Pierre Fabre.
pierre-fabre.comavene.co.ukaveneusa.com
This page compares some of the most popular Avène and Olay products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Avène vs Olay products
People Say
Gentleness and Soothing Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Calmed my angry red skin overnight — Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream”
- “Nothing has ever worked to soothe or heal my skin like these before. — Avène Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm”
- “Perfect cleanser for sensitive skin. — Avène Milk Cleanser”
- “doesn't strip my skin — Olay Regenerating Cream Cleanser”
Texture and Absorption Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “sinks in quickly — Olay Super Serum”
- “absorbs quickly — Olay Vitamin C Serum”
- “absorbs instantly — Olay Super Serum Night Repair”
- “Thick but absorbs well eventually — Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream”
Hydration and Moisture Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Instantly smoother, softer, and more hydrated — Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream”
- “light and smooth — Olay Ultimate Eye Cream”
- “hydrates the skin — Olay Advanced Eye Cream”
- “Saves my skin in winter — Avène Cold Cream”
Skin Smoothing and Anti-Aging Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “skin feels baby soft — Olay Retinol24”
- “Skin feels like silk — Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer”
- “hydrates the skin — Olay Advanced Eye Cream”
- “skin instantly felt firmer — Avène Hyaluron Activ B3 Concentrated Plumping Serum”
Brightening and Radiance Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “iridescent glow — Olay Super Serum”
- “hides dark shadows — Olay Ultimate Eye Cream”
- “skin looks brighter — Olay Vitamin C Serum”
- “immediate radiance boost — Avène Vitamin Activ Cg Radiance Concentrated Serum”
Makeup Compatibility and Removal Rarely NotedSometimes Noted
- “absorbs instantly — Olay Eye Lifting Serum”
- “acts as primer — Olay Super Serum”
- “concealer sits better — Olay Ultimate Eye Cream”
- “Remove a all of the makeup with ease. — Avène Milk Cleanser”
Strong Fragrance and Scents Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “The fragrance is very present. — Avène Milk Cleanser”
- “smell is too strong — Avène Cleanance”
- “Fragrance can be an irritant — Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream”
- “floral scent — Olay Super Serum”
Packaging Issues Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “Tube cracked on the side — Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream”
- “Cap leaks in bag — Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel”
- “Good product bad packaging. — Avène RetrinAL EYES”
- “hard to dispense — Olay Super Serum”
Product Ineffectiveness Rarely NotedSometimes Noted
- “no difference — Avène Antirougeurs Fort Relief Concentrate”
- “no difference after month — Avène Vitamin Activ Cg Radiance Concentrated Serum”
- “didn't work for me — Avène Hyaluron Activ B3 Concentrated Plumping Serum”
- “no difference — Olay Vitamin C Serum”
Avène vs Olay routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Cleanance Cleansing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 76.99
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Moisturizer
Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 169.99
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SPF
Ultra Fluid
Morning
AED 105.54
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Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
AED 35.29
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Cleansing Toner
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water
Evening
AED 38.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Antirougeurs Fort Relief Concentrate
Evening · Once a week
AED 130.00
-
Enzyme Powder
VT Cica Mild Powder Wash
Once a week
AED 47.62
-
Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
AED 65.00
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Cleanser
Regenerating Cream Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 59.99
-
Moisturizer
Regenerist Luminous Tone Perfecting Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 218.43
-
SPF
Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
Morning
AED 88.09
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
AED 35.29
-
Cleansing Toner
Oil Minimizing Clean Toner
Evening
AED 72.05
- Serum or Treatment Vitamin C Serum Evening · Once a week
-
Enzyme Powder
VT Cica Mild Powder Wash
Once a week
AED 47.62
-
Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
AED 65.00
Buy Avène routine · AED 669.42 · 77% fit
Buy Olay routine · AED 586.47 · 74% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Avène vs Olay routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
Cleanance Cleansing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 76.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 49.99
-
Moisturizer
Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 68.90
-
SPF
Cleanance
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 58.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 179.45
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
AED 120.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
-
Cleansing Mask
Revision Skincare Black Mask
Once a week
AED 204.00
-
Cleanser
Regenerating Cream Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 59.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 49.99
-
Moisturizer
Super Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 109.00
-
SPF
Regenerist Whip Face Moisturizer SPF 25
Morning
AED 121.67
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 179.45
-
Cleansing Toner
Oil Minimizing Clean Toner
Evening
AED 72.05
- Serum or Treatment Vitamin C Serum Evening · Once a week
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
-
Cleansing Mask
Revision Skincare Black Mask
Once a week
AED 204.00
Buy Avène routine · AED 859.37 · 87% fit
Buy Olay routine · AED 897.24 · 84% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Avène vs Olay routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Cleanance Cleansing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 76.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 145.00
-
Moisturizer
Hyaluron Activ B3 Concentrated Plumping Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 118.99
-
SPF
Cleanance
Morning
AED 58.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 179.45
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
AED 53.12
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin Activ Cg Radiance Concentrated Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 199.98
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
-
Cleansing Mask
KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
AED 122.93
-
Cleanser
Regenerating Cream Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 59.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 145.00
-
Moisturizer
Super Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 109.00
-
SPF
Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
Morning
AED 88.09
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 179.45
-
Cleansing Toner
Oil Minimizing Clean Toner
Evening
AED 72.05
- Serum or Treatment Vitamin C Serum Evening · Once a week
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
-
Cleansing Mask
KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
AED 122.93
Buy Avène routine · AED 1,056.50 · 88% fit
Buy Olay routine · AED 877.60 · 83% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
Avène or Olay: which is better?
Avène is better for gentleness and soothing, while Olay does better with texture, absorption, hydration, and anti-aging. The products on this page from Olay use key ingredients like niacinamide, which helps reduce pigmentation, and hyaluronic acid, which helps improve skin quality.
The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
What is the difference between Avène and Olay?
Olay often does better for texture, hydration, and anti-aging, while Avène is typically chosen for gentleness and soothing care. The products on this page from Olay lean heavily toward fragrance-free formulas, whereas about half of Avène's options list fragrance.
Avène or Olay for dry skin?
Olay is a better choice for dry skin, as the products on this page achieve a High Lovi routine fit compared to Avène's Average fit. Olay also tends to perform better for intense hydration.
Avène or Olay: which cleanser is better?
Avène and Olay both offer cleansers on this page, but Avène stands out for its gentle and non-stripping sunscreens and cleansers, which help soothe irritation. Reviewers note that Avène does better with gentleness and soothing.
Which is more affordable, Avène or Olay?
Price point is a sometimes noted concern for Avène, whereas affordability details are not specified for Olay on this page. Reviewers occasionally mention price as a drawback for Avène products.
Avène or Olay: which brand performs better for mature skin?
Olay performs better for mature skin, winning review themes for skin smoothing, anti-aging, and brightening on this page. Lovi rates Olay's mature skin routine as High, while Avène's routine fit is also High.
Avène or Olay: which brand has more fragrance-free options?
Olay has more fragrance-free options, with 26 of its 27 products on this page listing no fragrance compared to 7 of 15 for Avène.
Avène or Olay: which brand offers better hydration and moisture?
Olay offers better hydration and moisture than Avène according to reviewer themes on the page. Olay products feature key hydrating ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide.
Avène or Olay for oily skin?
Both Avène and Olay are great choices for oily skin, with Lovi fit levels of High for the products on this page. Reviewers note that Avène provides effective oil control, while Olay offers lightweight feel and fast absorption.
Avène or Olay: which moisturizer is better?
Both brands offer moisturizers that help improve skin, with Avène featuring options like its Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm that Lovi rates High for dry sensitive skin, while Olay provides choices such as its Regenerist Luminous Tone Perfecting Cream that Lovi rates Superior for dry skin. Olay products on this page often incorporate key ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, which are backed by studies showing they help reduce pigmentation and improve skin hydration.
The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
Avène or Olay for sensitive skin?
For sensitive skin, both brands offer products on this page with a High Lovi fit level. Reviewers mention that Avène does better with gentleness and soothing, while Olay features more fragrance-free options across its lineup.
Avène or Olay: which sunscreen is better?
Avène is better for sunscreens as the products on this page are mostly mentioned by reviewers for being gentle and non-stripping. Olay features only one sunscreen on this page, which has lower fit levels for most skin types.
Avène or Olay for acne-prone skin?
Both Avène and Olay are great choices for acne-prone skin, as Lovi rates their routines as High fit for this skin type. Avène is particularly well-known for gentle, non-stripping sunscreens and deep-cleansing cleansers, while Olay offers fragrance-free options and fast absorption.
Research behind their key ingredients
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
Topical palmitoyl pentapeptide provides improvement in photoaged human facial skin
Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation by topical N-acetyl glucosamine
An oil-soluble extract of Rubus idaeus cells enhances hydration and water homeostasis in skin cells
Comparative benefit of two thermal spring waters after photodynamic therapy procedure
Neuroimmunomodulatory compound for sensitive skin care: in vitro and clinical assessment
Comedogenicity in rabbit: some cosmetic ingredients/vehicles
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
Dually functionalized dendrimer for stimuli-responsive release of active ingredients into the skin
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens
Behind this comparison
Lovi compares products by their fit scores, calculated from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
-

Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
-

Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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