Anua vs Avène
Anua and Avène are skincare brands that serve those seeking a calm and balanced complexion through tailored formulations. The Korean line, founded in 2019, features moisturizers, toners, serums, and cleansers built around hyaluronic acid, heartleaf, and niacinamide to suit oily acne-prone skin, dry skin, and mature skin. Meanwhile, the French brand, established in 1990, is universally loved for its rich moisturizers, reliable sunscreens, targeted serums, gentle cleansers, and hydrating glycerin, which together serve oily acne-prone skin and acne-prone skin best. While both cater to similar skin types, they differ in their origin and signature ingredients, as the former relies on soothing botanicals and active vitamins for issues like dark spots, and the latter utilizes science-backed formulations for barrier restoration.
Anua is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2019 and owned by The Founders Inc..
prnewswire.comkedglobal.comtracxn.comv.daum.net
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 Anua and Avène products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Anua vs Avène products
-
Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
A$26.00
-
Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner
A$33.00
-
Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
A$36.95
-
PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum
A$36.00
-
Heartleaf Quercetin Pore Deep Cleansing Foam
A$22.00
-
Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner
A$35.00
-
PEACH 70% NIACINAMIDE SERUM
A$33.00
-
Heartleaf 77% Clear Pad
A$33.40
People Say
Hydrating & Moisturizing Formulas Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “complexion feels so plump — Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum”
- “leaves skin plump — Anua Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner”
- “leaves skin glowing — Anua Heartleaf 77% Clear Pad”
- “Restores moisture barrier — Avène Cold Cream”
Gentle & Non-Irritating Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “leaves face clean but not dry — Avène Cleanance”
- “Perfect cleanser for sensitive skin. — Avène Milk Cleanser”
- “no irritation at all — Avène Hydrance+”
- “didn't sensitize my skin — Anua BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner”
Lightweight & Fast-Absorbing Texture Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “melts into skin — Anua Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream”
- “Feels like water, not heavy oil — Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil”
- “Absorbs quickly without stickiness — Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner”
- “absorbs very quickly — Avène Vitamin Activ Cg Radiance Concentrated Serum”
Soothes Redness & Inflammation Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Calms my redness instantly — Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner”
- “calmed my red spots — Anua Heartleaf 77% Clear Pad”
- “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”
Improves Skin Texture & Smoothness Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “Skin feels super smooth — Anua PEACH 70% NIACINAMIDE SERUM”
- “skin feels so smooth — Anua BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner”
- “pores visibly tightened — Anua NANO RETINOL™ 0.3% + NIACIN RENEWING SERUM”
- “I've noticed a definite improvement in the fine lines around my eyes — Avène RetrinAL EYES”
Brightens Skin & Fades Dark Spots Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “Significant reduction in hyperpigmentation from acne scarring. — Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum”
- “Gives a nice healthy glow — Anua PEACH 70% NIACINAMIDE SERUM”
- “Gives my skin a beautiful, healthy glow. — Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum”
- “immediate radiance boost — Avène Vitamin Activ Cg Radiance Concentrated Serum”
Causes Breakouts & Clogging Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “Woke up with tiny whiteheads all over — Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream”
- “Caused small bumps/texture — Avène Soothing Radiance Mask”
- “Broke me out initially — Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel”
- “Wrecked my skin barrier — Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil”
Sticky, Tacky or Oily Finish Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “Leaves a greasy film — Avène Cold Cream”
- “sticky kinda feeling — Avène Hyaluron Activ B3 Concentrated Plumping Serum”
- “too shiny — Avène Hydrance+”
- “Left such a gross tacky finish that refused to dry. — Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum”
Fragrance & Scent Issues Rarely NotedSometimes Noted
- “Smell is too strong — Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil”
- “overpowering herbal smell — Anua Heartleaf Quercetin Pore Deep Cleansing Foam”
- “Scent is too strong — Anua PEACH 70% NIACINAMIDE SERUM”
- “The fragrance is very present. — Avène Milk Cleanser”
Anua vs Avène routines for dry skin
-
Cleanser
Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Gentle Foaming Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$19.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner
Morning
A$35.00
-
Moisturizer
Heartleaf 70% Intense Calming Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$42.00
-
SPF
Bioderma Photoderm Mineral Fluide SPF50+
Morning
A$24.49
-
Pre-Cleanser
Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$26.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$36.95
-
Enzyme Powder
Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder
Once a week
A$27.00
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
A$28.48
-
Cleanser
Cleanance Cleansing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$24.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner
Morning
A$23.99
-
Moisturizer
Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$29.99
-
SPF
Ultra Fluid
Morning
A$23.39
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
A$27.35
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin Activ Cg Radiance Concentrated Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$45.39
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
A$28.48
Buy Anua routine · A$238.92 · 85% fit
Buy Avène routine · A$239.08 · 78% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Anua vs Avène routines for oily skin
-
Cleanser
Cleanance Cleansing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$24.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$34.66
-
Moisturizer
Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$24.99
-
SPF
Cleanance
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$24.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$80.43
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
A$75.95
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
A$118.35
-
Cleanser
Heartleaf Quercetin Pore Deep Cleansing Foam
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$22.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder
Morning · Once a week
A$27.00
-
Moisturizer
Heartleaf 70% Intense Calming Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$42.00
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
A$27.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$26.00
-
Cleansing Toner
BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner
Evening
A$30.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$36.95
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
A$118.35
Buy Avène routine · A$394.87 · 87% fit
Buy Anua routine · A$330.29 · 85% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Anua vs Avène routines for combination skin
-
Cleanser
Cleanance Cleansing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$24.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$42.00
-
Moisturizer
Hyaluron Activ B3 Concentrated Plumping Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$53.99
-
SPF
Cleanance
Morning
A$24.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$30.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
A$29.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin Activ Cg Radiance Concentrated Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$45.39
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
A$118.35
-
Cleanser
Heartleaf Quercetin Pore Deep Cleansing Foam
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$22.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$35.00
-
Moisturizer
Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$27.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$26.00
-
Cleansing Toner
BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner
Evening
A$30.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$36.95
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
A$118.35
Buy Avène routine · A$381.11 · 87% fit
Buy Anua routine · A$295.30 · 83% fitSee multi-brand routine · 95% fit
Questions and answers
Anua or Avène: which is better?
Anua and Avène both offer high routine fit levels across major skin types, but Anua is better for hydration, texture improvement, and brightening, while Avène is better for gentle, non-irritating care. Anua products on this page list no fragrance, whereas nearly half of Avène's products list fragrance.
What is the difference between Anua and Avène?
Anua offers hydrating, brightening, and fragrance-free products on the products on this page, while Avène includes several options with fragrance and focuses on gentle, soothing thermal-water formulas. Anua generally provides better fit levels for dry sensitive skin, whereas Avène delivers superior performance for oily acne-prone skin.
Anua or Avène for dry skin?
Anua and Avène both provide a High routine fit for dry skin on this page, offering deeply hydrating moisturizers and restorative creams. Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid help support the skin barrier and retain moisture.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002
Anua or Avène: which cleanser is better?
Anua offers a better range of cleansers on this page for most skin types, featuring fragrance-free options with ingredients like heartleaf and gentle exfoliating enzymes. Avène also provides good deep-cleansing options, though some products on this page list fragrance.
Which is more affordable, Anua or Avène?
This page does not provide pricing information for either Anua or Avène, so it is not possible to determine which brand is more affordable.
Anua or Avène for dark spots?
Both Anua and Avène offer products on this page that are a High fit for skin with dark spots. Anua may help brighten skin and fade dark spots, utilizing ingredients like niacinamide which studies show can reduce cutaneous pigmentation and suppress melanosome transfer.
Anua or Avène for oily skin?
Both Anua and Avène are well suited for oily skin, with routine fit levels rated as High. Anua focuses on targeted serums and toners featuring ingredients like niacinamide and heartleaf, while Avène utilizes thermal spring water and specialized oil-control products to help manage excess shine.
Anua or Avène: which moisturizer is better?
Both Anua and Avène offer high-performing moisturizers, with Anua standing out on this page for its focus on hydrating heartleaf and niacinamide formulas, while Avène is well-reviewed for soothing sensitive skin with thermal water. Anua is more likely to help improve texture and brighten dark spots, whereas Avène helps calm irritation effectively.
Anua or Avène for sensitive skin?
Both Anua and Avène offer a High Lovi fit for sensitive skin on the products on this page, but they differ in formulation styles since Anua products on this page list no fragrance while several Avène products contain fragrance. Topical niacinamide helps brighten skin and improve texture, and hyaluronic acid supports skin hydration.
Anua or Avène: which sunscreen is better?
Anua and Avène both offer sunscreens on this page, with Anua featuring options like the Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream and Avène offering products like Cleanance and Ultra Fluid. Anua sunscreens help suit a range of skin types with a High fit level, while Avène sunscreens achieve a Superior fit for oily skin.
Anua or Avène for acne-prone skin?
Both Anua and Avène are a High fit for acne-prone skin on the products on this page, but Anua tends to do better for brightening and smoothing skin texture, while Avène is noted for being gentle and non-stripping.
Anua or Avène for dry sensitive skin?
Anua is a better fit for dry sensitive skin, offering High routine fit levels across its products on this page compared to Average for Avène.
Anua or Avène for oily acne-prone skin?
Anua offers High fit levels across its products for oily acne-prone skin on this page, while Avène provides a Superior routine fit for this skin type.
Research behind their key ingredients
The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer
Effects of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) on Skin Health: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Evidence
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
Apigenin inhibits UVA-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and prevents signs of skin aging in vivo
Effects of glyceryl glucoside on AQP3 expression, barrier function and hydration of human skin
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
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
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
Moisturizing Effects of Diglycerol Combined with Glycerol on Human Stratum Corneum
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Histometric assessment of the age-related skin response to 2-hydroxy-5-octanoyl benzoic acid
Emulgels powered by coco-glucoside: A stable and effective synbiotics delivery system for skin care
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.
-

Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
-

Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
-

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
-

Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
-

Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
-

Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
How does it fit your skin?
Scan your face, then any product: Lovi shows how well it fits you and what fits even better.

























































