Avène vs NIVEA
Avène and NIVEA are established skincare brands known for versatile sunscreens, targeted serums, and nourishing moisturizers formulated with hydrating glycerin. The French brand, founded in 1990, relies on science-backed formulations featuring key ingredients like glycerin to suit oily acne-prone skin best, with standout products including the Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm, Cleanance, and Hyaluron Activ B3 Concentrated Plumping Serum. Conversely, the German brand founded in 1911 balances gentle care with lightweight hydration to suit sensitive and oily skin best, utilizing expert formulations in products such as the Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+, UV Deep Protect & Care Gel, and LUMINOUS630 ANTI-DARK SPOT SERUM. Ultimately, both differ primarily in their heritage and specific product pairings while remaining dedicated to keeping every complexion calm and healthy.
Avène is a French skincare brand founded in 1990 and owned by Fondation Pierre Fabre.
pierre-fabre.comavene.co.ukaveneusa.com
NIVEA is a German skincare brand founded in 1911 and owned by maxingvest GmbH & Co. KGaA since 2004.
beiersdorf.comen.wikipedia.org
This page compares some of the most popular Avène and NIVEA products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Avène vs NIVEA products
People Say
Anti-aging and skin smoothing Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “Makes my face feel smooth and soft. — NIVEA Soft”
- “skin feels squeaky clean and soft — NIVEA DERMA SKIN CLEAR”
- “skin feels smooth — NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub”
- “skin instantly felt firmer — Avène Hyaluron Activ B3 Concentrated Plumping Serum”
Texture and consistency Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Thick but absorbs well eventually — Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream”
- “absorbs very quickly — Avène Vitamin Activ Cg Radiance Concentrated Serum”
- “lathers really well — Avène Cleanance”
- “It's lightweight on the skin and leaves a bit of subtle sheen. — NIVEA Soft”
Deep hydration and moisturization Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Smoothed out dry flaky scales on my cheeks overnight — NIVEA Creme”
- “skin feels moisturized — NIVEA Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+”
- “Restores moisture barrier — Avène Cold Cream”
Soothes and calms irritation Mostly MentionedNot noted
- “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”
Effective oil control and acne clearing Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “cleared my complexion in 7 days — NIVEA DERMA SKIN CLEAR”
- “reduces blackheads — NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub”
- “Keeps me matte for hours — Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel”
Price and value Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “Works better than expensive luxury creams — NIVEA Creme”
- “Best affordable vegan moisturizer. — NIVEA Soft”
- “absolute steal for the price — NIVEA DERMA SKIN CLEAR”
- “Bottle lasts for months — Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel”
Thick texture and greasy finish Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Leaves a greasy film — Avène Cold Cream”
- “too thick — Avène Hydrance+”
- “sticky kinda feeling — Avène Hyaluron Activ B3 Concentrated Plumping Serum”
- “Leaves a shiny grease layer that doesn't go away — NIVEA Creme”
Strong fragrance and scent issues Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “The fragrance is very present. — Avène Milk Cleanser”
- “smell is too strong — Avène Cleanance”
- “Scent is too overpowering for sensitive noses — NIVEA Creme”
- “Has a heavy, baby powder smell. — NIVEA Soft”
Causes breakouts and acne Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “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”
- “Clogged my pores and caused bad acne — NIVEA Creme”
Avène vs NIVEA routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$26.59
-
Hydrating Toner
Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner
Morning
A$23.99
-
Moisturizer
Creme
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$5.24
-
SPF
Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+
Morning
A$21.49
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
A$27.35
-
Serum or Treatment
Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub
Evening · Once a week
A$8.00
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
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 NIVEA routine · A$176.64 · 83% fit
Buy Avène routine · A$239.08 · 78% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Avène vs NIVEA routines for oily skin
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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
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$13.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$34.66
-
Moisturizer
Soft
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$6.24
-
SPF
Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+
Morning
A$21.49
-
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
-
Serum or Treatment
Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub
Evening · Once a week
A$8.00
-
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
Buy Avène routine · A$394.87 · 87% fit
Buy NIVEA routine · A$394.61 · 87% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Avène vs NIVEA routines for combination skin
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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
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$73.61
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$42.00
-
Moisturizer
Soft
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$6.24
-
SPF
Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+
Morning
A$21.49
-
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
Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub
Evening · Once a week
A$8.00
-
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
Buy Avène routine · A$381.11 · 87% fit
Buy NIVEA routine · A$366.08 · 86% fitSee multi-brand routine · 95% fit
Questions and answers
Avène or NIVEA: which is better?
Both Avène and NIVEA offer effective options, with Avène standing out for soothing irritation and NIVEA performing well for anti-aging and deep hydration.
What is the difference between Avène and NIVEA?
Avène and NIVEA offer different strengths, with Avène focusing on soothing irritation and lightweight textures while NIVEA provides intense deep hydration and effective blemish-clearing serums. Both brands share a high routine fit across most skin types, though NIVEA rates higher for dry sensitive skin.
Avène or NIVEA for dry skin?
Both Avène and NIVEA offer a High routine fit for dry skin among the products on this page. Reviewers note that NIVEA provides intense deep hydration, while Avène is recognized for soothing irritation and offering a gentle texture.
Avène or NIVEA: which moisturizer is better?
For dry sensitive skin, NIVEA offers a High routine fit while Avène has an Average routine fit. Reviewers say that NIVEA provides intense deep hydration, whereas Avène is noted for soothing irritation.
Which is more affordable, Avène or NIVEA?
NIVEA is more affordable according to the products on this page, as NIVEA does better for price and value.
Between Avène and NIVEA, which brand has better anti-aging and skin smoothing benefits?
NIVEA does better for anti-aging and skin smoothing among the products on this page.
How do the founding years and corporate ownerships of Avène and NIVEA compare?
Avène was founded in France in 1990 and is owned by Fondation Pierre Fabre, whereas NIVEA was founded in Germany in 1911 and has been owned by maxingvest GmbH & Co. KGaA since 2004.
Which brand performs better for dry sensitive skin and oily acne-prone skin according to their routine fit levels?
For dry sensitive skin, NIVEA has a High routine fit compared to Avène which has an Average fit. For oily acne-prone skin, Avène has a Superior routine fit while NIVEA reaches a High level.
Avène or NIVEA for oily skin?
Both Avène and NIVEA achieve a High routine fit for oily skin on the products on this page. Avène sunscreen products help control oil effectively.
Avène or NIVEA: which sunscreen is better?
Both brands offer sunscreens on this page, with Avène featuring gentle and non-stripping options and NIVEA providing intense deep hydration. Reviewers note that Avène sunscreens have a lightweight texture, while NIVEA options like Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+ and UV Deep Protect & Care Gel deliver high fit levels for several skin types.
Avène or NIVEA for sensitive skin?
Avène and NIVEA both achieve a High Lovi fit level for sensitive skin. Avène is often noted for soothing and calming irritation, while NIVEA offers intense deep hydration.
Avène or NIVEA for acne-prone skin?
Both Avène and NIVEA offer a High routine fit for acne-prone skin on the products on this page. Reviewers note that NIVEA does better for effective oil control and acne clearing.
Research behind their key ingredients
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
Effects of glyceryl glucoside on AQP3 expression, barrier function and hydration of human skin
An oil-soluble extract of Rubus idaeus cells enhances hydration and water homeostasis in skin cells
Exotic Vegetable Oils for Cosmetic O/W Nanoemulsions: In Vivo Evaluation
Comparative benefit of two thermal spring waters after photodynamic therapy procedure
In vivo and in vitro evaluation of octyl methoxycinnamate liposomes
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
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
-

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?
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