Cetaphil vs Avène
Cetaphil and Avène are respected skincare brands that cater to those seeking gentle, effective daily care. The American brand, founded in 1947, is widely loved for cleansers, moisturizers, serums, and sunscreens formulated with glycerin, niacinamide, and panthenol to suit combination and acne-prone skin best. Meanwhile, the French brand, established in 1990, is universally loved for rich moisturizers, reliable sunscreens, targeted serums, gentle cleansers, and hydrating glycerin that suit oily acne-prone and acne-prone skin best. While both offer nourishing solutions, they differ in their heritage and specific ingredient compositions.
Cetaphil is an American skincare brand founded in 1947 and owned by Galderma Group AG.
en.wikipedia.orgcetaphil.co.uk
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 Cetaphil and Avène products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Cetaphil vs Avène products
People Say
Gentle on sensitive skin Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “The only thing my reactive skin tolerates. — Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser”
- “No breakouts since switching to this. — Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser”
- “cleans without stripping — Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser”
- “leaves face clean but not dry — Avène Cleanance”
Hydration and moisture Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “cleared up flaky skin — Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream”
- “healed my dry patches — Cetaphil Moisturising Cream”
- “Leaves my face feeling soft, not tight. — Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser”
- “Thick but absorbs well eventually — Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream”
Texture and skin improvement Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Skin felt softer after one use — Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating SA Cleanser”
- “Micro-fine granules don't irritate — Cetaphil Extra Gentle Daily Scrub”
- “immediate radiance boost — Avène Vitamin Activ Cg Radiance Concentrated Serum”
- “skin instantly felt firmer — Avène Hyaluron Activ B3 Concentrated Plumping Serum”
Lightweight and non-greasy Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “absorbs instantly — Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion”
- “Absorbs quickly into skin without residue — Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion”
- “absorbs quickly — Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream”
- “absorbs very quickly — Avène Vitamin Activ Cg Radiance Concentrated Serum”
Skin barrier repair and soothing Not notedOften 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”
- “Saves my skin in winter — Avène Cold Cream”
Packaging and texture issues Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “hate dipping fingers in — Cetaphil Moisturising Cream”
- “wish it had a pump — Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream”
- “leaves a white layer — Avène Hydrance+”
- “Tube squirted water everywhere — Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream”
Fragrance and smell issues Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “Overpowering masking fragrance — Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar”
- “Scent is overwhelmingly artificial. — Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser”
- “The fragrance is very present. — Avène Milk Cleanser”
- “smell is too strong — Avène Cleanance”
Irritation and formula change Sometimes NotedRarely Noted
- “They have changed the formula recently, and it... is not as good. — Avène Milk Cleanser”
- “burned my skin — Avène Cleanance”
- “caused burning sensation — Avène Vitamin Activ Cg Radiance Concentrated Serum”
- “New version burns my face. — Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser”
Cetaphil vs Avène routines for dry skin
-
Cleanser
Gentle Skin Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$21.69
-
Hydrating Toner
Healthy Radiance Brightness Refresh Toner
Morning
A$35.99
-
Moisturizer
Rich Hydrating Night Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$17.39
-
SPF
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Morning
A$22.90
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
A$27.35
-
Serum or Treatment
Gentle Exfoliating SA Lotion
Evening · Once a week
A$13.79
-
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 Cetaphil routine · A$203.09 · 84% fit
Buy Avène routine · A$239.08 · 78% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Cetaphil vs Avène routines for oily skin
-
Cleanser
Daily Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$11.39
-
Hydrating Toner
Healthy Radiance Brightness Refresh Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$35.99
-
Moisturizer
Ceramide Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$36.72
-
SPF
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Morning
A$22.90
-
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
Gentle Exfoliating SA Lotion
Evening · Once a week
A$13.79
-
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
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
Buy Cetaphil routine · A$431.02 · 87% fit
Buy Avène routine · A$394.87 · 87% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Cetaphil vs Avène routines for combination skin
-
Cleanser
Daily Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$11.39
-
Hydrating Toner
Healthy Radiance Brightness Refresh Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$35.99
-
Moisturizer
Ceramide Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$36.72
-
SPF
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Morning
A$22.90
-
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
Gentle Exfoliating SA Lotion
Evening · Once a week
A$13.79
-
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
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
Buy Cetaphil routine · A$335.53 · 88% fit
Buy Avène routine · A$381.11 · 87% fitSee multi-brand routine · 95% fit
Questions and answers
Cetaphil or Avène: which is better?
Both brands offer equal routine fit levels across most skin types on this page, but Cetaphil is better for dry sensitive skin with a High fit level compared to Avène's Average fit level. Avène achieves a Superior fit level for oily acne-prone skin, whereas Cetaphil has a High fit level.
What is the difference between Cetaphil and Avène?
Cetaphil is generally better for hydration and gentleness on sensitive skin, while Avène excels at skin barrier repair and soothing. Both brands offer equal routine fits for most skin types, except for oily acne-prone skin where Avène has a Superior fit compared to Cetaphil's High fit.
Cetaphil or Avène for dry skin?
Both Cetaphil and Avène are good options for dry skin, offering an equal high routine fit on the products on this page. Cetaphil is noted as better for hydration and moisture, while Avène does better for skin barrier repair and soothing.
Cetaphil or Avène: which cleanser is better?
Both Cetaphil and Avène offer cleansers that fit oily acne-prone skin at a High level on this page. Cetaphil provides more fragrance-free options across its cleanser range.
Which is more affordable, Cetaphil or Avène?
This page does not provide pricing information or comparisons of affordability for either Cetaphil or Avène.
Which brand has more fragrance-free products, Cetaphil or Avène?
Cetaphil has more fragrance-free products on this page, with 26 out of 27 products listing no fragrance, compared to 7 out of 15 for Avène.
Cetaphil or Avène for oily skin?
For oily skin, Lovi rates both Cetaphil and Avène as having a High routine fit level. Reviewers mention that Cetaphil offers gentle, non-stripping cleansers while Avène provides effective oil control and gentle deep cleanses.
Cetaphil or Avène: which moisturizer is better?
Both Cetaphil and Avène offer a range of moisturizers with varying fit levels depending on your skin type, with Cetaphil often highlighted for general hydration and Avène for soothing irritation. Reviewers note that Cetaphil provides hydrating, non-greasy options, while Avène is recognized for soothing skin barrier repair and comfort.
Cetaphil or Avène for sensitive skin?
Both brands offer a High routine fit for sensitive skin, but reviewers note that Cetaphil does better on being gentle on sensitive skin. Lovi rates Cetaphil as High and Avène as Average for dry sensitive skin.
Cetaphil or Avène: which sunscreen is better?
Both Cetaphil and Avène offer great sunscreen options on this page, with Cetaphil featuring mostly fragrance-free formulas and Avène providing gentle, non-stripping sun protection.
Cetaphil or Avène for acne-prone skin?
Both brands achieve a High routine fit for acne-prone skin on the products on this page. Lovi rates both Cetaphil and Avène as having an equal level of routine fit for this skin type.
Cetaphil or Avène for dry sensitive skin?
Cetaphil is a better fit for dry sensitive skin, as Lovi rates its routine as High compared to Avène's Average fit. Cetaphil products on this page are also largely fragrance-free, whereas over half of Avène's products on the page contain fragrance.
Cetaphil or Avène for oily acne-prone skin?
For oily acne-prone skin, Avène has a Superior routine fit on the products on this page, while Cetaphil has a High routine fit.
Research behind their key ingredients
Effects of menthol and cold on histamine-induced itch and skin reactions in man
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
Effects of ascorbic acid on gingival melanin pigmentation in vitro and in vivo
Ascorbic Acid Treatments as Effective and Safe Anti-Aging Therapies for Sensitive Skin
Another Reason for Using Caffeine in Dermocosmetics: Sunscreen Adjuvant
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
Colloidal Oatmeal <em>(Avena Sativa)</em> Improves Skin Barrier Through Multi-Therapy Activity
Comparative benefit of two thermal spring waters after photodynamic therapy procedure
The impacts of sodium lauroyl sarcosinate in facial cleanser on facial skin microbiome and lipidome
Supramolecular collagen nanoparticles for anti-wrinkle, skin whitening, and moisturizing effects
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
Safety of a preservative system containing 1,2-hexanediol and caprylyl glycol
Modulating effects of oatmeal extracts in the sodium lauryl sulfate skin irritancy model
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
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
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