Clinique vs Avène
Clinique and Avène are two established skincare brands recognized for gentle, science-backed formulations that cater to distinct complexions. The American line relies on hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and caffeine within moisturizers, serums, and eye products to suit sensitive and dry skin best. Meanwhile, the French brand features rich moisturizers, sunscreens, and cleansers enriched with hydrating glycerin to support oily, acne-prone skin. While both address specific concerns through targeted solutions, they differ in their foundational ingredients and regional heritages.
Clinique is an American skincare brand founded in 1968 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc..
en.wikipedia.orgelcompanies.combusinesswire.comglossy.co
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 Clinique and Avène products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Clinique vs Avène products
People Say
Sensitive Skin and Soothing Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “never irritated my eyes — Clinique All About Eyes”
- “No stinging eyes — Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm”
- “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”
Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Keeps my dry patches at bay all day — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+”
- “skin feels soft and smooth — Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask”
- “glass skin look — Clinique moisture surge”
- “Restores moisture barrier — Avène Cold Cream”
Texture and Absorption Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “sinks in immediately — Clinique moisture surge”
- “sinks in instantly — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel”
- “Absorbs quickly without feeling sticky — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+”
- “Thick but absorbs well eventually — Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream”
Makeup Compatibility and Removal Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “Melts waterproof mascara — Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm”
- “foundation glides on — Clinique moisture surge”
- “holds concealer in place — Clinique All About Eyes”
- “Remove a all of the makeup with ease. — Avène Milk Cleanser”
Dryness and Residue Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “Leaves a greasy film — Avène Cold Cream”
- “Left my face tight — Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel”
- “sticky kinda feeling — Avène Hyaluron Activ B3 Concentrated Plumping Serum”
- “skin felt tight — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel”
Price and Value Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “Its a bit pricey but so worth it!! — Avène Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm”
- “a bit pricey — Avène Cleanance”
- “Tiny tube for the money — Avène Cold Cream”
- “jar is too small for the cost — Clinique moisture surge”
Scents and Fragrance Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “Smells like nail polish remover — Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2”
- “Smells like old oil — Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm”
- “Has a weird plastic-like smell — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+”
- “The fragrance is very present. — Avène Milk Cleanser”
Clinique vs Avène routines for dry skin
-
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
-
Cleanser
all about clean
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$46.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner
Morning
A$23.99
- Moisturizer moisture surge Morning · Evening · Once a week
-
SPF
Bioderma Photoderm Mineral Fluide SPF50+
Morning
A$24.49
-
Pre-Cleanser
Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
A$56.98
-
Serum or Treatment
Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$149.95
-
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 Avène routine · A$239.08 · 78% fit
Buy Clinique routine · A$365.39 · 75% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Clinique 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
all about clean
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$46.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$34.66
-
Moisturizer
Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$83.95
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
A$27.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
A$56.98
-
Cleansing Toner
Clarifying Lotion 2
Evening
A$87.00
- Serum or Treatment Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector Evening · Once a week
-
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 Clinique routine · A$490.43 · 75% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Clinique 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
all about clean
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$46.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$42.00
-
Moisturizer
Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$83.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
A$56.98
-
Cleansing Toner
Clarifying Lotion 2
Evening
A$87.00
- Serum or Treatment Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector Evening · Once a week
-
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 Clinique routine · A$469.78 · 72% fitSee multi-brand routine · 95% fit
Questions and answers
Clinique or Avène: which is better?
Clinique is better for hydration, texture, and fragrance-free formulas, while Avène is better for oily acne-prone skin and soothing irritation. Clinique provides fragrance-free products across the products on this page, whereas Avène includes fragrance in several of its formulas.
What is the difference between Clinique and Avène?
Clinique is fragrance-free and stands out for its hydrating moisturizers and makeup removal, while Avène often includes fragrance and is known for soothing irritation and supporting oily and acne-prone skin.
Clinique or Avène for dry skin?
Clinique and Avène both achieve a High routine fit for dry skin on this page, with Clinique standing out for hydration and texture while Avène features soothing thermal water. Topical hyaluronic acid helps boost skin moisture for dry skin care.
Clinique or Avène: which cleanser is better?
Clinique is better for cleansers on this page, as every product lists no fragrance. Avène cleansers may help, but several products on this page list fragrance.
Which is more affordable, Clinique or Avène?
Avène may offer better value on the products on this page, as Clinique reviewers often mention a high price point while Avène reviewers mention price as a point less frequently.
Clinique or Avène: which brand is better for mature skin?
Avène is better for mature skin, achieving a Lovi fit level of High compared to Clinique's Average. Avène's products for mature skin help target signs of aging while soothing the skin, though some formulas may include fragrance.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000Archives of Dermatology, 2007
Clinique or Avène: which brand has fragrance-free products?
Clinique is the better choice for fragrance-free options because every product on the products on this page lists no fragrance in its ingredients, whereas Avène includes fragrance in 7 of 15 products on this page.
Clinique or Avène for oily skin?
Clinique and Avène both provide a High routine fit level for oily skin. Every Clinique product on this page lists no fragrance, whereas 7 of 15 Avène products contain fragrance.
Clinique or Avène: which moisturizer is better?
Both Clinique and Avène offer moisturizers with a high fit level for dry skin on this page, but Clinique is often mentioned for its hydrating, lightweight, and fast-absorbing formulas. Avène moisturizers frequently soothe irritation and feature options like Hyaluron Activ B3 Concentrated Plumping Serum with a high fit for dry skin, which helps improve skin aging and hydration.
Clinique or Avène: which brand is better for dry sensitive skin?
Clinique is better for dry sensitive skin because Lovi rates its routine fit as High, compared to Avène which rates as Average. Clinique helps deliver deep hydration while remaining fragrance-free across the products on this page.
Clinique or Avène for sensitive skin?
Both Clinique and Avène offer a high Lovi fit level for sensitive skin. Clinique products on this page list no fragrance, whereas nearly half of Avène products on this page contain fragrance.
Clinique or Avène for acne-prone skin?
Avène fits acne-prone skin better than Clinique, as Lovi rates Avène with a High fit for this skin type while Clinique's fit is Average. Avène's products on this page help provide a gentle deep clean and effective oil control for acne-prone skin.
Research behind their key ingredients
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
Vitamin C-squalene bioconjugate promotes epidermal thickening and collagen production in human skin
An oil-soluble extract of Rubus idaeus cells enhances hydration and water homeostasis in skin cells
The synergistic effect of retinyl propionate and hydroxypinacolone retinoate on skin aging
Comparative benefit of two thermal spring waters after photodynamic therapy procedure
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
Algae extract protection effect on oxidized protein level in human stratum corneum
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Safety of a preservative system containing 1,2-hexanediol and caprylyl glycol
Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate
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.




















































