Neutrogena vs Avène
Neutrogena and Avène are well-loved skincare brands that offer a thoughtful array of moisturizers, sunscreens, and gentle cleansers formulated with trusted ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid. While the American line suits sensitive and mature skin best through nourishing components that restore barrier function and reduce wrinkles, the French brand caters primarily to oily and acne-prone skin with science-backed formulations. Both names differ in their founding origins and specific target audiences, yet each relies on dedicated research to ensure a calm and balanced complexion.
Neutrogena is an American skincare brand founded in 1930 and owned by Kimberly-Clark Corporation since 2026.
investor.kimberly-clark.comen.wikipedia.orginvestors.kenvue.com
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 Neutrogena and Avène products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Neutrogena vs Avène products
People Say
Acne-safe and gentle on sensitive skin Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “leaves skin soft and balanced — Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser”
- “love that it has no scent — Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser”
- “leaves face clean but not dry — Avène Cleanance”
- “Perfect cleanser for sensitive skin. — Avène Milk Cleanser”
Deep hydration and moisture Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Skin looked plumper and radiant — Neutrogena HYDRO BOOST WATER CREAM”
- “It also hydrates my skin. This cream has been so easy to add to my routine. — Neutrogena Retinol Regenerating Cream”
- “Quenches dry skin instantly — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Hydrogel Mask”
- “Restores moisture barrier — Avène Cold Cream”
Lightweight and non-greasy texture Mostly MentionedRarely Noted
- “Absorbs instantly without sticky residue — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel”
- “absorbs instantly — Neutrogena COLLAGEN BANK Moisturizer”
- “Absorbs into skin without residue. — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum”
- “absorbs very quickly — Avène Vitamin Activ Cg Radiance Concentrated Serum”
Improves texture and anti-aging Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “Skin is looking smoother — Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream”
- “Deep lines have softened — Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream”
- “I've noticed a definite improvement in the fine lines around my eyes — Avène RetrinAL EYES”
- “skin feels smoother — Avène Vitamin Activ Cg Radiance Concentrated Serum”
Fast absorption Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “Absorbs quickly — Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream”
- “Absorbs really well into my skin without leaving a greasy residue behind. — Neutrogena Retinol Regenerating Cream”
- “Applies easily and quickly absorbs. — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum”
- “Absorbs into skin without residue. — Avène Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm”
Makeup compatibility and base Sometimes NotedRarely Noted
- “Foundation glides right over it — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel”
- “Concealer doesn't cake or get stuck in crevices — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Gel-Cream”
- “Works well under makeup — Neutrogena HYDRO BOOST WATER CREAM”
- “Remove a all of the makeup with ease. — Avène Milk Cleanser”
Strong fragrance and scent issues Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “Smell is too overpowering and lingering — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel”
- “Scent is so off-putting — Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream”
- “The fragrance is very present. — Avène Milk Cleanser”
- “smell is too strong — Avène Cleanance”
Price and quantity value Sometimes NotedRarely Noted
- “Its a bit pricey but so worth it!! — Avène Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm”
- “a bit pricey — Avène Cleanance”
- “small tube — Avène Antirougeurs Fort Relief Concentrate”
- “Jar is too small for the price — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel”
Skin irritation and reactions Sometimes NotedRarely Noted
- “burned my skin — Avène Cleanance”
- “caused burning sensation — Avène Vitamin Activ Cg Radiance Concentrated Serum”
- “caused rash — Avène Antirougeurs Fort Relief Concentrate”
- “Made my face very red — Neutrogena HYDRO BOOST WATER CREAM”
Neutrogena vs Avène routines for dry skin
-
Cleanser
Hydro Boost Water Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$18.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Alcohol-Free Toner
Morning
A$8.49
-
Moisturizer
Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$18.99
-
SPF
Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen
Morning
A$12.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
HYDRO BOOST WATER CREAM
Evening · Once a week
A$18.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$16.95
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Nourishing Mask
Hydro Boost Hydrating Hydrogel Mask
Once a week
A$4.49
-
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 Neutrogena routine · A$116.40 · 81% fit
Buy Avène routine · A$239.08 · 78% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Neutrogena 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
Hydro Boost Water Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$18.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Alcohol-Free Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$8.49
-
Moisturizer
Hydro Boost+ Niacinamide Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$22.49
-
SPF
Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen
Morning
A$12.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover
Evening · Once a week
A$10.49
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
A$75.95
-
Serum or Treatment
Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$16.95
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask
Once a week
A$42.95
Buy Avène routine · A$394.87 · 87% fit
Buy Neutrogena routine · A$244.80 · 75% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Neutrogena 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
Hydro Boost Water Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$18.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Alcohol-Free Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$8.49
-
Moisturizer
Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$18.99
-
SPF
Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen
Morning
A$12.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover
Evening · Once a week
A$10.49
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
A$29.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$16.95
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask
Once a week
A$42.95
Buy Avène routine · A$381.11 · 87% fit
Buy Neutrogena routine · A$195.25 · 80% fitSee multi-brand routine · 95% fit
Questions and answers
Neutrogena or Avène: which is better?
Neutrogena is better for deep hydration and lightweight texture, while Avène is better on price and quantity value. Both brands offer high routine fit levels across all major skin types on this page.
What is the difference between Neutrogena and Avène?
Neutrogena provides deep hydration and lightweight textures with products on this page, whereas Avène focuses on soothing irritation for sensitive skin. Both brands offer high routine fit levels across most skin types.
Neutrogena or Avène for dry skin?
Neutrogena is a better fit for dry skin, because the products on this page achieve high ratings for deep hydration and fast absorption. Both brands provide a High routine fit overall, but Neutrogena helps deliver more consistent moisture.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
Neutrogena or Avène: which cleanser is better?
Neutrogena offers cleansers with a High to Superior Lovi fit level for a wide range of skin types on this page, including mature, acne-prone, sensitive, and combination skin. Avène also provides gentle deep-cleaning options, but Neutrogena delivers better overall scores across more skin categories.
Which is more affordable, Neutrogena or Avène?
Reviewers note that price and quantity value are better with Neutrogena than Avène, while Avène has frequent mentions of price point issues.
Between Neutrogena and Avène, which brand has a higher percentage of fragrance-free products?
Neutrogena has a higher percentage of fragrance-free products, as 35 of the 39 products on this page list no fragrance compared to only 7 of 15 products for Avène.
How do the founding years and corporate ownerships of Neutrogena and Avène compare?
Neutrogena was founded in the United States in 1930 and is owned by Kimberly-Clark Corporation since 2026. Avène was founded in France in 1990 and is owned by Fondation Pierre Fabre.
Which brand performs better for oily acne-prone skin according to routine fit levels?
Avène performs better for oily acne-prone skin, achieving a Superior routine fit level compared to Neutrogena's High level.
Neutrogena or Avène for oily skin?
Both Neutrogena and Avène provide a High routine fit for oily skin. Reviewers note that Neutrogena offers better deep hydration and lightweight textures, while Avène provides effective oil control and gentle deep cleansing.
Neutrogena or Avène: which moisturizer is better?
Neutrogena is better for deep hydration and lightweight texture among the moisturizers on this page. Reviewers report that Neutrogena offers deeply hydrating and fast-absorbing formulas, whereas Avène moisturizers are sometimes noted for a higher price point.
Neutrogena or Avène for sensitive skin?
Both Neutrogena and Avène fit sensitive skin well, offering High routine fit levels on this page. Neutrogena tends to offer deeper hydration and lighter textures, whereas Avène excels at soothing irritation.
Neutrogena or Avène: which sunscreen is better?
Both brands offer solid sunscreen options, but Neutrogena stands out for its wider variety of formulations specifically tailored to different skin types. Reviewers frequently note that Avène provides sunscreens that are gentle and non-stripping.
Neutrogena or Avène for acne-prone skin?
Both Neutrogena and Avène provide a High routine fit for acne-prone skin. The products on this page help manage breakouts with key ingredients like salicylic acid and gentle cleansers, though individual results may vary.
Research behind their key ingredients
Final report on the safety assessment of Benzyl Alcohol, Benzoic Acid, and Sodium Benzoate
The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review
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
Apigenin inhibits UVA-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and prevents signs of skin aging in vivo
Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation by topical N-acetyl glucosamine
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
Anti-inflammatory activity of parthenolide-depleted Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)
An oil-soluble extract of Rubus idaeus cells enhances hydration and water homeostasis in skin cells
Evaluation of moisturizing and irritation potential of sacha inchi oil
Comparative benefit of two thermal spring waters after photodynamic therapy procedure
Solid lipid nanoparticles bearing oxybenzone: in-vitro and in-vivo evaluation
Nanostructured Lipid Carrier for Topical Application of N-Acetyl Glucosamine
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
Safety of a preservative system containing 1,2-hexanediol and caprylyl glycol
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
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
Natural Moisturizing Factor-Enriched Formulations Compared to a Ceramide-Based Cream
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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