Avène vs Elemis
Avène and Elemis are established European skincare houses that cater to distinct dermatological needs through specialized formulations. The French brand centers its gentle moisturizers, protective sunscreens, targeted serums, and soothing cleansers around glycerin, making its offerings ideal for oily, acne-prone, and combination skin. Conversely, the British brand anchors its nourishing serums, rich moisturizers, gentle cleansers, and refreshing toners in hydrating glycerin and softening shea, tailoring its products to support mature and dry skin. While both utilize key ingredients to enhance hydration and barrier function, they ultimately differ in their botanical profiles and ideal skin types.
Avène is a French skincare brand founded in 1990 and owned by Fondation Pierre Fabre.
pierre-fabre.comavene.co.ukaveneusa.com
Elemis is a British skincare brand founded in 1989 and owned by L'Occitane Group since 2019.
elemis.comau.elemis.comen.wikipedia.org
This page compares some of the most popular Avène and Elemis products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Avène vs Elemis products
People Say
Texture and Absorption Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Absorbs almost immediately, and my skin feels well hydrated all day. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
- “whipped silk feel — Elemis Superfood Midnight Facial”
- “cloud-light gel formula — Elemis Pro-Collagen Eye Revive Mask”
- “Thick but absorbs well eventually — Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream”
Hydration and Moisture Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “The cream really hydrates and my face looks amazing. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Night Cream”
- “Quenches thirsty skin... immediate improvement. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
- “skin feels baby soft — Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm”
- “Restores moisture barrier — Avène Cold Cream”
Gentle Formulation Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “leaves face clean but not dry — Avène Cleanance”
- “Perfect cleanser for sensitive skin. — Avène Milk Cleanser”
- “no irritation at all — Avène Hydrance+”
- “no stinging or redness — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
Anti-Aging and Skin Smoothing Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “baby soft — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads”
- “skin feels baby soft — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
- “non-irritating — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads”
- “skin instantly felt firmer — Avène Hyaluron Activ B3 Concentrated Plumping Serum”
Cleansing and Makeup Removal Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “Keeps me matte for hours — Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel”
- “keeps skin matte — Avène Cleanance”
- “melts waterproof mascara — Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm”
- “face feels super clean — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash”
Skin Soothing and Redness Reduction Often 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”
- “Calms angry, red skin — Avène Soothing Radiance Mask”
Price and Value Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
- “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”
- “Complete waste of money for me. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
Fragrance and Scent Complaints Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “The fragrance is very present. — Avène Milk Cleanser”
- “smell is too strong — Avène Cleanance”
- “The smell is very strong... could not handle for long. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
- “smell is too strong — Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm”
Dryness and Irritation Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “Left my face tight — Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel”
- “dried out my skin — Avène Cleanance”
- “Developed milia and closed comedones. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
- “dryness — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads”
Avène vs Elemis routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$66.49
-
Hydrating Toner
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Morning
CA$27.99
-
Moisturizer
Pro-Collagen Night Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$131.00
-
SPF
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning
CA$154.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
CA$26.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Pro-Collagen Glow Boost Exfoliator
Evening · Once a week
CA$34.00
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
CA$29.99
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Cleanser
Cleanance Cleansing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$31.49
-
Hydrating Toner
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Morning
CA$27.99
-
Moisturizer
Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$43.99
-
SPF
Ultra Fluid
Morning
CA$37.40
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
CA$17.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin Activ Cg Radiance Concentrated Serum
Evening · Once a week
CA$77.00
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
CA$29.99
Buy Elemis routine · CA$278.47 · 88% fit
Buy Avène routine · CA$265.85 · 76% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
Avène vs Elemis routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
Cleanance Cleansing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$31.49
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$26.90
-
SPF
Cleanance
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$33.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$23.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
CA$28.90
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Tatcha The Clarifying Clay Mask
Once a week
CA$95.00
-
Cleanser
Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$66.49
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
Pro-Collagen Night Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$131.00
-
SPF
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning
CA$154.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
CA$26.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
CA$28.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Pro-Collagen Glow Boost Exfoliator
Evening · Once a week
CA$34.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Tatcha The Clarifying Clay Mask
Once a week
CA$95.00
Buy Avène routine · CA$307.37 · 86% fit
Buy Elemis routine · CA$411.49 · 74% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Avène vs Elemis routines for combination skin
-
Cleanser
Cleanance Cleansing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$31.49
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
Hyaluron Activ B3 Concentrated Plumping Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$77.99
-
SPF
Cleanance
Morning
CA$33.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$23.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
CA$31.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin Activ Cg Radiance Concentrated Serum
Evening · Once a week
CA$77.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay
Once a week
CA$50.00
-
Cleanser
Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$66.49
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
Pro-Collagen Night Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$131.00
-
SPF
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning
CA$154.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
CA$26.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
CA$31.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Pro-Collagen Glow Boost Exfoliator
Evening · Once a week
CA$34.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay
Once a week
CA$50.00
Buy Avène routine · CA$393.55 · 88% fit
Buy Elemis routine · CA$369.58 · 77% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
Avène or Elemis: which is better?
Both brands are great choices, but Avène is better for soothing sensitive skin while Elemis excels in anti-aging and hydration. Avène offers gentle formulations for irritated skin, whereas Elemis products on this page provide luxurious textures and smoother skin.
What is the difference between Avène and Elemis?
Avene and Elemis differ mainly in their formulation focus and strengths, with Avène excelling in gentle, soothing care for sensitive skin and Elemis standing out for anti-aging and texture improvement. Both brands offer products suited to various skin types, but Avène features thermal water and glycerin as key ingredients, whereas Elemis highlights glycerin and shea butter across its range.
Avène or Elemis for dry skin?
Both Avène and Elemis have a High routine fit level for dry skin, making either brand a strong choice depending on your other preferences. Elemis stands out for hydration and moisture, while Avène is frequently noted for gentle formulation and soothing irritation.
Avène or Elemis: which cleanser is better?
Both Avène and Elemis offer cleansers that perform well, making them equal for cleansing and makeup removal. Avène stands out for its gentle formulation, while Elemis excels in texture and absorption.
Which is more affordable, Avène or Elemis?
Avène is more affordable than Elemis, as high price points are noted as a negative review theme for Elemis while Avène is recognized as better for price and value.
Avène or Elemis for oily skin?
Avène is better suited for oily skin, as Lovi rates its routine fit as High compared to Elemis at Average. Avène's products on this page are specially focused on oily, combination, and oily acne-prone skin types.
Avène or Elemis: which moisturizer is better?
Both Avène and Elemis offer deeply hydrating moisturizers, but Elemis achieves a Superior fit level for mature skin with its Pro-Collagen Marine Cream compared to Avène's options. Avène moisturizers like the Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm are a better choice for soothing irritation and supporting dry or sensitive skin.
Avène or Elemis for sensitive skin?
Both Avène and Elemis have a High routine fit for sensitive skin on Lovi. Avène features more fragrance-free options and is often noted for soothing irritation, whereas Elemis offers luxurious hydrating moisturizers despite occasional fragrance complaints.
Avène or Elemis for acne-prone skin?
Both brands offer an equal fit level for acne-prone skin, as the products on this page achieve a High Lovi fit level for this skin type.
Avène or Elemis for dry sensitive skin?
Elemis is a better fit for dry sensitive skin, offering a High routine fit compared to Avène's Average fit on Lovi.
Avène or Elemis for mature skin?
For mature skin, Elemis fits better than Avène with a Superior level compared to Avène's High level. Elemis focuses particularly on mature skin and anti-aging, while Avène offers good options like RetrinAL EYES for this skin type.
Avène or Elemis for skin with dark spots?
Both Avène and Elemis achieve a High Lovi fit for skin with dark spots across the products on this page. Elemis helps provide a radiant glow, while Avène often notes effective oil control and helps soothe irritation.
Research behind their key ingredients
Bacterial cellulose membranes as drug delivery systems: an in vivo skin compatibility study
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
Microneedling by dermapen and glycolic acid peel for the treatment of acne scars: Comparative study
Topical beta-carotene protects against infra-red-light-induced free radicals
An oil-soluble extract of Rubus idaeus cells enhances hydration and water homeostasis in skin cells
A Rose Extract Protects the Skin against Stress Mediators: A Potential Role of Olfactory Receptors
Comparative benefit of two thermal spring waters after photodynamic therapy procedure
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
Comparative measurement of hydration effects of herbal moisturizers
Topical Almond Oil for Prevention of Pressure Injuries: A Single-Blinded Comparison Study
Skin recovery by Lavandula angustifolia leaf callus extract: Redox control of Nrf2 signaling
Formulation and evaluation of exotic fat based cosmeceuticals for skin repair
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
Effects of fermented tea seed oil on the skin lipid barrier and microbiome of sensitive skin
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
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