Neutrogena vs Avène
Neutrogena and Avène are well-regarded skincare brands that offer reliable moisturizers, sunscreens, and cleansers. The American brand is formulated with glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and dimethicone to suit mature and combination skin best, whereas the French brand utilizes glycerin and suits oily, acne-prone, and combination skin. While both share a focus on hydration, they differ in their specific ingredient profiles and targeted solutions for unique skin concerns.
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
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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
-
Cleanser
Hydro Boost Water Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$18.98
-
Hydrating Toner
Alcohol-Free Toner
Morning
CA$9.97
-
Moisturizer
Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$18.98
-
SPF
Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen
Morning
CA$17.97
- Pre-Cleanser HYDRO BOOST WATER CREAM Evening · Once a week
-
Serum or Treatment
Stubborn Marks PM Treatment
Evening · Once a week
CA$29.47
-
Nourishing Mask
Hydro Boost Hydrating Hydrogel Mask
Once a week
CA$5.79
Buy Avène routine · CA$265.85 · 76% fit
Buy Neutrogena routine · CA$95.37 · 75% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
Neutrogena vs Avène routines for oily 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
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
Hydro Boost Water Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$18.98
-
Hydrating Toner
Alcohol-Free Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$9.97
-
Moisturizer
Hydro Boost+ Niacinamide Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$23.97
-
SPF
Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen
Morning
CA$17.97
-
Pre-Cleanser
Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover
Evening · Once a week
CA$15.57
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
CA$28.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Stubborn Marks PM Treatment
Evening · Once a week
CA$29.47
-
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 Neutrogena routine · CA$269.33 · 77% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Neutrogena vs Avène 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
Hydro Boost Water Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$18.98
-
Hydrating Toner
Alcohol-Free Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$9.97
-
Moisturizer
Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$18.98
-
SPF
Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen
Morning
CA$17.97
-
Pre-Cleanser
Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover
Evening · Once a week
CA$15.57
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
CA$31.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Stubborn Marks PM Treatment
Evening · Once a week
CA$29.47
-
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 Neutrogena routine · CA$222.43 · 81% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
Neutrogena or Avène: which is better?
Neutrogena is better for deep hydration and fast absorption among the products on this page, while Avène is better for sensitive skin because Lovi rates Avène's fit level as High compared to Neutrogena's Average fit level.
What is the difference between Neutrogena and Avène?
Neutrogena is better for deep hydration and fast absorption, whereas Avène is better for soothing irritation with gentle deep-cleansing products.
Neutrogena or Avène for dry skin?
Both Neutrogena and Avène have a High routine fit level for dry skin. Neutrogena features deep hydration and lightweight moisturizers, while Avène offers soothing options like Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm.
Neutrogena or Avène: which cleanser is better?
Neutrogena is the better brand for cleansers on this page, as Lovi rates its Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser as Superior for mature, acne-prone, sensitive, and combination skin, and High for dry, dark spot, oily, dry sensitive, and oily acne-prone skin.
Which is more affordable, Neutrogena or Avène?
Avène is more affordable than Neutrogena on the products on this page, as price and quantity value is an area where Avène does better.
Between Neutrogena and Avène, which brand has a higher percentage of fragrance-free products?
Neutrogena has a higher percentage of fragrance-free products on this page, with thirty-five of thirty-nine items listing no fragrance.
Which brand performs better for deep hydration and lightweight textures according to reviewers?
Neutrogena performs better for deep hydration and lightweight textures according to reviewers.
What are the founding years and owning organizations of Neutrogena and Avène?
Neutrogena was founded in the United States in 1930 and has been owned by Kimberly-Clark Corporation since 2026. Avène was founded in France in 1990 and is owned by Fondation Pierre Fabre.
Neutrogena or Avène for oily skin?
Both Neutrogena and Avène achieve a High routine fit level for oily skin. Neutrogena features products on this page that help provide lightweight and fast-absorbing care, while Avène is noted for effective oil control.
Neutrogena or Avène: which moisturizer is better?
Neutrogena is better for deep hydration and fast absorption among the moisturizers on this page, while Avène is better for soothing sensitive skin. Avène has a High fit level for sensitive skin, whereas Neutrogena has an Average fit level. Hyaluronic acid helps maintain skin moisture.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
Neutrogena or Avène for sensitive skin?
Avène has a High routine fit for sensitive skin, while Neutrogena is Average. Avène provides soothing care that helps manage sensitive skin.
Neutrogena or Avène: which sunscreen is better?
Neutrogena offers a High fit for oily skin and Superior fit for combination and sensitive skin with its Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen, while Avène provides a Superior fit for oily skin with Cleanance. The products on this page show that Neutrogena delivers better deep hydration and lightweight textures.
Neutrogena or Avène for acne-prone skin?
Both Neutrogena and Avène provide a High routine fit level for acne-prone skin. The products on this page for Neutrogena include key ingredients like salicylic acid and retinol, which helps address blemishes and skin aging.
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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