Avène vs Shiseido
Avène and Shiseido are distinguished skincare houses originating from France and Japan respectively. The former offers rich moisturizers, reliable sunscreens, targeted serums, gentle cleansers, and hydrating glycerin that suit oily, acne-prone, and acne-prone skin best, while the latter provides a thoughtful array of moisturizers, cleansers, sunscreens, serums, and more formulated with glycerin for sensitive and mature skin. These respective selections feature standout choices like the Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm, Cleanance, and Hyaluron Activ B3 Concentrated Plumping Serum alongside the Treatment Softener, Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Day Cream, and Essential Energy Hydrating Cream. Ultimately, the French brand relies on science-backed formulations, whereas the Japanese brand employs meticulous formulations supported by clinical study findings showing that glycerin significantly improved stratum corneum hydration.
Avène is a French skincare brand founded in 1990 and owned by Fondation Pierre Fabre.
pierre-fabre.comavene.co.ukaveneusa.com
Shiseido is a Japanese skincare brand founded in 1872 and owned by Shiseido Company, Limited.
corp.shiseido.comen.wikipedia.orgmarketscreener.com
This page compares some of the most popular Avène and Shiseido products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Avène vs Shiseido products
People Say
Deep hydration and moisturization Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Immediate sensation of comfort — Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream”
- “skin feels plump, soft and nourished, eliminates dryness, bouncy feel — Shiseido VITAL PERFECTION”
- “Skin feels more hydrated — Shiseido Activating Essence”
- “Restores moisture barrier — Avène Cold Cream”
Rich or luxurious texture Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “silky smooth, rich but non-greasy, absorbs quickly, melts into skin — Shiseido VITAL PERFECTION”
- “Velvety, rich cream texture — Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream”
- “Velvety texture — Shiseido FUTURE SOLUTION LX”
- “Thick but absorbs well eventually — Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream”
Gentle and non-stripping Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “leaves face clean but not dry — Avène Cleanance”
- “Perfect cleanser for sensitive skin. — Avène Milk Cleanser”
- “Squeaky clean but soft — Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel”
- “No irritation — Shiseido Essential Energy Hydrating Cream”
Lightweight texture Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “Airy-soft texture — Shiseido Essential Energy Hydrating Cream”
- “absorbs quickly — Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Gel Cream”
- “Sinks right into the skin — Shiseido Activating Essence”
- “absorbs very quickly — Avène Vitamin Activ Cg Radiance Concentrated Serum”
Skin soothing and calming 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”
- “Love that there is no scent at all! — Avène Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm”
Quick absorption Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “Absorbs into skin without residue. — Avène Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm”
- “It absorbs quickly and leaves the delicate eye area feeling hydrated — Avène RetrinAL EYES”
- “Lightweight, silky, non-sticky, sinks in instantly. — Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate”
- “sinks in quickly — Shiseido Eudermine Revitalizing Essence”
High price point 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”
- “Very expensive for the size — Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream”
Strong fragrance and scent Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “The fragrance is very present. — Avène Milk Cleanser”
- “smell is too strong — Avène Cleanance”
- “Scent is too strong — Avène Soothing Radiance Mask”
- “old lady smell — Shiseido Eudermine Revitalizing Essence”
Packaging issues Rarely NotedSometimes Noted
- “Tube cracked on the side — Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream”
- “Cap leaks in bag — Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel”
- “Good product bad packaging. — Avène RetrinAL EYES”
- “heavy to travel — Shiseido Eudermine Revitalizing Essence”
Avène vs Shiseido routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Cleanance Cleansing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$23.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner
Morning
$16.99
-
Moisturizer
Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$40.00
-
SPF
Ultra Fluid
Morning
$36.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
$21.70
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin Activ Cg Radiance Concentrated Serum
Evening · Once a week
$48.00
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
$22.00
-
Cleanser
Clarifying Cleansing Foam
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$33.15
-
Hydrating Toner
Eudermine Revitalizing Essence
Morning
$80.78
-
Moisturizer
Essential Energy Hydrating Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$55.00
-
SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
$15.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
$21.70
-
Serum or Treatment
Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate
Evening · Once a week
$165.00
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
$22.00
Buy Avène routine · $207.69 · 76% fit
Buy Shiseido routine · $393.62 · 74% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
Avène vs Shiseido routines for oily skin
-
Cleanser
Cleanance Cleansing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$23.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
$15.60
-
Moisturizer
Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$40.00
-
SPF
Cleanance
Morning
$24.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
$50.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
$28.42
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin Activ Cg Radiance Concentrated Serum
Evening · Once a week
$48.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
$69.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Revision Skincare Black Mask
Once a week
$79.00
-
Cleanser
Deep Cleansing Foam
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$39.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Eudermine Revitalizing Essence
Morning · Once a week
$80.78
-
Moisturizer
Essential Energy Hydrating Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$55.00
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
$14.97
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
$50.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
$28.42
-
Serum or Treatment
Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate
Evening · Once a week
$165.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
$69.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Revision Skincare Black Mask
Once a week
$79.00
Buy Avène routine · $377.02 · 85% fit
Buy Shiseido routine · $581.17 · 85% fitSee multi-brand routine · 98% fit
Avène vs Shiseido routines for combination skin
-
Cleanser
Cleanance Cleansing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$23.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
$25.60
-
Moisturizer
Hyaluron Activ B3 Concentrated Plumping Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$42.00
-
SPF
Cleanance
Morning
$24.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
$50.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
$18.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin Activ Cg Radiance Concentrated Serum
Evening · Once a week
$48.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
$69.00
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
$58.00
-
Cleanser
Deep Cleansing Foam
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$39.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Eudermine Revitalizing Essence
Morning · Once a week
$80.78
-
Moisturizer
Essential Energy Hydrating Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$55.00
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
$14.97
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
$50.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
$18.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate
Evening · Once a week
$165.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
$69.00
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
$58.00
Buy Avène routine · $358.50 · 88% fit
Buy Shiseido routine · $550.65 · 84% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
Avène or Shiseido: which is better?
Both brands are great choices, but Avène stands out for its soothing properties and gentle formulas that are less likely to cause irritation. Shiseido tends to offer a richer texture and deeper hydration across the products on this page.
What is the difference between Avène and Shiseido?
Avene is better known for its gentle, skin-soothing formulas that work well for sensitive skin, while Shiseido tends to offer more luxurious textures with deep hydration and anti-aging benefits.
Avène or Shiseido for dry skin?
Avène has a High routine fit for dry skin, whereas Shiseido has an Average routine fit.
Avène or Shiseido: which cleanser is better?
Avène is better for gentle and non-stripping cleansing, making the products on this page a strong choice for sensitive skin. Shiseido also offers deep-cleansing and efficient cleansers that leave a luxurious texture.
Which is more affordable, Avène or Shiseido?
Both brands are noted for a high price point, but reviewers mention pricing as a drawback for Avène, while Shiseido faces it as a more frequent mention.
Which brand has a stronger fragrance, Avène or Shiseido?
Shiseido generally has a stronger fragrance than Avène, as more products on this page list fragrance in Shiseido's lineup.
Avène or Shiseido for oily skin?
For oily skin, both Avène and Shiseido have high routine fit levels, though Avène is noted for better gentle and non-stripping products while Shiseido is recognized for deep hydration and lightweight textures.
Avène or Shiseido: which moisturizer is better?
Shiseido is a better choice for moisturizers because the products on this page provide deeper hydration and more luxurious textures. Avène is often noted for being gentler on sensitive skin.
Avène or Shiseido for sensitive skin?
Both Avène and Shiseido fit sensitive skin well, but Avène has a High routine fit on this page. Reviewers note that Avène is especially good for gentle soothing and calming.
Avène or Shiseido: which sunscreen is better?
Avène sunscreens on this page have a better reputation for being gentle and non-stripping, while Shiseido sunscreens are mostly noted for providing deep hydration.
Avène or Shiseido for acne-prone skin?
Both Avène and Shiseido are a High fit for acne-prone skin on the products on this page. Reviewers note that Avène helps provide gentle deep cleanses and non-stripping sunscreens.
Avène or Shiseido for dry sensitive skin?
Shiseido is the better choice for dry sensitive skin, as the products on this page have a High Lovi fit level for this skin type compared to Avène's Average level.
Avène or Shiseido for oily acne-prone skin?
For oily acne-prone skin, Avène is the better choice because the products on this page have a Superior Lovi fit level, whereas Shiseido has a High fit level.
Research behind their key ingredients
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
Psychophysical study of the effects of topical application of menthol in healthy volunteers
Panax ginseng induces human Type I collagen synthesis through activation of Smad signaling
Vitamin C-squalene bioconjugate promotes epidermal thickening and collagen production in human skin
Another Reason for Using Caffeine in Dermocosmetics: Sunscreen Adjuvant
An oil-soluble extract of Rubus idaeus cells enhances hydration and water homeostasis in skin cells
Comparative benefit of two thermal spring waters after photodynamic therapy procedure
In vivo and in vitro evaluation of octyl methoxycinnamate liposomes
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
Anatomical site differences of sodium lauryl sulfate-induced irritation: randomized controlled trial
Skin recovery by Lavandula angustifolia leaf callus extract: Redox control of Nrf2 signaling
Moisturizing Effects of Diglycerol Combined with Glycerol on Human Stratum Corneum
Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate
Transdermal Delivery of Baicalin Based on Bio-Vesicles and Its Efficacy in Antiaging of the Skin
Liposomal formulation of a vitamin C derivative: a promising strategy to increase skin permeability
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
New Chalcone-Derived Molecule for the Topical Regulation of Hyperpigmentation and Skin Aging
Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens
Targeting Circadian Rhythm for the Regulation of Skin Collagen Metabolism
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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