🇩🇪Germany

Avène Vitamin Activ Cg Radiance Concentrated Serum for combination skin

Average

  • HighCombination Skin Fit
  • AverageEffectiveness
  • HighSafety

Works for combination skin; other serums fit it better.

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with combination skin: an oily T-zone, enlarged pores, and dry cheeks. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.

Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works

Lovi Assistant explains

  • Offers moderate brightening and smoothing for your combination skin, as Ascorbyl Glucoside and Bakuchiol target texture and radiance, while Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid provide hydration and seboregulation.
  • While the formula is generally safe and beneficial for combination skin, it lacks specific ingredients to directly address your primary concern of oily shine.
  • The product is safe for your combination skin, with no harsh ingredients that could cause irritation.

How to apply

  • Use your serum as part of your PM routine. Start using it 3 times a week and move to daily use if your skin likes it.
  • Apply the serum after cleansing and toner, and right before your moisturizer.
  • Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin and wait a minute ⏳for it to soak in.
  • Apply the serum on clean and dry skin since your skin is not sensitive.
  • Always do a patch test before using the serum for the first time, and avoid the eye area .

People Say

★4.4Overall rating based on 600+ reviews

Users frequently report that this serum provides immediate radiance and a healthy glow, with a lightweight texture that absorbs quickly without greasiness. Many with sensitive skin find it gentle and effective for improving texture and brightening dark spots. A smaller number of users experienced irritation, breakouts, or found the fragrance too strong.

Highlights

  • Enhances radiance Mostly Mentioned
    • “immediate radiance boost”
    • “skin looks brighter”
    • “healthy dewy glow”
    • “complexion looks even”
  • Lightweight texture Often Mentioned
    • “absorbs very quickly”
    • “milky lightweight texture”
    • “non-greasy finish”
    • “great under makeup”
  • Gentle formula Sometimes Noted
    • “no irritation occurred”
    • “good for sensitive skin”
    • “gentler than pure Vitamin C”
    • “felt soothing/moisturizing”
  • Improves texture Sometimes Noted
    • “skin feels smoother”
    • “pores look cleaner”
    • “skin feels plumped”
    • “softens fine lines”
  • Lack of results Rarely Noted
    • “no difference after month”
    • “didn't fade dark spots”
    • “not effective enough”
    • “expected better results”
  • Packaging issues Rarely Noted
    • “bottle unscrews itself”
    • “dropper is defective”
    • “messy application”
    • “hard to close tightly”
  • Skin irritation Rarely Noted
    • “caused burning sensation”
    • “redness and rash”
    • “skin felt tight/dry”
    • “breakouts after use”
  • Strong fragrance Rarely Noted
    • “scent is too strong”
    • “fragrance caused irritation”
    • “smell is overpowering”
    • “prefer fragrance-free”

Sources: lovi.care, aveneusa.com, boots.com, cocooncenter.co.uk, lovelyskin.com, beautycrew.com.au, and more

Questions and answers

How well does Avene Vitamin Activ Cg Radiance Concentrated Serum work for combination skin?

This serum works reasonably well for combination skin by offering moderate brightening and smoothing, though a product of this type needs ingredients like niacinamide and zinc PCA to better manage oily shine.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024

Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for combination skin?

Ascorbyl glucoside and bakuchiol target texture and radiance, while niacinamide and hyaluronic acid provide hydration and balance. To be a better fit for combination skin, a product of this type needs ingredients like zinc PCA or propolis to regulate oily shine.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024

What does Ascorbic Acid do for combination skin?

Ascorbic acid helps brighten combination skin, smooth fine lines, and provide antioxidant protection against environmental damage. This ingredient is generally well-suited for combination skin when formulated properly, though individual tolerance can vary.

Experimental Dermatology, 2003Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022

What does Avene Thermal Spring Water do for combination skin?

Avène Thermal Spring Water helps calm combination skin, keeping it feeling comfortable while reducing redness and dryness. It is well tolerated by sensitive skin and can be used throughout the day whenever your skin needs a refreshing boost.

Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2020Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2009

Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for combination skin?

This treatment goes in the evening routine after cleansing and toning, and before moisturizing. Putting treatments in the evening helps keep things simple and adds extra safety around sun exposure.

Can I use this serum with retinol, and in what order?

You can use this serum with retinol by applying this treatment first and following with your retinol. Because this formula contains gentle ingredients like bakuchiol, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, it is unlikely to cause irritation when paired properly, though combination skin managing oily shine needs oil-controlling ingredients.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019

How often should I use this serum?

This serum is safe to use in the evening as part of your routine for combination skin. Some users can also apply it in the morning or twice a day once their skin adjusts.

Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for combination skin?

This serum is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts on combination skin, as it has a very low risk of irritation and no harsh ingredients. However, because it lacks specific ingredients to control oily shine, combination skin generally needs added oil-absorbing ingredients and lightweight, non-greasy hydrators to stay clear.

Is this serum fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

It has no drying alcohol and contains fragrance (parfum).

What the research says

  • Topical bakuchiol 0.5% applied twice daily compared with retinol 0.5% applied daily significantly decreased wrinkle surface area and hyperpigmentation with no statistical difference between the compounds in 44 patients over 12 weeks, while retinol users reported more facial skin scaling and stinging.

    The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019
  • Treatment with ascorbyl glucoside-arginine complex lotion significantly decreased pigmentation scores and melanin index while increasing lightness in solar lentigos of Japanese females compared to placebo over 24 weeks.

    International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024
  • Topical application of 5% vitamin C cream significantly improved global clinical scores, increased skin microrelief density, and induced elastic tissue repair in photoaged skin compared to excipient control in healthy female volunteers.

    Experimental Dermatology, 2003
  • Topical application of a serum containing supramolecular Bakuchiol and Terminalia chebula extract significantly improved barrier function, reduced redness and sensitivity, and improved wrinkles and elasticity in 34 Chinese subjects with sensitive skin after 28 days.

    Health Science Reports, 2025
  • Malaysian thermal spring water as an adjunct to standard acne therapy improved skin hydration, reduced dryness and stinging, enhanced overall tolerability, and improved the acne disability index in patients with mild to moderate acne.

    The Medical Journal of Malaysia, 2024
  • Ascorbic acid 2-glucoside gel significantly reduced gingival melanin pigmentation after 4 weeks compared to placebo in 73 subjects with symmetric pigmentation.

    Journal of Periodontology, 2009
  • Topical application of VC-IP cream twice daily for 8 weeks reduces periorbital wrinkles in female subjects compared to a placebo cream.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022
  • Topical treatment with 5% vitamin C and 0.1% madecassoside significantly improved clinical scores for wrinkles, suppleness, firmness, roughness, and skin hydration, along with functional and structural remodeling of the elastic fiber network in 20 female volunteers with photoaged skin after 6 months compared to baseline.

    Experimental Dermatology, 2008
  • Balneotherapy with thermal water altered specific skin microbiota at genus and species levels in healthy female volunteers compared to tap water, which produced no significant microbiome changes.

    Life, 2023
  • A 2% Sphingomonas xenophaga ferment extract cream applied twice daily for 4 weeks significantly decreased facial vascular disorder scores compared to vehicle in 86 Caucasian female subjects, alongside dose-dependent inhibition of pre-kallikrein activity in vitro.

    International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2025
  • A formulation containing vitamin C, biopeptides, hyaluronic acid, and mineralizing water accelerated cell turnover to 17.1 days versus 19.2 days for untreated skin, and reduced crow's-feet, forehead, and nasolabial folds by 9%, 11%, and 5% respectively after 28 days in female subjects.

    International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2021
  • Topical post-laser application of human adipocyte-derived mesenchymal stem cell media combined with niacinamide significantly improved wrinkle index, melanin index, patient satisfaction, and investigator esthetic improvement scores compared to vehicle cream in patients with aging skin.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021
  • Topical nicotinamide prevented solar-simulated UV-induced immunosuppression in healthy volunteers, and men experienced immunosuppression at solar-simulated UV doses three times lower than those required for women.

    The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2008
  • Topical 5% niacinamide applied twice daily for 12 weeks reduced fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmented spots, red blotchiness, and skin sallowness, and improved skin elasticity compared to vehicle control in 50 female white subjects with facial photoaging.

    Dermatologic Surgery, 2005
  • Topical application of 0.1% hyaluronic acid formulations of different molecular weights led to significant improvements in skin hydration and elasticity, with low-molecular-weight formulations also significantly reducing wrinkle depth in seventy-six female subjects compared to a vehicle control.

    Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011
  • Topical application of hyaluronic acid in conjunction with free gingival graft significantly reduced donor site postoperative pain until day 7 compared to normal saline, with no significant differences in graft dimensions or patient satisfaction.

    Clinical Oral Investigations, 2022
  • Treatment with a hyaluronic acid-containing mouth rinse or topical gel led to significant lesion reduction, pain relief, and normalization of lesion color in adult patients with minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis, with the gel formulation showing an earlier healing onset at 3 days.

    BMC Oral Health, 2019
  • A dermocosmetic containing bakuchiol, Ginkgo biloba extract, and mannitol improves inflammatory lesions, Investigator Global Assessment, and seborrhea intensity when added to adapalene 0.1% gel in patients with acne vulgaris.

    Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2015
  • Bakuchiol functions as an anti-aging compound through retinol-like regulation of gene expression, producing significant improvements in lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, elasticity, firmness, and photo-damage after 12 weeks of twice-a-day facial application without usual retinol therapy-associated undesirable effects.

    International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2014
  • A nature-based bakuchiol-containing cleanser and moisturizer improved visual and tactile smoothness, clarity, radiance, overall appearance, global anti-aging, and skin moisture content by 16% in 60 female subjects with sensitive mild to moderate photodamaged skin over 4 weeks.

    Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2020

Why other serums fit combination skin better

  • Niacinamide and ferulic acid incorporated in a stable multiple emulsion successfully reduced melanin, sebum, and skin erythema while improving skin elasticity and hydration in human skin compared to a placebo.

    BioMed Research International, 2022
  • A panthenol-enriched mask improved skin hydration, regulated sebum, and reduced redness and TEWL across dry sensitive, oily sensitive, and oily acne skin subgroups with excellent tolerance and no adverse reactions.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024

Ingredients

Avene Thermal Spring Water Avene Aqua, Avene Aqua, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Pentylene Glycol, C9-12 Alkane, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Pentaerythrityl Tetracaprylate Tetracaprate, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Bakuchiol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Acacia Senegal Gum, Butylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Coco-Caprylate Caprate, Parfum, Glyceryl Behenate, Glyceryl Dibehenate, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Tocopheryl Glucoside, Tribehenin, Water, Xanthan Gum

Behind this fit score

Lovi calculates every fit score 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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Prices checked 10 Oct – 6 Nov 2026

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for Germany.

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