Avène vs NIVEA
Avène and NIVEA are respected European skincare houses offering reliable sunscreens, targeted serums, and nourishing moisturizers formulated with glycerin. The French brand suits oily acne-prone skin and combination skin best with gentle formulas like its Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm, Cleanance, and Hyaluron Activ B3 Concentrated Plumping Serum. Conversely, the German brand suits combination skin and sensitive skin best through balanced options such as its Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+, UV Deep Protect & Care Gel, and LUMINOUS630 ANTI-DARK SPOT SERUM. Both brands leverage glycerin to improve skin hydration and restore barrier function, differing primarily in their specific target profiles.
Avène is a French skincare brand founded in 1990 and owned by Fondation Pierre Fabre.
pierre-fabre.comavene.co.ukaveneusa.com
NIVEA is a German skincare brand founded in 1911 and owned by maxingvest GmbH & Co. KGaA since 2004.
beiersdorf.comen.wikipedia.org
This page compares some of the most popular Avène and NIVEA products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Avène vs NIVEA products
People Say
Anti-aging and skin smoothing Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “Makes my face feel smooth and soft. — NIVEA Soft”
- “skin feels squeaky clean and soft — NIVEA DERMA SKIN CLEAR”
- “skin feels smooth — NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub”
- “skin instantly felt firmer — Avène Hyaluron Activ B3 Concentrated Plumping Serum”
Texture and consistency Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Thick but absorbs well eventually — Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream”
- “absorbs very quickly — Avène Vitamin Activ Cg Radiance Concentrated Serum”
- “lathers really well — Avène Cleanance”
- “It's lightweight on the skin and leaves a bit of subtle sheen. — NIVEA Soft”
Deep hydration and moisturization Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Smoothed out dry flaky scales on my cheeks overnight — NIVEA Creme”
- “skin feels moisturized — NIVEA Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+”
- “Restores moisture barrier — Avène Cold Cream”
Soothes and calms irritation Mostly 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”
- “Perfect cleanser for sensitive skin. — Avène Milk Cleanser”
Effective oil control and acne clearing Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “cleared my complexion in 7 days — NIVEA DERMA SKIN CLEAR”
- “reduces blackheads — NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub”
- “Keeps me matte for hours — Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel”
Price and value Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “Works better than expensive luxury creams — NIVEA Creme”
- “Best affordable vegan moisturizer. — NIVEA Soft”
- “absolute steal for the price — NIVEA DERMA SKIN CLEAR”
- “Bottle lasts for months — Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel”
Thick texture and greasy finish Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Leaves a greasy film — Avène Cold Cream”
- “too thick — Avène Hydrance+”
- “sticky kinda feeling — Avène Hyaluron Activ B3 Concentrated Plumping Serum”
- “Leaves a shiny grease layer that doesn't go away — NIVEA Creme”
Strong fragrance and scent issues Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “The fragrance is very present. — Avène Milk Cleanser”
- “smell is too strong — Avène Cleanance”
- “Scent is too overpowering for sensitive noses — NIVEA Creme”
- “Has a heavy, baby powder smell. — NIVEA Soft”
Causes breakouts and acne Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Woke up with tiny whiteheads all over — Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream”
- “Caused small bumps/texture — Avène Soothing Radiance Mask”
- “Broke me out initially — Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel”
- “Clogged my pores and caused bad acne — NIVEA Creme”
Avène vs NIVEA routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€8.85
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Advanced Replenishing Toner
Morning
€34.00
-
Moisturizer
Creme
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€5.75
-
SPF
Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+
Morning
€20.05
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
€10.97
-
Serum or Treatment
Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub
Evening · Once a week
€4.95
-
Nourishing Mask
Abib Rice Probiotics Overnight Mask
Once a week
€15.30
-
Cleanser
Cleanance Cleansing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€18.75
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Advanced Replenishing Toner
Morning
€34.00
-
Moisturizer
Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€12.39
-
SPF
Ultra Fluid
Morning
€19.85
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
€10.97
-
Serum or Treatment
Antirougeurs Fort Relief Concentrate
Evening · Once a week
€24.99
-
Nourishing Mask
Abib Rice Probiotics Overnight Mask
Once a week
€15.30
Avène vs NIVEA routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€20.50
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
€36.00
-
Moisturizer
Soft
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€3.85
-
SPF
Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+
Morning
€20.05
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€97.52
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
€16.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub
Evening · Once a week
€4.95
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€48.55
-
Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
€16.79
-
Cleanser
Cleanance Cleansing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€18.75
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
€36.00
-
Moisturizer
Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€12.39
-
SPF
Cleanance
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€15.19
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€97.52
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
€16.90
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€48.55
-
Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
€16.79
Avène vs NIVEA routines for combination skin
-
Cleanser
Cleanance Cleansing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€18.75
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
€36.00
-
Moisturizer
Hyaluron Activ B3 Concentrated Plumping Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€37.99
-
SPF
Cleanance
Morning
€15.19
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€97.52
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
€16.98
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin Activ Cg Radiance Concentrated Serum
Evening · Once a week
€33.99
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€48.55
-
Cleansing Mask
Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay
Once a week
€28.50
-
Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€39.80
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
€36.00
-
Moisturizer
Soft
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€3.85
-
SPF
Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+
Morning
€20.05
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€97.52
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
€16.98
-
Serum or Treatment
Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub
Evening · Once a week
€4.95
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€48.55
-
Cleansing Mask
Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay
Once a week
€28.50
Questions and answers
Avène or NIVEA: which is better?
Both Avène and NIVEA are great choices, with Avène standing out for soothing irritation and NIVEA performing well for deep hydration and value. The products on this page offer tailored solutions depending on whether you prioritize gentle calming or intense moisturization.
What is the difference between Avène and NIVEA?
Avène focuses on thermal water and soothing irritation with gentle formulas, while NIVEA emphasizes blemish-clearing serums and deep hydration at a strong value. For routine fit, Avène rates Average for dry sensitive skin whereas NIVEA rates High, though both brands are well suited for oily and combination skin types.
Avène or NIVEA for dry skin?
For dry skin, NIVEA has a High routine fit on this page, while Avène has an Average routine fit. NIVEA offers intense deep hydration, though reviewers note it may sometimes leave a greasy residue.
Avène or NIVEA: which moisturizer is better?
For moisturizers on this page, NIVEA generally provides intense deep hydration, while Avène helps soothe and calm irritation.
Which is more affordable, Avène or NIVEA?
NIVEA is more affordable than Avène according to the review themes on price and value.
Avène or NIVEA: which brand is better for dry sensitive skin?
NIVEA is better for dry sensitive skin, as Lovi rates its routine fit as High compared to Avène's Average fit.
Which brand has better texture and consistency according to reviewers?
Avène has better texture and consistency according to reviewers. The products on this page help provide a lightweight texture.
How do the founding years and parent companies of Avène and NIVEA compare?
Avène was founded in 1990 in France and is owned by Fondation Pierre Fabre, whereas NIVEA was founded earlier in 1911 in Germany and has been owned by maxingvest GmbH & Co. KGaA since 2004.
Avène or NIVEA for oily skin?
For oily skin, both Avène and NIVEA are strong choices, as Lovi rates the routine fit for oily skin as High for each brand. Reviewers note that the products on this page help provide effective oil control.
Avène or NIVEA: which sunscreen is better?
When it comes to sunscreens, Avène is noted for gentle and non-stripping formulas, while NIVEA offers options like Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+ that provide intense deep hydration. Reviewers often mention Avène sunscreens for their lightweight texture, whereas NIVEA sunscreens may sometimes feel greasy for some users.
Avène or NIVEA for sensitive skin?
For sensitive skin, NIVEA offers a High routine fit on this page, while Avène also offers a High routine fit.
Avène or NIVEA for acne-prone skin?
Both Avène and NIVEA offer routines that have a High Lovi fit for acne-prone skin. The products on this page help provide blemish-clearing serums and effective oil control.
Research behind their key ingredients
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
Effects of glyceryl glucoside on AQP3 expression, barrier function and hydration of human skin
An oil-soluble extract of Rubus idaeus cells enhances hydration and water homeostasis in skin cells
Exotic Vegetable Oils for Cosmetic O/W Nanoemulsions: In Vivo Evaluation
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
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
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
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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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
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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