# Avène Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm for oily acne-prone skin

**Lovi Fit: Average fit for oily acne-prone skin.**
Oily Skin Fit: Average · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: Excellent.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/avene/tolerance-control-soothing-skin-recovery-balm/for/oily-acne-prone-skin

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

Brand: [Avène](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/brands/avene)
Category: [Moisturizers and moisturizing serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/best/moisturizers)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily acne-prone skin: shine, breakouts, blemishes, and enlarged pores. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

Works for oily acne-prone skin; other moisturizers fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate suitability for your oily skin, as glycerin provides humectant action, but lacks sufficient seboregulating components for optimal oil control.
- The product provides excellent moisturizing due to shea butter and squalane, enhancing barrier resilience, though it lacks targeted ingredients for your acne, blemishes, and breakouts.
- The safety profile is good, with no risks of irritation for your oily skin due to the absence of harsh ingredients and the presence of soothing Avene Thermal Spring Water.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/avene/tolerance-control-soothing-skin-recovery-balm/for/oily-skin): Average
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/avene/tolerance-control-soothing-skin-recovery-balm/for/dry-skin): Superior
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/avene/tolerance-control-soothing-skin-recovery-balm/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/avene/tolerance-control-soothing-skin-recovery-balm/for/sensitive-skin): High
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/avene/tolerance-control-soothing-skin-recovery-balm/for/acne-prone-skin): High
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/avene/tolerance-control-soothing-skin-recovery-balm/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/avene/tolerance-control-soothing-skin-recovery-balm/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/avene/tolerance-control-soothing-skin-recovery-balm/for/dry-sensitive-skin): High
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/avene/tolerance-control-soothing-skin-recovery-balm/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average (this page)

## Key ingredients

Avène Thermal Spring Water, Glycerin, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Squalane, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Shea Butter

## What the research says

- A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women. ([Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/))
- A combination cream of stimu-tex AS and saccharide isomerate reduced erythema, increased skin capacitance, and reduced transepidermal water loss compared to placebo in 20 subjects after fractional CO2 laser procedure without causing serious adverse events. ([Lasers in Medical Science, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41134387/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36983902/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38553920/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40545753/))
- The emollient V0034CR significantly reduced TEWL compared to vehicle and vehicle plus glycerol, and significantly increased corneometry scores compared to vehicle and vehicle plus petrolatum in healthy volunteers with dry skin, demonstrating combined barrier function improvement from petrolatum and hydration improvement from glycerol. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31532576/))
- Ten days of treatment with a cream containing 20% glycerin significantly increased skin hydration measured by corneometer values in 17 healthy volunteers compared to a placebo cream, but showed no influence on transepidermal water loss or skin sensitivity to an irritating surfactant. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2001](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18498456/))
- Niacinamide/glycerin body moisturizers provided better rapid and prolonged improvement of cosmetic xerosis through functional improvement of stratum corneum barrier function compared to no treatment and conventional moisturizers in female subjects. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22206073/))
- Topical application of an emollient emulsion containing 15.0% caprylic/capric triglyceride doubled the amount of urocanic acid isomers and increased skin hydration with reduced transepidermal water loss in healthy subjects, though it did not prevent ultraviolet-induced urocanic acid isomerization. ([Life, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37109405/))
- Squalane at 0.005-0.015% counteracts UVA-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and collagen metabolism inhibition while stimulating fibroblast migration in human dermal fibroblasts. ([Molecules, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40363772/))
- Plant-derived squalane protected human dermal fibroblasts against UVA-induced damage by counteracting ROS formation, suppressing apoptosis-related proteins p53, caspase-3, caspase-9, and PARP, and restoring the pro-survival p-Akt/mTOR pathway. ([Antioxidants, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40722956/))
- A skin barrier restoring cream with shea butter, silkflo, and vitamin E increased type I procollagen synthesis, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity, decreased reactive oxygen species generation, and promoted hyaluronic acid production in H2O2-stimulated human keratinocyte cells compared to untreated cells. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39528438/))

## Why other moisturizers fit oily acne-prone skin better

- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38366684/))
- Co-delivery of paeonol and madecassoside via nanoemulsions improved transdermal delivery, promoted barrier repair proteins, inhibited inflammatory cytokine secretion in cellular and 3D models, and reduced transepidermal water loss and acne in human facial skin compared to free components. ([Molecules, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37446936/))
- A facial serum containing snail secretion filtrate, Calendula officinalis, and Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract significantly reduced inflammatory acne lesions compared to placebo in 66 participants with mild-to-moderate maskne over 12 weeks. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35763437/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, this product is highly effective at calming and hydrating hypersensitive, reactive, and allergy-prone skin, with users frequently reporting relief from redness, tightness, and irritation. It is also often praised for its ability to restore the skin barrier and for being fragrance-free and gentle. A moderate number of users note that it absorbs quickly without greasiness, while some find the price to be high. A low number of reviews mention breakouts or insufficient hydration.

- Liked: Soothes irritated skin (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Fragrance-free and gentle (often mentioned)
- Liked: Restores skin barrier (often mentioned)
- Liked: Absorbs quickly (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: High price (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Causes breakouts (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Not hydrating enough (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use this AM and PM routine every day to help clear your skin. Always remember to finish with SPF in the morning.
- Apply the moisturizer after your cleanser and toner, right before your SPF during the day.
- Gently press a small amount into your skin and avoid rubbing to keep pores clear.
- Apply on clean, slightly damp skin to help the product absorb better and control oil.
- Avoid the sensitive eye area and do a simple patch test before your first use.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/2f72f5d69f07beeafc30237f829efbff.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does Avène Tolerance Control Balm work for oily acne-prone skin?

This moisturizer works moderately well for oily acne-prone skin, as glycerin provides helpful hydration while soothing Avène Thermal Spring Water keeps irritation risks low. However, it lacks targeted ingredients for breakouts and oil control, meaning this skin type needs a product with oil-balancing components and ingredients that specifically address blemishes.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### Which ingredients make this cream a good fit for oily acne-prone skin?

Glycerin, squalane, and shea butter make this cream a good fit by providing hydration and keeping skin soft. Because it lacks ingredients to control oil and breakouts, an oily acne-prone skin type needs a moisturizer with oil-balancing and blemish-clearing ingredients.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### What does Avène Thermal Spring Water do for oily acne-prone skin?

Avène Thermal Spring Water helps calm oily acne-prone skin by reducing dryness and stinging when used alongside standard acne treatments. It also has a very safe profile that makes it comfortable for sensitive skin.
Sources: [The Medical Journal of Malaysia, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38553920/)

### What does Glycerin do for oily acne-prone skin?

Glycerin helps keep oily acne-prone skin hydrated without feeling heavy. It draws moisture into the skin while supporting the skin barrier so it stays soft and balanced.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18510666/), [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### Where does this cream go in a skincare routine for oily acne-prone skin?

This moisturizer goes near the end of your routine, after your hydrating toner in the morning and after your treatment in the evening. It provides good hydration and a safe, soothing feel for your oily skin, but this skin type also needs oil-controlling and blemish-clearing ingredients to get the best fit.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

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

You can use this cream with retinol, applying the retinol first and following with the moisturizer. This helps keep your oily skin soft and calm while reducing dryness and irritation from the retinol. To work best for acne-prone skin, this type of product also needs ingredients that balance oil and target breakouts.
Sources: [Cutis, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17121065/), [The Journal of Dermatology, 2014](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24930436/)

### How often should I use this cream?

You can use this moisturizer twice a day as part of your morning and evening routine. It provides soothing moisture for your skin, though oily skin of this type also needs ingredients that help control excess oil and target breakouts.
Sources: [Health Science Reports, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34141902/)

### Can this cream clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily acne-prone skin?

This cream is unlikely to cause irritation on oily skin, but because it lacks ingredients to manage oil and breakouts, oily acne-prone skin needs a moisturizer with oil-controlling ingredients to stay clear.

### Can I use this cream around the eyes or on my body?

You can use this cream on your body and around your eyes, as the skin on your body and eyelids is thin and benefits from rich moisturizers. This product is unlikely to irritate your skin due to its gentle formula and soothing spring water, though oily acne-prone skin needs ingredients that control oil and target breakouts.
Sources: [Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12375070/)

### Is this cream fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol. Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol, which soften the skin.

## Alternatives for oily acne-prone skin

- [COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/cosrx/advanced-snail-96-mucin-power-essence/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €14.07 at Amazon
- [Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/some-by-mi/yuja-niacin-brightening-moisture-gel-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €18.99 at Amazon
- [belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/belif/the-true-cream-aqua-bomb/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — €35.01 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [IS Clinical Cleansing Complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/is-clinical/cleansing-complex/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €95.00 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €36.00 at Amazon
- SPF: [CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/cerave/am-facial-moisturizing-lotion-spf-30/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €15.64 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.ie: €28.50 (https://www.amazon.ie/dp/B08XYVMRP7?tag=lovi-care-web-product02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- Lookfantastic: €18.93 (https://www.lookfantastic.ie/p/avene-tolerance-control-soothing-skin-recovery-balm-for-dry-sensitive-skin-40ml/13169865/)
- Notino: €26.90 (https://www.notino.ie/avene/tolerance-control-soothing-regenerating-balm/p-16075997/)
Prices checked 10 Oct – 3 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Avene Thermal Spring Water Avene Aqua Avene Aqua, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Shea Butter, Squalane, Beeswax Cera Alba Cera, Cetearyl Glucoside, Cetyl Esters, Aquaphilus Dolomiae Extract Filtrate, Arginine, Citric Acid, Tromethamine, Water, Xanthan Gum
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its 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. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/avene/tolerance-control-soothing-skin-recovery-balm/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/avene/tolerance-control-soothing-skin-recovery-balm/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/avene/tolerance-control-soothing-skin-recovery-balm/for/oily-acne-prone-skin (this page)
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/avene/tolerance-control-soothing-skin-recovery-balm/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
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- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/avene/tolerance-control-soothing-skin-recovery-balm/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/avene/tolerance-control-soothing-skin-recovery-balm/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/avene/tolerance-control-soothing-skin-recovery-balm/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/avene/tolerance-control-soothing-skin-recovery-balm/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/avene/tolerance-control-soothing-skin-recovery-balm/for/oily-acne-prone-skin