Clinique vs Avène
Clinique and Avène are respected skincare brands originating from America in 1968 and France in 1990, respectively. Both offer versatile moisturizers and targeted serums, though the American line incorporates hydrating hyaluronic acid, nourishing glycerin, and invigorating caffeine, while the French label relies on nourishing glycerin. The former suits dry sensitive skin and oily skin best, whereas the latter suits acne-prone skin and oily acne-prone skin best. Ultimately, they differ through their distinct founding heritages and specific ingredient combinations designed to address varied complexion needs.
Clinique is an American skincare brand founded in 1968 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc..
en.wikipedia.orgelcompanies.combusinesswire.comglossy.co
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 Clinique and Avène products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Clinique vs Avène products
People Say
Sensitive Skin and Soothing Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “never irritated my eyes — Clinique All About Eyes”
- “No stinging eyes — Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm”
- “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”
Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Keeps my dry patches at bay all day — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+”
- “skin feels soft and smooth — Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask”
- “glass skin look — Clinique moisture surge”
- “Restores moisture barrier — Avène Cold Cream”
Texture and Absorption Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “sinks in immediately — Clinique moisture surge”
- “sinks in instantly — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel”
- “Absorbs quickly without feeling sticky — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+”
- “Thick but absorbs well eventually — Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream”
Makeup Compatibility and Removal Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “Melts waterproof mascara — Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm”
- “foundation glides on — Clinique moisture surge”
- “holds concealer in place — Clinique All About Eyes”
- “Remove a all of the makeup with ease. — Avène Milk Cleanser”
Dryness and Residue Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “Leaves a greasy film — Avène Cold Cream”
- “Left my face tight — Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel”
- “sticky kinda feeling — Avène Hyaluron Activ B3 Concentrated Plumping Serum”
- “skin felt tight — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel”
Price and Value Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “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”
- “jar is too small for the cost — Clinique moisture surge”
Scents and Fragrance Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “Smells like nail polish remover — Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2”
- “Smells like old oil — Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm”
- “Has a weird plastic-like smell — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+”
- “The fragrance is very present. — Avène Milk Cleanser”
Clinique vs Avène routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Cleanance Cleansing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€15.59
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Hydrating Toner
Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner
Morning
€15.16
-
Moisturizer
Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€23.40
-
SPF
Ultra Fluid
Morning
€15.59
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
€15.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin Activ Cg Radiance Concentrated Serum
Evening · Once a week
€27.51
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
€31.93
-
Cleanser
all about clean
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€34.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner
Morning
€15.16
-
Moisturizer
Smart Clinical Repair Lifting Face + Neck Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€77.00
-
SPF
thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+
Morning
€37.19
-
Pre-Cleanser
Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
€27.37
-
Serum or Treatment
Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum
Evening · Once a week
€88.99
-
Nourishing Mask
Moisture Surge Overnight Mask
Once a week
€29.39
Clinique vs Avène routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
Cleanance Cleansing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€15.59
-
Hydrating Toner
La Mer The Tonic
Morning · Once a week
€103.91
-
Moisturizer
Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€18.85
-
SPF
Cleanance
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€15.59
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€40.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
€19.50
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€49.00
-
Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
€19.79
-
Cleanser
Redness Solutions Soothing Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€31.05
-
Hydrating Toner
La Mer The Tonic
Morning · Once a week
€103.91
-
Moisturizer
Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€32.99
-
SPF
make p:rem UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Cream
Morning
€40.49
-
Pre-Cleanser
Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
€27.37
-
Cleansing Toner
Clarifying Lotion 2
Evening
€32.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum
Evening · Once a week
€88.99
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€49.00
-
Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
€19.79
Clinique vs Avène routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Cleanance Cleansing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€15.59
-
Hydrating Toner
La Mer The Tonic
Morning · Once a week
€103.91
-
Moisturizer
Hyaluron Activ B3 Concentrated Plumping Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€37.00
-
SPF
Cleanance
Morning
€15.59
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€40.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
€17.15
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin Activ Cg Radiance Concentrated Serum
Evening · Once a week
€27.51
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€49.00
-
Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
€19.79
-
Cleanser
all about clean
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€34.00
-
Hydrating Toner
La Mer The Tonic
Morning · Once a week
€103.91
-
Moisturizer
Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€32.99
-
SPF
make p:rem UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Cream
Morning
€40.49
-
Pre-Cleanser
Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
€27.37
-
Cleansing Toner
Clarifying Lotion 2
Evening
€32.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum
Evening · Once a week
€88.99
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€49.00
-
Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
€19.79
Questions and answers
Clinique or Avène: which is better?
Clinique is better for hydration and texture, while Avène is better for acne-prone skin, combination skin, and sensitive skin. Clinique's products on this page list no fragrance, whereas 7 of Avène's 15 products contain fragrance. Reviewers note that Clinique offers superior makeup removal and lighter moisturizers, while Avène helps soothe irritation effectively.
What is the difference between Clinique and Avène?
Clinique and Avène offer distinct product ranges and fragrance profiles, with every Clinique product on this page listing no fragrance while 7 of 15 Avène products include it. For dry skin routines, Avène achieves a High fit level while Clinique reaches an Average level. Additionally, Clinique generally performs better for hydration and texture, whereas Avène is often noted for soothing irritation.
Clinique or Avène for dry skin?
Avène provides a High routine fit for dry skin, making it a better option than Clinique, which offers an Average fit for this skin type. Avène's Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm is rated Superior for dry skin, and the brand helps soothe irritation effectively.
Clinique or Avène: which cleanser is better?
Avène is better for cleansers, featuring options like Cleanance Cleansing Gel that achieve a High fit for acne-prone and oily skin, whereas Clinique cleansers generally receive lower fit levels on the products on this page.
Which is more affordable, Clinique or Avène?
Avène is more affordable than Clinique, as high price points are often noted as a drawback for Clinique products on this page while Avène offers better value.
Between Clinique and Avène, which brand is completely free of fragrance across all of its listed products?
Clinique is completely free of fragrance across all of the products on this page, whereas Avène lists fragrance in 7 of its 15 products.
How do the founding years and parent companies of Clinique and Avène compare?
Clinique was founded in 1968 in the United States and is owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc., while Avène was founded in 1990 in France and is owned by Fondation Pierre Fabre.
Which brand performs better in terms of scent and fragrance according to review themes?
Clinique performs better in terms of scent and fragrance among the products on this page, as every product lists no fragrance in its ingredients.
Clinique or Avène for oily skin?
Both Clinique and Avène offer a High routine fit for oily skin. Reviewers note that the products on this page for both brands provide effective oil control.
Clinique or Avène: which moisturizer is better?
Clinique features hydrating moisturizers that are lightweight and fast-absorbing, while Avène offers superior options like Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm that help soothe irritation for dry skin. Lovi rates Avène with a High routine fit for dry skin compared to Clinique's Average fit.
Clinique or Avène for sensitive skin?
Avène is better suited for sensitive skin, achieving a High routine fit level compared to Clinique's Average fit level on the products on this page. Avène's options help soothe irritation effectively, though shoppers should note that some formulas contain fragrance.
Clinique or Avène for acne-prone skin?
Avène fits acne-prone skin better with a High routine fit level, whereas Clinique reaches an Average routine fit level for this skin type. Lovi rates Avène as a better match for acne-prone skin.
Research behind their key ingredients
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
Vitamin C-squalene bioconjugate promotes epidermal thickening and collagen production in human skin
An oil-soluble extract of Rubus idaeus cells enhances hydration and water homeostasis in skin cells
The synergistic effect of retinyl propionate and hydroxypinacolone retinoate on skin aging
Comparative benefit of two thermal spring waters after photodynamic therapy procedure
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
Algae extract protection effect on oxidized protein level in human stratum corneum
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Safety of a preservative system containing 1,2-hexanediol and caprylyl glycol
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
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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