Dermalogica vs Avène
Dermalogica and Avène are respected skincare brands that offer reliable cleansers, targeted serums, and nourishing moisturizers formulated with key ingredients like glycerin to support various complexions. The American brand suits dry skin and oily skin best, while the French brand suits acne-prone skin and oily acne-prone skin best, offering profound relief without heaviness. Both brands feature standout products designed for specific concerns, yet they differ in their heritage, ownership, and precise ingredient profiles.
Dermalogica is an American skincare brand founded in 1986 and owned by Unilever since 2015.
en.wikipedia.orgcosmeticsbusiness.com
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 Dermalogica and Avène products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Dermalogica vs Avène products
People Say
Deep hydration and moisturization Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Saved my dry skin — Dermalogica Super Rich Repair”
- “blends seamlessly — Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50”
- “Absorbs quickly... not greasy — Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream”
- “Restores moisture barrier — Avène Cold Cream”
Gentle on skin and non-stripping Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “leaves face clean but not dry — Avène Cleanance”
- “Perfect cleanser for sensitive skin. — Avène Milk Cleanser”
- “Squeaky clean but soft — Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel”
- “gentle enough for daily use — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
Skin soothing and calming Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “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”
- “helps calm and nourish my skin — Dermalogica Stabilizing Repair Cream”
Improved texture and smoothness Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “skin feels smooth as silk — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
- “fine lines have visibly softened — Dermalogica Phyto Nature Lifting Eye Cream”
- “creamy without being greasy — Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance”
- “I've noticed a definite improvement in the fine lines around my eyes — Avène RetrinAL EYES”
Acne and oil control Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “Brings out all the gunk — Dermalogica Blackhead Clearing Fizz Mask”
- “doesn't clog pores — Dermalogica Active Moist”
- “Keeps me matte for hours — Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel”
- “keeps skin matte — Avène Cleanance”
High price point and value concerns Mostly 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”
- “hefty price tag — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
Unpleasant or strong scent Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “smells like puke — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
- “smells like medicine — Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50”
- “The fragrance is very present. — Avène Milk Cleanser”
- “smell is too strong — Avène Cleanance”
Breakouts and skin reactions Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “caused severe peeling — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
- “Cystic acne flare-ups — Dermalogica Precleanse”
- “Woke up with tiny whiteheads all over — Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream”
- “Caused small bumps/texture — Avène Soothing Radiance Mask”
Greasy or heavy residue Sometimes NotedRarely Noted
- “Leaves a greasy film — Avène Cold Cream”
- “too shiny — Avène Hydrance+”
- “Left unpleasant greasy film — Avène Soothing Radiance Mask”
- “Too thick for day — Dermalogica Super Rich Repair”
Dermalogica vs Avène routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Special Cleansing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€79.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner
Morning
€15.16
-
Moisturizer
Circular Hydration Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€75.00
-
SPF
Invisible Physical Defense SPF30
Morning
€58.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Precleanse
Evening · Once a week
€73.00
-
Serum or Treatment
BioLumin-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
€113.00
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
€31.93
-
Cleanser
Cleanance Cleansing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€15.59
-
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
Dermalogica vs Avène routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
Daily Glycolic Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€50.90
-
Hydrating Toner
La Mer The Tonic
Morning · Once a week
€103.91
-
Moisturizer
Active Moist
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€55.00
-
SPF
Invisible Physical Defense SPF30
Morning
€58.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Precleanse
Evening · Once a week
€73.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
€19.50
-
Serum or Treatment
Retinol Clearing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€99.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€49.00
-
Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
€19.79
-
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
Dermalogica vs Avène routines for combination skin
-
Cleanser
Daily Glycolic Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€50.90
-
Hydrating Toner
La Mer The Tonic
Morning · Once a week
€103.91
-
Moisturizer
Active Moist
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€55.00
-
SPF
Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50
Morning
€92.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Precleanse
Evening · Once a week
€73.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
€17.15
-
Serum or Treatment
Retinol Clearing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€99.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€49.00
-
Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
€19.79
-
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
Questions and answers
Dermalogica or Avène: which is better?
Dermalogica is better for deep hydration, texture improvement, and mature skin, with routines fitting as Superior for dry, oily, and combination skin on the products on this page. Avène may be preferred for soothing irritation and gentle, non-stripping sunscreens, though both brands offer equal fit levels for sensitive, acne-prone, and oily acne-prone skin.
What is the difference between Dermalogica and Avène?
Dermalogica provides a Superior routine fit for dry, oily, combination, and mature skin types on the products on this page, while Avène achieves a High routine fit for those same skin types. Reviewers note that Dermalogica delivers better deep hydration, whereas Avène excels at being gentle on skin and soothing irritation.
Dermalogica or Avène for dry skin?
Dermalogica is the better fit for dry skin, offering a Superior routine fit compared to Avène's High level. The products on this page help provide intense hydration and smoothing benefits for dry skin types.
Dermalogica or Avène: which cleanser is better?
Dermalogica provides a better overall cleanser selection on this page, achieving a Superior routine fit for dry skin and featuring options like Special Cleansing Gel that help maintain skin balance. Avène also offers gentle cleansing products such as Cleanance Cleansing Gel, but reviewers note a strong fragrance in some of their formulations.
Which is more affordable, Dermalogica or Avène?
When it comes to pricing, Avène is generally more affordable, whereas shoppers often note Dermalogica has a high price point.
Between Dermalogica and Avène, which brand has a higher percentage of fragrance-free products?
Dermalogica has a higher percentage of fragrance-free products, as every product on its page lists no fragrance in its ingredients, while Avène includes fragrance in nearly half of its listed products.
Which brand performs better for deep hydration and moisturization according to reviewer themes?
Dermalogica performs better for deep hydration and moisturization according to reviewer themes. Reviewers mention intense hydration and soothing moisturizers as key strengths for Dermalogica.
How do the founding years and corporate ownerships of Dermalogica and Avène compare?
Dermalogica was founded in 1986 in the United States and has been owned by Unilever since 2015, whereas Avène was founded in 1990 in France and is owned by Fondation Pierre Fabre.
Dermalogica or Avène for oily skin?
Dermalogica is a superior fit for oily skin compared to Avène, which is a high fit. The products on this page from Dermalogica include oil-targeted options like Retinol Clearing Oil and Breakout Clearing Booster, helping users manage excess sebum effectively.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000Archives of Dermatology, 2007
Dermalogica or Avène: which moisturizer is better?
Dermalogica is generally better for moisturizers because it offers deeper hydration and smoothing benefits, with routines for dry skin achieving a Superior fit on Lovi compared to Avène's High fit. Reviewers note that Dermalogica excels in providing intense hydration and non-greasy moisturizers, whereas Avène moisturizers are sometimes reported to leave a heavy or greasy residue.
Dermalogica or Avène for sensitive skin?
Both brands are a High fit for sensitive skin, but reviewers find Avène does better at soothing irritation. Dermalogica features fragrance-free formulas across the products on this page, while Avène includes fragrance in nearly half of its listed products.
Dermalogica or Avène: which sunscreen is better?
Dermalogica offers superior sunscreen options like Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50 that fit mature skin at a Superior level and dry, combination, and sensitive skin at a High level. Avène provides sunscreens like Cleanance which fit oily skin at a Superior level and skin with dark spots at a High level.
Dermalogica or Avène for acne-prone skin?
Both brands are well-suited for acne-prone skin, with Lovi fit levels of High for the products on this page. Reviewers note that both brands perform equally well for acne and oil control.
Research behind their key ingredients
The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review
Bacterial cellulose membranes as drug delivery systems: an in vivo skin compatibility study
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
Topical anti-inflammatory effects of isorhamnetin glycosides isolated from Opuntia ficus-indica
Apigenin inhibits UVA-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and prevents signs of skin aging in vivo
Vitamin C-squalene bioconjugate promotes epidermal thickening and collagen production in human skin
Antioxidant properties evaluation of topical astaxanthin formulations as anti-aging products
Microneedling by dermapen and glycolic acid peel for the treatment of acne scars: Comparative study
Topical beta-carotene protects against infra-red-light-induced free radicals
Efficacy of Oxybrasion in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris: A Preliminary Report
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
An oil-soluble extract of Rubus idaeus cells enhances hydration and water homeostasis in skin cells
Chemical peels for acne vulgaris: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials
Colloidal Oatmeal <em>(Avena Sativa)</em> Improves Skin Barrier Through Multi-Therapy Activity
Well-aging: A new strategy for skin homeostasis under multi-stressed conditions
In vivo and in vitro evaluation of octyl methoxycinnamate liposomes
The synergistic effect of retinyl propionate and hydroxypinacolone retinoate on skin aging
Comparative benefit of two thermal spring waters after photodynamic therapy procedure
The impacts of sodium lauroyl sarcosinate in facial cleanser on facial skin microbiome and lipidome
Supramolecular collagen nanoparticles for anti-wrinkle, skin whitening, and moisturizing effects
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
Skin recovery by Lavandula angustifolia leaf callus extract: Redox control of Nrf2 signaling
Algae extract protection effect on oxidized protein level in human stratum corneum
Starch- and carboxymethyl cellulose-based films as active beauty masks with papain incorporation
Semi-solid functionalized nanostructured lipid carriers loading thymol for skin disorders
Modulating effects of oatmeal extracts in the sodium lauryl sulfate skin irritancy model
Moisturizing Effects of Diglycerol Combined with Glycerol on Human Stratum Corneum
The effect of Zanthoxylum bungeanum maxim extract on crow's feet: A double-blind, split-face trial
Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Skin barrier repair efficacy and safety evaluation of an extract from Gardenia jasminoides J.Ellis
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
-

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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