# Avène Milk Cleanser for combination skin

**Lovi Fit: Average fit for combination skin.**
Combination Skin Fit: Average · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: High.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/avene/milk-cleanser/for/combination-skin

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

Brand: [Avène](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/avene)
Category: [Cleansers](https://lovi.care/skincare/best/cleansers)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with combination skin: an oily T-zone, enlarged pores, and dry cheeks. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

Works for combination skin; other cleansers fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate suitability for your combination skin, as glycerin provides humectant action, but it lacks sufficient ingredients for optimal oil control on your oily areas.
- The formula provides general skincare benefits like hydration and cleansing, which are supportive but not directly targeted at your main goal of reducing oily shine.
- The safety profile is excellent, with no risks of irritation for your combination skin due to the absence of prohibited or harsh ingredients.

## Fit by skin type

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

## Key ingredients

Avene Thermal Spring Water Avene Aqua, Glycerin, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Glycine Soja Oil Soybean Oil

## 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/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33038010/))
- 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/))

## Why other cleansers fit combination skin better

- A botanical face cleanser with hops and willow bark extract continuously reduced skin sebum levels without reactive seborrhea after treatment in 21 healthy volunteers compared to a sodium laureth sulfate cleanser, with neither cleanser causing skin irritation. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30022595/))
- Combined ascorbyl palmitate and sodium ascorbyl phosphate treatment significantly reduced facial sebum secretions in healthy female volunteers compared to a placebo control over 90 days. ([Drug Research, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27756097/))

## What reviewers say

Many users report that it leaves their skin feeling soft and supple. Some users express dissatisfaction with a recent formula change and find the fragrance to be strong. Its effectiveness for removing heavy makeup is also a point of concern for some.

- Liked: Gentle on skin (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Hydrating and soothing (often mentioned)
- Disliked: Strong fragrance (often mentioned)
- Liked: Effective makeup removal (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Formula change (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Poor makeup removal (sometimes noted)

## How to apply

- Use this cleanser AM and PM as part of your daily routine. Start 3×/week and build up to daily use if your skin tolerates it well.
- Apply this cleanser as the very first step in your morning routine and right after your pre-cleanser in the evening.
- Gently massage a small amount of cleanser onto your skin using circular motions. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
- For the best results , apply the cleanser directly onto slightly damp skin to help lift away excess oil.
- Avoid the immediate eye area and do a patch test before your first use to check for any sensitivity.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/6a08416bd9315041c09c72f61cf27cc1.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does Avène Milk Cleanser work for combination skin?

This cleanser offers moderate suitability for your combination skin, helping to clean and hydrate while carrying a very low risk of irritation, but it lacks enough ingredients to properly control oil on your shiny areas. A cleanser for this skin needs to effectively clean without stripping moisture, manage oily shine, and support the skin barrier with soothing extracts and hydrating agents.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### Which ingredients make this cleanser a good fit for combination skin?

Glycerin helps keep your combination skin hydrated, while Avene Thermal Spring Water helps soothe it and keeps it comfortable. To be a better fit for your skin type, this type of cleanser also needs ingredients that control oil in your shiny areas.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### 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.
Sources: [Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32870553/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2009](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19527335/)

### What does Glycerin do for combination skin?

Glycerin helps keep combination skin soft and smooth by pulling moisture in and keeping it there. It improves hydration and supports your skin barrier, which is unlikely to cause irritation.
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 cleanser go in a skincare routine for combination skin?

This cleanser goes in the morning routine before a hydrating toner, moisturizer, and spf, and as the second step in the evening routine after a makeup remover. It has an excellent safety profile with no risk of irritation for combination skin, though a product for this skin also needs ingredients for oil control on oily areas.

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

You can safely use this cleanser in your routine before applying retinol, as its very gentle formula is unlikely to cause irritation. This type of skin needs a cleanser that also helps control oil on shiny areas while keeping dry spots comfortable.

### How often should I use this cleanser?

You can use this cleanser daily as part of your morning and evening routine. It has a very safe formula with no harsh ingredients, though combination skin also needs specific ingredients to help control oily shine.

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

This cleanser is unlikely to cause breakouts or clog pores on combination skin, as it has a very safe formula with no harsh ingredients that typically trigger irritation. However, because it lacks strong oil-controlling ingredients, combination skin still needs a cleanser with targeted oil-balancing components to properly manage shine in oily areas.

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

You can use this cleanser on your body and around the eyes, as it is very safe and unlikely to cause irritation. However, because the skin on the body and around the eyes varies greatly in thickness, a cleanser of this type needs gentle cleansing agents and soothing ingredients like glycerin to maintain comfort without causing dryness.
Sources: [Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12375070/)

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

It has no drying alcohol and contains fragrance (parfum). Behenyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol, which soften the skin.

## Alternatives for combination skin

- [Fresh Soy Face Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/fresh/soy-face-cleanser/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — $28.08 at Amazon
- [IS Clinical Cleansing Complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/is-clinical/cleansing-complex/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — $49.00 at Amazon
- [Missha Super Aqua Ultra Hyalron Cleansing Foam](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/missha/super-aqua-ultra-hyalron-cleansing-foam/for/combination-skin) — High fit — $9.20 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — $25.60 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — $18.99 at Amazon
- SPF: [CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cerave/am-facial-moisturizing-lotion-spf-30/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — $14.97 at Amazon

## Where to buy

No store in United States has a checked price for this product, so the page shows none.

## Ingredients

Avene Thermal Spring Water Avene Aqua Avene Aqua, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, C14-22 Alcohols, Behenyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Oil, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Citric Acid, Parfum, Glyceryl Caprylate, Glycine Soja Oil Soybean Oil, Sclerotium Gum, Sodium Benzoate, Tocopherol, 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/milk-cleanser/for/combination-skin (this page)
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/avene/milk-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/avene/milk-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/avene/milk-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/avene/milk-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/avene/milk-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/avene/milk-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/avene/milk-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/avene/milk-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/avene/milk-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/avene/milk-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/avene/milk-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/avene/milk-cleanser/for/combination-skin