Avène vs NIVEA
Avène and NIVEA are distinguished European skincare brands that offer versatile moisturizers, reliable sunscreens, and targeted serums formulated with nourishing glycerin. The French brand, founded in 1990, suits acne-prone skin and oily acne-prone skin best with options like the Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm, while the German brand, founded in 1911, suits sensitive skin and acne-prone skin best with options like the Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+. They differ primarily in their heritage and corporate ownership, as the former belongs to Fondation Pierre Fabre and the latter to maxingvest GmbH & Co. KGaA.
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
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 297.00
-
Moisturizer
Creme
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 17.86
-
SPF
Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+
Morning
SAR 75.20
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
SAR 65.11
-
Cleansing Toner
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water
Evening
SAR 72.64
-
Serum or Treatment
Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub
Evening · Once a week
SAR 81.25
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
SAR 130.30
-
Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
SAR 234.73
-
Cleanser
Cleanance Cleansing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 93.00
-
Moisturizer
Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 235.36
-
SPF
Ultra Fluid
Morning
SAR 144.89
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
SAR 65.11
-
Cleansing Toner
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water
Evening
SAR 72.64
-
Serum or Treatment
Antirougeurs Fort Relief Concentrate
Evening · Once a week
SAR 159.90
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
SAR 130.30
-
Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
SAR 234.73
Buy NIVEA routine · SAR 974.09 · 82% fit
Buy Avène routine · SAR 1,135.93 · 77% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Avène vs NIVEA routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
Cleanance Cleansing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 93.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 53.04
-
Moisturizer
Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 83.90
-
SPF
Cleanance
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 93.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 245.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
SAR 187.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
Goldfaden MD Facial Detox Mask
Once a week
SAR 328.29
-
Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 36.33
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 53.04
-
Moisturizer
Soft
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 14.39
-
SPF
Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+
Morning
SAR 75.20
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 245.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
SAR 187.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub
Evening · Once a week
SAR 81.25
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
Goldfaden MD Facial Detox Mask
Once a week
SAR 328.29
Buy Avène routine · SAR 1,148.69 · 87% fit
Buy NIVEA routine · SAR 1,178.96 · 87% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Avène vs NIVEA routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 191.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 166.90
-
Moisturizer
Soft
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 14.39
-
SPF
Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+
Morning
SAR 75.20
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 245.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
SAR 64.80
-
Serum or Treatment
Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub
Evening · Once a week
SAR 81.25
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
SAR 168.77
-
Cleanser
Cleanance Cleansing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 93.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 166.90
-
Moisturizer
Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 83.90
-
SPF
Cleanance
Morning
SAR 93.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 245.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
SAR 64.80
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin Activ Cg Radiance Concentrated Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 228.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
SAR 168.77
Buy NIVEA routine · SAR 1,165.77 · 87% fit
Buy Avène routine · SAR 1,208.83 · 85% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
Avène or NIVEA: which is better?
Both brands offer a High routine fit for most skin types on the products on this page, but NIVEA does better for dry sensitive skin with a High fit compared to Avène at Average. Reviewers note that Avène is better for soothing irritation, whereas NIVEA stands out for deep hydration and anti-aging benefits.
What is the difference between Avène and NIVEA?
For dry sensitive skin, Lovi rates Avène as Average and NIVEA as High. Reviewers note that Avène does better with texture and consistency and soothing and calming irritation, while NIVEA does better with deep hydration and moisturization and anti-aging and skin smoothing.
Avène or NIVEA for dry skin?
Both Avène and NIVEA offer a High routine fit for dry skin. Avène features products like Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm with a High fit for dry skin, while NIVEA includes items like Creme rated High for dry skin.
Avène or NIVEA: which moisturizer is better?
Both Avène and NIVEA offer moisturizers with great options depending on your specific skin needs, as the products on this page show high routine fits across many skin types. Avène is often noted for soothing irritation and offering a lightweight texture, while NIVEA provides intense deep hydration and versatile multi-use formulas.
Which is more affordable, Avène or NIVEA?
NIVEA is more affordable than Avène, as NIVEA is noted for better price and value among reviewers.
Between Avène and NIVEA, which brand is better for dry sensitive skin?
NIVEA is better for dry sensitive skin, as Lovi rates its routine as High compared to Avène's Average fit level.
Which brand performs better for anti-aging and skin smoothing according to reviewers?
NIVEA performs better for anti-aging and skin smoothing according to reviewers.
How do the founding years, countries of origin, and parent companies of Avène and NIVEA compare?
Avène was founded in France in 1990 and is owned by Fondation Pierre Fabre, whereas NIVEA was founded earlier in Germany in 1911 and has been owned by maxingvest GmbH & Co. KGaA since 2004.
Avène or NIVEA for oily skin?
Both Avène and NIVEA achieve a High routine fit for oily skin. The products on this page show that Avène is especially known for gentle deep clean cleansers and effective oil control, while NIVEA offers strong blemish-clearing serums.
Avène or NIVEA: which sunscreen is better?
Reviewers note that Avène sunscreens are generally gentle and non-stripping. NIVEA offers sunscreen options like Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+ and UV Deep Protect & Care Gel, which achieve high fit levels across multiple skin types.
Avène or NIVEA for sensitive skin?
Both Avène and NIVEA offer a High Lovi fit for sensitive skin, but Avène is often noted by reviewers for soothing and calming irritation while NIVEA provides intense deep hydration.
Avène or NIVEA for acne-prone skin?
Both Avène and NIVEA offer a High routine fit for acne-prone skin on the products on this page. Reviewers note that Avène provides gentle deep cleansers, while NIVEA features blemish-clearing serums.
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
-

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
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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