Avène vs The INKEY List
Avène and The INKEY List are distinct skincare brands offering specialized routines for diverse complexions. The French brand provides versatile moisturizers, reliable sunscreens, targeted serums, and gentle cleansers formulated with glycerin that suit acne-prone and oily acne-prone skin best. Meanwhile, the British brand offers moisturizers, serums, toners, and eye products built around glycerin that fit combination and sensitive skin best. While both brands utilize glycerin to improve skin hydration and restore barrier function, they differ in their heritage and targeted skin types.
Avène is a French skincare brand founded in 1990 and owned by Fondation Pierre Fabre.
pierre-fabre.comavene.co.ukaveneusa.com
The INKEY List is a British skincare brand founded in 2018 and owned by Brand Evangelists for Beauty Limited.
cosmeticsbusiness.comprnewswire.comtheinkeylist.comtracxn.com
This page compares some of the most popular Avène and The INKEY List products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Avène vs The INKEY List products
People Say
Gentleness and Soothing Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Calmed my angry red skin overnight — Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream”
- “leaves face clean but not dry — Avène Cleanance”
- “Nothing has ever worked to soothe or heal my skin like these before. — Avène Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm”
- “Safe and gentle especially for my dry, sensitive skin — The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm”
Texture and Absorption Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Saves my skin in winter — Avène Cold Cream”
- “Thick but absorbs well eventually — Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream”
- “Gel consistency — The INKEY List Tranexamic Acid Serum”
- “Great for sensitive skin — The INKEY List PHA Toner”
Hydration and Moisture Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Restores moisture barrier — Avène Cold Cream”
- “Leaves my skin feeling soft and hydrated. — Avène Milk Cleanser”
- “Super hydrating — The INKEY List Polyglutamic Acid Serum”
- “intense nourishment — The INKEY List Collagen Peptide Serum”
Value and Affordability Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
- “Good for the price — The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Cleanser”
- “One of the best balms for quality and also price — The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm”
- “unbeatable value — The INKEY List Hyaluronic Acid Serum”
- “Bottle lasts for months — Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel”
Anti-Aging and Skin Repair Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “skin instantly felt firmer — Avène Hyaluron Activ B3 Concentrated Plumping Serum”
- “Healed my over-exfoliated skin in days — Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream”
- “skin looks fresh and plump — The INKEY List Collagen Peptide Serum”
- “bags are gone — The INKEY List Caffeine Eye Cream”
Acne and Oil Control Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Free of active acne — The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Cleanser”
- “Skin instantly looks less oily — The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Cleanser”
- “My T-zone was excessively oily... observed a subtle reduction in sebum. — The INKEY List Niacinamide Serum”
- “Keeps me matte for hours — Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel”
Residue, Finish, and Texture Complaints Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “leaves a white layer — Avène Hydrance+”
- “Leaves a greasy film — Avène Cold Cream”
- “very runny serum — The INKEY List Collagen Peptide Serum”
- “Feels tacky on skin — The INKEY List PHA Toner”
Packaging and Quality Control Issues Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Tube squirted water everywhere — Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream”
- “Tube cracked on the side — Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream”
- “Cap leaks in bag — Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel”
- “Tube leaks liquified oil when opened — The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm”
Strong Fragrance or Unpleasant Scent Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “The fragrance is very present. — Avène Milk Cleanser”
- “smell is too strong — Avène Cleanance”
- “Smells like BBQ/meat — The INKEY List Tranexamic Acid Serum”
- “Smells like chemicals — The INKEY List Polyglutamic Acid Serum”
Avène vs The INKEY List routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 63.82
- Moisturizer Collagen Peptide Serum Morning · Evening · Once a week
-
SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
SAR 75.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Oat Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
SAR 129.00
-
Cleansing Toner
PHA Toner
Evening
SAR 232.00
-
Serum or Treatment
10% Azelaic Acid Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 149.00
-
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 The INKEY List routine · SAR 1,013.85 · 80% fit
Buy Avène routine · SAR 1,135.93 · 77% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Avène vs The INKEY List 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
Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 63.82
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 53.04
-
Moisturizer
Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 107.76
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
SAR 46.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Oat Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
SAR 129.00
-
Cleansing Toner
PHA Toner
Evening
SAR 232.00
-
Serum or Treatment
10% Azelaic Acid Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 149.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
Goldfaden MD Facial Detox Mask
Once a week
SAR 328.29
Buy Avène routine · SAR 1,148.69 · 87% fit
Buy The INKEY List routine · SAR 1,267.37 · 87% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Avène vs The INKEY List routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 63.82
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 166.90
-
Moisturizer
Polyglutamic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 86.24
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
SAR 46.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Oat Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
SAR 129.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Glycolic Acid Toner
Evening
SAR 88.54
-
Serum or Treatment
10% Azelaic Acid Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 149.00
-
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
-
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 The INKEY List routine · SAR 1,056.73 · 90% fit
Buy Avène routine · SAR 1,208.83 · 85% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
Avène or The INKEY List: which is better?
Both brands are great choices depending on your skin goals, with Avène offering superior gentleness and soothing for irritated skin, while The INKEY List provides better value and acne or oil control across the products on this page.
What is the difference between Avène and The INKEY List?
The INKEY List does better for value and affordability and for acne and oil control, while Avène does better for gentleness and soothing. Lovi gives The INKEY List a superior routine fit for combination skin and sensitive skin, and a high fit for dry sensitive skin where Avène has an average fit.
Avène or The INKEY List for dry skin?
Both Avène and The INKEY List are a good choice for dry skin, as the products on this page for both brands achieve a High routine fit level for this skin type.
Avène or The INKEY List: which cleanser is better?
Both Avène and The INKEY List offer effective cleansers, but Avène stands out for gentleness and soothing, while The INKEY List excels in acne and oil control. Reviewers mostly mention Avène cleansers for their gentle deep clean, and every product on The INKEY List page lists no fragrance, making both brands appealing depending on specific skin needs.
Which is more affordable, Avène or The INKEY List?
The INKEY List does better for value and affordability compared to Avène.
Which brand has better value and affordability, Avène or The INKEY List?
The INKEY List has better value and affordability compared to Avène.
Which brand offers better routine fit for dry sensitive skin, Avène or The INKEY List?
The INKEY List offers a better routine fit for dry sensitive skin, with Lovi rating it High compared to Avène at Average.
Which brand performs better for acne and oil control, Avène or The INKEY List?
The INKEY List performs better for acne and oil control. The products on this page for The INKEY List achieve higher fit levels for acne-prone skin and oily skin compared to Avène.
Avène or The INKEY List for oily skin?
Both Avène and The INKEY List fit oily skin at a High routine level on this page. Avène is noted for effective oil control and gentle, non-stripping sunscreens, while The INKEY List features affordable moisturizers and serums that help with acne and oil control.
Avène or The INKEY List: which moisturizer is better?
Both Avène and The INKEY List offer high-performing moisturizers that suit dry and oily skin types equally well. For dry sensitive skin specifically, Lovi rates The INKEY List as High and Avène as Average.
Avène or The INKEY List for sensitive skin?
The INKEY List is a better fit for sensitive skin, as Lovi rates its routine as Superior compared to an High fit for Avène. Reviewers note that every product on the INKEY List page lists no fragrance, whereas Avène includes fragrance in several of its products on this page.
Research behind their key ingredients
The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review
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
The moisturizing effects of glycolipid biosurfactants, mannosylerythritol lipids, on human skin
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
Comparative benefit of two thermal spring waters after photodynamic therapy procedure
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
Topical Almond Oil for Prevention of Pressure Injuries: A Single-Blinded Comparison Study
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
Darutoside promotes skin wound healing via regulating macrophage polarization
Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens
Targeting Circadian Rhythm for the Regulation of Skin Collagen Metabolism
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
How does it fit your skin?
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