CeraVe vs Avène
CeraVe and Avène are respected skincare brands that offer thoughtful selections of moisturizers, cleansers, serums, and sunscreens. The American brand is known for utilizing hyaluronic acid and glycerin to support acne-prone and combination skin, whereas the French brand relies on nourishing glycerin to provide profound relief to acne-prone and oily acne-prone skin without heaviness. Both brands feature specialized products for concerns like dark spots, mature skin, and acne, though they differ in their foundational ingredients and geographical origins.
CeraVe is an American skincare brand founded in 2005 and owned by L'Oréal since 2017.
en.wikipedia.orghappi.comloreal-finance.comcerave.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 CeraVe and Avène products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular CeraVe vs Avène products
People Say
Fragrance-Free and Gentle Formulas Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “no burning sensation — CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum”
- “No scent, no irritation — CeraVe Moisturising Cream”
- “leaves face clean but not dry — Avène Cleanance”
- “Perfect cleanser for sensitive skin. — Avène Milk Cleanser”
Texture and Absorption Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Absorbs into skin without residue — CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion”
- “Sinks right into your skin — CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion”
- “difference in my skin's texture is noticeable — CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser”
- “Thick but absorbs well eventually — Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream”
Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Saved my dry winter skin — CeraVe Moisturising Cream”
- “woke up with plump skin — CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream”
- “cured my dry patches — CeraVe Eye Repair Cream”
- “Restores moisture barrier — Avène Cold Cream”
Redness and Sensitivity Soothing Rarely 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”
- “Calms angry, red skin — Avène Soothing Radiance Mask”
- “no stinging or redness — CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream”
Acne Control and Clearing Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “dialed back oiliness — CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser”
- “Never breaks me out — CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion”
- “helped to stop my breakout in its tracks — CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser”
- “Keeps me matte for hours — Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel”
Value and Price Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “reasonably priced — CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser”
- “Huge tub lasts forever — CeraVe Moisturising Cream”
- “Great everyday moisturizer — CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion”
- “Bottle lasts for months — Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel”
Texture and Residue Complications Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “feels like washing with conditioner — CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser”
- “too sticky — CeraVe Healing Ointment”
- “hard to spread — CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream”
- “leaves a white layer — Avène Hydrance+”
Breakouts and Purging Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “Gave me cystic acne — CeraVe Moisturising Cream”
- “gave me closed comedones — CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser”
- “Woke up with tiny whiteheads all over — Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream”
- “Caused small bumps/texture — Avène Soothing Radiance Mask”
Packaging and Sizing Issues Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “Tube cracked on the side — Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream”
- “Cap leaks in bag — Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel”
- “Good product bad packaging. — Avène RetrinAL EYES”
- “no safety seal included — CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream”
CeraVe vs Avène routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 53.59
-
Moisturizer
Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 41.35
-
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
Skin Renewing Retinol Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 61.30
-
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 CeraVe routine · SAR 659.02 · 89% fit
Buy Avène routine · SAR 1,135.93 · 77% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
CeraVe vs Avène routines for oily skin
-
Cleanser
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
Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 50.95
-
SPF
Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Morning
SAR 41.35
-
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
Acne Control Gel
Evening · Once a week
SAR 55.09
-
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
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
Buy CeraVe routine · SAR 1,155.51 · 87% fit
Buy Avène routine · SAR 1,148.69 · 87% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
CeraVe vs Avène routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 36.33
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 166.90
-
Moisturizer
Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 50.95
-
SPF
Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Morning
SAR 41.35
-
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
Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 61.29
-
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 CeraVe routine · SAR 993.85 · 91% fit
Buy Avène routine · SAR 1,208.83 · 85% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
CeraVe or Avène: which is better?
CeraVe is better for texture, hydration, acne control, and value, while Avène does better at soothing redness and sensitivity. On this page, CeraVe achieves a Superior routine fit for combination and acne-prone skin, whereas Avène reaches a High fit for those skin types.
What is the difference between CeraVe and Avène?
CeraVe and Avène both provide a High fit for dry skin, but CeraVe offers a Superior fit for acne-prone skin while Avène offers a High fit. Every CeraVe product on this page is fragrance-free, whereas nearly half of the Avène products list fragrance in their ingredients.
CeraVe or Avène for dry skin?
Both CeraVe and Avène offer a High routine fit level for dry skin. CeraVe features ceramide-dominant barrier repair lipids that help alleviate skin barrier issues.
CeraVe or Avène: which cleanser is better?
CeraVe offers a wider range of cleansers with Lovi fit levels reaching Superior for acne-prone, oily, and combination skin, whereas Avène cleansers are rated up to High for similar skin types. Additionally, every product on the CeraVe page is fragrance-free, while several Avène cleansers list fragrance in their ingredients.
Which is more affordable, CeraVe or Avène?
CeraVe is more affordable than Avène according to the reviewers on this page. The products on this page for CeraVe offer better value and price.
CeraVe or Avène for oily skin?
Both CeraVe and Avène offer a High routine fit for oily skin, though CeraVe features fragrance-free options across the products on this page while Avène includes fragrance in several formulas. CeraVe helps deliver effective oil control and gentle cleansing without stripping the skin.
CeraVe or Avène: which moisturizer is better?
CeraVe offers superior texture and hydration in moisturizers for the products on this page compared to Avène.
CeraVe or Avène for sensitive skin?
For sensitive skin, CeraVe achieves a High Lovi fit level, whereas Avène reaches an Average fit level. CeraVe offers fragrance-free formulations across the products on this page, which helps minimize irritation risks.
CeraVe or Avène: which sunscreen is better?
CeraVe provides a better range of sunscreens on this page, with the products on this page achieving High to Superior fit levels across most skin types. Avène sunscreens feature more mixed results, including Low fits for several skin types and the inclusion of fragrance in some formulas.
CeraVe or Avène for acne-prone skin?
For acne-prone skin, CeraVe is a better choice as Lovi rates its routine as Superior compared to Avène's High. Reviewers note that the products on this page for CeraVe help with effective cleansers for acne and oil.
CeraVe or Avène for combination skin?
CeraVe has a Superior fit for combination skin, while Avène has a High fit. Reviewers note that CeraVe does better in texture, absorption, hydration, and acne control.
Research behind their key ingredients
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
Topical palmitoyl pentapeptide provides improvement in photoaged human facial skin
Encapsulation and controlled release of retinol from silicone particles for topical delivery
Microneedling by dermapen and glycolic acid peel for the treatment of acne scars: Comparative study
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
Comparative benefit of two thermal spring waters after photodynamic therapy procedure
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
Targeting Circadian Rhythm for the Regulation of Skin Collagen Metabolism
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
-

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
-

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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