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Avène vs Galderma

Rated by Lovi · Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes · How the Fit score works

Avène and Galderma are established European skincare companies offering specialized formulations for various complexions. The French brand is universally loved for its versatile moisturizers, reliable sunscreens, targeted serums, and gentle cleansers, while the Swiss brand provides targeted serums such as Epiduo Gel and Benzac AC. Both brands suit acne-prone skin and oily acne-prone skin best, offering profound relief without heaviness through expert formulations. They differ in origin and breadth, as Avène relies on nourishing glycerin to improve skin hydration and restore barrier function across a diverse product range.

Avène is a French skincare brand founded in 1990 and owned by Fondation Pierre Fabre.

pierre-fabre.comavene.co.ukaveneusa.com

Galderma is a Swiss skincare brand founded in 1981 and owned by Galderma Group AG.

en.wikipedia.org

This page compares some of the most popular Avène and Galderma products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.

Popular Avène vs Galderma products

People Say

AvèneGalderma
  • Galderma positive results and clearing Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “cleared up my skin — Galderma Benzac AC Mild Strength 2.5% Acne Gel”
    • “cystic acne gone — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
    • “stops new pimples — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
  • Gentle and non-stripping formulation Mostly MentionedNot noted
    • “leaves face clean but not dry — Avène Cleanance”
    • “Perfect cleanser for sensitive skin. — Avène Milk Cleanser”
    • “Squeaky clean but soft — Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel”
  • Texture and finish Mostly MentionedNot noted
    • “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”
  • Soothes irritation and redness Often 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”
    • “Leaves my skin feeling soft and hydrated. — Avène Milk Cleanser”
  • Deeply hydrating and moisturizing Often MentionedNot noted
    • “Restores moisture barrier — Avène Cold Cream”
    • “Leaves my skin feeling soft and hydrated. — Avène Milk Cleanser”
    • “intensely hydrated — Avène Hyaluron Activ B3 Concentrated Plumping Serum”
  • Galderma acne treatment and purging Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “face on fire — Galderma Epiduo Gel”

Questions and answers

Avène or Galderma: which is better?

Avène is better for gentle hydration and soothing irritation, while Galderma is better for effective acne-clearing serums. The products on this page for Avène are a High fit for sensitive skin, whereas Galderma may cause severe dryness, peeling, and irritation.

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020

What is the difference between Avène and Galderma?

Avène focuses on gentle, hydrating formulas like its Thermal Spring Water, which Lovi rates as Superior for dry and sensitive skin. In contrast, Galderma offers targeted acne treatments such as Epiduo Gel, which provides High fit for oily and acne-prone skin but may cause dryness and peeling.

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020

Which is more affordable, Avène or Galderma?

Price point is sometimes noted as a downside for the products on this page by Avène reviewers, while the provided facts do not detail pricing for Galderma.

Which causes fewer breakouts, Avène or Galderma?

Galderma is known for effective acne-clearing serums, while the products on this page for Avène are best suited for acne-prone skin, oily acne-prone skin, and combination skin.

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020

Which brand has more products containing added fragrance, Avène or Galderma?

Avène has more products containing added fragrance, with 7 of its 15 products on this page listing fragrance, whereas Galderma lists no fragrance for every product on this page.

Which brand offers a thermal spring water toner suitable for dry sensitive skin, and what is its Lovi fit level?

Avène offers a thermal spring water toner that has a Superior Lovi fit level for dry sensitive skin.

What are the main drawbacks reported by reviewers for Galderma products compared to Avène?

Reviewers report that Galderma products on this page have severe drawbacks like dryness, peeling, irritation, and discomfort. In contrast, Avène products on this page provide better soothing, hydration, and gentle formulations.

Research behind their key ingredients

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.

  • Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Co-founder, Medical Director

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer

  • Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Co-founder, CEO and CTO

    PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex

  • Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Medical Board

    Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine

  • Aishani Shah, MD

    Aishani Shah, MD

    Medical Board

    Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD

  • Asya Zubkova, MS

    Asya Zubkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member

  • Hanna Kurets, MD

    Hanna Kurets, MD

    Medical Board, Medical Advisor

    Dermatology MD

  • Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Medical Board

    Dermatology and diagnostic consultant

  • Victoria Derkova, MS

    Victoria Derkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist

How does it fit your skin?

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