Sensitive skin requires a thoughtful approach to moisturization – one that deeply hydrates without irritation, fragrance, or unnecessary additives. Avène is one of the most trusted dermocosmetic brands for sensitive skin thanks to its calming Avène Thermal Spring Water, a core soothing ingredient used across many products.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the best 12 Avène moisturizers tailored to different sensitivity needs – from hypersensitive and reactive skin to dehydrated and post‑treatment skin.
What Makes Avène Ideal for Sensitive Skin?
Avène’s products are developed with dermatologists and formulated to:
- Soothe irritation with Thermal Spring Water
- Support the skin barrier without harsh chemicals
- Be fragrance, alcohol, and preservative‑free where possible
- Use minimal ingredient lists for maximum tolerance
These qualities make Avène especially suitable for reactive, redness‑prone, or compromised skin.
Top 12 Avène Moisturizers for Sensitive Skin
1. Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream
Often featured in dermatologist roundups as one of the best moisturizers for compromised skin, this restorative cream has multiple benefits:
- Barrier‑supporting formula that hydrates and repairs
- Calms redness and irritation
- Excellent for post‑procedure skin or flare‑ups
- Includes Thermal Spring Water and a healing complex
This is ideal if your clients are dealing with reactive, damaged, post‑treatment, or inflamed sensitive skin.
Best for: Compromised barrier, irritation, redness
2. Avène Tolérance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Cream
A cult favorite for hypersensitive skin, this cream is:
- Ultra‑minimalist with a sterile formula
- Fragrance‑free and preservative‑free
- Helps quickly calm sensations of discomfort
Its simplified ingredient list makes it a go‑to choice when even basic moisturizers feel too much for the skin.
Best for: Hypersensitive and reactive skin
3. Avène Tolerance Hydra‑10 Hydrating Fluid
This lightweight hydrator is perfect for sensitive skin that doesn’t tolerate heavy creams:
- Fast‑absorbing hydrating fluid
- Minimal ingredients for maximum tolerance
- Great under makeup or SPF
This fluid is a great daily option when clients want hydration without weight.
Best for: Everyday hydration for sensitive/normal skin
4. Avène Tolerance Hydra‑10 Hydrating Cream
For those who want a slightly richer texture than the hydrating fluid:
- Very gentle and soothing formula
- Provides moisture without irritation
- Excellent for those new to Avène products
This is perfect for clients who want comforting hydration with a creamy feel.
Best for: Mildly sensitive or normal skin
5. Avène Hydrance Rich Cream
A stalwart pick for sensitive skin that also tends toward dryness:
- Rich, nourishing cream
- Includes Thermal Spring Water and Cohederm lipids
- Helps protect and moisture‑seal dry skin
This classic choice marries hydration and barrier reinforcement beautifully.
Best for: Dry, sensitive skin needing long‑lasting hydration
6. Avène Hydrance Aqua Gel Moisturizing Cream
If your skin prefers a gel‑like texture, this is a standout:
- Lightweight with powerful hydration
- Non‑greasy finish
- Suitable for sensitive skin that doesn’t like heavy creams
Clients with combination or slightly oily sensitive skin will love this one.
Best for: Hydration with a lighter, gel texture
7. Hydrance Light Avène
A lighter counterpart to the Rich Cream:
- Great for normal to combination sensitive skin
- Delivers balanced hydration without heaviness
- Easy to layer under serums or sunscreen
Perfect for warmer months or oilier sensitive skin types.
Best for: Normal/combination sensitive skin
8. Avène Revitalizing Nourishing Cream
This nourishing cream blends hydration with antioxidant support:
- Helps replenish lipids in dry, sensitive skin
- Rich but non‑comedogenic
- Supports skin health overtime
This option provides a little extra nourishment while still being sensitive‑skin friendly.
Best for: Dry, dull, sensitive skin needing extra nourishment
9. Cleanance Hydra Avène Cream
Ideal if your sensitive skin clients also struggle with acne or irritation from treatments:
- Barrier support after drying acne treatments
- Soothing hydration
- A gentle option to calm skin while improving texture
This cream helps balance sensitivity and acne care.
Best for: Sensitive, acne‑prone skin post‑treatment
10. Avène Hydrance Optimale UV Light
A good choice if your client wants hydration + SPF in one:
- Lightweight daily cream with added sun protection
- Helps shield sensitive skin from UVA/UVB
- Encourages hydration alongside protection
Sun protection is essential for all skin types – especially sensitive ones.
Best for: Daily hydration with SPF
11. Avène Hydrance Hydrating Cream SPF30
Another SPF‑infused moisturizer with a more classic cream texture:
- Combines protective SPF and soothing hydration
- Enriched with Thermal Spring Water
Great for holiday seasons or outdoor days when extra protection is needed.
Best for: Sensitive skin needing SPF‑enhanced hydration
12. Avène Cold Cream
A classic therapeutic cream for sensitive, dry, and irritated skin:
- Helps relieve tightness from dryness
- Intense nourishment for cracked skin
- Fragrance‑free and dermatologist‑approved
If your clients complain of extreme dryness or irritation in harsh weather, this is a comforting choice.
Best for: Very dry, irritated sensitive skin
Choosing the Right Moisturizer: Tips for Your Skin
Sensitive skin isn’t one‑size‑fits‑all. When recommending a moisturizer, consider:
Skin Type
- Dry & sensitive: Rich creams or barrier balms
- Normal to combination: Gel or light emulsion formulas
- Oily & sensitive: Lightweight, gel‑based or hydrating fluids
Concerns Beyond Sensitivity
- Redness: Target soothing formulas like Cicalfate+ or Tolérance
- Acne or irritation post‑treatment: Creams formulated for barrier repair
- Sun exposure: Hydrators with SPF
Additional Routine Tips
- Apply moisturizers on damp skin to lock in hydration
- Avoid irritating fragrances, alcohol, and harsh exfoliants with sensitive skin
- Pair with calming serums (like thermal water sprays) for enhanced comfort
Why Thermal Spring Water Matters
One of Avène’s signature ingredients – Avène Thermal Spring Water – is a naturally calming mineral water sourced from the Sainte‑Odile spring in France. Its unique properties:
- Reduce irritation and inflammation
- Support the skin’s natural barrier
- Provide antioxidant protection
This ingredient is found in most Avène moisturizers and sets the brand apart in sensitive‑skin care.
Application Best Practices
To maximize results:
- Cleanse gently with a fragrance‑free cleanser
- Spritz thermal water before application (optional)
- Apply moisturizer while skin is slightly damp
- Press gently rather than rubbing
For daytime, layer SPF on top of your chosen moisturizer. At night, consider richer formulas for repair.
Sensitive skin deserves careful, well‑informed product choices. Avène’s line offers a strong mix of soothing, hydrating, barrier‑supporting moisturizers that cater to a range of needs – from minimal daily hydration to deep repair.
Whether your clients need something soothing after treatments, something protective under makeup, or something nourishing for dry, irritated skin, there’s a solid Avène option worth exploring.
The products featured in this article are curated based on general dermatological recommendations and publicly available product information. Prices, availability, and formulations may vary by region and retailer. If you are a skincare professional, always consider individual patient needs and sensitivities before recommending products. This article may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. The opinions and recommendations are our own and are not influenced by third parties.
