I Tried—and Ranked—the 10 Best Avène Products | Well+Good

Retinol is an almost universally recommended skin-care ingredient, as it targets myriad skin health needs and complexion woes. It helps with cellular turnover, assuages acne, and can help with reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

Avène’s RetrinAL is special because it uses retinaldehyde—a stronger version of retinol—and it’s an absolute masterpiece of an OTC retinoid. Thanks to the rich and soothing peptides in this gentle-yet-powerful formulation (and their inflammation-soothing thermal water), even those with sensitive skin can benefit from this rejuvenating all-in-one cream. RetrinAL for all.

I know what you must be thinking: Lip balm, really? Yes, really. This is no ordinary lip balm. When I tell you I buy these in bulk, I’m not joking. They’ve got the silkiest, meltiest, non-sticky, non-greasy, non-waxy formula I’ve ever tried… and I’ve tried a lot. The balm is made with shea butter, jojoba oil, and bisabolol, and nourishes your lips while also protecting them from damage. It’s no wonder derms love it as much as I do.

Given the miraculous properties of Avène’s spring water, it would be absurd to leave the brand’s legendary facial mist off the top three list. It’s an all-time best seller for a reason: It’s soothing, light, refreshing, delicate, and exactly what you’d want from a spray.

Packed with the spring water’s naturally-occurring pre- and pro-biotics, the formula is perfectly pH balanced and works as an anti-inflammatory to soothe redness and irritation. Whether you need to prep for your skincare routine, refresh throughout the day, add hydration while you’re traveling, assuage a sunburn, soothe skin after shaving, or you’ve just got a hankering for a cool mist of French water on your face, look no further.

This gentle cleanser will help control acne without stripping your skin, and I turn to it any time I need to keep my hormonal breakouts at bay. Board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, calls it “a fantastic option for those with sensitive or allergic skin that is still prone to breakouts,” and notes that it isn’t just for your face (gasp!)—it works for body acne too.

This is my non-negotiable daily serum, regardless of what else I’m doing with my routine. It improves the efficacy of your other skincare products by prepping the skin with deep hydration. No stickiness, no residue—just a hydrated face that is ‘ready to receive,’ if you will. “I love this serum,” Dr. Gohara previously told Well+Good. “It not only works for [already] hydrated skin, but it also soothes the tightness and discomfort that is common with dehydrated skin, thanks to the brand’s best-in-class healing-helper: thermal spring water.”

Micellar water is one of the foremost staples of French skin care, and Avène’s version is one of the best that money can buy (I even like it better than Bioderma, which feels blasphemous to say). I came upon it by accident when I asked a French pharmacist for a gentle facial cleanser—she told me this was my best option, and she did not steer me wrong. It uses micelles (aka oil particles suspended in water) to remove dirt, grime, and makeup, leaving skin clean but never parched.

Avène repurposed its powerful retinoid into a rich eye cream, which is designed to be used on the delicate skin in the area. For under 50 bucks, it works to depuff, replenish, and smooth skin (au revoir, crows feet!), and is hands down one of the best eye creams I’ve ever used.

Whether you deal with eczema, are getting some laser facial treatments, or simply have dry and sensitive skin, this thermal water-powered “recovery cream” is a dermatologist favorite and approved by the National Eczema Association. It even comes in sterile packaging to ensure it’s entirely preservative-free and safe for hypersensitive skin.

Think of this as a staple recovery item. Meant for treating injuries, lesions, and scars, it helps your skin retain moisture to speed up the healing process. Basically, it’s skin restoration in a bottle.

Truly, this is one of the best moisturizers you can get — especially for under $40 (under $20 if you’re lucky enough to live in France). It’s intensely hydrating and barrier-repairing, yet lightweight, and offers suitable levels of protection and moisture for all skin types.