Really, you have come across Avene and Vichy during your visits to the neighborhood pharmacy. The question is, which one is right for you? Earlier, we delved into a comparison between two other French skincare brands – La Roche Posay and Vichy. Today’s focus will be on contrasting Avene and Vichy to assist you in determining the brand that aligns more with your skincare needs.
Avene vs Vichy Thermal Water
A comprehensive assessment of Avene and Vichy cannot be accomplished without first delving into the signature thermal spring waters that serve as the cornerstone for most of their highly acclaimed products. The standout success of Avene is largely attributed to its thermal spring water, which is obtained from Sainte-Odile and purified by the Cevennes Mountains.
This water, particularly popular among those with sensitive skin, boasts natural calming, anti-irritating properties and is significantly enriched with silica. Silica, a natural anti-inflammatory agent, bestows upon you a radiant complexion while also stimulating collagen production.
On the other hand, Vichy’s Mineralizing Thermal Water originates from French volcanoes and embarks on a journey reaching depths up to 4000 meters before being heated to 140 C and propelled back to the surface. During this millennia-long voyage, it gathers 15 minerals that imbue it with its remarkable properties. This water serves as a soothing balm for skin subjected to daily environmental stressors, leaving it looking vibrant and healthy.
From these succinct descriptions alone, one can discern the fundamental difference in objectives between these two brands. Avene primarily concentrates on tolerability and addressing specific skin issues while Vichy’s focus lies more in enhancing beauty perfection. Although not as starkly contrasting as our earlier comparison with La Roche Posay, there exists an undeniable distinction between Avene and Vichy.
In the end, your choice between Avene and Vichy hinges on what you primarily seek from your skincare regimen. For instance, if you are dealing with issues like redness, acne, rosacea, eczema, dermatitis or similar conditions, Avene’s Eau Thermale would likely be your preferred option. Conversely, if your goal is simply to enhance the overall health and look of your skin, you may find Vichy’s beautifying water more suitable for your needs.
Thermal Spring Water Spray by Avene
A soothing, calming facial mist spray.
What makes it special? This extraordinary French thermal water product provides hydration, tranquility, and anti-irritation properties. The water embarks on a subterranean voyage lasting more than half a century, acquiring potent vitamins and minerals throughout its journey while preserving their distinctive advantages. It is bottled directly at the Sainte-Odile source in a sterile environment to guarantee its unadulterated quality and efficacy.
Which skin types can use it? It’s perfect for all skin types, particularly the sensitive ones, and also safe for infants and babies.
Mineralizing Thermal Spa Water by Vichy
A skin-beautifying mineral water mist.
What makes it special? Vichy’s Mineralizing Thermal Water is scientifically validated to fortify the skin’s protective barrier and expedite the renewal of surface skin cells. Enhanced with a blend of 15 minerals, coupled with nourishing shea butter and rose extract, this under-the-radar water spray imparts a radiant, luminous glow to the skin.
Which skin types can use it? It’s compatible with all skin types.
Avene vs Vichy Cleanser
Avene provides an extensive selection of cleansers, each designed to address specific skin issues. Conversely, Vichy offers a smaller range of products, each aimed at enhancing the overall condition and look of your skin.
This aligns with our earlier findings and implies that drawing direct comparisons between these products is challenging; however, it simplifies our final verdict: select Avene for targeted solutions (such as acne or hypersensitivity), and opt for Vichy for a regular daily cleanser.
For those seeking the superior daily cleanser from these two brands, we strongly endorse Vichy’s Puret Thermale One-Step Facial Cleanser. Continue reading to explore our top choices and comparisons for ‘the best cleanser suitable for acne-prone skin’.
Best cleanser for acne
Choosing an effective cleanser specifically formulated for oily skin is essential. Without the right product, you may inadvertently trap yourself in a relentless cycle of over-cleansing your skin, leading to increased oil production.
Among the top-quality cleansers available are Avene’s Cleanance Cleansing Gel and Vichy’s Normaderm Daily Acne Treatment Face Wash, both of which we’ll be examining. The primary distinction between these two products lies in their active ingredients. Vichy opts for the conventional acne-fighting combination of salicylic acid and zinc, while Avene employs Comedoclastin:
- a ground-breaking,
- highly potent ingredient that prevents the formation of comedones such as blackheads,
- whiteheads and bumps from deep within the skin.
This unique component is exclusive to Avene products due to their patent ownership! When paired with Avene’s calming Thermal Spring Water, this oil-controlling, blemish-busting ingredient has earned a devoted following among acne sufferers worldwide. Echoing popular sentiment, our preferred choice is Avene’s Cleanance Cleansing Gel.
Cleanance Cleansing Gel by Avene
A gentle cleansing gel for oily, blemish prone skin.
What makes it special? It’s devoid of soap and enriched with Avène Thermal Spring Water, ensuring a gentle cleanse that leaves your skin feeling calm and revitalized. It also controls surplus sebum production, giving your skin a matte finish. The user-friendly dispenser cap guarantees the right quantity for each application.
Suitable for which skin types? Ideal for oily, acne-prone skin.
Normaderm Daily Acne Treatment Face Wash by Vichy
A salicylic acid face cleanser.
What makes it special? It’s a daily-use gel-based cleanser that detoxifies and rejuvenates the look of oily, acne-prone skin. Expertly eliminating impurities such as dirt, dust, and environmental pollutants, it leaves the skin feeling thoroughly cleansed with a fresher, clearer, and more matte appearance. Within just four weeks of use, blackheads become less noticeable and pores appear unclogged.
Suitable for which skin types? Ideal for those with oily or acne-prone skin types.
Avene vs Vichy Moisturizer
Both Avene and Vichy offer impressive ranges of facial creams, primarily designed for normal-to-dry and sensitive skin, emphasizing hydration and moisture protection. While an abundance of options can be delightful, it can also lead to decision paralysis. Allow us to assist you in navigating through the cream of the crop.
Best daily moisturizer
In the realm of daily moisturizers, two primary objectives should be achieved: counteracting TEWL (trans-epidermal water loss) and ensuring your skin retains a supple, velvety soft and hydrated feel throughout the day. We have two remarkable moisturizers that fit this bill perfectly – the Vichy Aqualia Thermal Rich Face Cream and the Avene Hydrance Hydrating Emulsion.
These are two top-tier skincare products that meet these exact needs, although making a choice between them can pose a challenge. One key differentiation lies in their active ingredients. The Vichy formula takes its inspiration from isotonic rehydration (a method used by athletes to maintain optimal hydration), employing hyaluronic acid and their popular volcanic spring water for maximum effectiveness.
This is perhaps the most ‘focused’ product in Vichy’s range, boasting impressive potency. On the other hand, Avene’s Hydrance Hydrating Emulsion features a patented Lipo-Mucine complex which delivers enduring comfort and hydration suitable for all skin types.
This brings us to another significant distinction – suitability for different skin types. While Avene’s product caters to all skin types, Vichy’s Aqualia Face Cream is available in variants tailored to each specific skin type. This is beneficial if you’re certain about your skin type; however, based on personal experience with regards to uncertainty about one’s skin type, we lean towards recommending Avene’s Hydrance Hydrating Emulsion – it even ranks as our top choice for best French moisturizer!
Hydrance Light Hydrating Emulsion by Avene
A lightweight moisturizer in the form of an emulsion.
What makes it special? Our proprietary ‘Cohederm’ complex. This innovative formula guarantees round-the-clock hydration and soothing comfort by creating micro-reservoirs of Avene Thermal Spring Water beneath the skin’s surface. These reservoirs gradually release hydrating bursts for long-lasting moisture.
Suitable for which skin types? It’s suitable for all skin types – normal, combination, oily or sensitive.
Aqualia Thermal Rich Face Cream by Vichy
A velvety-soft, rich face cream moisturizer that evenly distributes moisture.
What makes it special? The skin sheds approximately 500ml of moisture daily, potentially leading to a parched and uneasy feeling. This facial cream specifically addresses this moisture depletion by intensely rehydrating dry and extremely dry skin through a potent, enduring daily formula inspired by isotonic rehydration. This is a method employed by athletes that involves the use of water, minerals and sugar to restore the natural fluids in a dehydrated body.
It’s best suited for? Dry to extremely dry skin types.
Avene vs Vichy Sunscreen
Avene and Vichy are two of the leading brands in the French sunscreen market, both highly favored by Parisians with impeccable skin. Their products are an integral part of these individuals’ skincare regimen. However, the question remains: which brand offers superior sun protection?
Best daily sunscreen
When selecting an everyday sunscreen, key factors to consider include: the SPF level (higher is preferable), the type of formula – mineral or chemical (depending on personal preference), and whether it omits oxybenzone (to protect coral reefs). Two top recommendations are Vichy’s Capital Soleil Face & Body Lotion and Avene’s Solaire UV Mineral Sunscreen Fluid.
We’ve thoroughly reviewed both in our comprehensive French sunscreen article, so we’ll cut to the chase here. Overall, Vichy’s product is superior, but for those with sensitive skin, Avene’s option excels. Both are free from oxybenzone and parabens, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. While Vichy’s lotion is oil-free, Avene’s fluid doesn’t contain silicone.
Having personally tested and been pleased with both products, we can confidently say that either choice would be a great one. However, if forced to pick just one, our preference would lean towards Vichy’s Capital Soleil Face & Body Lotion.
Capital Soleil Face & Body Lotion by Vichy
The best French sunscreen overall.
What makes it special? Its formula boasts the inclusion of Mexoryl XL, a unique patented filter system that offers comprehensive UVA UVB protection. This protection remains on the skin’s surface, ensuring maximum defense. The texture is another remarkable feature – it’s incredibly smooth and non-greasy, allowing for quick absorption into both facial and body skin without leaving any residue behind.
It’s best suited for? It caters to all skin types, making it a versatile choice.
Solaire UV Mineral Sunscreen Fluid by Avene
The best French sunscreen for sensitive skin.
What makes it special? It is distinguished by its gentle matte finish, comprehensive UV-A & UV-B shield, protection against free-radicals, water resistance, and the calming properties of Avene thermal spring water. Unlike a number of other mineral sunscreens, it leaves virtually no white residue on your face. Surpassing our anticipations in every aspect, it will seamlessly integrate into any skincare regimen designed for sensitive skin.
Who can use it? It’s appropriate for all skin types but particularly beneficial for those with sensitive skin.
Avene vs Vichy Conclusion
Drawing on the conclusions from our thermal water analysis, a clear agreement emerges regarding the overall superiority of one brand over the other. To recap, if your skincare goals are centered around treating specific issues like acne or dryness, Avene is likely to be your preferred choice. On the other hand, if you’re aiming for a general enhancement in skin quality and appearance, Vichy will undoubtedly cater to your needs more effectively.
In order to maintain fairness in this comparison, we’ve focused on comparing similar top-selling products from both brands. As we conclude our review, let’s explore some alternative skincare lines offered by Avene and Vichy that we recommend.
