Avene hydrance aqua gel cream review

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It's a generalization, but the French have a lot of things going for them. While on vacation there last year, I was struck by how easy it was to nip into any neighborhood pharmacy and get a COVID-19 test within 10 minutes — a stark contrast from the hour-long waits and hundred-dollar fees that characterize our American system. Croque madames, crêpes, and excellent skincare are also widely available, including finds like Avène's Hydrance Aqua-Gel moisturizer.

The latter, at least, is available in the U.S., which is excellent news based on the myriad shoppers who dub it "fabulous" for plumping up fine lines with ample hydration. On Amazon, one person said it's their "precious treasure," a high compliment with a fun undercurrent of Sméagol vibes. The acclaim comes from how well the nonsticky gel plays on their sensitive skin, and those with rosacea seconded the praise.

"The best I have ever used," wrote a 56-year-old on the brand's website, adding that the moisturizer makes them look 36. An Ulta shopper over 65 saw similar results: With it and the brand's Hydrating Moisture Cream in their routine, their skin looks "so much better and hydrated." Others noted the instant glow and dewy, soft texture the Aqua-Gel leaves behind; "life-saving" results — even for people with eczema-prone skin.

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Shop now: $23–$36; amazon.com, aveneusa.com, ulta.com, and dermstore.com

What gives the light, airy gel its moisturizing oomph? According to Avène, cohederm, a "patented lipidic trio," restores the skin's barrier and prevents water loss along with squalane. Hyaluronic acid and glycerin attract water as humectants, the brand's thermal spring water soothes, and a combination of dextran sulfate and pre-tocopheryl provide antioxidants. Finally, the unsaturated fatty acids in pumpkin seed oil tone down inflammation, per researchers.

Thanks to those hard-working additions, one reviewer said they've stuck with the moisturizer for 35 years — and another wrote that they actually prefer it over $190 creams. The fragrance is a little divisive, but its quick work on dryness and rough texture as a whole make it a shopper favorite (and the gel texture is a godsend for oily skin in humidity, per a Floridian commenter).

"I receive compliments all the time on my skin and it really makes me feel great, especially since I've turned 50," concluded a penultimate customer, and a last one in their 70s said it's the best hydrator they've ever found. If your moisturizer starts to feel suffocating in the warmer months, Avène's water-weight Hydrance Aqua-Gel is available for $36 on the brand's website, $23 at Amazon, and $25 at Ulta Beauty.

I love this product and have used it over a year now. I am 65 with very dry, thin skin. This product feels great, even soothing to my skin. It provides hydration all day. My skin looks dewy and healthy. It works well under my moisturizer and foundation.

Hydrance was recommended by a customer service person and I love it!!

I did a chat to ask for a recommendation for a good light moisturizer to use with Retin A or a light glycolic acid treatment an now I use it daily for hydration. It is transformative to me and I was so pleased that is was recommended to me so don’t hesitate to ask for assistance on product decisions.

LovelySkin Customer

Verified Purchase

Great product for seasonal use

I bought this to use under tinted moisturizer with sunscreen. I bought this to use under my tinted moisturizer with sunscreen. Sometimes I find those products a bit drying so this is perfect.

Best product!!!

I purchased this Aqua gel cream for my husband because he has very sensitive and dry skin. He likes the way it makes his skin feels so hydrated!!!

Good moisturizer

I discovered this moisturizer while traveling in South America in a place with extremely dry weather. My skin was a wrack due to the dryness and this cream revived it. That said, it might be not enough alone if you use retinol. This cream also has a strong fragrant smell which you might or might not like.

LovelySkin Customer

Verified Purchase

Avene cream in gel

Great hydration! Not for oily areas.

Okay not great

This is just okay in my book. It has a pleasant smell but makes my very sensitive skin quite flush when used. It does moisturize well but I think the scent is too much for my skin. I wouldn't order again but I still use it from time to time.

LovelySkin Customer

Verified Purchase

Would be best for oily skin

I have normal to dry skin in the winter and this moisturizer is not quite enough for me. Would probably be fine for summer. I like the texture and it goes under makeup well.

LovelySkin Customer

Verified Purchase

Love it

It became my favorite moisturizer. Light and hydrating with amazing smell.

LovelySkin Customer

Verified Purchase

Avene Hydrance Hydrating Aqua Cream-in-Gel

I love the smell and feel of this lotion. It helps my skin especially since I have to wear a mask all day.

LovelySkin Customer

Verified Purchase

Great light product

Smooths on lightly and moisturizes all day, I have sensitive skin so this keeps the heavy cream products saved for winter and doesn’t leave an oily sheen.

LovelySkin Customer

Verified Purchase

Lightweight But Effective

Avene Hydrance Aqua Gel has the nicest texture. It's a great moisturizer for the summer as it is light and is not tacky. You don't need to use much at all and it spreads very easily. I had planned to actually keep it in the refrigerator and use it as part of my evening regimen feeling the coolness of the gel would be soothing to my skin after a hot summer day. I will continue to use this awesome product and would purchase it again. Avene never disappoints!

LovelySkin Customer

Verified Purchase

From the other reviews I was expecting more

Feels good going on, but left a sticky residue on my face. I have reactive skin and it made my face feel a little hot and uncomfortable. Maybe that's a reaction to the fragrance? Since it is a rather expensive item, I decided to try to make use of it, I use it as more of a momentary mask, then wash it off. It's a shame this product didn't work for me. I had very high hopes for this product because I am such a fan of the Avene Thermal Spring Water. But I will just stick with the Spring Water mist as it seems to be very helpful to my skin.

Ovr50yearsofthis

Verified Purchase

A brand to trust . . .

I love this moisturizer from Avene. It absorbs quickly and immediately refreshes and soothes my skin while adding a nice glow!

brmy3girls

Verified Purchase

Deep drink for the skin

This item was recommended by LovelySkin customer service which always provides excellent customer service, listens attentively and offers educated suggestions. I checked out this product with customer service after receiving a sample. I use this in the pm to give my skin a deep drink during the nighttime hours but use a lighter moisturizer in am. I found this one was a smudge too heavy for me in the am. Although it i feels lightweight it took too long to penetrate into my skin and left a oily sheen. But this is a great moisturizer with emollient and rich qualities. Good for my aging skin and love it at night! Go ahead Avene, one more great product. I used Avene in Italy, so glad I found it at LovelySkin in the states.

Marcella

Verified Purchase

Where has this been all my life

I have always suffered from dry skin, no matter what time of year. My skin looked dull with enlarged pores, no matter what product type or brand I used. Finally this has given me the skin I’ve always wanted! I use it at night as a mask over the night balm and eye cream. Then I use it during the day over the day cream and under face sunblock. Then I apply makeup as usual and finally I have the beautiful, glowing, dewy skin I’ve always wanted!

Jamy8522

Verified Purchase

Lightweight and Melts into Skin

Very lightweight feel and has a refreshingly light scent as well. It goes into the skin so easily and feels like you're wearing nothing at all while feeling very hydrated.

LovelySkin Customer

Verified Purchase

Amazing cream

My skin is supple, brighter, and plumped. I’ll use this forever unless they come up with something better in the future. Also it is so affordable for what it does. Buy it, you’ll love it.

LovelySkin Customer

Verified Purchase

Great lighter Night Cream

This is a medium rich cream/ Gel perfect for year round use, creamy and easily applied. I use this as my medium rich face cream (1 of 2) in the pm. You could use in the am. Not sticky, not heavy scented. I have pretty dry skin so this is a nice boost that’s summer weight. I have very sensitive skin That’s acne prone (hormonal) and rosacea. This causes no adverse skin issues and is calming.

What is Avene Hydrance Aqua

This gel-cream with a fresh aqua-gel texture gives the skin a delicate veil of water to provide comfort, suppleness and radiance. It hydrates, mattifies and brightens, all types of dehydrated, sensitive skin.

Is Avene Hydrance Aqua

AVENE Avène Hydrance Aqua-Gel is a very good choice for acne. It contains Pentylene Glycol, which is good for acne prone skin.

Does Avene Aqua

Amazon.com: Eau Thermale Avène Hydrance Hydrating Aqua Cream-In-Gel With Hyaluronic Acid - Antioxidant Protection - Non-Comedogenic - 1.6 Fl. Oz.

Is Aqua

All-in-one hydration powerhouse can be used as a daily moisturizer, overnight mask and along the eye contour. Fortify skin's natural moisturizing and protective barrier leaving skin intensely hydrated, dewy and smooth. Find this product at a Skincare Professional near you.