Avène Hydrance Optimale UV Light Hydrating Cream
Works for
1 of 3 advertised claims delivered
Sun protectionSPF 20 · 3 UV filters · Broad spectrumWeak protectionSPF under 30
This product offers broad spectrum sun protection, but it is weak. We recommend to use a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
Moisturizing8 ingredients credited for this claimGood support
“Hydrance Optimale UV Light Hydrating Cream”
This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.
The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water.
When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from
within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job:
cyclomethicone, glycerin.
This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: beta-sitosterol, cyclomethicone.
Anti-aging1 ingredient credited for this claimLimited support
“Based on Meiboserin which limits moisture evaporation, the cream is formulated with Avène thermal spring water and Lipomucine and SPF 20 to increase coverage across the skin and protect from daily aggressions whilst helping to prevent premature ageing caused by the sun.”
This product does not contain ingredients that are able to reduce fine lines and wrinkles or help with skin elasticity, but it can improve the look of the skin temporarily through moisturization. Well-moisturized skin might also be able to repair the sun damage better.This ingredient - glycine soja seed extract - could be helpful for preventing or repairing signs of aging in theory, but there is no evidence that it actually works.
The biggest anti-aging effect in this product comes from sun protection. Sun damage is the main factor causing early signs of skin aging. We, however, do not recommend using this product as a sunscreen because the protection it offers is not strong enough).
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy1 strong irritant: ParfumMedium risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
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Ingredients
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Water~45–55%
Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate~6.6–8.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
Octinoxate. When used in higher concentrations, works as a sunscreen protecting the skin from UVB rays. When used in lower concentration, helps to preserve the product formulation. Is shown to be harmful to coral reefs - consider avoiding bathing in coral reef areas when wearing a product with this ingredient. It can be irritating
More about Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamateOctocrylene~4.8–5.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A weak sunscreen that protects against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB) and is somewhat effective against the UVA rays. It is quite stable and can help stabilize other, more vulnerable, sunscreen ingredients like Avobenzone. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen
More about OctocryleneBis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine~3.6–4.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Tinosorb S. One of the most effective broad spectrum sunscreen ingredients. Protects from both UVA and UVB rays. It is photostable. Unfortunately, not approved by FDA (US) yet.
More about Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazineCyclomethicone~2.4–3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that leaves a nice silky finish on the skin and can help soften its upper layer
More about CyclomethiconeAluminum starch octenylsuccinate~2–2.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to thicken the product's consistency
More about Aluminum starch octenylsuccinatePolymethyl methacrylate~1.8–2.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is used to enhance product texture and can help to optically mask skin imperfections
More about Polymethyl methacrylatePotassium cetyl phosphate~1.5–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Potassium cetyl phosphateBenzoic acid~0.25–0.5%
Beta-sitosterol~1–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A phytosterol that can support skin's barrier function and help the skin stay hydrated
More about Beta-sitosterolBht~0.7–1.05%
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~0.65–1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin
More about Caprylic/capric triglycerideCarbomer~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
More about CarbomerChlorphenesin~0.16–0.32%
Disodium edta~0.45–0.7%
Parfum~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumGlycerin~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
More about GlycerinGlycine soja seed extract~0.4–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An emollient that helps soften the skin. Might be somewhat helpful in evening the skin tone.
More about Glycine soja seed extractHydrogenated coco-glycerides~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together while creating a nice finish on the skin
More about Hydrogenated coco-glyceridesLecithin~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about LecithinPeg-32~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps dissolve other ingredients and attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Peg-32Peg-400~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Phenoxyethanol~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolPoloxamer 188~0.2–0.35%
Sodium chondroitin sulfate~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is naturally present in skin. Helps to attract water to its upper layer
More about Sodium chondroitin sulfateSodium hydroxide~0.15–0.25%
Tocopheryl glucoside~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Antioxidant that helps stabilize product formulations and, if used in higher concentration, might help neutralize free radicals in skin
More about Tocopheryl glucosideXanthan gum~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumIngredient list view
Water, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Octocrylene, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, Cyclomethicone, Aluminum starch octenylsuccinate, Polymethyl methacrylate, Potassium cetyl phosphate, Benzoic acid, Beta-sitosterol, Bht, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Carbomer, Chlorphenesin, Disodium edta, Parfum, Glycerin, Glycine soja seed extract, Hydrogenated coco-glycerides, Lecithin, Peg-32, Peg-400, Phenoxyethanol, Poloxamer 188, Sodium chondroitin sulfate, Sodium hydroxide, Tocopheryl glucoside, Xanthan gum
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Worth comparing, line by line.
Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.
| AvèneHydrance Optimale UV Light Hydrating CreamYOUR PRODUCT | Eau Thermale AveneHydrance Optimale SPF 25 Hydrating Cream | |
|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 50% |
| Price | $23.14 | $34.00+$10.86 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 7 of 8 |
| Key difference | — | Squalane |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low |
| SPF | SPF 20 | SPF 25 |
| Drying alcohol | — | — |
| View product | Shop |
Product summary
"Avène - Hydrance Optimale UV Light Hydrating Cream" "is a broad spectrum sunscreen meaning that it protects both from UVB rays (" burning "- they cause sunburn) and UVA rays (" aging "- they don't cause sunburn but lead to premature aging and pigmentation issues). However, this moisturizer does not offer enough sun protection. We recommend to use a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily.
Its formula is also hydrating, so you might not need an additional moistruizer during the day.
Sunscreen filters
This is a so-called" chemical "sunscreen. It means that it uses organic UV filters. They typically offer good sun protection and rarely leave a white cast, but they can be irritating for some people with sensitive skin. These are the sun protection ingredients in this sunscreen: tinosorb s 3.60% - 4.40%, octinoxate 6.60% - 8.10% and octocrylene 4.80% - 5.80%.
Irritation risk
This moisturizer contains some common irritants, including those without a benefit for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be medium. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
Price
The product retails for 17.50£ in the United Kingdom.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 6 studies and safety reviews.
- 1Safety Assessment of Phytosterols as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
- 2
- 3
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- 6
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