Avene • Hydrance Optimale Riche UV SPF 20 • Moisturizers

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*TOP REVIEWER* ExpatBeauty on 4/12/2013 12:55:00 PM more reviews by ExpatBeauty

Age: 36-43   Skin: Normal, Olive, Neutral   Hair: Black, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

* Product - Avène Hydrance Optimale Riche UV SPF 20 (Nouvelle Formule)
* Skin Profile – Normal to dry. Drier in the winter. Mild hormonal acne.
* Review – I bought this late last autumn as a moisturizer with sunscreen to get me through the autumn and winter. I say autumn and winter because here, the daily UV Index here is pretty low during that time of the year (2 or less). I’m a big proponent of sunscreen all year round but the thought of applying my super duper heavy duty SPF50+ summer sun repellant sunscreen in the dead of winter does not appeal to me in the slightest! So, this is where Avène Hydrance Optimale Riche UV SPF 20 came in. Well, after using this to get me through the last few cold months, I’m happy to report that this is a winner for me.
* Pluses:
+ No adverse reactions. My skin seems to agree with it.
+ Hydrates and moisturizes nicely. With the SPF20, I half expected the usual ‘sunscreen-y’ feel but none here! It’s not greasy nor uncomfortable at all. Texture-wise, it feels similar to Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrè except that it's maybe slightly thinner or runnier in terms of fluidity.
+ Very easy to apply and absorbs into the skin pretty quickly.
+ No fragrance. Always a plus in my book for skincare products.
+ Works quite nice as a makeup base, especially with my Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Gel foundation (which doesn’t contain any SPF protection).
* Minuses:
- Might not be moisturizing enough for very dry or severely dehydrated skin. Tip: during very cold days, I liked to pre-moisturize with a drop or two of Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse, massing it into my skin. For me, the extra pre-moisturization seems to do the trick.
- Also, the texture of this cream is a little “runny”; this is not a super creamy cream.
- The packaging could be better. The cap often gets messy from the product getting overflowed into it. I have to store it upside down (i.e., cap up) to prevent this from happening.
* Composition of "New Formula" - I'm not familiar with the old formula since this is a first purchase for me but from what I could tell, the new and/or different ingredients featured in this "new formula" seem to be:
+ Lipomucine®: patented complex prevents dehydration and provides optimum hydration
+ Meiboserine: acts as a protective film that prevents moisture from evaporating. Combined with Lipomucine, it leaves a lipid film that reduces the evaporation of water from the skin.
+ Beurre de karité: aka: shea butter.
* Price - 18 € for a 40 ml tube. Available at all pharmacies and parapharmacies.
* Verdict – Overall, I’m happy with this. It’s often difficult to find a nice moisturizer with sunscreen and this seems to tick off all the boxes for me to get me through the autumn and winter months. I also found it worked nicely on my hands too. Moisturizes nicely without being greasy or gross and bonus: it has decent SPF too. A win-win for the face *and* for the hands. I will repurchase.

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ayaz on 3/10/2013 4:37:00 PM more reviews by ayaz

Age: 30-35   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Black    

At first I really liked how it made my skin feel soft and moisturized even in winter when my face tends to dry. But 3 days after using this I saw black heads and really big ones. I don't think this spring water thing works for me because eau thermale spray makes the same. In summer I use it to refresh my face but instead it makes my pores look bigger and clog them (i discontinued of course). Still trying to find a good day moisturizer that does not give me the black heads..

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Amie83 on 10/7/2012 6:24:00 AM more reviews by Amie83

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

Perfect product. Have repurchased several times, left it tempted by other more high end products but come back to this one time after time. Blamed hormonal breakouts on this in the past, but have come to terms with that no cream can prevent that, and that this is pretty much as good as they get! A keeper!

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Pyretta5 on 9/20/2012 11:25:00 AM more reviews by Pyretta5

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brunette, Curly, Medium   Eyes: Grey    

I received a set of Avene products when I took out a subscription of Marie Clair. I LOVE this moisturizer. I've tried several different ones when I do my daytime skin care, including a couple Clinique, and I have to say this is the best of the lot. My skin totally absorbs it, leaves my face feeling hydrated and smooth and, unlike the others, my face doesn't feel or look slightly greasy after putting it on. Maybe it's because of the warmer weather and the others will serve me better during the winter, but for now this is my go to day cream that I will definately be purchasing again once this tube runs out.

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Curcan on 8/1/2012 5:38:00 AM more reviews by Curcan

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

I love the texture. Like -everybody- i am very picky with what i put on my face, not to mention i used to have acne problems. However, i am very happy with this, not too greasy, hydrates well, feels nice on my skin and foundation goes on well. i also use the kind without spf for night, my skin is rather dehydrated. Needless to say, i love them both. although i was reluctant to trying avene products.

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megalina1988 on 6/30/2012 10:21:00 PM more reviews by megalina1988

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

In love <3 ^_^ I found my daily moisturizer in this one. The price is great compared to other good moisturizers although I wish they sold this in bigger tubes. However, this is already great value for money - the moisture is long lasting and gives a baby-butt feel if you have dry skin on your face.

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*TOP REVIEWER* ella343 on 10/14/2011 8:26:00 PM more reviews by ella343

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium, Cool   Hair: Black, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

This matches to perfection all my criteria for a daily face sunscreen: minimal/pleasant fragrance, slightly moisturizing, good absorption, no pilling, easy removal, avobenzone-free, and moderate broad-spectrum coverage. For day-to-day exposure, Avene Hydrance Optimale's SPF 20 and PPD 10 provides just enough protection for me, as I am not at risk. By nature, UV filters have an unpleasant feel; a lower concentration is easier to formulate for an elegant texture that I would willingly put on my skin. For intense sunlight, I switch to a more protective sunscreen.



From the bias of dry skin, I find that Hydrance Optimale Riche provides the perfect degree of moderate hydration. If generously applied, it has a heavier sunscreen texture at first, but it absorbs if rubbed in well. Like most sunscreens, it's best to apply incrementally, rather than throwing a lot on at once. After ten minutes, it feels much like any mediumweight moisturizer, which is so awesome. Since the formula has no mattifying properties, it has a slightly shiny finish from the UV filters, but it's really nothing dry skin cannot handle. I also like that there is a lighter version; I'll switch to that in warmer months. Unlike Asian sunscreen milks, it doesn't require an aggressive cleanser to remove. Unlike Anthelios, it doesn't aggravate my sensitive skin with avobenzone. Unlike Neutrogena, it doesn't pill. Unlike mineral blocks, it's not "relatively" elegant in texture but genuinely so, though I keep Vive Sana for those days when my skin is especially irritable.



Take care to buy the European version with Tinosorb S (the American is an SPF 25 with titanium dioxide), listed as ethylene bis-xyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine. I get mine from Amazon, a seller called pharmamundi. At $24 for 40 mL, it's moderately expensive for such a small amount, but I think it's worth it just to avoid avobenzone.

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Gill222 on 8/1/2011 8:34:00 AM more reviews by Gill222

Age: 25-29   Skin: Dry, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Blue    

I love this stuff and use it as an every day moisturiser. My tube has no spf hopefully I can find it next time with the spf. I have eczema on my face which comes and goes and this product doesnt irritate it. I find it to be actually soothing on my skin. It sinks into the skin nicely. This cost around the £10 mark and is my fav drugstore moisturiser by far.

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agentjade on 7/4/2011 6:55:00 PM more reviews by agentjade

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

Feels light on the skin, not oily or sticky at all after application.
Leaves a matte complexion, on which I usually apply a light dusting of mineral foundation and other makeup.

Good for cloudy days or just incidental sun exposure on the way to work/class in an indoor environment.

Easy to wash off as well.

However, the SPF is a little low on very sunny days and I will try not to be in the sun too much if I only have this as sunblock on my face.

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*TOP REVIEWER* redkitten on 6/24/2011 10:45:00 AM more reviews by redkitten

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Red   Eyes: Blue    

This is the review for "Avene Hydrance Optimale Rich spf20 for dry to very dry skin.
This product is Formule hypoallergenic and non comedogene,Paraben Free,no add's and so safe.
The products claim to be "Rich protective hydrating cream" and somehow it is,but i hate the greasy finish .
I use this product over the winter becouse i do have dry/combo skin also sensitive.
I really want it to like this product becouse i need it something rich and gently for the winndy and frosty winters from Germany,but i had to replace becouse this was too rich for me.
I start using in morning after my facewash and i noticed from beggining that the finish was greasy..but i dont mind while i felt my skin hydrated and calm...wich it was.
I used this product from december until this month ,may when the tub is almost empthy..
My personal opinion after these months:
I start to hate the greasy finish and also this didnt calm the red spots in few minutes,i mean it took hours sometimes and didnt do anything for dry paches i had on my cheeks.
I was hoping my skin to get's used and have good result on long term use,but this products is not really for my skin type.
I already bought the Hydrance Optimale Legere wich is really great for my skin type.
I will rate it with 4lipies becouse it didnt do anything bad and no iritations,breakouts..it just didnt suit to my skin type.
This could be a nice hydrating day cream for someone with very dry skin who dont mind the greasy finish.
For me this was not the best calming,rich day moisturizer but it could be good for other people.
Remember this is only my pesonal review according to my skin type after 5month use.
I will not buy this product again.
Update: I noticed here people post different ingredients list so i will post the ingredients from back of package.
Becouse i saw mineral oil in someone else list ingredients and mine doesn't have it.Also i got mine in Germany from pharmacy.
Ingredient List :
Avene Thermal Spring Water(Avene Aqua),Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate,Cetearyl Isononanoate ,Cyclomethicone,Octocrylene ,Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine,C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate ,Glycerin ,Polymethyl Methacrylate ,Potassium Cetyl Phosphate ,Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Oil ,Glyceryl Stearate,Stearyl Alcohol ,Benzoic Acid ,Beta Sitosterol ,Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride ,Chlorphenesin ,Disodium EDTA ,Fragrance ,Glycine Soja (Soybean) Extract ,Hydrogenated Coco Glycerides ,Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer ,Lecithin ,Phenoxyethanol ,Poloxamer 188 ,Polysorbate 60 ,Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate ,Sodium Hydroxide ,Squalane ,Tocopheryl Glucoside ,Water(Aqua),Xanthan Gum

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*TOP REVIEWER* ashleydutta on 5/1/2011 8:58:00 PM more reviews by ashleydutta

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair, Warm   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Green    

Beautiful product - effective UVA protection, light weight, sheer, no sunscreen smell. It is so sheer that I cannot tell where I have already put it on - it is invisible upon application! It also adds just the right amount of moisture, making my foundation apply nicely. If anyone is wondering - no, it is not heavy or greasy in the least (with the name "Riche" I was afraid it would be). There's really only two problems with this: if I do not use an oil cleanser to get it off at night, I break out every single time. I can deal with that, though - just use an oil cleanser! The other problem is the price. To order it in the US & make sure I have the European Tinosorb version, i have to order it from Skin-beautiful.com. It is almost $40, plus shipping, for a tube slightly over one ounce that will only last me a month and a half to two months. That is just way too much for me :-(

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naicha on 2/12/2011 3:42:00 AM more reviews by naicha

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

I absolutely love this. I use the light version in the summer but as soon as it's not sweltering hot anymore, this is my moisturizer of choice for my dehydrated combination skin. It is really creamy yet does not feel heavy and quickly absorbs into the skin leaving no oily residue. Like all Avene products I've tried, it really calms and soothes my skin when it gets itchy or irritated and just leaves it feeling fresh, plump and protected. I love that it is hypo-allergenic and non-comedogenic and has never caused me to break out. I think this is perfect for anyone with combination to dry skin who wants something a little richer but definetely not heavy or oily; that being said, it may not be rich enough for those with very dry skin.

Ingredients: AVENE AQUA. ETHYLHEXYL METHOXYCINNAMATE. CETEARYL ISONONANOATE. CYCLOMETHICONE. OCTOCRYLENE. BIS-ETHYLHEXYLOXYPHENOL METHOXYPHENYL TRIAZINE. C12-15 ALKYL BENZOATE. GLYCERIN. POLYMETHYL METHACRYLATE. POTASSIUM CETYL PHOSPHATE. CARTHAMUS TINCTORIUS OIL. GLYCERYL STEARATE. STEARYL ALCOHOL. BENZOIC ACID. BETA-SITOSTEROL. CAPRYLIC / CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE. CHLORPHENESIN. DISODIUM EDTA. PARFUM. GLYCINE SOJA. HYDROGENATED COCO-GLYCERIDES. HYDROXYETHYL ACRYLATE/SODIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE COPOLYMER. LECITHIN. PHENOXYETHANOL. POLOXAMER 188. POLYSORBATE 60. SODIUM CHONDROITIN SULFATE. SODIUM HYDROXIDE. SQUALANE. TOCOPHERYL GLUCOSIDE. AQUA. XANTHAN GUM.

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