The origins of Avène date back to 1736 in the small town of Avène in the south of France. The story goes that a horse with a skin condition was led to drink and bathe in the waters of Saint-Odile spring in Avène. As a result, the horse’s condition improved dramatically, and the healing properties of Avène Thermal Spring Water began to gain recognition. The Avène Hydrotherapy Center was established in 1743, and the Avène Dermatological Laboratories were later founded in 1989.
Avène is recognized for its products formulated with Avène Thermal Spring Water, which is celebrated for its soothing, softening, and calming properties. These qualities make it particularly beneficial for sensitive, hypersensitive, allergic, and irritated skin. The brand’s extensive range of products includes cleansers, moisturizers, sun care, and specialized treatments for specific skin concerns like acne, eczema, rosacea, and more.
The motto of Avène is “Rooted in dermatology and hydrotherapy“. This mantra reflects the brand’s commitment to providing dermatologically tested products that harness the power of their unique thermal spring water.
Avène’s product line is designed for at-home care. The brand desires to provide consumers with the tools they need to maintain and improve the health of their skin from the comfort of their own homes. However, the Avène Hydrotherapy Center offers in-center treatments for various skin conditions, where the soothing properties of Avène Thermal Spring Water are used in therapeutic applications.
Avène products are sold globally, both online and in physical retail locations. They can be purchased from the brand’s official website, from authorized online retailers, and in-person at pharmacies and select department stores.
As for the ingredients used in Avène products, the brand takes a minimalist approach. Their products are formulated with a limited number of ingredients to reduce the risk of skin irritation. The cornerstone of their formulations is Avène Thermal Spring Water, which undergoes a rigorous in-house and independent testing process to ensure its purity and efficacy. Other ingredients used in their products are selected for their safety and effectiveness, including various hydrating, soothing, and skin-repairing ingredients.
Avène is committed to upholding ethical standards in all aspects of their operations. They are recognized as a cruelty-free brand, meaning they do not test their products on animals. However, not all of their products are vegan, as some of them contain ingredients of animal or insect origin, such as beeswax.
Avène does not explicitly advertise its products as gluten-free, natural, or organic. Their primary focus is on creating products that are safe and suitable for sensitive skin, and they achieve this by incorporating the Avène Thermal Spring Water and other carefully selected ingredients in their formulations. While many of the ingredients used in Avène products are derived from natural sources, not all of them would meet the criteria to be labeled as “natural” or “organic”. For specific product information, consumers should refer to the product packaging or the brand’s official website.
The Avène Thermal Spring Water is unique due to its distinctive and constant composition. It is naturally sourced and directly collected from the Avène spring, and throughout the process, it remains pure and clean. This particular water is classified as low mineral content with a calcium and magnesium ratio of 2 to 1, and a high level of silicates. Importantly, it also contains trace elements and a neutral pH level that respects the natural balance and sensitivity of the skin.
In line with its motto, “Rooted in dermatology and hydrotherapy”, Avène is dedicated to maintaining a scientific approach to skincare. The brand has its own research laboratories where they develop their formulas and perform clinical studies. Avène cooperates closely with dermatologists and pharmacists worldwide to ensure the effectiveness and safety of its products. They also place a strong focus on educating consumers about skin health, providing expert advice and tips through their online platforms.
Avène’s product range is designed for use in the comfort of the user’s home, allowing individuals to incorporate the healing properties of Avène Thermal Spring Water into their everyday skincare routines. However, for those with specific skin conditions, Avène goes beyond providing at-home solutions. At the Avène Hydrotherapy Center, patients can receive in-center treatments under medical supervision for conditions such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, and burns.
Avène products are widely available in many parts of the world, making it a global brand with extensive reach. Consumers can find Avène products in physical stores, including pharmacies and select department stores, as well as online via the brand’s official website and authorized retailers. This broad distribution ensures that the benefits of Avène Thermal Spring Water are accessible to many.
In terms of ingredients, the brand follows a philosophy of using minimal ingredients to reduce the risk of irritation, especially for sensitive skin. The star ingredient in all Avène products is, of course, the Avène Thermal Spring Water. Other key ingredients found in their products include lipids, triglycerides, ceramides, and various fatty acids that help to nourish and maintain the skin barrier. For those seeking anti-aging products, Avène incorporates ingredients like retinaldehyde and hyaluronic acid to help decrease the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Avène is committed to respecting animal welfare, and they do not conduct animal testing for their products or ingredients, adhering to the strict regulations set by the European Union. Not all Avène products are vegan, however, as some contain ingredients like beeswax. While the brand is committed to safety and efficacy, it doesn’t market its products as being natural, organic, or gluten-free. Rather, Avène’s main focus is on creating products that are gentle, effective, and suitable for even the most sensitive skin.