Avene is one of my favourite skincare brands. I have eczema-prone skin and am a huge fan of their sensitive-skin-friendly formulas. Because of this, I fought off the team to review their latest face cream: the Avene Hyaluron Activ B3 Aqua Cream-in-Gel. I’m the ideal candidate to test it; I have dry skin and am keen to reduce the look of the first signs of ageing (I’m 31). Here’s what I learnt from adding it to my routine…
What is Hyaluron Activ B3?
It’s an anti-ageing skincare range for people with sensitive skin. Often, formulas that improve the skin’s youthfulness can be harsh due to powerful ingredients, but Hyaluron Activ B3 products offer very high tolerance without compromising results.
What Does The Hyaluron Activ B3 Aqua Cream-in-Gel Do?
It’s an anti-ageing moisturiser. It’ll hydrate your skin while targeting the first signs of ageing, like fine lines, wrinkles and dullness. It can also be used as a youth-rejuvenating, moisturising face mask.
How Does It Do It?
With active ingredients! Specifically, highly concentrated doses of 0.45% hyaluronic acid and 6% niacinamide (vitamin B3). Together, they improve the skin’s hydration while plumping and smoothing the complexion and reducing the look of fine lines and wrinkles. In true Avene style, these powerful ingredients are balanced with soothing ingredients like Avene Thermal Spring Water to ensure sensitive skin types stay calm and comfortable. I have quite reactive skin, and my skin didn’t flare up. If you’re worried about this, I’d suggest doing a patch test before applying it all over your face.
91% Natural Ingredients
Avene Thermal Spring Water (Avene Aqua). Glycerin. Niacinamide. Squalane. Diglycerin. Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil (Persea Gratissima Oil). Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer. Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate. Sodium Hyaluronate. Adenosine. 1,2-Hexanediol. Behenyl Alcohol. Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride. Caprylyl Glycol. Caramel. Citric Acid. Fragrance (Parfum). Polysorbate 60. Sodium Citrate. Sorbitan Isostearate. Tocopheryl Glucoside. Water (Aqua). Xanthan Gum.
What Does It Smell And Feel Like?
My favourite thing about this face cream is its texture. It’s lightweight and extremely nourishing all at once. As the name suggests, it’s a cream-gel hybrid. It feels cooling and instantly soothes your skin. It doesn’t sink all the way in, which I love; it leaves a thin layer on the surface of your skin, like a protective cushion. Your skin looks so glowy, too – like you’ve just had a facial. As for the scent, it’s subtle – a little floral, but that disappears once it’s applied.
How Long Does One Bottle Last?
This will vary for everyone, but as a general rule of thumb, I’d say one pot will last you around 2-3 months. A little bit goes a long way – even if you have dry skin! If you apply the recommended amount (roughly the size of a 10p) and your skin craves more moisture, I’d suggest incorporating more hydrating formulas into your routine, like Hydrance Serum or adding the Thermal Water Spray.
What’s The Difference Between Each Avene Aqua Gel Moisturiser?
Hydrance Aqua Gel: best for dehydrated skin that needs a big dose of moisture.
Hyaluron Activ B3 Aqua Cream Gel: best for those who want to target signs of ageing like fine lines and wrinkles.
Cleanance Aqua Gel: best for oily skin types concerned with uneven skin texture, blemishes and shine.
Best Place and Time To Use It?
You can use this face cream day and night. I love using it in the morning – it makes an incredible makeup base. My foundation goes on like a dream when I use this face cream, which I put down to the slightly tacky, cushiony finish it leaves on the skin. It locks in your skin’s hydration so that your foundation stays put.
Hyaluron Activ B3 Aqua Cream in Gel Design and Aesthetic Is Special Because…
The Aqua Cream Gel’s minimalistic design matches Avene’s simple aesthetic. The tub is made of glass, which isn’t something I have experienced from Avene before; it feels more premium.
Sustainability and Values…
It’s vegan.
My Overall Experience
I’m going to buy this face cream. I love it. Firstly, my skin feels hydrated when I use it, which seems obvious, but many moisturisers just don’t cut it for my dry skin. They sink straight in, and I need to apply another layer. That’s not the case for the Aqua Gel Cream; it leaves a layer of hydration on the skin that’s extremely glowy and makes a wonderful base for makeup.
As for its anti-ageing benefits, it’s hard to tell so soon (I have used this morning and night for a week). That said, I have had more compliments on my skin this past week than I have had in months! On my lunch break a few days ago, the woman serving me asked: “What are you using on your skin? It looks so flawless and glowy; I noticed it yesterday”. The ‘yesterday’ is vital. I’d worn different makeup on both days; the only consistency was the day cream! And I noticed the glow, too. It has given my skin its bounce back and leaves a glass skin effect that radiates youthfulness.
More From Avene
Shop this post
