Avène Cold Cream Review: A Soothing Savior for Dry and Irritated Skin

As the winter chill sets in, our skin can become dry, tight, and sensitive, begging for a gentle and nourishing solution to soothe and comfort it. Enter Avene’s iconic Cold Cream, a cult favorite that has been a staple in many a skincare routine for decades. With its unique blend of 20% shea butter, glycerin, and antioxidants, this rich and creamy moisturizer promises to provide long-lasting hydration, reduce redness and irritation, and leave skin feeling soft, supple, and protected.

But does it live up to the hype? In this review, we’ll dive into the details of Avene’s Cold Cream, putting its claims to the test and sharing our honest thoughts on its performance, pros, and cons.

Brand Overview

Avene is a French dermatological brand that has been a leader in the skincare industry for over 150 years. Founded in 1826 by Dr. Triepel, a German physician, the brand initially focused on creating products for the treatment of skin conditions such as eczema and acne. Over the years, Avene has evolved to become a renowned brand for its innovative and effective skincare products, including its iconic Cold Cream.

The brand’s rich history has been shaped by its commitment to scientific research and development, with a focus on harnessing the power of thermal water from the Avene spring in the Vosges Mountains of France. This unique thermal water, rich in minerals and trace elements, serves as the foundation for many of Avene’s products, including the Cold Cream. With a reputation for delivering clinically-tested, gentle, and effective products, Avene has become a trusted choice among dermatologists, skincare professionals, and consumers alike.

Product Claims & Ingredients

Avene Cold Cream is a rich and non-greasy moisturizing cream that promises to provide long-lasting hydration and soothing relief to dry and sensitive skin. According to the product’s claims, it is designed to provide instant and intense moisturization, while also helping to repair and restore the skin’s natural barrier. The cream is said to be suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and is particularly effective in combating the signs of dryness, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and rough texture.

The key ingredients in Avene Cold Cream that contribute to its moisturizing and soothing properties include Avène Thermal Water, which is rich in minerals and has anti-inflammatory properties, and Glycerin, which helps to attract and retain moisture in the skin. The cream also contains Ceramides, which are essential lipids that help to repair and restore the skin’s natural barrier function, and Hydroxyacids, which gently exfoliate the skin to reveal a brighter and smoother complexion.

The cream contains a blend of antioxidants, including Vitamin E and Ferulic Acid, which help to protect the skin from environmental stressors and damage caused by free radicals. Overall, Avene Cold Cream’s unique blend of ingredients makes it an effective and gentle moisturizer

Packaging & Presentation

The Avene Cold Cream packaging is a testament to the brand’s commitment to both functionality and sustainability. The tube, which is available in various sizes, features a sleek and modern design that exudes a sense of luxury. The smooth, matte finish and rounded edges provide a comfortable grip, making it easy to apply the cream with precision. The cap is securely attached and clicks into place when closed, ensuring that the product remains fresh and tamper-evident.

The tube itself is made of a high-quality, BPA-free plastic that is recyclable, aligning with Avene’s eco-friendly ethos. In terms of usability, the tube is designed for easy dispensing, with a simple twist-to-open mechanism that allows for controlled application. The packaging is also designed to be travel-friendly, with a compact size that fits easily in a purse or luggage.

Furthermore, the tube is made of a lightweight material, reducing waste and carbon footprint associated with transportation. Overall, the Avene Cold Cream packaging strikes a perfect balance between aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability, making it a standout in the skincare industry.

Texture & Scent

When applying Avene Cold Cream, the first thing you’ll notice is its luxurious texture, which is both rich and lightweight at the same time. The cream has a whipped consistency, similar to a mousse, that glides smoothly onto the skin, leaving no greasy residue behind. This unique texture is attributed to the brand’s proprietary Cereus Cactus extract, which provides exceptional moisturizing properties.

As you massage the cream into your skin, you’ll feel it absorbing quickly, without any heavy or sticky sensation. The fragrance of Avene Cold Cream is subtle and calming, with a delicate blend of rose and chamomile notes that evoke a sense of serenity. The scent is not overpowering, making it suitable for sensitive skin or those who prefer a fragrance-free product. Overall, the texture and scent of Avene Cold Cream work harmoniously together to create a truly indulgent and pampering experience for the skin.

Application & Usage

To get the most out of Avene Cold Cream, it’s essential to understand how to properly use it and integrate it into your skincare routine. Begin by gently washing your face with a mild cleanser, then pat it dry with a clean towel.

Next, apply a small amount of Avene Cold Cream to your face, focusing on areas that tend to be driest or most sensitive. You can use it as a standalone moisturizer, or as a sleeping mask by applying a thicker layer and leaving it on overnight. When using it as a moisturizer, gently massage it into your skin until fully absorbed. For added hydration, you can also apply it to the neck and décolletage.

Avene Cold Cream is best used after toning and before applying any serums or sunscreens, as it helps to create a barrier on the skin that allows other products to penetrate more effectively. It’s also an excellent primer for makeup, providing a smooth canvas for your foundation and concealer to adhere to. With its rich, non-greasy texture and soothing properties, Avene Cold Cream can be used daily, even under makeup, to provide long-lasting hydration and comfort to the skin.

Performance & Effectiveness

I’m delighted to share my experience with Avene Cold Cream, a product that has been a game-changer for my sensitive skin. As someone with combination skin, I was initially skeptical about using a rich and emollient cream, but Avene Cold Cream exceeded my expectations.

Upon application, the cream absorbed quickly, leaving my skin feeling soft, supple, and hydrated. The fragrance-free formula was gentle on my skin, and I didn’t experience any irritation or breakouts. In terms of performance, I was impressed with how well the cream lock-in moisture, making my skin feel comfortable and calm throughout the day.

As expected, the cream provided long-lasting hydration, and I noticed a significant improvement in the overall appearance of my skin, with a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles. What surprised me, however, was the cream’s ability to soothe and calm my skin, even on days when I wore heavy foundation or makeup.

The results were truly remarkable, and I found myself reaching for the Avene Cold Cream daily. I would highly recommend this product to anyone with dry, sensitive, or combination skin, as it’s an excellent choice for providing long-lasting hydration and comfort.

Avene Cold Cream Pros & Cons

Avene Cold Cream is a popular skincare product known for its soothing and moisturizing properties. One of its significant strengths is its ability to provide long-lasting hydration to dry and sensitive skin. The cream’s unique formula, which combines the benefits of thermal water with glycerin and panthenol, helps to lock in moisture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Avene Cold Cream is fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, making it an excellent option for those with sensitive skin. Another advantage is its gentle and non-irritating texture, which allows for easy absorption into the skin without leaving any residue. On the other hand, some users have reported that Avene Cold Cream can be a bit heavy and greasy, especially for those with oily skin. This can lead to clogged pores and an uneven skin texture.

Furthermore, the cream’s thick consistency can make it difficult to apply evenly, especially for those with larger areas of skin to cover. Some users have also complained that the product can take a while to absorb, leaving a slight residue on the skin. However, it’s worth noting that these drawbacks are relatively minor compared to the product’s numerous benefits, and many users have reported excellent results with regular use.

Price & Value

When it comes to the price and value of Avene Cold Cream, it’s essential to consider the affordability and cost-effectiveness of this product. With a price tag of around $30 for a 1.7 ounce jar, Avene Cold Cream may seem like a significant investment for some. However, when you take into account the generous amount of product you receive and the high-quality ingredients used, the price becomes more reasonable.

The cream is designed to be used as a moisturizer and can be applied generously to the face and neck, making it a great value for the price. Additionally, the product is fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, making it suitable for sensitive skin, which can be a major advantage for those who struggle to find skincare products that work well with their skin type.

Considering the quality, quantity, and benefits of the product, Avene Cold Cream is definitely worth the investment for those who are looking for a reliable and effective moisturizer.

Where To Buy Avene Cold Cream

Avene Cold Cream is a popular skincare product, and I’m happy to help you find it in the United States. You can purchase Avene Cold Cream at a variety of retailers, both online and in-store. Some popular options include Sephora, Ulta Beauty, and Dermstore, which are all known for carrying a wide range of skincare products. You can also find it at specialty beauty stores like Blue Mercury and at some larger department stores like Nordstrom.

You can also purchase Avene Cold Cream directly from the brand’s website, although this may not always be the cheapest option. As for comparing prices in France, it’s generally true that prices for Avene Cold Cream tend to be lower in France, particularly if you buy directly from the brand’s website or from authorized retailers. This is because France is the brand’s home country, and they often offer more competitive pricing for their products in their native market.

According to my research, a 50ml jar of Avene Cold Cream typically costs around $25-$30 in the United States, while in France, the same size jar can cost as little as $15-$20. However, it’s worth noting that shipping costs and import duties may apply if you’re purchasing from France

Final Verdict & Recommendations

I would give Avene Cold Cream an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. This product is a standout in the world of skincare, and its benefits are vast and numerous. For individuals who struggle with dry, sensitive, or irritated skin, Avene Cold Cream is a game-changer. Its unique formula, rich in thermal water and ceramides, provides long-lasting hydration, soothes inflammation, and repairs the skin’s natural barrier.

I would highly recommend this product to anyone who has experienced skin issues related to environmental stress, hormonal fluctuations, or even skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.

In particular, I think individuals with dry, dehydrated skin would benefit significantly from Avene Cold Cream. This product is designed to provide intense, long-lasting hydration, and its ability to lock in moisture for hours makes it an excellent addition to any skincare routine.

Its gentle, non-irritating formula makes it suitable for even the most sensitive skin types. I would also recommend this product to those who use harsh skincare products or have a history of skin irritation, as it can help to calm and soothe the skin, reducing redness and inflammation. Overall, Avene Cold Cream is versatile and effective!