Hi everyone! 👋 So this is actually my very first time writing a skincare review (!!!), and I’m honestly kind of nervous posting this. 😅 I’m not a beauty guru by any means, just a regular 28 year old figuring out her skin one product at a time. That said, I recently got a little sample duo of the Avene Cleanance Cleansing Gel and the Avene Cleanance Aqua-Gel Cream, and after using them for about 4–5 days, I figured I'd share my early thoughts.

My skin type: I’d say I have combo to oily skin, especially in the summer. I tend to get shiny on my T-zone by midday but also sometimes experience random dry patches around my cheeks, depending on my cycle or the weather. I’m not acne-prone, but I do get the occasional hormonal breakout here and there. My biggest skin goal is just feeling fresh and clean without irritating my skin.

Avene Cleanance Cleansing Gel — Simple, Fresh, and Surprisingly Nice

Let’s start with the Cleansing Gel. The texture is a clear, lightweight gel that lathers easily without foaming up too much. I used it both in the morning and evening. Honestly? I was really surprised by how much I liked it. It didn’t strip my skin or leave that squeaky feeling that some gel cleansers do, which is such a relief.

It has a faint, clean scent that’s not overwhelming (I think it’s fragrance-free, or if there is any scent, it’s super subtle). What impressed me most was that my skin felt clean but not tight. Even on the nights when I wore a light BB cream or sunscreen, it removed everything without needing a double cleanse. My skin just felt... calm? Which is rare for me after cleansing.

One thing to note: this isn't a heavy-duty cleanser. If you’re someone who wears waterproof makeup or thick foundation, you’ll probably still need a cleansing balm or oil beforehand. But for bare-face days or light base makeup, it works well.

Avene Cleanance Aqua-Gel Cream — Lightweight Hydration, Great for Humid Days

Now onto the Aqua-Gel Cream! Right off the bat, I loved the texture. It's super lightweight—like a watery gel—but somehow still managed to feel hydrating enough on my skin. It absorbed quickly and didn’t leave any sticky or greasy residue. Perfect for hot, sticky summer mornings.

I used it both in the AM and PM for about four days, and my skin didn’t break out, get greasy, or feel tight. That’s honestly a big win for me, especially when trying new moisturizers. I usually expect at least a little purging, but this one felt very gentle.

I do wish it had just a bit more occlusiveness at night. On cooler evenings, I ended up layering a bit of squalane oil on top because I wanted to seal in the moisture a little better. But during the day? It’s ideal. No pilling, no shine, and it wore well under sunscreen.

Ingredients & Sensitivities

I looked up some of the key ingredients (again, total newbie here so I had to Google a lot 😅), and both products seem to center around Avene’s thermal spring water, which I’ve heard is really good for calming irritation. The Aqua-Gel Cream also has mattifying powders, which makes sense, it did a good job controlling oil throughout the day without drying me out.

Neither product made me red, itchy, or tingly, which is honestly all I ask for when trying something new. I don’t think there are any strong actives in either, so it’s probably safe for most sensitive skin types too.

Final Thoughts — Would I Purchase Full Size?

Honestly? Maybe! I think if I were looking for a new daytime routine that’s gentle and no-fuss, this duo would be a solid contender. They’re not flashy or ultra-trendy, but they get the job done. The Cleansing Gel especially stood out to me, it's rare that a cleanser leaves my skin feeling better than before. And the Aqua-Gel Cream is the kind of product I’d love to keep on hand during hot or humid months.

I think more experienced skincare folks might not find these super exciting, but for beginners or anyone with sensitive/oily skin who just wants calm, balanced skin? Totally worth checking out. Plus, it’s French pharmacy skincare, how can you not feel a little chic using it? 

Let me know if you’ve tried either of these! And if you have suggestions for what I should try next as a skincare beginner, I’m all ears. 😊 Thanks for reading my first-ever review!