Avène
Intense Protect SPF50+ Sun Cream for Very Sensitive Skin
face neck body sunscreen
Avène
face neck body sunscreen
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General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.
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Take the skin testProviding ultra-broad-spectrum protection, the Intense Protect SPF50+ Cream by Avène defends against damaging UVA/UVB rays and high-energy blue light. Featuring just four high-performance sun filters, the sun cream remains gentle on the skin as it shields from solar radiation. Its fast-absorbing texture melts into the skin without leaving a sticky or greasy residue, while it works to hydrate and nourish for up to eight hours to grant a soft and soothed finish. Suitable for babies from six months old, the sunscreen is a reliable all-rounder for helping to keep the family safe in the sun.
Intense Protect SPF50+ Sun Cream for Very Sensitive Skin is a cushioning sunscreen from Avène, a brand based in France. It is rated SPF 50+. Its job is UV protection, with the rest of the formula working on hydration and soothing. The ingredient list runs to 29 ingredients, each broken down in full below.
By its ingredient list the formula reads as moderately cushioned — emollient enough to feel like a cream, without the heaviest occlusives near the top. Hydration is handled by Glycerin, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate and Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.
It is a chemical (organic-filter) sunscreen, using Uvinul A Plus, Uvinul T 150 and Tinosorb S. Between them those filters cover UVB, UVA II and UVA I, so the formula is broad-spectrum in the meaningful sense: it reaches past 340 nm, where the ageing wavelengths sit. Every filter in the formula is photostable, so its protection does not fall away over the first hour in the sun — reapplication is still about sweat, water and rubbing rather than degradation.
Hydration: High. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Glycerin, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride and Dicaprylyl Carbonate.
Soothing: High. Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity, and here that comes from Avena Sativa Seed Water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate and Tocopherol.
On richness alone it suits Balanced skin best, and is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry), Combination (oily) and Oily skin. Nothing in the list is flagged as a common irritant, which is a reasonable starting point for reactive skin — though a patch test is still the only way to know.
The formula contributes little or nothing on barrier support, antioxidant protection, oil control and brightening and tone. That is not a fault — most products are not meant to do everything — but if one of those is your priority, this is not the product that will address it.
Reading the full list, the formula is fragrance-free, essential-oil-free, no drying alcohol, paraben-free, silicone-free and microplastic-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging.
Use it in the morning. In a routine it goes final morning step, before makeup. Apply about two finger-lengths for the face and neck — under-application is the single most common reason sunscreen underperforms. Reapply every two hours of sun exposure, and after swimming or towelling off. Let it set for a couple of minutes before makeup so it does not pill.
This summary is generated from the product's ingredient list. It is not a review, it is not the brand's own marketing claims, and it does not replace advice from a dermatologist.
Drawn purely from the ingredient list
Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.
Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy
Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance
Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin
None of the ingredients in this formula are associated with these benefits. This is not unusual, as most products are designed to target a limited number of concerns.
Chemical (organic) filter system · broad-spectrum through UVA I
A photostable replacement for avobenzone: it peaks at 354 nm, deep in UVA I, and does not need a stabiliser to survive the day.
The most efficient UVB absorber available by weight, which is why high-SPF formulas reach SPF 50+ without feeling heavy. Contributes nothing to UVA.
One of the most photostable filters in use, and it stabilises avobenzone and octinoxate alongside it. Oil-soluble, cosmetically light, no white cast.
The actives, UV filters and benefit-carrying ingredients in this formula, in the order they are listed.
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Benzoic acid, C12-15 alkyl esters
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Decanoic acid, ester with 1,2,3-propanetriol octanoate; Glycerides, mixed decanoyl and octanoyl
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Carbonic Acid, Dicaprylyl Ester
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Benzoic Acid, 2-[4-(Diethylamino)-2-Hydroxybenzoyl]-, Hexyl Ester
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane
7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Benzoic acid, 4,4',4''-(1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triyltriimino)tris-,tris(2-ethylhexyl) ester; octyl triazone
9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
2,2'-[6-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diyl]bis[5-[(2-ethylhexyl)oxy]-phenol]
16th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Docosanoic acid, monoester with glycerol
18th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Stearic acid, monoester with glycerol
26th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
3,4-Dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-2H-benzopyran-6-ol; .alpha.-tocopherol; Vitamin E
28th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Propane-1,2,3-triyl tridocosanoate
Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.
Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin
Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity
Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution
Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine
Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks
Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity
Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover
Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support
Every filter in this formula is photostable
"Active" here means an ingredient carrying a recorded active type or a recognised UV filter.
Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.
Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.
Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.
Nothing in this formula belongs to a group our rules can put in conflict, so it layers freely. Order still matters — thinnest texture first.
This product is the "Protect" step.
Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.
Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 29 ingredients on the label.
Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells
Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together
Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula
Forms a film that slows water loss
Absorbs or scatters ultraviolet light
Dissolves and carries everything else
Keeps the product free of microbial growth
Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution
Draws water into the upper layers of skin
Sets the acidity the formula needs to work
Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.
1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.
Avena Sativa Seed Water is an aqueous solution of the steam distillates obtained from the seeds of Avena sativa.
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Benzoic acid, C12-15 alkyl esters
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Decanoic acid, ester with 1,2,3-propanetriol octanoate; Glycerides, mixed decanoyl and octanoyl
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Carbonic Acid, Dicaprylyl Ester
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Benzoic Acid, 2-[4-(Diethylamino)-2-Hydroxybenzoyl]-, Hexyl Ester
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane
7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Benzoic acid, 4,4',4''-(1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triyltriimino)tris-,tris(2-ethylhexyl) ester; octyl triazone
8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Phenylene Bis-Diphenyltriazine is the organic compound that conforms to the formula
9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
2,2'-[6-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diyl]bis[5-[(2-ethylhexyl)oxy]-phenol]
11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
1-hexadecanol, phosphate, potassium salt
12th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Octadecan-1-ol
13th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
2-Pyrrolidinone, 1-ethenyl-, polymer with 1-eicosene
14th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Benzoic acid
15th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Octane-1,2-diol
16th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Docosanoic acid, monoester with glycerol
17th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
2-Hydroxypropane-1,3-diyl didocosanoate
18th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Stearic acid, monoester with glycerol
19th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-(1-oxooctadecyl)-.omega.-hydroxy- (100 mol EO average molar ratio)
20th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Copolymer of acrylic acid, acrylamide, sodium acrylate, sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate monomers
21st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Homopolymer of 2-methyl-1 propene
22nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Sorbitan, monododecanoate, poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) derivs.
23rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
2-(2-Hydroxydodecyloxy)ethanol, ethoxylated, propoxylated (9 mol EO, 1 mol PO average molar ratio)
24th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Disodium 5-amino-4-hydroxy-3-(phenylazo)naphthalene-2,7-disulphonate (CI 17200)
25th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Sorbitan, isooctadecanoate
26th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
3,4-Dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-2H-benzopyran-6-ol; .alpha.-tocopherol; Vitamin E
27th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Tocopheryl Glucoside
28th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Propane-1,2,3-triyl tridocosanoate
29th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Xanthan gum
Products in the same category that share this formula's distinguishing ingredients.
Avène
Shares 10 key ingredients with Intense Protect SPF50+ Sun Cream for Very Sensitive Skin: C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Glycerin, Water
Avène
Shares 9 key ingredients with Intense Protect SPF50+ Sun Cream for Very Sensitive Skin: C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Water, Ethylhexyl Triazone
Avène
Shares 9 key ingredients with Intense Protect SPF50+ Sun Cream for Very Sensitive Skin: C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Water, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Glyceryl Stearate
Avène
Shares 9 key ingredients with Intense Protect SPF50+ Sun Cream for Very Sensitive Skin: C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Glycerin, Water
La Roche-Posay
Shares 8 key ingredients with Intense Protect SPF50+ Sun Cream for Very Sensitive Skin: Water, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Glycerin
La Roche-Posay
Shares 8 key ingredients with Intense Protect SPF50+ Sun Cream for Very Sensitive Skin: Water, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Glycerin, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AVENA SATIVA SEED WATER, C12-15 ALKYL BENZOATE, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, DICAPRYLYL CARBONATE, DIETHYLAMINO HYDROXYBENZOYL HEXYL BENZOATE, GLYCERIN, ETHYLHEXYL TRIAZONE, PHENYLENE BIS-DIPHENYLTRIAZINE, WATER, BIS-ETHYLHEXYLOXYPHENOL METHOXYPHENYL TRIAZINE, POTASSIUM CETYL PHOSPHATE, STEARYL ALCOHOL, VP/EICOSENE COPOLYMER, BENZOIC ACID, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, GLYCERYL BEHENATE, GLYCERYL DIBEHENATE, GLYCERYL STEARATE, PEG-100 STEARATE, POLYACRYLATE-13, POLYISOBUTENE, POLYSORBATE 20, PPG-1-PEG-9 LAURYL GLYCOL ETHER, ACID RED 33, SORBITAN ISOSTEARATE, TOCOPHEROL, TOCOPHERYL GLUCOSIDE, TRIBEHENIN, XANTHAN GUM.
Before exposure to the sun, apply generously to the face, neck and body. Reapply frequently to maintain protection, especially after sweating, swimming or wiping.
Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Balanced skin best. It is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry), Combination (oily), Oily skin.
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
6 ingredients could feed malassezia: Glyceryl Behenate, Glyceryl Dibehenate, Glyceryl Stearate, Peg-100 Stearate, Polysorbate 20, Sorbitan Isostearate. That describes the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that they will cause a breakout.
Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not medical clearance — check anything you use daily with your doctor or midwife.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is fragrance-free.
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is no drying alcohol.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is silicone-free.
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is essential-oil-free.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.
It layers well with Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), Retinoids (retinol, retinal), AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone), Benzoyl peroxide.
Use it in the morning, final morning step, before makeup.
It lists 29 ingredients, of which 3 are recorded as actives.
Avène, a brand based in France.
It filters UV with Uvinul A Plus (diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate), Uvinul T 150 (ethylhexyl triazone), Tinosorb S (bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine).
Yes. Its filters cover UVB, UVA II and UVA I, so protection reaches past 340 nm into the deep-UVA range associated with ageing and pigmentation.
Unlikely. It filters with organic (chemical) filters only, which dissolve into the formula rather than sitting on the surface, so they do not leave a white cast.
It contains none of the filters named in the Hawaii and Key West reef legislation (oxybenzone and octinoxate). "Reef safe" is not a regulated term, so treat that as a fact about the filter list rather than a certification.
Yes. Let it set for a couple of minutes before foundation so it does not pill, and reapply over makeup with a stick or powder rather than rubbing more in.
Every two hours of sun exposure, and immediately after swimming, sweating heavily or towelling off.
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