Avène Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm for Dry, Sensitive Skin

Avène

Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm for Dry, Sensitive Skin

face neck eyes balm

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Fit by skin type

General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.

Dry
71%
Combination (dry)
71%
Balanced
99%
Combination (oily)
69%
Oily
69%

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15
Ingredients
3
Benefits
1
Actives
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Made for the most sensitive of skin types, Avène’s Tolérance Soothing Skin Recovery Balm cools and calms dryness and discomfort upon application. The brand’s probiotic-rich D-Sensinose™ active ingredient protects against feelings of tightness and irritation; intensely moisturising for up to 48 hours to support a stronger skin barrier. Its rich, intensive texture cocoons the complexion in nourishment, while leaving a luminous dew in its wake. What’s more, Avène’s Thermal Spring Water fortifies the formula to offer refreshing hydration for longer, ideal for quenching the complexion, neck, décolleté and beyond.

Key Insights

Benefits

3
Anti-Aging
Hydration
Soothing

Active Ingredients

1
AHA

About Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm for Dry, Sensitive Skin

Overview

Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm for Dry, Sensitive Skin is a cushioning balm from Avène, a brand based in France. The formula is built mainly around hydration. The ingredient list runs to 15 ingredients, each broken down in full below.

Texture and finish

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, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride and Cetearyl Alcohol, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.

What the formula does

Hydration: High. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Glycerin, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol and Butyrospermum Parkii Butter.

Soothing: Moderate. Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity, and here that comes from Avena Sativa Seed Water and Butyrospermum Parkii Butter.

Barrier support: Moderate. Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity, and here that comes from Butyrospermum Parkii Butter and Squalane.

Who it suits

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.

What it does not target

The formula contributes little or nothing on antioxidant protection, oil control, brightening and tone and cell renewal. 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.

What is not in 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.

Where it fits in a routine

It can be used morning and evening. In a routine it goes before moisturiser. Tap along the orbital bone with your ring finger; product migrates upward on its own.

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.

Pros and cons

Drawn purely from the ingredient list

Pros

  • No fragrance or declared allergens
  • No essential oils
  • No drying alcohol
  • Silicone-free
  • No microplastics
  • Strong humectant content for hydration
  • No common irritants flagged in the list

Things to know

  • One ingredient could feed malassezia (fungal acne)

Which skin types it suits

Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.

Suitable for

  • Balanced skin

Less suitable for

  • Dry skin
  • Combination (dry) skin
  • Combination (oily) skin
  • Oily skin

Sensitive 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.

Skin concerns

Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.

Helps with

  • Hydration 9 ingredients

    Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy

  • Anti-Aging 4 ingredients

    Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

  • Soothing 1 ingredient

    Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin

Does not target

Anti-Acne Blackhead Reducing Dark Spot Fading Evens Skin Tone Oil Control Pore Minimizer Smooths Bumpy 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.

Key ingredients

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.

Decanoic acid, ester with 1,2,3-propanetriol octanoate; Glycerides, mixed decanoyl and octanoyl

Hydration

3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane

Hydration Anti-Aging

4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Alcohols, C16-18

Hydration

5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Butyrospermum Parkii Butter is the fat obtained from the fruit of the Shea Tree, Butyrospernum parkii, Sapotaceae

Anti-Aging Hydration Soothing

6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

2,6,10,15,19,23-Hexamethyltetracosane

Hydration Anti-Aging

7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Beeswax absolute (RIFM),Beeswax concrete (RIFM),Beeswax, white (Apis mellifera L.) (RIFM),Bleached Beeswax,Cera Alba (EU),White Beeswax,White Wax,Yellow Wax

Hydration

9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

The complex reaction product of blended acids and blended alcohols which simulates the composition of natural spermaceti. It consists primarily of myristyl, cetyl and palmityl esters of myristic and palmitic acids

Hydration

11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

L-Arginine

Hydration Anti-Aging

12th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid

14th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water

Hydration

Formula analysis

Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.

Hydration High

Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin

Barrier support Moderate

Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity

Antioxidant support None

Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution

Oil control None

Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine

Brightening None

Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks

Soothing Moderate

Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity

Cell renewal None

Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover

Firmness signalling None

Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support

Active and supporting ingredients

"Active" here means an ingredient carrying a recorded active type or a recognised UV filter.

Active ingredients (1)

Supporting ingredients (14)

Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.

Avena Sativa Seed Water Caprylic/capric Triglyceride Glycerin Cetearyl Alcohol Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Squalane Beeswax Cetearyl Glucoside Cetyl Esters Aquaphilus Dolomiae Extract Filtrate Arginine Tromethamine Water Xanthan Gum

What is and is not in it

Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.

Free from

  • Fragrance-free
  • Essential-oil-free
  • No drying alcohol
  • Paraben-free
  • Silicone-free
  • Microplastic-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Dye-free
  • Oil-free

Contains

  • Animal-derived ingredients

    Beeswax

What to layer it with

Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.

Compatible with

  • Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)
  • Retinoids (retinol, retinal)
  • AHAs (glycolic, lactic)
  • BHA (salicylic acid)
  • PHAs (gluconolactone)
  • Benzoyl peroxide
  • Azelaic acid
  • Copper peptides
  • Bakuchiol
  • Niacinamide
  • Hyaluronic acid
  • Ceramides
  • Signal peptides
  • Panthenol
  • Sunscreen

Nothing in this formula belongs to a group our rules can put in conflict, so it layers freely. Order still matters — thinnest texture first.

Where it fits in a routine

Morning Evening
  1. Cleanse
  2. Toning
  3. Eye
  4. Moisturise
  5. Protect

This product is the "Eye" step.

  • Tap along the orbital bone with your ring finger; product migrates upward on its own.

Safety and suitability

Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not clearance — ask your doctor about anything you use daily.
Fungal acne (malassezia)
1 ingredient could feed malassezia: Butyrospermum Parkii Butter. That is about the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that you will break out.
Sensitive and reactive 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.

Ingredients by function

Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 15 ingredients on the label.

5
Texture agent

Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula

3
Emollient

Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells

3
Solvent

Dissolves and carries everything else

3
Surfactant

Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together

2
Occlusive

Forms a film that slows water loss

2
pH adjuster

Sets the acidity the formula needs to work

1
Active

Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels

1
Humectant

Draws water into the upper layers of skin

1
Chelator

Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula

1
Plant extract

Botanical material, usually for antioxidants or scent

Ingredient breakdown

Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.

Estimated level
30–80%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Solvent

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.

Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line

2nd 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

Hydration
5 scientific references
  • International Journal of Toxicology, September 2020, pages 34-35
  • Periodica Polytechnica Chemical Engineering, 2014, pages 43-48
  • International Journal of Toxicology, January 2003, pages 4-5
  • Food and Chemical Toxicology, January 2000, pages 79-98
  • Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, August 1985, pages 303-311
3 Glycerin Humectant
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Occlusive, Texture agent, Solvent

3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane

Hydration Anti-Aging
6 scientific references
  • Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation, March 2021, pages 223-231
  • International Journal of Toxicology, November/December 2019, Volume 38, Supplement 3, pages 6S-22S
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, August 2016, ePublication
  • British Journal of Dermatology, July 2008, pages 23-34
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, June 2007, pages 75-82
  • Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, June 2003, pages 7, 360-7, 365
4 Cetearyl Alcohol Emollient
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Emollient, Surfactant, Texture agent

4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Alcohols, C16-18

Hydration
4 scientific references
  • CosmeticsInfoorg, Accessed March 2021, ePublication
  • FDA Cosmetic Labeling Claims, August 2020, ePublication
  • Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea, June 2009, pages 103-110
  • Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 1988, pages 359-413
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent

5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Butyrospermum Parkii Butter is the fat obtained from the fruit of the Shea Tree, Butyrospernum parkii, Sapotaceae

Anti-Aging Hydration Soothing
3 scientific references
  • Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, June 2011, pages 45-55
  • Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, October 2003, pages 6, 268-6, 273
  • Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, February 2009, page S41
6 Squalane Emollient
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Emollient

6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

2,6,10,15,19,23-Hexamethyltetracosane

Hydration Anti-Aging
9 scientific references
  • Cosmetics Ingredient Review, 2019, ePublication
  • ACS Open, July 2017, pages 3, 989–3, 996
  • Indian Journal of Dermatology, May-June 2016, pages 279-297
  • The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, June 2014, pages 25-32
  • Journal of Cosmetic Science, January-February 2013, pages 59-66
  • Advances in Food and Nutrition Research, 2012, pages 223-233
  • Molecules, January 2009, pages 540-554
  • Journal of Investigative Dermatology, November 2006, pages 2, 430-2, 437
  • Free Radical Research, April 2002, pages 471-477
7 Beeswax Texture agent
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent

7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Beeswax absolute (RIFM),Beeswax concrete (RIFM),Beeswax, white (Apis mellifera L.) (RIFM),Bleached Beeswax,Cera Alba (EU),White Beeswax,White Wax,Yellow Wax

Hydration
8 scientific references
  • Supercharged Hydration
  • How Hyaluronic Acid Benefits Skin
  • What is Dehydrated Skin & How to Choose the Best Products
  • What Your Moisturizer Must Contain
  • Moisturizer Myths You Should Stop Believing Now
  • The Benefits of Glycerin in Skin Care
  • The Best Face Oils for Skin
  • How Facial Oils Help Skin
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

D-Glucopyranose, C16-18 alkyl glycosides

9 Cetyl Esters Emollient
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Emollient

9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

The complex reaction product of blended acids and blended alcohols which simulates the composition of natural spermaceti. It consists primarily of myristyl, cetyl and palmityl esters of myristic and palmitic acids

Hydration
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Occlusive, Plant extract

10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Aquaphilus Dolomiae Extract Filtrate is a filtrate of the extract of the microorganism, Aquaphilus dolomiae grown in culture.

Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line

11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

L-Arginine

Hydration Anti-Aging
6 scientific references
  • Biobased Surfactants (Second Edition), 2019, pages 413-445
  • Scientific Reports, February 2016, pages 1-10
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review, October 2012, pages 1-35
  • Journal of Advanced Research, July 2010, pages 169–177
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, April 2005, page 139
  • Wound Repair and Regeneration, November-December 2003, pages 419-423
12 Citric Acid Active
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Active, Chelator, pH adjuster

12th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid

13 Tromethamine pH adjuster
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
pH adjuster

13th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

1,3-Propanediol, 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-

14 Water Solvent
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Solvent

14th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water

Hydration
3 scientific references
  • Skin Research and Technology, May 2015, pages 131-136
  • Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, November-December 1999, pages 344-351
  • Journal of Cosmetic Science, September-October 1993, pages 249-262
15 Xanthan Gum Surfactant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant, Texture agent

15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Xanthan gum

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Frequently asked questions

What ingredients are in Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm for Dry, Sensitive Skin?

AVENA SATIVA SEED WATER, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, GLYCERIN, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII BUTTER, SQUALANE, BEESWAX, CETEARYL GLUCOSIDE, CETYL ESTERS, AQUAPHILUS DOLOMIAE EXTRACT FILTRATE, ARGININE, CITRIC ACID, TROMETHAMINE, WATER, XANTHAN GUM.

What are the active ingredients in Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm for Dry, Sensitive Skin?

CITRIC ACID.

How do I use Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm for Dry, Sensitive Skin?

Apply morning and evening to the face, neck and eye contour area.

What skin types is Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm for Dry, Sensitive Skin good for?

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.

Is Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm for Dry, Sensitive Skin good for sensitive 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.

Is Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm for Dry, Sensitive Skin fungal acne safe?

One ingredient could feed malassezia: Butyrospermum Parkii Butter. That describes the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that it will cause a breakout.

Can I use Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm for Dry, Sensitive Skin while pregnant?

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.

Is Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm for Dry, Sensitive Skin fragrance free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is fragrance-free.

Does Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm for Dry, Sensitive Skin contain alcohol?

No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is no drying alcohol.

Is Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm for Dry, Sensitive Skin silicone free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is silicone-free.

Does Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm for Dry, Sensitive Skin contain essential oils?

No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is essential-oil-free.

Is Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm for Dry, Sensitive Skin paraben free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.

What can I layer with Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm for Dry, Sensitive Skin?

It layers well with Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), Retinoids (retinol, retinal), AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone), Benzoyl peroxide.

When should I apply Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm for Dry, Sensitive Skin?

Use it morning and evening, before moisturiser.

How many ingredients does Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm for Dry, Sensitive Skin have?

It lists 15 ingredients, of which 1 are recorded as actives.

Who makes Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm for Dry, Sensitive Skin?

Avène, a brand based in France.

Brand
Avène
Country
France

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