Avène
Very High Protection Sun Cream SPF50+ for Dry, Sensitive Skin
face neck sunscreen
Avène
face neck sunscreen
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Fit by skin type
General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.
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Take the skin testCreated with the needs of dry, sensitive skin types in mind, Avène's Very High Protection Sun Cream SPF50+ defends against UVA, UVB and blue light – all while hydrating skin for up to eight hours after application. Fortified with an innovative ocean-friendly Triasorb™ sunfilter, the formula is resistant to water, sweat and sand, so you can make the most of the sun knowing your skin is protected. Enjoy a boost of soothing moisture thanks to the infusion of Thermal Spring Water – Avène's hero hydrator. With a non-greasy, invisible finish (great for underneath make up), it's a facial sunscreen you will want to keep applying.
Very High Protection Sun Cream SPF50+ for Dry, Sensitive Skin is a lightweight 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 soothing and hydration. The ingredient list runs to 24 ingredients, each broken down in full below.
By its ingredient list the formula reads as light: water and humectants lead, with emollients kept lower in the order. Hydration is handled by Glycerin, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate and Water, 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.
Soothing: High. Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity, and here that comes from Avena Sativa Seed Water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate and Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate.
Hydration: High. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Glycerin, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Water and Glyceryl Stearate.
On richness alone it suits Balanced skin best, and is the least natural fit for Dry and Combination (dry) 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 essential-oil-free, no drying alcohol, paraben-free, silicone-free, microplastic-free and sulfate-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging. It does contain fragrance, worth knowing if your skin reacts to any of them.
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
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. Regulation caps it at 10%, so it is present at roughly 5–10%.
Benzoic Acid, 2-[4-(Diethylamino)-2-Hydroxybenzoyl]-, Hexyl Ester
4th on the list. Regulation caps it at 5%, so it is present at roughly 2–5%.
Benzoic acid, 4,4',4''-(1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triyltriimino)tris-,tris(2-ethylhexyl) ester; octyl triazone
5th 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
8th 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
9th 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]
10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Stearic acid, monoester with glycerol
15th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Decanoic acid, ester with 1,2,3-propanetriol octanoate; Glycerides, mixed decanoyl and octanoyl
18th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Docosanoic acid, monoester with glycerol
23rd 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.
Parfum
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 24 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
Absorbs or scatters ultraviolet light
Dissolves and carries everything else
Forms a film that slows water loss
Keeps the product free of microbial growth
Changes how the product smells or looks
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. Regulation caps it at 10%, so it is present at roughly 5–10%.
Benzoic Acid, 2-[4-(Diethylamino)-2-Hydroxybenzoyl]-, Hexyl Ester
4th on the list. Regulation caps it at 5%, so it is present at roughly 2–5%.
Benzoic acid, 4,4',4''-(1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triyltriimino)tris-,tris(2-ethylhexyl) ester; octyl triazone
5th 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
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Oryza Sativa Starch is a high-polymeric carbohydrate material derived from the peeled seeds of the Rice, Oryza sativa L., Poaceae
7th 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
8th 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
9th 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]
10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Stearic acid, monoester with glycerol
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.
Decanoic acid, ester with 1,2,3-propanetriol octanoate; Glycerides, mixed decanoyl and octanoyl
16th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Octane-1,2-diol
17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Parfum is a term for ingredient labelling used to identify that a product contains a material or a combination of materials normally added to a cosmetic to produce or to mask a particular odour. According to Article 19 of the Cosmetics Regulation, 'Perfume and aromatic compositions and their raw materials shall be referred to by the terms ‘parfum’ or ‘aroma’. '
18th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Docosanoic acid, monoester with glycerol
19th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Hydroxypropane-1,3-diyl didocosanoate
20th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-(2-Hydroxydodecyloxy)ethanol, ethoxylated, propoxylated (9 mol EO, 1 mol PO average molar ratio)
21st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Disodium 5-amino-4-hydroxy-3-(phenylazo)naphthalene-2,7-disulphonate (CI 17200)
22nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Tocopheryl Glucoside
23rd 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
24th 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 Very High Protection Sun Cream SPF50+ for Dry, Sensitive Skin: C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Triazone
Avène
Shares 9 key ingredients with Very High Protection Sun Cream SPF50+ for Dry, Sensitive Skin: C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Glycerin, Water
Round Lab
Shares 8 key ingredients with Very High Protection Sun Cream SPF50+ for Dry, Sensitive Skin: Water, Ethylhexyl Triazone, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
La Roche-Posay
Shares 7 key ingredients with Very High Protection Sun Cream SPF50+ for Dry, Sensitive Skin: Water, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Glycerin, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
LAGOM
Shares 7 key ingredients with Very High Protection Sun Cream SPF50+ for Dry, Sensitive Skin: Water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Glycerin, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
La Roche-Posay
Shares 7 key ingredients with Very High Protection Sun Cream SPF50+ for Dry, Sensitive Skin: Water, Glycerin, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Ethylhexyl Triazone
AVENA SATIVA SEED WATER, C12-15 ALKYL BENZOATE, DIETHYLAMINO HYDROXYBENZOYL HEXYL BENZOATE, ETHYLHEXYL TRIAZONE, GLYCERIN, ORYZA SATIVA STARCH, PHENYLENE BIS-DIPHENYLTRIAZINE, WATER, BIS-ETHYLHEXYLOXYPHENOL METHOXYPHENYL TRIAZINE, GLYCERYL STEARATE, POTASSIUM CETYL PHOSPHATE, STEARYL ALCOHOL, VP/EICOSENE COPOLYMER, BENZOIC ACID, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, PARFUM, GLYCERYL BEHENATE, GLYCERYL DIBEHENATE, PPG-1-PEG-9 LAURYL GLYCOL ETHER, ACID RED 33, TOCOPHERYL GLUCOSIDE, TRIBEHENIN, XANTHAN GUM.
Before sun exposure, apply one finger’s worth of product to the face and neck. Reapply frequently to maintain protection, especially after sweating, swimming or towel drying. For easy application, spread over your fingertips and dab onto your face and neck. Then blend.
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) 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.
3 ingredients could feed malassezia: Glyceryl Stearate, Glyceryl Behenate, Glyceryl Dibehenate. 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.
No — it contains Parfum.
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 24 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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