Avène Very High Protection Sun Cream SPF50+ Review

Long time no sunscreen review! I thought I’d start off 2023 reviewing my favourite sunscreen from 2022 – Avène Very High Protection Sun Cream SPF50+!

I featured this in my GRWM Summer Skincare + Makeup video back in June 2022. That was my first impression then, and have since used it all summer and am near emptying it as I write this post.

Information on Avène Very High Protection Sun Cream SPF50+

“Daily suncream for dry sensitive skin which offers high UVB, UVA, Blue Light HEV sun protection for the most exposed area: the face.

This broad spectrum SPF50+ high protection is water, sweat and sand resistant.  The non-sticky,  invisible finish, light and easy to apply velvety texture keeps the skin protected and hydrated for up to 8 hours*.“

– boots.com

Price: $19.50 USD
Amount: 60ml/2.02oz
Packaging:  Opaque orange tube with pop-off cap.
Water Resistant? Yes

Avène Very High Protection Sun Cream SPF50+ Ingredients

UV FILTERS:
Ethylhexyl Triazone – Uvinul T 150 (UVB)
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate – Uvinul A Plus (UVA1 & UVA2)
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine – Tinosorb S (UVB, UVA1 & UVA2)
Phenylene Bis-Diphenyltriazine – TriAsorb (UVB, UVA1, UVA2, visible blue light)
Type: Organic

Protection:
UVB: SPF 50+ (~SPF60)
UVA: PPD 20 or more

INGREDIENTS: AVENE THERMAL SPRING WATER (AVENE AQUA), C12-15 ALKYL BENZOATE, DIETHYLAMINO HYDROXYBENZOYL HEXYL BENZOATE, ETHYLHEXYL TRIAZONE, GLYCERIN, ORYZA SATIVA (RICE) STARCH (ORYZA SATIVA STARCH), PHENYLENE BIS-DIPHENYLTRIAZINE, WATER (AQUA), BIS-ETHYLHEXYLOXYPHENOL METHOXYPHENYL TRIAZINE, GLYCERYL STEARATE, POTASSIUM CETYL PHOSPHATE, STEARYL ALCOHOL, VP/EICOSENE COPOLYMER, BENZOIC ACID, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, FRAGRANCE (PARFUM), GLYCERYL BEHENATE, GLYCERYL DIBEHENATE, PPG-1-PEG-9 LAURYL GLYCOL ETHER, RED 33 (CI 17200), TOCOPHERYL GLUCOSIDE, TRIBEHENIN, XANTHAN GUM

According to Pierre Fabre’s press release on their official website,

“TRIASORB™ is the first organic filter with a unique ability to absorb and reflect the harmful portion of the solar spectrum, which includes UVB, short UVA and long UVA rays, as well as high-energy visible blue light. TRIASORB™ has also been thoroughly tested under experimental conditions to demonstrate that this filter is not toxic for three key species of marine biodiversity: a coral species, a phytoplankton species and a zooplankton species (scientific publications are currently being prepared).“

Very exciting to see developments in UV filter technology in terms of protection for both skin and marine biodiversity! I love swimming in the sea, thus I always reach for a water-resistant sunscreen in general. I guess having TriAsorb in the UV filter mix makes things less stressful. Less to worry about what washes off my skin and into the environment.

Avène Very High Protection Sun Cream SPF50+ ingredient list kicks off with their famous thermal spring water. Do not underestimate the soothing ability of Avène thermal spring water. It is one of my top S.O.S. skincare products to have on hand in my skincare collection. Be it from irritation from a product, allergic reaction, post-procedure… Avène thermal spring water instantly soothes and relieves skin of itchiness and irritation.

The rest of the non-actives in the INCI list are various emollient/skin conditioning ingredients which give this sunscreen it’s creamy texture.

The sunscreen is denatured alcohol-free, and does have fragrance.

My Experience with Avène Very High Protection Sun Cream SPF50+

TEXTURE: Cream with a yellow tint.

APPLICATION: Applied all in one go all over my face and neck. There is a yellow tint at first but disappears the more the sunscreen is rubbed in. This is also the time I notice the fragrance the most. It disappears shortly after the sunscreen has settled.

FINISH: Skin looks like I applied a moisturizer on. Not overly greasy, no shiny particles. My skin just looks like freshly moisturized, glowy skin. The yellow tint disappears, though I notice some colour correction.

FEEL: Light, feels like a cream moisturizer had been applied rather than a greasy sunscreen.

STINGS EYES? No.

UNDER MAKEUP: For my drier skin type, I just apply concealer over top without issue. I don’t find my skin looks like it’s melting throughout the day, especially on hot summer days. I find my skin looks more calm and less flushed from the heat when I wear the sunscreen on its own.

Final Thoughts on Avène Very High Protection Sun Cream SPF50+

Pros

• High UVA protection sunscreen
• Additional claimed protection against visible light
• Evens out skin tone without leaving a tint
• Can use as a moisturizing sunscreen
• Does not feel greasy
• Does not make my skin look oily

Cons

• Stains clothes more, especially my white tops.

WHERE TO BUY:
* https://go.shopmy.us/p-1036365 (Affiliate link. This means I earn a small commission if you use this link to make a purchase. MICHXMASH Disclosure)

As always, I hope you found this review helpful and informative!

xo, M