Eau Thermale Avène

What Eau Thermale Avène does

Eau Thermale Avène is a French dermo-cosmetic skincare brand founded in 1990, operated by Pierre Fabre Dermo-Cosmétique (SAS), the dermatological division of the privately held Pierre Fabre group. The brand develops and sells dermatological face and body care products for sensitive, reactive, and pathological skin — covering acne-prone, atopic, anti-aging, redness-prone, dehydrated, hypersensitive, and oncology-affected skin, plus baby and sun care — organized across approximately 20 sub-brands including Cleanance, Cicalfate+, XeraCalm A.D, DermAbsolu, Hydrance, Hyaluron Activ, Couvrance, and the standalone Avène Thermal Spring Water Spray. The core technological platform is Avène Thermal Spring Water, sourced from a single location in Avène-les-Bains, France, from which the proprietary C⁺-Restore™ postbiotic active ingredient was derived after more than 12 years of microbiological research and is patented for promoting epidermal repair. All products are developed with dermatologists and validated through 750–1,050 clinical and laboratory studies per year, 8,000 volunteers, and 72 internal experts across evaluation centers around Toulouse, with manufacturing concentrated in ISO 14001/50001-certified facilities in France.

The brand sells B2C through a pharmacy-led distribution model (where Avène is the market leader in France), supplemented by its own e-commerce website and physical retail points of sale. Pricing is set by distributors and varies by point of sale; revenue is generated through one-time product purchases across a broad consumer base spanning multiple skin-condition segments and demographics, including adults, adolescents, babies, and oncology patients. Marketing emphasizes dermatologist-validated efficacy, safety credentials, and pre-market clinical testing, supported by content marketing (educational skin-condition articles), an online skin diagnostic tool, email, organic social (Instagram, Facebook), and earned media through scientific communications. The brand is part of a group whose ownership is anchored by the Fondation Pierre Fabre (86%, a humanitarian public-utility foundation) and Pierre Fabre employees (14%), providing a long-term, mission-driven capital structure that channels dividends into global healthcare access programs.

Recent strategic activity includes the 2025 launch of the Hyaluron Activ Procedure anti-aging line (featuring 0.1% retinal, developed with aesthetic dermatologists), the C⁺-Restore™-enabled Cicalfate+ expansion, the 2026 launch of an SPF50 sunscreen spray, and a February 2026 partnership with HealthTech company BotDesign to conduct AI-augmented clinical studies — making Avène the first dermo-cosmetic brand to use generative AI for synthetic patient data augmentation in clinical trial design. Brand-level revenue is not separately disclosed; the parent Pierre Fabre group reported €3.1B in revenue in 2024, with 70% generated internationally across 120 countries and a workforce of 10,200.

Name

Eau Thermale Avène

Legal name

Pierre Fabre Dermo-Cosmetique

Website

https://eau-thermale-avene.fr

Company type

Private

Founded year

1990

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Eau Thermale Avène is a French dermo-cosmetic skincare brand that develops and sells dermatologically validated face, body, sun, and baby care products for sensitive and pathological skin, distributed primarily through pharmacies (leader in France), brand e-commerce, and retail across 120 countries via parent Pierre Fabre.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Dermo-Cosmetic Skincare

NAICS

Cosmetics, Beauty Supplies, and Perfume Retailers (456120), Health and Personal Care Retailers (4561)

SIC

Perfumes, Cosmetics & Other Toilet Preparations (2844), Soap, Detergents, Cleang Preparations, Perfumes, Cosmetics (2840)

akta.pro primary industry

Dermocosmetics & Medical-Grade Skincare (CRABAAAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Treatment Skincare (Serums, Actives, Acne & Anti-aging) (CRABAAAB), Sensitive Skin & Barrier Repair (CRABAAAG), Dermatology & Aesthetics Pharmaceuticals (HLAIAAAK)

Keywords

• Dermo-cosmetic skincare
• Sensitive skin care
• Thermal spring water
• Dermatological skincare
• Pharmacy skincare products

Headquarters

HQ city

Boulogne-billancourt

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Dermo-cosmetic Product Sales: Sale of dermatological skincare products for face and body. Products are sold through pharmacies, own e-commerce platform, and retail stores. Revenue is generated through one-time product purchases with pricing set by distributors.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Eau Thermale Avène develops and manufactures dermo-cosmetic skincare products for the face, body, and sun protection, all built around its proprietary Avène Thermal Spring Water and the patented C⁺-Restore™ postbiotic active ingredient. The portfolio spans approximately 20 named product lines (Cleanance, Cicalfate+, XeraCalm A.D, Hyaluron Activ, DermAbsolu, Hydrance, Sun Care, etc.) targeting sensitive, acne-prone, atopic, aging, and oncology-affected skin. Products are sold primarily through pharmacies, the brand's own e-commerce site, and retail points of sale in over 120 countries.

Product overview

Eau Thermale Avène is a dermo-cosmetic skincare brand owned by Pierre Fabre Dermo-Cosmétique, specializing in dermatological care for sensitive, problematic, and compromised skin. The portfolio consists of a unified range of face and body care products organized into approximately 20 distinct sub-brands and product lines. The core platform is built around Avène Thermal Spring Water, recognized internationally for its soothing and anti-irritant properties, from which the proprietary [C+-Restore]™ postbiotic active is derived. Product lines include: Cleanance (oily/acne-prone skin, including Comedomed/Comedomed+ intensive anti-imperfection sub-line); Hyaluron Activ (anti-aging with Procedure and B3 sub-lines); Cicalfate+ (postbiotic repair, featuring the spray and cream); XeraCalm A.D (atopic/dry skin); DermAbsolu (anti-aging resculpting); Hydrance (hydration); Antirougeurs (redness); Cold Cream (very dry skin); Sun Care (UV protection including Ultra Fluid SPF50, Spray SPF50, Ultra Serum); Couvrance (corrective makeup); Essentiel (daily essentials); Men; Tolérance (hypersensitive skin); Body; Bébé; and the standalone Eau Thermale Thermal Water Spray. A digital online skin diagnostic tool personalizes product recommendations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Cleanance: Skincare range for oily, acne-prone skin
• Cicalfate+
• XeraCalm A.D
• DermAbsolu
• Hydrance
• Couvrance
• Comedomed
• Hyaluron Activ B3
• Hyaluron Activ Procedure
• Ultra Serum
• Cold Cream
• Tolérance
• Essentiel
• Body
• Men
• Bébé

Products and services

• Cleanance (skincare line) A skincare line designed for oily, acne-prone, and blemish-prone skin. Includes cleansers, mattifying emulsions, anti-imperfection serums (Comedomed Sérum Intensif), intensive anti-imperfection care (Comedomed+ Soin Intensif Anti-Imperfections), and peeling creams (Comedomed Peeling) that mattify, purify, regulate sebum, and reduce imperfections.
• Comedomed / Comedomed+ Intensive Anti-Imperfection Range Intensive anti-imperfection sub-line within Cleanance, featuring comedo-cyclo active to correct imperfections, reduce persistent marks and pigment spots, refine skin texture, and regulate sebum. Targeted at consumers with acne breakouts, including adults.
• Cicalfate+ (Repair and Protective Skincare Line) A repairing and protective skincare line featuring [C⁺-Restore]™, the first postbiotic active ingredient derived from Avène Thermal Spring Water. Includes Crème réparatrice protectrice (bestseller) and Spray asséchant réparateur for irritated, macerated, or damaged skin. Used by consumers and oncology patients for skin repair.
• XeraCalm A.D (Lipid-Replenishing Atopic Skin Line) A lipid-replenishing line for dry skin prone to atopy. Includes XeraCalm A.D Huile Lavante Relipidante (washing oil), lipid-replenishing balm, and nutrition moisturizer formulated to relieve itching and nourish atopic skin in adults, children, and babies.
• Hyaluron Activ Procedure (Anti-Aging Lifting Line with 0.1% Retinal) An anti-aging dermo-cosmetic line developed with aesthetic dermatologists, featuring 0.1% retinal. Includes Crème Lifting and Crème Nuit Intensive Resculptante, positioned with the clinical claim of skin appearing up to 7 years younger.
• Hyaluron Activ B3 (Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin B3 Face Care) A face care range that uses hyaluronic acid and vitamin B3 (niacinamide) to hydrate, plump, and reduce the appearance of fine lines for sensitive skin.
• DermAbsolu (Anti-Aging Resculpting Line) An anti-aging face care line with redensifying and resculpting effects that nourishes the skin and redraws the facial oval. Includes Crème Nuit Intensive Resculptante.
• Hydrance (Hydration Range for Sensitive Skin) A hydration-optimizing face care range for dehydrated and sensitive skin, providing lasting moisture and protection against environmental stressors. Includes BB cream variants such as Hydrance SPF30.
• Antirougeurs (Redness-Reducing Face Care) A face care range specifically formulated to reduce and prevent facial redness for sensitive skin prone to redness and couperose.
• Cold Cream (Rich Emollient Line for Very Dry Skin) A very rich, emollient cream line for extremely dry and sensitive skin, providing deep nourishment and long-lasting protection against dryness.
• Sun Care Range (Ultra Fluid SPF50, Spray Solaire SPF50, Ultra Serum) A comprehensive sun protection range for sensitive skin, including Ultra Fluid Invisible SPF50 (face), Spray Solaire SPF50 (body), and Ultra Serum. Formulated to prevent photoaging while minimizing impact on marine ecosystems.
• Couvrance (Corrective Makeup for Sensitive Skin) A corrective makeup line for sensitive skin, providing lightweight coverage to correct, unify, and sublimate the complexion. Includes products for face (teint), eyes, and lips.
• Eau Thermale Thermal Spring Water Spray The core thermal water spray derived from Avène Thermal Spring Water, recognized internationally for its soothing and anti-irritant properties. Sold as a standalone spray for face and body and used as a foundational ingredient across all Avène products.
• Tolérance (Skincare for Hypersensitive Skin) A face care range formulated for hypersensitive and intolerant skin, using a minimal number of ingredients to maximize tolerance.
• Essentiel (Daily Essential Skincare Range) A face care range offering essential daily skincare for sensitive skin, covering basic cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection needs.
• Men (Skincare Range for Men) A skincare range specifically designed for men's skin, addressing the needs of male sensitive skin including shaving-related irritation.
• Vitamin Activ Cg (Brightening Vitamin C Serum) A brightening and anti-pigment spot face serum based on vitamin C (ascorbyl glucoside), designed to brighten the complexion and reduce dark spots on sensitive skin.
• Body (Body Care Range) A body care range covering moisturizing creams, balms, body oils, cleansers, and deodorants for sensitive body skin, including Body Gommage Douceur and Body Deodorant Efficacité 24h.
• Bébé (Baby Skincare Range) A baby skincare range covering hygiene, hydration, and irritation care for infant skin, including specific products for diaper rash and baby sun protection.

Quantifiable outcome

• Skin appears 7 years younger with Hyaluron Activ Procedure*
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability2 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• BotDesigncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 February 2026Partnership with HealthTech company BotDesign for AI-enhanced clinical studies. Together they are pioneering the use of artificial intelligence to generate synthetic patient data and virtually augment clinical trial populations, enhancing statistical robustness of dermatological product studies.
• Pur ProjetminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with association dedicated to restoring marine spaces. Active in coral reef reconstruction in Indonesia while involving local populations in environmental and ecological projects.
• TemesisminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerAccessibility audit company that conducted RAWeb 1 conformance audit on the Eau Thermale Avène website, identifying compliance gaps and improvement areas.
• European Skin Cancer FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-term partnership for skin cancer awareness, education, and prevention, particularly focused on children. Contribution includes scientific expertise, operational and financial support, and therapeutic education tools.
• Cosmetics EuropeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuropean cosmetics industry organization membership. Active participation in programs to advance alternative testing methods and dialogue with Chinese authorities to end mandatory animal testing requirements.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Ducray: Pierre Fabre sister brand within the same parent group, also distributed via French pharmacies. Comparable dermatological positioning in hair/scalp and skin care; provides a useful internal peer benchmark.
• Vichy: L'Oréal dermo-cosmetic brand sold through pharmacies with a heritage in volcanic water. Competes head-to-head with Avène across anti-aging, sensitive skin, and acne categories in Europe.
• Eucerin: Beiersdorf-owned dermo-cosmetic brand sold in pharmacies globally, with strong clinical credentials in dry skin, eczema, and sun care. Direct overlap with Avène's XeraCalm A.D and sun franchises.
• Bioderma: NAOS-owned dermo-cosmetic brand distributed primarily through French and European pharmacies. Closely comparable dermatological positioning with strong share in sensitive skin and acne segments.
• SVR: French independent dermo-cosmetic laboratory distributed through pharmacies, with comparable dermatological positioning across acne, sensitive skin, and repair. Same channel and country of origin as Avène.
• La Roche-Posay: L'Oréal-owned dermo-cosmetic brand and the global #1 in pharmacy-distributed dermatological skincare. Directly comparable to Avène on product positioning (sensitive skin, thermal/spring water heritage, dermatologist-backed), distribution channel, and target consumer.
• Uriage: French dermo-cosmetic brand built around Uriage thermal water, distributed via pharmacies in Europe and selected international markets. Closest direct competitor in the thermal-water-led dermatological positioning.
• A-Derma: Pierre Fabre sister brand positioned around Rhealba oat for fragile skin. Comparable pharmacy-channel dermo-cosmetic positioning and shared parent enables clean comparison of Avène's premium positioning.

Emerging players

• CeraVe: L'Oréal-owned brand that grew from US dermatologists to global mass distribution, including increasingly into sensitive/acne-prone skin. A growing threat to Avène's core franchises, though primarily retail rather than pharmacy-led.

Broad incumbents

• L'Oréal Active Cosmetics Division: Parent division housing La Roche-Posay, Vichy, CeraVe, and SkinCeuticals. The dominant incumbent in dermo-cosmetics globally and the principal competitive benchmark for Avène's growth, R&D, and channel strategy.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/EauThermaleAveneFrance
• Instagraminstagram.com/avene
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/laboratoires-dermatologiques-avene

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Eau Thermale Avène