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Gentle Exfoliating Gel

Gentle Exfoliating Gel

Product Description

A gentle, dual-action exfoliating gel formulated with biodegradable cellulose and jojoba beads, niacinamide, and soothing Avène Thermal Spring Water. Designed for sensitive skin, it refines texture, unclogs pores, and reveals a brighter, smoother complexion without irritation.

πŸ‡«πŸ‡· French Pharmacy Β· Made in France
βœ” Non-Comedogenic βœ” Hypoallergenic βœ” Soap-Free βœ” Paraben-Free βœ” Alcohol-Free βœ” Mineral Oil-Free βœ” Vegan βœ” Biodegradable Beads
Pregnancy Safe
Yes βœ”
Fungal Acne Safe
No βœ—
Comedogenic Rating
1/5
πŸ“
Size
75ml / 2.5 fl oz
🧴
Type
Physical + Chemical
🎯
Skin Type
All, esp. Sensitive
πŸ”¬
Key Active
Niacinamide ~3%
πŸ“…
Frequency
1-2x per week

✨ Texture & Feel

πŸ’§
Consistency
Clear gel with micro-beads
πŸ‘ƒ
Scent
Light, soft floral
⏱️
Absorption
Rinse-off (1-2 min)
🎯
Finish
Smooth, soft, clean
🌿

Dual-Action Exfoliation

Combines biodegradable cellulose and jojoba wax beads (physical) with sodium salicylate (chemical) for thorough yet gentle exfoliation.

πŸ’§

Avène Thermal Spring Water

Rich in minerals and trace elements with clinically proven soothing and anti-irritating properties to calm sensitive skin during exfoliation.

✨

Brightening Niacinamide

~3% niacinamide stimulates cell renewal, reduces pore appearance, and evens skin tone for a visibly radiant complexion.

♻️

Eco-Friendly Formula

Biodegradable exfoliating beads made from cellulose and jojoba wax. No microplastics. Environmentally responsible skincare.

πŸ›‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility

βœ…
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

According to Avène, this product can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It contains sodium salicylate (a neutralized salt form, not active salicylic acid) at ~0.3% in a rinse-off formula. Always consult your doctor if concerned.

⚠️
Not Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Safe

Contains glyceryl oleate, polysorbate 60, and sorbitan isostearate, which may feed malassezia yeast. Not recommended for pityrosporum folliculitis.

βœ…
Non-Comedogenic

Tested and formulated to not clog pores. Comedogenic rating of 1/5. Safe for acne-prone skin (excluding fungal acne).

βœ…
Hypoallergenic

Formulated to minimize risk of allergic reactions. Tested under dermatological control. Free from parabens, alcohol, soap, and mineral oil.

⚠️
Contains Fragrance (Parfum)

While formulated to minimize sensitivity, this product does contain fragrance. Those with extreme fragrance sensitivity should patch-test first.

ℹ️
Retinol & AHA/BHA Compatible

Safe to use in the same routine week as retinol or chemical exfoliants, but avoid using on the same day to prevent over-exfoliation.

πŸ”¬ Ingredient Breakdown

πŸ’§ AvΓ¨ne Thermal Spring Water Proven

The hero base ingredient of all Avène products. Sourced from a single spring in Avène, France, this mineral-rich water has been clinically shown to soothe, soften, and calm irritated skin with a unique ratio of minerals and trace elements.

  • Clinical Data: Over 150 clinical studies demonstrate soothing and anti-irritating benefits
  • Key Minerals: Rich in silicates, bicarbonates, and trace elements with a balanced mineral composition
  • Function: Provides immediate comfort during and after exfoliation, reducing redness
βœ…
Listed as the first ingredient, meaning it is the most concentrated component in the formula.

✨ Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) ~3% Proven

A multifunctional antioxidant that stimulates cell renewal, minimizes pore appearance, and helps brighten uneven skin tone. Works synergistically with the exfoliating agents to enhance the overall glow effect.

  • Pore Reduction: Studies show 2-5% niacinamide significantly reduces pore size over 4-8 weeks
  • Skin Barrier: Supports ceramide production, strengthening the skin barrier after exfoliation
  • Anti-Aging: Stimulates collagen synthesis and reduces fine lines with consistent use

🌰 Cellulose + Jojoba Esters Proven

Biodegradable physical exfoliating beads derived from plant cellulose and jojoba wax. These soft, round microbeads gently buff away dead skin cells without causing micro-tears or irritation.

  • Eco-Friendly: 100% biodegradable, replacing previously used polyethylene microbeads
  • Gentle Mechanism: Round bead shape prevents micro-abrasions on skin surface
  • Dual Texture: Cellulose provides firmer exfoliation; jojoba adds a softer, skin-conditioning action

πŸ§ͺ Sodium Salicylate ~0.3% Promising

The sodium salt form of salicylic acid, acting as a gentle chemical exfoliant. As a neutralized form, it provides a milder peeling effect compared to pure salicylic acid while still helping dissolve dead skin cells and purify pores.

  • Chemical Exfoliation: Complements the physical exfoliation of microbeads for a dual-action approach
  • Purifying: Helps dissolve sebum and debris within pores for a deeper cleanse
  • Mild Formulation: Neutralized salt form is gentler than pure BHA, suitable for sensitive skin
⚠️
While much milder than pure salicylic acid, those with known salicylate allergies should exercise caution.

πŸ›‘οΈ Zinc Gluconate Proven

A zinc salt known for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and sebum-regulating properties. Helps calm skin during and after exfoliation while supporting wound healing and reducing redness.

  • Anti-Inflammatory: Reduces redness and irritation commonly associated with exfoliation
  • Sebum Control: Helps regulate oil production, beneficial for combination and oily skin types
  • Wound Healing: Supports skin repair and recovery post-exfoliation

🌿 Tocopherol (Vitamin E) Proven

A powerful antioxidant that protects skin cells from free radical damage. Helps condition and nourish the skin, preventing post-exfoliation dryness and maintaining hydration levels.

  • Antioxidant: Neutralizes free radicals that cause premature aging
  • Moisturizing: Helps maintain skin hydration and softness after exfoliation
  • Stabilizer: Also serves as a natural preservative to protect formula integrity

22 ingredients

Avene Thermal Spring Water (Avene Aqua), Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Water (Aqua), Niacinamide, Coco-Glucoside, Cellulose, Cetrimonium Bromide, Citric Acid, Fragrance (Parfum), Glyceryl Oleate, Hydrogenated Vegetable Glycerides Citrate, Jojoba Esters, Polysorbate 60, Red 30 (CI 73360), Sodium Salicylate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Talc, Tocopherol, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Zinc Gluconate

FREE FROM: Parabens, Alcohol, Soap, Mineral Oil, Silicones, Sulfates, Microplastics, Retinoids, Hydroquinone, Phthalates, Gluten, Soy, Lanolin

πŸ”„ Where It Fits in Your Routine

1
Cleanser
2
Exfoliant (This Product)
3
Toner
4
Serum
5
Moisturizer
6
Sunscreen (AM)

Use 1-2 times per week after cleansing. Can be applied to dry or damp skin. Follow with your toner, serum, and moisturizer. Mist with Avène Thermal Spring Water after rinsing for extra soothing.

πŸ“ How to Use

1

Cleanse First

Start with clean skin. Wash your face with your regular cleanser and pat gently. You can apply this gel to either damp or dry skin.

2

Apply the Gel

Squeeze a small amount (about a pea-sized dollop) onto your fingertips. A little goes a long way with this product.

3

Massage Gently

Using light, circular motions, massage the gel across your face for 30-60 seconds. Avoid the eye area. Let the beads do the work.

4

Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse off completely with lukewarm water. Make sure no residue remains, especially around the hairline and jawline.

5

Soothe & Hydrate

Finish by spraying a fine mist of Avène Thermal Spring Water, then continue with your toner, serum, and moisturizer. Always apply sunscreen in the morning.

πŸ‘€ Who Is It For?

βœ… Perfect for you if:

  • You have sensitive skin and struggle to find a gentle exfoliator
  • You want to brighten dull, tired-looking skin
  • You prefer physical exfoliation with biodegradable, eco-friendly beads
  • You have rosacea-prone skin and need a non-irritating scrub
  • You want to improve skin texture and refine pores
  • You prefer a French pharmacy, dermatologist-recommended formula

❌ Consider alternatives if:

  • You have fungal acne (malassezia) β€” this formula is not FA-safe
  • You want a strong, deep exfoliation (this is deliberately gentle)
  • You are extremely sensitive to any fragrance in skincare
  • You prefer purely chemical exfoliation without any physical beads
  • You want a larger tube β€” 75ml may not last long with frequent use

🎯 Skin Type Compatibility

Sensitive Skin β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜… Excellent

Specifically formulated for sensitive skin. Avène Thermal Spring Water soothes while biodegradable beads exfoliate without irritation. Hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested.

Normal Skin β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜… Excellent

Ideal weekly exfoliant that maintains healthy skin texture and radiance. Gentle enough for regular use without disrupting the skin barrier.

Combination Skin β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† Good

Works well on the T-zone for pore refinement. Zinc gluconate helps balance oil production. May feel too gentle for very congested areas.

Dry Skin β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† Good

Removes flaky patches without stripping moisture. Glycerin and thermal water help maintain hydration. Follow with a rich moisturizer after use.

Oily / Acne-Prone β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜†β˜† Moderate

Non-comedogenic and helps unclog pores, but may feel too gentle for heavily congested or oily skin. Those needing deeper exfoliation may prefer a BHA product. Not fungal acne safe.

πŸ“ˆ Results Timeline

Immediately

Smoother, Softer Skin

Skin feels noticeably smoother and softer right after the first use. Dead skin cells are buffed away, revealing a fresher complexion underneath.

94% noticed softer skin after first use
1-2 Weeks

Improved Texture & Brightness

With consistent use (1-2x per week), skin texture becomes more refined. Dullness fades and a healthy glow begins to emerge. Skincare products absorb better.

92% reported exfoliating effectiveness
4-6 Weeks

Refined Pores & Even Tone

Niacinamide starts to visibly reduce pore size and even out skin tone. The cumulative effect of gentle exfoliation smooths rough patches and reduces flakiness.

69% improvement in skin softness
8+ Weeks

Radiant, Healthy-Looking Skin

Long-term use supports healthy cell turnover and a consistently radiant complexion. Makeup applies more smoothly and skincare routine becomes more effective overall.

85% would repurchase

⭐ Ratings by Platform

πŸ›’ Amazon
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† 4.5
Rating
890+
Reviews
⚠️ Main complaint: Small tube size (75ml) for the price; some find it too gentle
πŸ’„ Dermstore
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† 4.5
Rating
150+
Reviews
⚠️ Main complaint: Gel can feel slightly oily when rinsing; wish it came in a bigger size
πŸ’… MakeupAlley
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† 4.0
Rating
80+
Reviews
⚠️ Main complaint: Some users find it not exfoliating enough; fragrance can be strong for some
🏠 LovelySkin
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜… 4.8
Rating
60+
Reviews
⚠️ Main complaint: A few users wish for more abrasive texture; rinse-off feel takes getting used to

βš–οΈ Pros & Cons

βœ… Praised

  • Extremely gentle β€” safe for rosacea-prone and sensitive skin
  • Leaves skin immediately softer and smoother
  • Biodegradable beads are eco-friendly and non-irritating
  • Contains niacinamide for added brightening and pore-refining benefits
  • Non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, and vegan
  • Free from parabens, alcohol, soap, and mineral oil
  • A little goes a long way β€” tube lasts several months with weekly use
  • Pleasant, mild scent that most users enjoy

❌ Criticized

  • May feel too gentle for those wanting deep exfoliation
  • Small 75ml tube can feel pricey for the amount
  • Gel can feel slightly oily or hard to rinse off completely
  • Contains fragrance (parfum), which some users are sensitive to
  • Not fungal acne safe due to oleate and polysorbate ingredients
  • Microbeads are barely noticeable to some users

πŸ’° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)

82% Match
La Roche-Posay Ultra-Fine Scrub
$22.00 Similar Price

Another French pharmacy gentle scrub for sensitive skin. Uses thermal spring water and micro-exfoliating particles. Slightly more abrasive texture. No niacinamide but fragrance-free.

70% Match
CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser
$14.99 Budget Pick

Chemical exfoliant with salicylic acid, ceramides, and niacinamide. No physical beads β€” relies on BHA for exfoliation. Larger 237ml bottle at a lower price. Better for oily/acne-prone skin but less gentle.

65% Match
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
$7.90 Budget Pick

Purely chemical exfoliation at a fraction of the price. Much stronger formula β€” not for sensitive skin. Use only once per week for 10 minutes. Dramatically different approach but achieves similar goals.

πŸ”„ Comparison with Competitors

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

$59.00
Key Actives Salicylic Acid + Rice Enzymes
Exfoliation Type Enzyme + Physical (powder)
Size 74g
Sensitive Skin Good
Fragrance Yes
Eco-Friendly Rice-based formula

La Roche-Posay Ultra-Fine Scrub

$22.00
Key Actives Thermal Spring Water + Pumice
Exfoliation Type Physical only
Size 50ml
Sensitive Skin Good
Fragrance Fragrance-free
Eco-Friendly Mineral-based

CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser

$14.99
Key Actives Salicylic Acid + Ceramides + Niacinamide
Exfoliation Type Chemical only (BHA)
Size 237ml
Sensitive Skin Moderate
Fragrance Fragrance-free
Eco-Friendly Standard

πŸ“¦ Storage & Shelf Life

πŸ“…
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening

🏠
Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep the cap tightly closed between uses.

πŸ“¦
Packaging

Squeeze tube with screw cap β€” hygienic, easy to control amount dispensed, and allows you to use every last drop.

✈️
Travel Friendly

Yes β€” 75ml is under the 100ml carry-on limit for flights. Compact tube fits easily in any toiletry bag.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. According to Avène, this product is safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It does not contain retinoids, pure salicylic acid, or other pregnancy-restricted ingredients. The sodium salicylate in the formula is a neutralized salt form used at approximately 0.3% concentration in a rinse-off product, which is generally considered safe. However, always consult your OB-GYN or dermatologist if you have specific concerns.

No. This product is not considered fungal acne safe. It contains glyceryl oleate (an oleic acid ester), polysorbate 60, and sorbitan isostearate β€” all of which can potentially feed malassezia yeast. If you are prone to fungal acne or pityrosporum folliculitis, consider a fungal-acne-safe exfoliant instead, such as a simple salicylic acid wash or The Ordinary AHA/BHA Peeling Solution.

Yes, but not on the same day. Since this product provides both physical and mild chemical exfoliation, using it alongside strong actives like retinol, vitamin C serums, or AHA/BHA treatments on the same day could lead to over-exfoliation and irritation. Space them out β€” for example, use this gel on Monday and Wednesday, and your retinol on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

This exfoliating gel is best suited for sensitive, normal, and dry skin types. It was specifically formulated for sensitive skin and is hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. It also works well for combination skin. Those with very oily or heavily congested skin may find it too gentle and may prefer a stronger BHA-based exfoliant.

You will feel smoother, softer skin immediately after the first use. Visible improvements in brightness and texture typically appear within 1-2 weeks of consistent use (1-2 times per week). More significant results like pore refinement and improved skin tone from niacinamide can take 4-8 weeks of regular use.

Use it as step 2, right after cleansing. Apply to clean skin (dry or damp), massage gently in circular motions for about a minute, then rinse thoroughly. Follow with your toner, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (in the morning). Use 1-2 times per week depending on your skin tolerance.

No. This product is tested and labeled as non-comedogenic, meaning it is formulated to not clog pores. It has a comedogenic rating of approximately 1 out of 5. It actually helps unclog pores by removing dead skin cells and surface impurities. It is safe for acne-prone skin, though it is not fungal acne safe.

The product has a PAO (Period After Opening) of 12 months. Since you only use a small amount 1-2 times per week, the 75ml tube typically lasts 3-5 months with regular use. Store in a cool, dry place and keep the cap tightly closed. Discard if you notice any changes in color, texture, or smell.

β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜†
4.3 out of 5

Verdict: The Avène Gentle Exfoliating Gel is one of the best physical exfoliators available for sensitive skin. Its dual-action formula combining biodegradable beads with niacinamide and sodium salicylate delivers effective yet remarkably gentle exfoliation backed by Avène's signature Thermal Spring Water. It excels for those with sensitive, rosacea-prone, or easily irritated skin who have struggled to find a scrub that does not cause redness. The main trade-off is that it may feel too gentle for users seeking deep exfoliation, and the 75ml tube size is modest for the price point. It is also not suitable for fungal acne-prone skin. Overall, a trusted French pharmacy staple that delivers on its promise of gentle, effective exfoliation.

Product Overview

question
lightbulb What are Quick Product Notes?

Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.

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Quick Product Notes

Click on icons for more information
question
lightbulb What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?

Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging Β«promisesΒ» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.

We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.

Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you

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Notable Effects & Ingredients

anti-aging Anti-Aging from 3 ingredient(s):
Niacinamide Citric Acid Tocopherol
brightening Brightening from 3 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Niacinamide Citric Acid
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 4 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Niacinamide Citric Acid Tocopherol
ache Ache-fighting from 1 ingredient(s):
Niacinamide
question
lightbulb What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?

Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.

We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.

One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!

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Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
2
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
2
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
question
lightbulb What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?

Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.

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Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
57% 14% 28%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 21 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
2 A
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
brightening Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
1 A
Pentylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
0 Unknown
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion Stabilising
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
1 A
Niacinamide
Skin Conditioning, Hair Conditioning, Smoothing
brightening Brightening
ache Ache-fighting
anti-aging Anti-Aging
Promotes Wound Healing
Redness
Irritation
Dark Spots
Pores
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS