Tolérance Extrême Cream
Tolérance Extrême Cream
Product Description
Product overview
A 100% sterile, ultra-minimalist moisturizing cream with only 7 ingredients, formulated with Avène Thermal Spring Water to calm, hydrate and restore hypersensitive, intolerant and allergy-prone skin. Preservative-free and fragrance-free with patented D.E.F.I. sterile packaging.
100% Sterile Cosmetic
Manufactured using the patented E.T.S. (Extreme Tolerance System) sterile process, eliminating the need for preservatives entirely.
Texture & feel
SENSORY100% Sterile Cosmetic
Manufactured using the patented E.T.S. (Extreme Tolerance System) sterile process, eliminating the need for preservatives entirely.
D.E.F.I. Delivery System
Patented airless packaging prevents retro-contamination after opening, keeping the formula sterile from first to last use.
6 Hours of Hydration
Clinically shown to provide sustained hydration for up to 6 hours with just 7 essential ingredients, restoring the skin barrier.
Post-Procedure Friendly
Dermatologist-recommended after chemical peels, laser treatments, microdermabrasion and cosmetic surgery for gentle recovery.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, chemical sunscreens or any other ingredients flagged during pregnancy. Safe for use while pregnant or nursing.
Contains 2 potential fungal acne triggers: Safflower Seed Oil (high in fatty acids C12–C18) and Shea Butter (rich in oleic and stearic acids). Those prone to malassezia folliculitis should consider the Emulsion version or alternatives.
Officially labeled non-comedogenic by Avène. The minimal formula and absence of heavy oils keep the pore-clogging risk very low for most skin types.
Free from all major contact allergens: no preservatives, fragrances, parabens, surfactants, dyes, emulsifiers and alcohol. Tested on allergic and hypersensitive skin.
The ultra-gentle formula pairs well with actives like retinol, vitamin C, AHA and BHA. Use as a soothing barrier cream over or after active treatments.
Widely prescribed by dermatologists for contact eczema, cosmetic intolerance, rosacea recovery and post-procedure care. Backed by clinical study (Ayala F, Pons-Guiraud A, 2009).
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSAvène Thermal Spring Water ~57%Proven
The hero ingredient and base of the formula. This naturally sourced thermal water undergoes a 50-year underground journey through the Cévennes Mountains, emerging rich in trace minerals and silicates with a unique calcium-to-magnesium ratio (2:1).
- Clinical: Over 150 clinical studies and 50 medical journal publications confirm soothing, anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Study: Reduced post-peeling redness significantly compared to mineral-rich water (PubMed 32870553).
- Study: Decreased overall skin sensitivity score by 47% after 7 days of use.
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideProven
A lightweight emollient derived from coconut oil and glycerin. Provides a smooth, non-greasy texture that helps the skin retain moisture without leaving an oily film. Extremely well tolerated by all skin types.
- Function: Emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer that prevents moisture loss.
- Tolerance: Comedogenic rating of 0–1, safe for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
- Bonus: Recognized as a malassezia-combatting ingredient (medium-chain triglyceride).
GlycerinProven
One of the most effective and well-studied humectants in skincare. A skin-identical ingredient found naturally in the skin's lipid barrier that draws and retains water in the upper layers of the epidermis.
- Study: Found to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid (2016 study).
- Function: Maintains the skin's liquid crystal lipid state, protects against irritation and helps restore barrier function.
- Safety: Comedogenic rating of 0, irritancy rating of 0.
Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii)Proven
A rich, natural emollient packed with fatty acids (stearic acid, oleic acid) and antioxidants (vitamin A, vitamin E). Creates a protective film on the skin to lock in moisture, soothe and soften.
- Properties: Anti-inflammatory, rich in antioxidants, deeply nourishing for dry and compromised skin.
- SPF: Provides a minor natural SPF of approximately 3–4 (not a sunscreen replacement).
Safflower Seed Oil (Carthamus Tinctorius)Proven
A lightweight plant oil exceptionally high in linoleic acid (~70%), which is beneficial for barrier repair and maintaining healthy skin. Also contains oleic acid (~11%) and natural vitamin E (antioxidant).
- Benefit: Linoleic acid-rich oils help normalize sebum composition and strengthen the skin barrier.
- Antioxidant: Contains approximately 44mg/100g of alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E).
Behenyl AlcoholSupportive
A fatty alcohol (not drying like ethanol) derived from vegetable oils. Acts as an emollient, emulsifier and thickening agent to stabilize the cream formula and leave skin feeling soft.
- Safety: Approved by the US FDA as a treatment ingredient for cold sores (2000). Well established safety profile.
- Function: Increases viscosity and helps water and oil phases mix together seamlessly.
Sodium Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerSupportive
A pre-neutralized polymer that serves as a thickener and emulsion stabilizer. Gives the cream its smooth, spreadable texture. Forms viscous gels immediately upon contact with water.
- Function: Stabilizes the emulsion without requiring additional surfactants or emulsifiers.
- Tolerance: Inert and non-irritating, commonly used in sensitive skin formulations.
7 ingredients
Water (Avène Thermal Spring Water), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Behenyl Alcohol, Sodium Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse AM & PM as your final moisturizing step. In the morning, follow with sunscreen. At night, can be used as the last step or under an occlusive if extra moisture is needed.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse
Wash face with a gentle cleanser (Avène recommends the Tolérance Extrême Cleansing Lotion for maximum compatibility). Pat dry.
Apply Serums (Optional)
If using active serums (vitamin C, retinol, hyaluronic acid), apply them first and allow to absorb for 1–2 minutes before the cream.
Dispense & Apply Cream
Press the D.E.F.I. pump gently to dispense a pea-sized amount. Apply to face and neck using light upward strokes. Avoid tugging or rubbing.
Finish with Thermal Water (Optional)
Mist Avène Thermal Spring Water over the face for an extra soothing boost. Follow with sunscreen in the morning.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have hypersensitive, intolerant or allergy-prone skin
- You suffer from rosacea, eczema or contact dermatitis
- You need a post-procedure moisturizer (laser, peel, microdermabrasion)
- You react to preservatives and fragrances in other products
- You want an ultra-minimalist ingredient list (only 7 ingredients)
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding and need a safe moisturizer
- You need a soothing cream to buffer active ingredients like retinol
Consider alternatives if:
- You have active fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis) — contains FA triggers
- You want anti-aging actives like retinol, peptides or vitamin C in your moisturizer
- You have very oily skin and prefer ultra-lightweight or gel textures
- You want a large quantity for the price — 50ml is relatively small
- You need a moisturizer with SPF built in
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESShea butter and safflower oil deliver deep nourishment. Provides 6 hours of sustained hydration without feeling heavy.
Designed specifically for hypersensitive skin. Sterile, preservative-free and tested on allergic skin. The gold standard for reactive skin.
A reliable everyday moisturizer. Non-greasy, absorbs well, layers beautifully under sunscreen and makeup.
Works well for most combination types. May feel slightly rich on the T-zone in summer; consider the Emulsion for warmer months.
Rich cream texture may feel too heavy for very oily skin. Consider the lighter Tolérance Extrême Emulsion instead.
Non-comedogenic and free of common pore-cloggers. However, not fungal acne safe due to safflower oil and shea butter.
Results timeline
4–8 WEEKSInstant Soothing & Comfort
Skin feels immediately calmed, hydrated and comfortable. Redness and tightness are visibly reduced within minutes of application.
95% noticed instant reliefIrritation Reduction
Persistent redness, stinging and flaking begin to subside. Skin barrier starts recovering as the sterile formula prevents additional irritant exposure.
80% noticed reduced rednessBarrier Restoration
Skin barrier function measurably improves. Skin reactivity decreases and tolerance to other products may increase. Skin feels plumper and more resilient.
75% noticed stronger skinLong-Term Skin Health
Continued use leads to consistently calm, balanced and well-hydrated skin. Flare-ups become less frequent and the skin maintains a healthy, comfortable baseline.
70% reported fewer flare-upsRatings by platform
1K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Ultra-minimal 7-ingredient formula virtually eliminates irritation risk
- 100% sterile manufacturing — no preservatives needed
- Calms rosacea, eczema, contact dermatitis and post-procedure skin
- Avène Thermal Spring Water backed by 150+ clinical studies
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding safe
- Hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic
- Layers beautifully under sunscreen and makeup
- Allure Best of Beauty Award winner
Criticized
- Not fungal acne (malassezia) safe due to shea butter and safflower oil
- Small size (50ml) for a premium price (~$39)
- D.E.F.I. pump packaging has a learning curve and can over-dispense
- No active anti-aging or brightening ingredients
- May not be hydrating enough alone for very dry skin in winter
- Can feel slightly rich/filmy on oily skin types
- Short 6-month PAO due to preservative-free formula
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESMinimal-ingredient moisturizer designed for sensitive skin. Contains more ingredients (including petrolatum), but is preservative-free with a similar soothing philosophy. Larger 16 oz size offers much better value, though not sterile.
Adds ceramides, hyaluronic acid and MVE technology for sustained release. More complex formula (30+ ingredients) with preservatives. Better for barrier repair but higher irritation risk for extremely sensitive skin.
Fungal acne safe alternative with urea for extra hydration. Lighter texture, free of FA triggers. Better choice for malassezia-prone skin, but not sterile and contains silicones and preservatives.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
6 MONTHS6 months after opening. The preservative-free, sterile formula has a shorter shelf life than conventional moisturizers. Use consistently for best results.
Store at room temperature in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Do not refrigerate. Keep cap closed between uses to maintain sterility.
Patented D.E.F.I. airless pump system — a sterile, hermetically sealed dispenser that prevents air and bacteria from entering the formula after opening.
Yes, 50ml is under the 100ml / 3.4 oz TSA carry-on limit. Compact airless pump is leak-proof and ideal for travel.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. This cream contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, chemical sunscreens or any other ingredients commonly flagged during pregnancy or breastfeeding. With only 7 gentle ingredients and no preservatives or fragrances, it is one of the safest moisturizer choices for expectant and nursing mothers. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
No. The cream contains 2 potential Malassezia triggers: Safflower Seed Oil (high in C12–C18 fatty acids) and Shea Butter (rich in oleic and stearic acids). These can feed the yeast responsible for fungal acne. If you are prone to malassezia folliculitis, consider the Malezia 5% Urea Moisturizer or check fungal acne-safe alternatives. The Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride in the formula is actually a malassezia-combatting ingredient, but it does not offset the other triggers.
Yes. The ultra-gentle, minimal formula makes it an excellent buffer or recovery cream when using potent actives. Apply your retinol, vitamin C, AHA or BHA serum first, wait 1–2 minutes, then apply this cream on top to seal in moisture and calm any irritation. Many dermatologists recommend it specifically as a companion moisturizer alongside prescription retinoids or aggressive acne treatments.
This cream is ideal for dry, normal and sensitive skin types — especially those with hypersensitive, allergy-prone, intolerant or post-procedure skin. It excels for rosacea, eczema and contact dermatitis sufferers. Combination skin types can use it year-round, though oily skin types may find the rich texture too heavy and would benefit from the lighter Emulsion version.
Soothing and comfort are felt immediately upon application. Visible reduction in redness and irritation typically occurs within 1–3 days of consistent use. Meaningful skin barrier restoration and decreased reactivity are generally noticed within 1–2 weeks. For long-term skin health benefits and fewer flare-ups, allow 4–8 weeks of regular daily use.
Apply after cleansing, toning and serums, as your moisturizing step (step 4 in a typical routine). In the morning, follow with sunscreen as the final step. At night, it can be your last step, or you can layer an occlusive (like Aquaphor or Vaseline) over it if you need extra moisture lock-in. It also works well applied over prescription topicals like MetroGel for rosacea.
No. Avène officially labels this product as non-comedogenic, and its overall comedogenic rating is 1 out of 5 (very low risk). The minimal ingredient list avoids common pore-clogging culprits. That said, individual responses can vary — if you are extremely acne-prone, patch test on a small area first. Many acne-prone users report no breakouts with this cream.
The PAO (Period After Opening) is 6 months. Because the formula is 100% preservative-free, it has a shorter shelf life than conventional moisturizers. The patented D.E.F.I. airless pump keeps the product sterile throughout use, but it is recommended to use the entire tube within 6 months of first opening. With twice-daily use, the 50ml tube typically lasts 2–3 months.
Verdict: Avène Tolérance Extrême Cream is the gold standard moisturizer for hypersensitive, intolerant and allergy-prone skin. Its revolutionary sterile manufacturing, preservative-free 7-ingredient formula and clinically proven Thermal Spring Water make it virtually unmatched for calming reactive skin, rosacea and post-procedure recovery. The only drawbacks are its premium price for 50ml, short 6-month shelf life, and the fact that it is not fungal acne safe. If your skin reacts to everything else, this is the cream worth trying.
Product Overview
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.
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.
Quick Product Notes
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 «promises» 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.
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
Notable Effects & Ingredients
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.
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!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
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.
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.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Perfuming, Emollient
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil
Masking, Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
|








