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Avène A-Oxidative Serum.

About this product

A lightweight serum combining bakuchiol and vitamin C derivative with antioxidants to support skin defense and provide retinoid-like benefits without irritation.

More from Avène 34 products · Guru Score 92% →

Guru Score

75%

Yay

Early verdict · Few reviews so far

What they liked

  • Bakuchiol for retinoid-like results without irritation

What they flagged

  • Pricey for what amounts to a basic moisturizer

What the gurus are saying

This serum's bakuchiol draws consistent praise as a gentler retinoid alternative that delivers retinoid-like results with far fewer side effects, making it especially appealing for sensitive skin. However, the vitamin C here is a stable derivative rather than pure L-ascorbic acid, and some gurus view the formula as essentially a moisturizer that prices above what you might find elsewhere for similar hydration benefits. Those drawn to bakuchiol's gentleness may find it worth the investment; those after potent active vitamin C should look elsewhere.
Synthesized from 3 expert reviews · most recent take November 2023

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What the gurus are saying.

Every take we've logged from this product's reviews across YouTube. Click any row to watch the moment they said it.

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✓Yay
"If you're looking for a vitamin C that is maybe less irritating compared to like the traditional ascorbic acid, then check out their A-Oxidative Antioxidant Defense Serum. It contains a vitamin C derivative called ascorbyl glucoside, which is basically a sugar molecule attached to vitamin C, making it a lot more stable than ascorbic acid."
✓Mixed
"This antioxidant protection antioxidant defense serum from Avène has scoryl glucoside, a stable form of vitamin C, and pre-tocopherol. Scoryl glucoside can get in and may help reduce free radicals, but most of the research is on ascorbic acid, not scoryl glucoside, so you may just be getting the vitamin E in there. If you're really interested in antioxidants, it's like question mark, is that really where it's at, or am I just getting another moisturizer?"
✓Yay
"You can bring in a bakuchiol serum like this one by Avène. I actually use this every day in the mornings. [...] You can certainly use this at night as well and alternate this with a retinol. Bakuchiol is an ingredient that I became so knowledgeable about this year and I'm loving in my own routine. This gives retinoid-like results but with way less side effects, so it's perfect for those with really sensitive skin."
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All 3 takes from The Budget Dermatologist
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"You can bring in a bakuchiol serum like this one by Avène. I actually use this every day in the mornings. [...] You can certainly use this at night as well and alternate this with a retinol. Bakuchiol is an ingredient that I became so knowledgeable about this year and I'm loving in my own routine. This gives retinoid-like results but with way less side effects, so it's perfect for those with really sensitive skin."
Your Avène Shopping Guide! | HITS and MISSES reviewed by The Budget Dermatologist
"The A-Oxidative [...] Serum and cream are for the most part similar just in different vehicles. These are essentially just moisturizers and I firmly believe that you can get very high quality moisturizers for way less money than these. These also have vitamin E, a precursor for vitamin C not the actual L ascorbic acid, and hyaluronic acid. Both of these are a no for me."
Skin Cycling Q&A | Anti-aging Skincare Routine Advice Part 3
"My favorite bakuchiol serum is what I called my product of the year. It's by Aven. It's a plant derived alternative to retinol that gives similar results without the side effects and the common irritation that we see with retinoids."

Frequently asked.

What is Avène A-Oxidative Serum?

A lightweight serum combining bakuchiol and vitamin C derivative with antioxidants to support skin defense and provide retinoid-like benefits without irritation.

Is Avène A-Oxidative Serum worth it?

Mostly yes. 2 of the 3 gurus who reviewed it give it their stamp of approval, for a Guru Score of 75%.

What is Avène A-Oxidative Serum's Guru Score?

Avène A-Oxidative Serum holds a Guru Score of 75%. That is our read on how warmly the experts talk about it, based on the verdicts of 3 expert reviewers we have collected.

Who is Avène A-Oxidative Serum best for?

Avène A-Oxidative Serum is generally suited to sensitive skin and mature skin.

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