Why I think this serum could replace sunscreen
8.6.2026
Translation: Elicia Payne
Pictures: Natalie Hemengül
Avène has launched sunscreen serums that promise me the world. One of the three is a bit of me. It contains hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, SPF 50+ and comes in the form of ultra-light formula. I can’t wait to try it!
First you apply serum, then your sun protection. That’s what beauty laws say. So why not just add UV protection to your serum (or vice versa) and cut one step out of your morning routine? At least, that’s the idea behind the three new Ultra Serums from Avène.
The bottle with the blue gradient cover contains panthenol for long-lasting moisture. The yellow bottle has a vitamin C derivative for a healthy glow. And pink uses hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to provide a plumping effect. My skin loves niacinamide. It reliably smooths out rough, uneven patches, which is why I incorporate it into my routine in some form (usually in the evening). And without much ado, I popped the pink one into my bag for my trip over Pentecost weekend.
Benefits of the UV serum:
- SPF 50+
- UVB and UVA protection, chemical filters
- Protection against high-energy visible blue light (short-wavelength)
- Non-comedogenic (less likely to clog your pores), silicone- and fragrance-free formula
- Contains hyaluronic acid and niacinamide
- Ultra-light texture
- Plumping effect
- Works well as a make-up primer
- Suitable for all skin types
Want to learn more about the other two candidates? My colleague Stephan Lamprecht has summarised the key points about the entire line for you.
Let’s get testing!
To be honest, this product is pretty expensive. 30 millilitres of product at just under 30 francs. Not unusual for a serum. However, for daily sun protection, that price tag’s a bit on the high side. The 2-in-1 concept helps offset the cost somewhat. So let’s take a look at what you get in return.
Packaging
Nothing screams serum quite like a pipette bottle. So I can understand why Avène wants to use this to make its products stand out from the crowd of sunscreens and sun sprays. Still, it’s not very practical. I have three issues with the packaging, specifically with the pipette:
1. Every time you use the product, an unnecessary amount of air gets into it.
2. Every now and then, I accidentally touch my skin with the pipette. This makes it easier for bacteria to get into the bottle.
3. The bottleneck is relatively narrow. Every time I take out or insert the pipette, some of the solution always gets caught on the bottleneck – leaving me with little choice but to clean it regularly.
A simple pump dispenser would have been the practical choice for everyday use. Still, I like the ombré look and the weighted bottle.
Comfort and end result
It’s true. The serum is light. So light that it absorbs into the skin super quickly. My skin glows and looks plump. If you have oily skin, this might be a bit too much of a good thing. By the way, the product doesn’t contain any fragrances.
Under your make-up
Despite the slightly slippery feel, foundation and other products sit really well on top. What’s handy is that my matte make-up tones down the shine of the moisturising UV serum. Another tip of mine is to let the sunscreen sit for 30 minutes instead of the usual 15 before picking up your make-up brush. That’s how I make sure everything has been absorbed.
Unfortunately, in my case, the perfect make-up look doesn’t last very long. After just two hours, my make-up’s already starting to wear off around my cheekbones. And that’s before I’ve stepped foot outside in the heat. I assume it’s because my silicone-based foundation doesn’t mix well with the serum formula. I recommend pairing this product with a water-based foundation.
Note: Avène has stopped testing on animals, according to its own statements (page in German), but is not considered cruelty-free for various reasons. The brand doesn’t say whether the formula is vegan. Avène sent me the products for testing purposes.
In a nutshell
For a hassle-free everyday life
I like the formula. Its texture is light and blends in quickly and easily. Particularly dry skin is likely to benefit from this moisturising sunscreen serum. The 2-in-1 feature comes in handy when traveling, and for me, it’s the one thing that just about justifies the high price. I’m not a fan of the packaging. Make-up lovers have to experiment to find the perfect serum-foundation combo.
In my opinion, this could be really helpful for people who want to streamline their morning routine without neglecting their skin’s needs or sacrificing UV protection.
Pro
- Ultra-light formula
- Quickly absorbed without leaving any residue
- Combines serum and sunscreen
- Fragrance-free
- Blue light filter
Contra
- Impractical pipette bottle
- Expensive
- Incompatible with my foundation
Natalie Hemengül
Senior Editor
Natalie.Hemenguel@digitecgalaxus.chAs a massive Disney fan, I see the world through rose-tinted glasses. I worship series from the 90s and consider mermaids a religion. When I’m not dancing in glitter rain, I’m either hanging out at pyjama parties or sitting at my make-up table. P.S. I love you, bacon, garlic and onions.
Beauty
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