0.1% retinal in a fragrance-free serum, for wrinkles and skin that has lost its hold
Avène Hyaluron Activ Procedure Lifting serum 0.1% retinal 30ml (1.01fl oz) brings together three actives in a 30ml bottle: 0.1% retinal, fragmented hyaluronic acid and trehalose. The texture is light, non-sticky and sinks in fast, with no fragrance added - a combination that is hard to find in retinal serums on the US market, where most come perfumed. Avène clears it for mature skin, including sensitive mature skin, and it has been tested under dermatological control. It is a night serum you build up to, not one you start daily.
Retinal and fragmented hyaluronic acid
The hyaluronic acid here is fragmented, which Avène says is optimised to reach 3.5 times deeper into the epidermis than standard hyaluronic acid. Paired with 0.1% retinaldehyde, the brand positions the formula as supporting the skin's own repair of cell damage and extending cell longevity. On their instrumental test over 20 volunteers after 28 days of use, they report wrinkles down 10%, radiance up 41% and firmness up 24%. The formula is 99% of natural origin and vegan, formulated without animal-derived ingredients according to the Avène cosmetic charter.
A light texture you can wear under anything
The fluid sinks in on contact and leaves no greasy film, so it layers under a night cream without pilling. Avène clears it for day and night use, which makes it easy to slot into an existing routine once your skin has got used to it. Over thirty years of work on sensitive skin is what sits behind the tolerance of the formula, and it is why this retinal comes without fragrance and without a tacky finish. The brand also suggests it after an aesthetic procedure, once the skin has fully recovered.
Who it suits
- Mature skin showing fine lines and a loss of firmness along the cheeks and jaw
- Sensitive skin that has reacted badly to retinol serums in the past
- Evening routines - build from 1 to 2 nights a week up to daily as tolerance allows
- Anyone who wants a retinal with no fragrance in it at all
Worth knowing before you buy: this is a slow start. Avène has you use it only 1 to 2 times a week for the first fortnight before working up to nightly, so the 30ml bottle will sit on your shelf a long time before you see the 28-day results. It also has to stay off the eye contour, and the formula contains a synthetic colourant, RED 40 (CI 16035), which some buyers would rather avoid.
Complete the routine

Sun High Protection Anti-Age SPF50+
The daytime half of any retinal routine - sun protection while you use it.
Shop →
Xeracalm A.D Lipid-replenishing Cleansing Oil
A non-stripping cleanse for the nights retinal leaves skin feeling tight.
Shop →Characteristics
- Enriched with 0.1% retinal, fragmented hyaluronic acid and trehalose
- Works on wrinkles and the loss of firmness that comes with age
- Reduces wrinkles [-10%], boosts radiance [+41%] and firmness [+24%]
- Light, non-sticky texture with fast absorption, fragrance-free
- Suits mature skin, even sensitive skin, tested under dermatological control
Instrumental test on 20 volunteers after 28 days of application. Formulated without animal-derived ingredients, according to the Avène cosmetic charter.
How to use
Start with 1 to 2 applications a week for the first two weeks. Build up gradually to daily evening use, according to how your skin tolerates it. Apply to a cleansed face, before your usual moisturiser. Ideal after an aesthetic procedure, once the skin has recovered. For best results, avoid the eye contour.
Ingredients
AVENE THERMAL SPRING WATER (AVENE AQUA) · GLYCERIN · OCTYLDODECANOL · TREHALOSE · 1,2-HEXANEDIOL · CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE · GLYCERYL STEARATE CITRATE · BENZOIC ACID · GLYCERYL CAPRYLATE · HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL (HELIANTHUS ANNUUS SEED OIL) · RED 40 (CI 16035) · RETINAL · SODIUM HYALURONATE · SODIUM HYDROXIDE · TOCOPHEROL · XANTHAN GUM
Formulations are updated by the manufacturer from time to time. Always check the packaging you receive.
Manufacturer information
Brand: Avène
EAN: 3282771001517
