Avene Dermabsolu Recontouring Serum Review

Avene Dermabsolu Recontouring Serum
6.4
/ 10
Moisturizing
8.2 Humectancy icon Humectancy
4.7 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Ingredients

Avene Dermabsolu Recontouring Serum Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Methyl Gluceth-20, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Dimethicone, Bakuchiol, Glyceryl Linoleate, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Sorbitol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Calcium Chloride, Caprylyl Glycol, Ceteareth-20, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Fragrance, Glyceryl Linolenate, Glyceryl Oleate, Glyceryl Palmitate, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Lactic Acid, Mica, Palmitic Acid, PEG-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut Ether, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Stearate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Stearic Acid, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Glucoside, Tropolone, Vanilla Tahitensis Fruit Extract
Review

Does Avene Dermabsolu Recontouring Serum Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Avene Dermabsolu Recontouring Serum has to offer:
 
✅ Significant moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 6.4 out of 10.

  

Key Benefits of Avene Dermabsolu Recontouring Serum

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Avene Dermabsolu Recontouring Serum:
 

🔵🔵 Perfect Moisturizer for Normal to Dry Skin with a Balanced Texture, Neither Too Light nor Too Heavy

According to CreamScan analysis, Avene Dermabsolu Recontouring Serum is highly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 6.4 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a very high humectancy of 8.2 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Glycerin (est. ≈4.0%) and Methyl Gluceth-20 (est. ≈3.0%), and a moderate occlusivity of 4.7 out of 10, mainly due to the significant content of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (est. ≈6.0%).

This type of moisturizer is ideal for people with normal skin who want maximum hydration in a formula with a balanced texture - neither too light nor too heavy. It combines a very high concentration of humectants with a moderate amount of occlusive ingredients to deliver effective dual-action moisturizing for normal skin.

This product may also be a good choice for people with normal to dry skin for daily hydration.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

📌 Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Avene Dermabsolu Recontouring Serum

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding Avene Dermabsolu Recontouring Serum to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ If It’s an Exfoliator, It May Increase Skin Photosensitivity Due to Lactic Acid

This product contains lactic acid, a popular AHA known for its ability to gently exfoliate and brighten the skin. It works by removing dead skin cells, revealing new, more delicate skin that is more vulnerable to sun damage.

In smaller quantities, lactic acid is often used as a pH adjuster and may not significantly contribute to exfoliation. However, at higher concentrations, it functions as an effective exfoliant with benefits and risks similar to other AHAs. Products with AHAs, including lactic acid, may increase skin sensitivity, making it more prone to sunburn or irritation when exposed to UV rays.

If this product is designed for exfoliation, applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily is essential to protect your skin. Always check the label or the manufacturer’s website for specific usage instructions.

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Avene Dermabsolu Recontouring Serum is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Bakuchiol, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Bakuchiol provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that Bakuchiol may reduce wrinkles, its efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were available to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

Therefore, this ingredient does not generate the anti-wrinkle rating.

📌 Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Pros & Cons of Avene Dermabsolu Recontouring Serum

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Avene Dermabsolu Recontouring Serum to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

✅ Perfect for moisturizing normal skin
Balanced texture, neither too light nor too heavy
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: Avene Dermabsolu Recontouring Serum

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Avene Dermabsolu Recontouring Serum
 is an ideal moisturizer for normal skin, combining a very high concentration of humectants with a significant amount of occlusive ingredients in a balanced texture - neither too light nor too heavy.
 
That said, there are some things about Avene Dermabsolu Recontouring Serum worth noting.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering Avene Dermabsolu Recontouring Serum is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, its anti-wrinkle efficacy is questionable. None of the ingredients in this product provide substantial evidence of their anti-wrinkle efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
📌 Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

 

Ingredient Breakdown

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
70
6
4
3
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Methyl Gluceth-20
Function:
Origin:
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Bakuchiol
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Linoleate
Function:
Origin:
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitol
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Calcium Chloride
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Ceteareth-20
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Linolenate
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Oleate
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Lactic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Mica
Function:
Origin:
Palmitic Acid
Function:
Origin:
PEG-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut Ether
Function:
Origin:
Propylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Isostearate
Function:
Origin:
Stearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Glucoside
Function:
Origin:
Tropolone
Function:
Origin:
Vanilla Tahitensis Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
8.2
4
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
9.3
6.0
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
6.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 8.2 10
8.2
4
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 9.3 20
4.7
6.0
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
6.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
4
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 8.2 10
8.2
All humectants
8.2
4
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
6
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 9.3 20
4.7
All occlusives
9.3
6.0
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 1.3 -
Total
0
Bakuchiol
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
1.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 2.2 3 No
All antioxidants
2.2
Bakuchiol
1.3
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Tropolone
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
None
All soothing 0 5 No
All soothing
0
None
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %70
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideA natural occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient, it is a blend of glycerin and two fatty acids, caprylic and capric acid. It creates an oil-based protective layer on the skin, thereby preventing water loss.
Glycerin
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Methyl Gluceth-20
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Methyl Gluceth-20A humectant synthetically derived from glucose. It takes on the form of a clear, syrupy liquid.
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Coco-Caprylate/CaprateA naturally-derived emollient ester. It is a blend of caprylates and caprates and, relative to other emollients, is lightweight and dry on the skin. As a result, coco-caprylate/caprate serves as a natural alternative to volatile silicones.
Dimethicone
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
DimethiconeThe most common silicone in skincare. It forms a silky, smooth film on the skin’s surface and can help to prevent water loss. It also aids in wound healing and can treat and soften scars. Dimethicone is considered to be very safe for use.
Bakuchiol
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
BakuchiolA newly discovered bioactive obtained from the seeds of Babchi. It boosts collagen production like retinol, but with fewer side effects. Its effects include reduced wrinkles and faded pigmentation.
Glyceryl Linoleate
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Glyceryl LinoleateAn ester that has superior emollient benefits in softening skin. It is a similar chemical to Vitamin F but with glycerin that can help alleviate dry-skin feeling.
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed OilA liquid plant wax, also known as Jojoba oil, pressed from the seeds of Simmondsia chinensis. These seeds can contain up to 50% of liquid wax. It is used as an occlusive moisturizer, emollient, and emulsifier.
Sorbitol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SorbitolA sweet-tasting alcohol derived from glucose. Aside from its sweet taste (for which it is used as a very common sweetener), Sorbitol is also very good at retaining water and is used in skincare as a humectant.
1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
1,2-HexanediolA multi-functional formula helper. It is a well-studied preservtive against bacteria and can help pigments and fragrances disperse evenly in a formula.
Calcium Chloride
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Calcium ChlorideA salt that can stabilize emulsions through thickening. It also serves as an astringent.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Ceteareth-20
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceteareth-20A fatty alcohol emulsifier that helps to mix oil and water together, best for oil-in-water emulsions. It is also a cleansing agent. When combined with cetearyl alcohol, ceteareth-20 forms a mix that, according to acne.org, can be comedogenic.
Cetearyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetearyl AlcoholA blend of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, the fatty alcohols that are derived from palm oil. It helps to create emulsions that give off a soft and silky emollient feel and also increase product thickness.
Cetyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetyl AlcoholA waxy solid fatty alcohol derived from palm oil. It is most commonly used as a co-emulsifier and affects the final aesthetic of the product, leaving a soft and silky feeling on the skin. Cetyl alcohol is also used as a viscosity controlling agent.
Fragrance
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
FragranceUnder trade secret law, manufacturers have the right not to disclose what exactly went into the fragrance and use the unspecific word Fragrance or Parfum instead. Many fragrances are highly allergenic.
Glyceryl Linolenate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl Linolenate
Glyceryl Oleate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl OleateA nonionic surfactant that can be used as an emulsifier, emulsion stabilizer, and thickener in both skin cleansers and leave-on skincare products.
Glyceryl Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl Palmitate
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl StearateAn emollient and emulsifier typically derived from vegetable sources through a chemical reaction with glycerin. It provides stability, texture, and consistency to formulations. Its main function is to allow oil and water to mix.
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycine Soja (Soybean) OilAn occlusive moisturizing oil expressed from soybeans. It does not leave an oily feeling on the skin due to its low content of saturated fatty acids. Glycine soja oil contains emollient fatty acids and a significant amount of antioxidants.
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed OilA fatty oil expressed from sunflower seeds and one of the most commonly used oils in skincare. It has great emollient and occlusive moisturizing properties. Sunflower oil is one of the richest sources of vitamin E – an important skin antioxidant.
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated PolyisobuteneA viscous liquid that makes a great oil base due to its smooth sensorial profile. It has emollient features, including good spreadability and little tack upon application. It also has the added benefit of being able to thicken products.
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate CopolymerAn emulsion stabilizer and thickener that helps to create a pleasant, satiny, and light formula texture. It works by forming a gel-like network within water or oil, which both stabilizes other ingredients and produces a thickening effect.
Lactic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lactic AcidThe most popular AHA in skincare and less irritating than glycolic acid. It can be naturally found in sour milk. It is a humectant moisturizing, pH stabilizing, and gently exfoliating ingredient, able to soften dry, cracked, and peeling skin.
Mica
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MicaA mineral powder made up of silicates with several functions (the main one being as a colorant). It has a shimmery appearance, making it highly desirable in certain cosmetic products. Mica also helps the product to apply more smoothly.
Palmitic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Palmitic AcidA saturated fatty acid used in skincare as a strongly occlusive moisturizer and barrier repairing, emollient ingredient. It is a waxy-looking, white solid. Palmitic acid can be commonly found in animal and vegetable fats, notably palm oil.
PEG-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut Ether
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut Ether
Propylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Propylene GlycolA clear, thick, odorless liquid of synthetic origin. Its main function is to stabilize cosmetic products exposed to varying temperatures. It is also a moderately strong humectant with similar properties to glycerin.
Sodium Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium StearateA naturally derived thickener with emulsifying and cleansing properties.
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Stearoyl GlutamateA useful ingredient for both cleansing and emulsifying purposes. It is a powerful agent for washing away dirt and oils from the skin.
Sorbitan Isostearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbitan IsostearateA mild yet powerful emulsifier primarily utilized to produce water-in-oil emulsions. It helps to create a particularly rich and substantial emulsion.
Stearic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Stearic AcidA saturated fatty acid found in vegetable butter and animal fats. It is an occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient and also helps to maintain the barrier function of the skin.
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)One of two the most commonly used mineral sunscreens. It can absorb UV light, including UVB – which causes burning, tanning, and even skin cancer. Also used as a colorant, titanium dioxide gives a product a bright white color.
Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.

Tocopheryl Glucoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Glucoside
Tropolone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TropoloneA naturally occurring ingredient with unusual molecular structure that fights free radicals.
Vanilla Tahitensis Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Vanilla Tahitensis Fruit Extract