So here’s the thing—I kept seeing Avène Thermal Spring Water in Avène products, and I had questions. Why does this brand have its own special water? Is it actually doing something, or is this just another case of fancy French marketing? Am I about to get scammed by glorified water?
Being the inquisitive (read: deeply skeptical) person that I am, I decided to dig into the science. Turns out, Avène’s water is different from the stuff coming out of your sink, and it might actually be worth the hype. Let’s break it down.
What Is Avène Thermal Spring Water?
Avène Thermal Spring Water is not just H₂O with a PR team. It’s a unique type of mineral-rich water sourced from the Saint-Odile Spring in Avène, France. It takes about 50 years to filter through ancient rock formations before surfacing, which means it picks up a very specific blend of minerals along the way—low in sodium, rich in silicates, and balanced in calcium and magnesium bicarbonate.
This mineral profile is what gives it actual cosmetic value. Unlike regular water, which can dry out your skin as it evaporates (betrayal), Avène’s thermal water has anti-inflammatory, soothing, and skin-barrier-supporting properties. It’s been studied and used in clinical settings for everything from eczema to post-laser recovery, so it’s not just some bougie water for vibes.
The Science: What It Actually Does
The magic of Avène Thermal Spring Water comes down to its mineral composition:
• Silica (14 mg/L) – Strengthens the skin barrier and helps retain moisture.
• Low sodium + balanced calcium/magnesium ratio – Unlike hard water (which can disrupt your skin barrier and leave it drier than your inbox after sending a risky text), this mineral balance helps calm irritation.
• Trace elements (zinc, copper, etc.) – These have mild antimicrobial and healing properties, which is why dermatologists recommend this water for inflamed or reactive skin.
Studies on Avène Thermal Spring Water have shown measurable reductions in skin inflammation and irritation, making it one of the few types of water that actually does more than just sit there and evaporate.
The Pros: Why Skincare Formulators Love It
✅ Clinically proven to soothe irritation – Unlike regular water, it doesn’t strip or irritate sensitive skin. It’s even used in hospitals and dermatology clinics to treat conditions like eczema, burns, and post-procedure skin.
✅ Stabilizes the skin barrier – Thanks to its unique mineral balance, it helps reinforce the skin barrier rather than disrupting it (looking at you, hard tap water).
✅ Anti-inflammatory properties – It’s been shown to calm redness and irritation, which is why it often appears in products for sensitive skin.
✅ Pairs well with active ingredients – Because it’s so gentle, it can be combined with potent actives (like retinoids or acids) without interfering with their function.
The Cons: Why It’s Not a Miracle Ingredient
❌ It’s still… water – While it’s great for calming and soothing, it’s not going to hydrate, repair damage, or deliver actives. If your skin is dry or dehydrated, you’ll need actual humectants and occlusives to seal in moisture.
❌ Depends on formulation – While Avène Thermal Spring Water is a great base ingredient, it works best when paired with other soothing agents (like glycerin, ceramides, or niacinamide). If a product is only water, you’re paying for vibes.
❌ Evaporates without a barrier – Like all water-based ingredients, it can evaporate quickly unless layered with a moisturizer. If you just mist and walk away, your skin will lose more water than it gains.
The Verdict: Should You Care?
If your skin is sensitive, irritated, or reactive, Avène Thermal Spring Water is one of the best water-based ingredients out there. It’s scientifically backed, genuinely soothing, and a great base for gentle skincare formulations.
But if you’re expecting it to moisturize or fix your skin barrier on its own? It won’t. It’s a solid supporting player—but you’ll need actual hydrators and emollients to get the full benefits.
So yes, Avène Thermal Spring Water is fancier than regular water. And yes, it’s earned the hype. Just don’t expect it to do the whole job of your skincare routine.
Further Reading:
Merial-Kieny C, Castex-Rizzi N, Selas B, Mery S, Guerrero D. Avène Thermal Spring Water: an active component with specific properties. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2011 Feb;25 Suppl 1:2-5. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-3083.2010.03892.x. PMID: 21175867.
Mias C, Maret A, Gontier E, Carrasco C, Satge C, Bessou-Touya S, Coubetergues H, Bennett-Kennett R, Dauskardt RH, Duplan H. Protective properties of Avène Thermal Spring Water on biomechanical, ultrastructural and clinical parameters of human skin. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2020 Aug;34 Suppl 5:15-20. doi: 10.1111/jdv.16450. PMID: 32870553.
Rodolfo, Kristina. “This Famous Facial Spray Heals Everything from Acne to Eczema–What Makes It So Special?” Elle. September 18, 2019.
Products Containing Avène Thermal Spring Water
*Top photo by Ingrid Salmanca on Unsplash
