Avène might be a familiar name for some skincare enthusiasts, but this French pharmacy favorite can still slip under the radar for others. Their latest release, the Hyaluron Activ B3 Multi-Intensive Night Cream, certainly caught my attention , not because it’s a mouthful to say, but because it promises to address visible lines, dullness, dark spots, and dryness with a quartet of active ingredients: retinal, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and haritaki.
After spending a full week putting it to the test, I’m here to share honest thoughts on whether it lives up to the hype (and if it’s worth the budget). This is not a paid or sponsored review, and all opinions shared below reflect my genuine experience. As with any skincare product, results may vary from person to person.
What Is Hyaluron Activ B3 Multi-Intensive Night Cream?
Designed for evening use, this night cream is formulated to address specific skin concerns that tend to surface over time, such as visible lines, dullness, dark spots, and dryness. It features retinal, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and haritaki , four active ingredients that work in unison to help improve the look and feel of the skin.
Night creams serve a particular purpose in a skincare routine. They’re generally richer in texture and aim to replenish moisture and nutrients while the skin repairs itself during sleep. In this formula’s case, the aim is to reap the benefits of gentle exfoliation and brightness (courtesy of niacinamide and retinal), alongside deep hydration (thanks to hyaluronic acid) and the long-lasting support that haritaki provides.
Did It Work?
I decided to pull a very scientific move and give up my usual night cream for a few days, all in the name of accurate testing. Over the course of a week, I applied this cream each night to clean skin, skipping any other targeted products in my PM routine. Initially, I noticed how smoothly it glided on and how comfy it felt , not too heavy or greasy.
By midweek, the dry patches around my cheeks were noticeably soothed, and I experienced a slight brightening effect in the morning. I can’t say it radically changed the look of my fine lines, but my skin felt well-moisturized and balanced. The overall tone was a bit more even, too, which I appreciated.
By the end of day seven, I’d describe the results as a soft improvement to my skin’s texture rather than a dramatic makeover. It didn’t absolutely knock my socks off, but it delivered on many of its promises: I felt the targeted dullness was addressed, and my skin looked healthier than it did when I first started. Still, I’m not entirely convinced to swap out my go-to night cream for this one. It’s a solid option, but I’m not ready to make the jump. Suppose that’s the scientist in me speaking again.
Hyaluron Activ B3 Multi-Intensive Night Cream’s Main Ingredients Explained
This night cream banks on four standout actives: retinal, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and haritaki. Retinal is a gentler cousin of retinol, helping to enhance surface cell turnover and soften the look of fine lines. Niacinamide brightens and balances out the skin’s tone, notably chipping away at minor discolorations. Meanwhile, hyaluronic acid delivers that plump, dewy hydration, and haritaki supports the skin by conserving its naturally occurring hyaluronic acid for a longer-lasting moisture boost.
Beyond these core ingredients, there are a few additional elements worth mentioning. Shea butter (Butyrospermum Parkii Butter) is a known hydrating hero, although some find it can be slightly comedogenic (meaning it might clog pores for certain skin types). If you’re prone to breakouts, patch-testing could help determine whether it’s a fit for you. Squalane brings extra emollience, making the formula more luxurious without leaving the skin feeling greasy. The brand doesn’t explicitly market this as vegan, but from the ingredient list, it appears to be vegetarian-friendly (there are no obvious animal byproducts). However, checking with the manufacturer is a good idea if you prefer confirmed vegan products.
If you’re looking for formulas free from heavy fragrances, keep in mind that this one does have a scent, though it’s fairly subtle. Finally, the coloring agent Red 33 (CI 17200) is included, so it’s something to note if you’re sensitive to added dyes. Overall, the ingredient lineup is fairly streamlined, aiming for both skin-refining and moisturizing benefits, which is exactly what you want in a nighttime routine.
What I Liked/Didn’t Like
This is where it all comes together. After a week of use, here’s an at-a-glance breakdown of the main pros and cons I discovered:
What Works Well:
- Comfortable texture that doesn’t leave skin feeling greasy
- Noticeable hydrating effect, particularly on dry patches
- Subtle brightening results by midweek
- Balanced finish that won’t overwhelm most skin types
What to Consider:
- Contains fragrance, which may not suit very sensitive skin
- Only a modest improvement on fine lines after short-term use
- Shea butter content could be comedogenic for some
- Price is on the higher side compared to standard pharmacy options
My Final Thoughts
Sometimes, we’re all guilty of hoping a single jar of night cream can magically undo a decade of sun-loving indiscretions. While Avène promises impressive results with the Hyaluron Activ B3 Multi-Intensive Night Cream, I’d say it leans more toward “solid effort” than “miracle in a jar.” After a week of diligent use , and speaking as someone who’s been around the skincare block with plenty of similar products , I feel I’ve given it a fair shot. I don’t doubt the brand’s claims that consistent application may soften lines and brighten complexion, but it didn’t quite blow me away.
In terms of who might enjoy this product, it’s a good match for anyone needing a reliable hydrator that subtly refines texture and doesn’t overburden the skin. If you’re more concerned with deeper signs of aging or heavily pigmented spots, you might find it a bit modest in its immediate impact. Personally, I was appreciative of the brightening and moisturizing benefits, but they weren’t enough to make me ditch my longtime favorite. For that reason, I’m giving this a respectable 7/10. I’d recommend it to a friend who’s looking for an all-around decent night cream but not necessarily in search of a transformative overnight miracle.
If you’re wondering what else is out there, I’ve also tried and loved Nocturnal Revive Cream by Deascal, which checks many niches at a wallet-friendly price and seems to agree with just about every skin type I’ve come across. For something a bit richer, Pro-Collagen Night Cream by ELEMIS has earned a loyal spot in my rotation, thanks to its smooth texture and gentle yet efficacious formula. Meanwhile, the Bouncy & Firm Sleeping Mask by LANEIGE offers a dreamy, cushiony feel and an extra shot of moisture for those craving a more indulgent overnight ritual. And if your main focus is on replenishing hydration without feeling heavy, Hyaluron-Filler Night Cream by Eucerin is another trusted performer that I’ve repeatedly returned to.
As with any new skincare adventure, it’s always wise to do a patch test before fully committing to a product, especially if you have sensitive or reactive skin. Remember that changes in skin tone, texture, and fine lines aren’t permanent and generally require consistent upkeep to maintain. Night creams play a significant role in helping sustain your results, but don’t expect a fairy godmother transformation in a single use. Slow and steady often wins the race in skincare, so keep that in mind when deciding whether Avène’s latest offering is going to be your new bedtime companion.