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There were many trends last that will accompany us into the next decade, “clean beauty” and “sustainability” being two of them. So it is no surprise that more and more brands try to position themselves as supporters of one or even both – my latest example? The launch of the “clean, green, vegan friendly” Avon Distillery line, all packaged in sustainable packaging as the brand claims.
If you have been around here for any amount of time, you will probably know that I am not a fan of “clean beauty” as it is often used to sell by fearmongering and outright lies about the safety of cosmetic products (and because it is not regulated – it could mean anything!).
I am however a firm believer in promoting a more sustainable lifestyle. Changing the packaging of a product line might be a step in the right direction here, but we should not forget that not buying more stuff we don’t really need is the most sustainable option. And no, the irony of promoting buying less while reviewing new skincare products is not lost on me…
Avon Distillery is FSC-certified, which means their products come from environmentally and socially responsible sources as certified by a non profit NGO, it is suitable for vegans, alcohol free and uses recycled glass as well as as little plastic as necessary. They aim to be completely recyclable by 2025.
This extra information aside, how do the products actually perform? Well, I put them all to the test for you!
Avon Distillery Clean Break Cleanser (50 ml for 20 €)
Claims: This cleanser removes impurities and makeup and nourishes the skin.
When you scoop it out of the pot it has a firm texture that melts on to the skin. I can´t help but notice a few slightly firmer (not gritty, but noticeable) bits that remain though. The scent is very light and fresh, a little like cucumbers.
It takes off my makeup with ease and rinses well, although I prefer using a wash cloth with it.
Ingredients
- Apricot Kernel Oil (Prunus armeniaca): Emollient, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant
- Cocoa Seed Butter: Emollient, rich in fatty acids
- Polyglyceryl-3 Stearate: Emulsifier
- Polysorbate 80: Emulsifying
- Beheneth-5: Emulsifier
- Caprylic/ Capric Triglyceride: Occlusive, antioxidant
- Silica: Mineral
- Ozokerite: Mineral wax, thickener
- DI-C20-40 Alkyl Dimer Dilinoleate: Emollient
- C18-38 Alkyl Hydroxysteaoryl Stearate: Emulsifier
- Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate: Emollient
- Isopropyl Myristate: Emollient
- Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter: Emollient, fatty acids
- Cucumis sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract: Rich in Vitamin C, other antioxidants and trace minerals
A richer cleansing balm based on Apricot Kernel Oil and Cocoa Butter with no other “special treats”. A good workhorse, that should work for all skin types.
I like it, but prefer the texture of my Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm (Full review here).
Skin types best suited for: All skin types
Avon Distillery Shade the Day SPF 25 Day Cream (30 ml for 25 €)
Claims: Protects, hydrate, mattifyes and works as primer.
I admit I was suprised when I first applied it, as it is richer than the corresponding night cream and needs some time to absorb into the skin, something I don´t really have time for in the mornings.
At the same time it contains Zinc and Titanium Oxide (nano) as mineral SPF, so it is not suitable for night time use, where I would have preferred the texture.
What I noticed even on my pale skin was the white cast that appeared and that seems to be that common that there is a special disclaimer on the website:
„The white cast that appears on the skin after application is perfectly fine and disappears when massaged into the skin.“
It is something very common when you use a mineral based SPF, though using nano could have prevented it. My main problem with the SPF 25 is that you need to apply quite a lot to get that level of protection, and that given the thicker texture I don´t think anyone will, so you could feel protected even if you really arent, which is dangerous.
Ingredients:
- Zinc Oxide (nano): mineral SPF, UVA protection
- Dimethicone: Emollient, anti-inflammatory
- Glycerin: Humectant
- Phenyl Trimethicone: Silicone, emollient
- Titanium Dioxide (nano): mineral SPF, UVB protection
- Isodecyl Isononanoate: Emollient
- Trisiloxane: Mineral SPF
- Propylene Glycol: Humectant, penetration enhancer
- Isocetyl Steaoryl Stearate: Lubricant, forms lightweight and non greasy film
- PEG-10 Dimethicone: Emollient
- Phenoxyethanol: Preservative
- Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone: Emollient, emulsifier
- Polymethyl Methacrylate: plastic microspheres, used as fillers for fine lines
- Sodium Chloride: Table Salt, thickening
- Hydrated Silica: Mineral
- Hydrogen Dimethicone: Emollient
- Triethoxycaprylylsilane: Silicone, emollient
- Polyhydroxystearic Acid: Emulsifier, stabilizes SPF
- Disodium EDTA: Binding Agent
- Aluminium Hydroxide: Thickener
- Caprylic/ Capric Triglyceride: Occlusive, antioxidant
- Sodium Hydroxide: pH adjuster
- Tocopheryl Acetate: More stable form of Vitamin E, antioxidant
- Rose extract: Fragrance
Glycerin and Butylene Glycol as main humectants, paired with different silicones as emollients and one occlusive. A nice mixture of SPF (again: if you apply enough!) and as „special“ Polymethyl Methacrylate, which are tiny plastic spheres that „fill“ fine lines and make the skin appear smoother.
I admit I did not find the cream very mattifying, but makeup applied beautiful on top (probably due to the silicones).
For my combination skin it is definitely too rich in texture and takes too long to absorb into the skin, but it might work for drier skin types. I just wish they had skipped the SPF altogether, that would have made the cream much more versatile.
Not going to repurchase, if you are looking for a richer cream, I would recommend the pixi Rose Ceramide Cream that has a much nicer texture. (Full review here)
Skin types best suited for: Dry skin
Avon Distillery Sleep Potion Night Cream (30 ml for 25 €)
Claims: 28 hours hydration booster for glowing skin.
It is no secret that I love gel textures, and this one is no exception. I was surprised to see gel in a night cream though, but it makes sense as this is a thicker gel texture. The Sleep Potion isn´t instantly absorbed, but really packs a punch in hydration.
And it contains Niacinamide, always a bonus in my books.
I have worn it both mornings and night, and both works equally well, there is no pilling under SPF or makeup.
Ingredients:
- Gylcerin: Humectant
- Butylene Gylcol: Humectant, penetration enhancer
- Niacinamide: Vitamin B3, fights free radicals, combats hyper pigmentation, stimulates collagen production and protects skins barrier
- Hydroxyethyl Urea: Humectant
- Phenoxyethanol: Preservative
- Carbomer: Thickener
- Disodium EDTA: Binding Agent
- Sodium Hydroxide: pH adjuster
- Urea: Humectant
- Sodium Hyaluronate: Hydrating, smaller form of hyaluronic acid with deeper penetration
- Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer: Stabilizer, waterproof
- Agave Americana Leaf Extract: Anti-inflammatory
Several humectants, Urea among them, and Niacinamide – again a product that is to the point rather than making too many claims.
Due to the lack of emollients and occlusives it is probably better used as serum step if your skin is normal to dry, and followed up with something richer. Oily yet dehydrated skins though will love it.
I might repurchase in the future, although my favorite is still the Murad Nutrient Charged Water Gel (Full review here).
Skin types best suited for: Oily and dehydrated skin
Avon Distillery Purify Face Oil (30 ml for 32 €)
Claims: This silky oil nourishes and regenerates your skin.
After years of swearing by them I have kind of fallen out of love with using facial oils, which might influence my verdict here a little.
Not that the Purify Face Oil is bad, it is a nice oil blend, maybe a little thicker than I prefer. But at the same time it is just not something I would miss if I didn´t have it.
Ingredients
- Jojoba Seed Oil: Emollient, moisturizing, lightweight, controls sebum production
- Phytol: a mixture of different oils and phyto extracts that nourish the skin and act as antioxidants
- Phenoxyethanol: Preservative
- Tocopheryl Acetate: More stable form of Vitamin E, antioxidant
- Caprylyl Glycol: Humectant
- Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil: Rich in Vitamin E and linoleic acid, anti-inflammatory
- Guaiazulene: Blue compound, colorant
- Corn Oil: Emollient
- CI 75130: Colorant
- Rubus Chamaemorus Fruit Extract: Antioxodants and trace minerals
I admit I had expected a more lightweight formula due to Jojoba Seed Oil being the first ingredient, but I think the added Phytol (which is basically a blend of different oils that is aimed at mature skin) makes it richer.
Other than these oils there is a bit of Vitamin E and a bunch of colorants to make it this beautiful green color.
As I mentioned before I don´t really use many face oils anymore, and this one will not convince me to do otherwise.
Skin types best suited for: Dry, mature skin
Avon Distillery C Shot Powder (5 g for 32 €)
Claims: Concentrated Vitamin C and Vitamin E for a beautiful glow.
I don´t think I have been that excited about a skin care product in a long time! I love using Vitamin C in my routine (read more about its benefits here), and the thought of being able to add it to whichever cream I am currently using is tempting.
There are of course downsides to this method, as you will never be able to know the exact concentration you are applying, or that the pH may not be perfect for the Ascorbic Acid to work, reducing ist efficacy.
On the other hand you won´t have to worry about the Vitamin C loosing its potency when formulated like that, so you need to see for yourself if it is something that might work for you.
Using it is easy, you just tap two „shakes“ into a dollop of your cream and apply the mixture to your face.
Ingredients:
- Silica: Mineral
- Ascorbis Acid: Vitamin C, brightens, increases collagen production, works as antioxidant
- Calcium Sodium Borosilicate: Mineral
- Calcium Silicate: Mineral
- Mica: Mineral
- Polymethyl Methacrylate: plastic microspheres, used as fillers for fine lines
- Phenoxyethanol: Preservative
- Hydrated Silica: Mineral
- Tocopheryl Acetate: Vitamin E
As it was to be expected, this is Vitamin C alongside a few minerals that make up the bulk of the powder. While it does contain Vitamin E, it is listed as last ingredient after Phenoxyethanol, so I don´t think it contains much of it.
I admit that the „play factor“ (#skintertainment) surely has something to do with it, but I really enjoy the C-Shot. So far I have done up to four shakes into my cream without any irritation (yes, I am well aware that this might mean it doesn´t reach relevant concentrations, but shh!) and while I would not rely on this if I really wanted to focus on Vitamin C in my routine, I like it as kind of a boost that I can add at will.
Repurchase? Yes!
Skin types best suited for: All skin types
Avon Distillery Overview – Which products do you need?
You may have already noticed from my description, I am not entirely won over by the line.
Leaving the „clean beauty“ claims aside I don´t think all of the products are worth spending your money on, especially as they are not exactly the cheapest, even with the constant discounts going on.
The Shade the Day Cream for example is one that I would not recommend. Even if your skin is dry and you might benefit from the richness, the texture is not very pleasant, the white cast requires work when applying to not stay obvious and the added SPF is more of an annoyance than a benefit if you ask me.
The Clean Break Cleansing Balm and the Purify Face Oil on the other hand are nice and worth trying, even if they did not turn out to become my favorite. Especially dry and mature skins might enjoy the Facial Oil a lot.
My hero products are the Night Potion Night Cream, which is incredibly hydrating and contains Niacinamide, and the C-Shot Powder, the latter one for the fun factor and ease of use.
Where can I find Avon products?
Whenever I review anything by Avon cosmetics, I get asked if they can be purchased in store, and the answer is sadly no.
Avon is sold exclusively online and through local Avon representatives. (Just to make it clear: I am NOT an Avon representative and I do not make any money from your clicks here, I am not even an affiliate.)
For me purchasing online is the preferred way (here is a link), and the website usually has some kind of discount going on that will help you save money.
Anything that has caught your eye?