
Products you buy through our links may earn us a commission. Oh, and if something's out of stock, oops, it was there (and all prices were accurate) at time of publication.
Welcome to Skimm Tested, a series where we put viral products to the test and give you our honest, unfiltered reviews.
Avène Cicalfate+ Intensive Skin Restorative Serum ($28)
Violette_FR Boum-Boum Milk ($43)
Anfisa Skin ÂN-DEW 10% Azelaic Acid + PHA Serum ($196)

I tested each product for a minimum of two weeks, alternating using it in the morning and at night. I noted how my skin felt immediately after, throughout the day, and when I woke up the next morning. I also noted any visible changes in redness and breakouts. Finally, I took note of which products actually made a difference in how my skin looked and felt, and which I would want to incorporate into my routine after testing was over. This is my second time testing redness-reducing products; if you want my review of last year’s lineup, click here.
Avène Cicalfate+ Intensive Skin Restorative Serum. The first time I went to the dermatologist for rosacea, they suggested I use Avène products, so I’m loyal to their Hydrance Light Hydrating Emulsion for day and Soothing Skin Recovery Cream at night. This serum has similar ingredients to their cult-favorite Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream. It has the skin-sensitivity reducing TRP-Regulin™, B5 to strengthen the barrier, and thermal spring water (found in all Avène products) that soothes. My skin drinks up this milky serum without any irritation at all. Avène can do no wrong. ($28)
Violette_FR Boum-Boum Milk. I saw Charlotte Palermino, the genius behind one of our favorite skincare brands Dieux, talk about this product, so I had high hopes. For those who’d like to pare down their routine or sensitive skin types that can’t tolerate a ton of products, it’s a skincare unicorn; it’s a spray-on toner, serum, and moisturizer, all in one. The texture truly is like nothing I’ve ever used before. It comes out as a fine mist but looks like a milky toner when it lands on the skin. When you start to pat it in, it feels like a moisturizer (though if you have dry skin, you’ll definitely want to add another layer on top). I love the idea of this product, but it did cause some light stinging for my skin, so patch test before you spritz it all over. ($43)
Anfisa Skin ÂN-DEW 10% Azelaic Acid + PHA Serum. I understand wanting to roll your eyes at the price of this serum. I would, too, had it not almost completely changed my skin after two weeks. I’ve used azelaic acid in the past in the form of a 15% prescription, and it cleared my breakouts for a while, then left my barrier damaged. This has 10%, plus ingredients like glycerin to hydrate and PHA gluconolactone to improve texture. When it comes out of its sleek packaging, it feels thicker than a normal serum, but it quickly melts into your skin. I was surprised to find no immediate tingling like I’ve experienced with azelaic acid before, and no tightness or irritation the next morning. I worked up to using it every night, and the breakouts associated with type 2 rosacea were significantly reduced. When I did get one, it would go away seemingly overnight. Rosacea can make your skin have a rough texture, but while I was using this, my cheeks looked plump and smooth. ($196)

Extra points to Violette_FR for their packaging. The Boum-Boum Milk comes in a sturdy plastic spray bottle with an elegant illustration. The smallest size is perfect for traveling.
Speaking of packaging, you can’t beat the chicness of the ÂN-DEW bottle. PSA: this serum can cause a purging period. I didn’t experience it, but it’s something to look out for.
Sign up for the Daily Skimm email newsletter. Delivered to your inbox every morning and prepares you for your day in minutes.
© 2012-2025 Everyday Health, Inc., a Ziff Davis company. All rights reserved. theSkimm is among the federally registered trademarks of Everyday Health, Inc., and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.