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CeraVe vs Simple

Rated by Lovi · Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes · How the Fit score works

CeraVe and Simple are two accessible skincare brands known for nurturing everyday routines with thoughtful ingredients. CeraVe offers barrier-supporting moisturizers, cleansers, and serums rich in hyaluronic acid and glycerin that suit acne-prone and combination skin best. Conversely, Simple provides gentle cleansers, toners, and makeup removers featuring niacinamide and glycerin that are tailored for oily and acne-prone skin. While both incorporate glycerin to improve hydration, they differ in their primary active additions and exact targeted skin types.

CeraVe is an American skincare brand founded in 2005 and owned by L'Oréal since 2017.

en.wikipedia.orghappi.comloreal-finance.comcerave.com

Simple is a British skincare brand founded in 1960 and owned by Unilever PLC since 2011.

en.wikipedia.orgsec.govprnewswire.comsimple.co.uk

This page compares some of the most popular CeraVe and Simple products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.

Popular CeraVe vs Simple products

People Say

CeraVeSimple
  • Fragrance-Free and Gentle Formula Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “doesn't leave face tight — CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser”
    • “no burning sensation — CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum”
    • “Does not cause any form of irritation on the skin which I love. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
    • “The only cleanser that doesn't turn my face red. — Simple Micellar Water”
  • Texture and Absorption Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “Absorbs into skin without residue — CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion”
    • “Sinks right into your skin — CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion”
    • “difference in my skin's texture is noticeable — CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser”
    • “sinks in instantly — Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream”
  • Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “Saved my dry winter skin — CeraVe Moisturising Cream”
    • “woke up with plump skin — CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream”
    • “banished dryness within days — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
    • “Instantly boosts skin's hydration... face doesn't feel dry and tight. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
  • Value and Affordability Often MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “great value for money — Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner”
    • “super affordable — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
    • “Can't beat the price for the quality. — Simple Micellar Water”
    • “reasonably priced — CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser”
  • Causes Breakouts Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
    • “Gave me cystic acne — CeraVe Moisturising Cream”
    • “gave me closed comedones — CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser”
    • “Gave me tiny bumps on my forehead. — Simple Micellar Water”
    • “caused major breakouts — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
  • Makeup Removal Difficulties Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
    • “doesn't take off mascara — CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser”
    • “doesn't remove mascara — CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser”
    • “Did not remove my mascara very well at all. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
  • Packaging Issues Often MentionedRarely Noted
    • “Worried about the snap top bottle leaking when travelling. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
    • “The cap broke off immediately. — Simple Micellar Water”
    • “hard to get last bit out — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
    • “no safety seal included — CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream”

CeraVe vs Simple routines for dry skin

Buy CeraVe routine · AED 400.41 · 89% fitBuy Simple routine · AED 455.14 · 83% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit

CeraVe vs Simple routines for oily skin

Buy Simple routine · AED 790.31 · 88% fitBuy CeraVe routine · AED 864.04 · 86% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit

CeraVe vs Simple routines for combination skin

Buy CeraVe routine · AED 850.34 · 93% fitBuy Simple routine · AED 644.67 · 85% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit

Questions and answers

CeraVe or Simple: which is better?

CeraVe has the edge over Simple because it scores superior routine fit for acne-prone skin, combination skin, and skin with dark spots, and it does better on texture and absorption according to reviewers. Both brands feature fragrance-free formulas and are equally matched for dry, sensitive, oily, and mature skin.

What is the difference between CeraVe and Simple?

CeraVe offers products on this page with higher Lovi fit levels for combination skin, acne-prone skin, and skin with dark spots, and it features key ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid that help support the skin barrier. Simple provides more value-friendly options with a focus on basic hydration and gentle cleansing.

Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015

CeraVe or Simple for dry skin?

Both CeraVe and Simple offer a high routine fit for dry skin among the products on this page. CeraVe includes key ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which help restore the skin barrier and provide deep hydration.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

CeraVe or Simple: which cleanser is better?

Both CeraVe and Simple offer gentle cleansers on this page, but CeraVe achieves a Superior fit level for acne-prone, oily, and combination skin types compared to Simple's Average fit. CeraVe's cleansers also feature key barrier-repairing ingredients like ceramides, which are supported by clinical research.

Which is more affordable, CeraVe or Simple?

Simple is more affordable, as value-friendly moisturizers are mostly mentioned for Simple on the products on this page.

CeraVe or Simple for oily skin?

CeraVe and Simple are both a good option for oily skin, as the routine fit on this page is High for both brands. CeraVe offers products on this page with key ingredients like niacinamide and glycerin, which help regulate oil production and provide lightweight hydration without clogging pores.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Antioxidants, 2021

CeraVe or Simple: which moisturizer is better?

CeraVe is better for moisturizers because the products on this page offer superior texture and absorption, whereas Simple reviewers often note that the brand lacks sufficient hydration or moisture. CeraVe formulas commonly feature ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which help support skin barrier repair and deep hydration.

Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015

CeraVe or Simple for sensitive skin?

CeraVe and Simple are both a High fit for sensitive skin on Lovi. Both brands feature fragrance-free products, while CeraVe also includes barrier-repairing ceramides.

CeraVe or Simple for acne-prone skin?

CeraVe has a Superior fit for acne-prone skin on this page, while Simple has a High fit level. CeraVe offers specialized cleansers and treatments that help manage oil and blemishes.

CeraVe or Simple for combination skin?

For combination skin, Lovi rates CeraVe as Superior and Simple as High. Reviewers note that CeraVe provides better texture and absorption.

CeraVe or Simple for skin with dark spots?

CeraVe fits skin with dark spots at a Superior level, while Simple reaches a High level on this page. CeraVe offers targeted options like Resurfacing Retinol Serum with retinol, which may help improve skin texture and tone as backed by studies on vitamin A.

The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000Archives of Dermatology, 2007

CeraVe or Simple for dry sensitive skin?

Both CeraVe and Simple have a High Lovi fit level for dry sensitive skin. Reviewers note that the products on this page for both brands are fragrance-free and gentle.

Research behind their key ingredients

Behind this comparison

Lovi compares products by their fit scores, calculated from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.

  • Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Co-founder, Medical Director

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer

  • Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Co-founder, CEO and CTO

    PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex

  • Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Medical Board

    Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine

  • Aishani Shah, MD

    Aishani Shah, MD

    Medical Board

    Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD

  • Asya Zubkova, MS

    Asya Zubkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member

  • Hanna Kurets, MD

    Hanna Kurets, MD

    Medical Board, Medical Advisor

    Dermatology MD

  • Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Medical Board

    Dermatology and diagnostic consultant

  • Victoria Derkova, MS

    Victoria Derkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist

How does it fit your skin?

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