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Cetaphil vs Simple

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

Cetaphil and Simple are trusted drugstore brands offering gentle, everyday formulations designed for delicate complexions. The American heritage line favors glycerin, niacinamide, and panthenol to support dry, sensitive, and acne-prone skin through nourishing cleansers, moisturizers, and targeted serums. Meanwhile, the British counterpart relies on niacinamide and glycerin within soothing moisturizers, makeup removers, cleansers, and toners tailored for oily and acne-prone skin. While both share a devotion to barrier-supporting ingredients, they differ in their specific botanical focus and geographic origins.

Cetaphil is an American skincare brand founded in 1947 and owned by Galderma Group AG.

en.wikipedia.orgcetaphil.co.uk

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 Cetaphil and Simple products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.

Popular Cetaphil vs Simple products

People Say

CetaphilSimple
  • Gentle on sensitive skin Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “The only thing my reactive skin tolerates. — Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser”
    • “No breakouts since switching to this. — Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser”
    • “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”
  • Hydration and moisture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “cleared up flaky skin — Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream”
    • “healed my dry patches — Cetaphil Moisturising 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”
  • Texture and weight Often MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “absorbs instantly — Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion”
    • “Absorbs quickly into skin without residue — Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion”
    • “sinks in instantly — Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream”
    • “absorbs very quickly — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
  • Dermatologist and value praise Rarely NotedOften 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”
    • “recommended by my derm — Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser”
  • Versatile use and application Often MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “great for face and body — Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream”
    • “removes excess oil — Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser”
    • “Takes off any makeup residue and makes my face feel refreshed. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
    • “Best morning cleanser — Simple Refreshing Facial Wash”
  • Fragrance-free and scent issues Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “Love that it has absolutely no scent. — Simple Micellar Water”
    • “love that it's alcohol-free — Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner”
    • “No strong smell — Simple Refreshing Facial Wash”
    • “truly no smell — Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion”
  • Makeup removal difficulties Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “Doesn't take off mascara at all. — Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser”
    • “doesn't remove mascara — Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser”
    • “Struggles with mascara. — Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser”
    • “Did not remove my mascara very well at all. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
  • Dryness and lack of moisture Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
    • “Felt a little stripping on sensitive areas. — Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser”
    • “Skin felt dehydrated after 30 minutes — Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion”
    • “not moisturizing enough — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
    • “skin felt tight after an hour — Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream”
  • Formula changes and irritation Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
    • “New bottle ingredients do not match... lower amounts of beneficial ingredients. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
    • “new formula stings — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
    • “burned upon application — Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream”
    • “New version burns my face. — Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser”

Cetaphil vs Simple routines for dry skin

Buy Simple routine · AED 455.14 · 83% fitBuy Cetaphil routine · AED 319.93 · 82% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit

Cetaphil vs Simple routines for oily skin

Buy Simple routine · AED 790.31 · 88% fitBuy Cetaphil routine · AED 854.61 · 81% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit

Cetaphil vs Simple routines for combination skin

Buy Simple routine · AED 644.67 · 85% fitBuy Cetaphil routine · AED 706.66 · 82% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit

Questions and answers

Cetaphil or Simple: which is better?

Both brands offer an equal routine fit for all skin types, including dry, oily, and sensitive skin. Niacinamide helps reduce cutaneous pigmentation and skin aging.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Antioxidants, 2021

What is the difference between Cetaphil and Simple?

Both brands offer fragrance-free options and achieve equal Lovi routine fit levels across all skin types, but they differ in their product selection and ingredient variety. Cetaphil features a broader range with key ingredients like glycerin, niacinamide, panthenol, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, and cocamidopropyl betaine, while Simple focuses on simpler formulations with niacinamide and glycerin.

Cetaphil or Simple for dry skin?

Both brands achieve a High routine fit for dry skin on Lovi. Cetaphil features key ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, which help maintain skin hydration and improve skin quality.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Cetaphil or Simple: which cleanser is better?

Both Cetaphil and Simple offer gentle cleansers that achieve a High routine fit for sensitive skin. Cetaphil features specialized options like the Gentle Skin Cleanser that achieve a Superior fit for dry sensitive skin.

Which is more affordable, Cetaphil or Simple?

Simple stands out for its value-friendly moisturizers, while the products on this page for both brands offer comparable routine fit levels across different skin types.

Which brand has more products containing fragrance, Cetaphil or Simple?

Cetaphil has more products containing fragrance, as 26 of 27 products on this page list no fragrance while the Oily Skin Cleanser contains it, whereas every product on the Simple page lists no fragrance.

Which brand offers better dermatologist and value praise, Cetaphil or Simple?

Simple does better for dermatologist and value praise. Reviewers note its lightweight, value-friendly moisturizers and gentle makeup removers.

Which company is older and where was it founded, Cetaphil or Simple?

Cetaphil is older than Simple, having been founded in the United States in 1947, while Simple was founded in the United Kingdom in 1960.

Cetaphil or Simple for oily skin?

Both brands are a good choice for oily skin, with Lovi fit levels reaching High for both Cetaphil and Simple. Niacinamide, found in the products on this page, helps control skin aging and pigmentation.

Antioxidants, 2021The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002

Cetaphil or Simple: which moisturizer is better?

Both Cetaphil and Simple offer options for moisturizers, and the products on this page achieve equal fit levels across various skin types. Niacinamide, found in the moisturizers of both brands, helps reduce cutaneous pigmentation.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002

Cetaphil or Simple for sensitive skin?

Both brands achieve a High routine fit for sensitive skin on Lovi. Cetaphil features gentle, non-stripping cleansers while Simple offers gentle, sensitive-skin-friendly makeup removers.

Cetaphil or Simple for acne-prone skin?

Both brands are a High fit for acne-prone skin, with Cetaphil offering specialized options like the Ceramide Serum and Gentle Exfoliating SA Cleanser. Niacinamide, a key ingredient found in the products on this page, may help control skin pigmentation and aging.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Antioxidants, 2021

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

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