Dermalogica vs Simple
Dermalogica and Simple are two renowned Unilever-owned skincare lines offering gentle cleansers, nourishing moisturizers, and targeted treatments designed to support various complexions. The American brand utilizes powerful ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and salicylic acid, making its active formulations particularly suited for oily and combination skin. Conversely, the British brand incorporates niacinamide and glycerin to create soothing makeup removers and toners that best address oily and acne-prone skin. While both share a foundation in hydration, they differ in their active approaches, with the first providing specialized anti-aging and exfoliating benefits and the second focusing on foundational barrier support.
Dermalogica is an American skincare brand founded in 1986 and owned by Unilever since 2015.
en.wikipedia.orgcosmeticsbusiness.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 Dermalogica and Simple products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Dermalogica vs Simple products
People Say
Gentle on sensitive skin Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
- “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”
- “no artificial perfume — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
- “helps calm and nourish my skin — Dermalogica Stabilizing Repair Cream”
Deep hydration and moisture Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Saved my dry skin — Dermalogica Super Rich Repair”
- “super hydrating — Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque”
- “skin feels hydrated — Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance”
- “banished dryness within days — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
Lightweight and non-greasy absorption Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “sinks in instantly — Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream”
- “absorbs very quickly — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
- “absorbs really well — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
- “blends seamlessly — Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50”
Effective cleansing and makeup removal Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Takes off any makeup residue and makes my face feel refreshed. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
- “Best morning cleanser — Simple Refreshing Facial Wash”
- “removes last traces of makeup — Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner”
- “Removes stubborn mascara — Dermalogica Precleanse”
Smooth and improved skin texture Often MentionedNot noted
- “gentle enough for daily use — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
- “skin feels smooth as silk — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
- “fine lines have visibly softened — Dermalogica Phyto Nature Lifting Eye Cream”
High price point Mostly MentionedNot noted
- “hefty price tag — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
Caused breakouts and skin reactions Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “Cystic acne flare-ups — Dermalogica Precleanse”
- “Caused cystic acne — Dermalogica Super Rich Repair”
- “Gave me tiny bumps on my forehead. — Simple Micellar Water”
- “caused major breakouts — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
Unpleasant or strong scent Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “Smells like chemicals — Simple Refreshing Facial Wash”
- “smells like puke — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
Dermalogica vs Simple routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Special Cleansing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 259.54
-
Moisturizer
Stabilizing Repair Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 346.75
-
SPF
Invisible Physical Defense SPF30
Morning
AED 220.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Precleanse
Evening · Once a week
AED 205.00
-
Cleansing Toner
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water
Evening
AED 38.99
-
Serum or Treatment
BioLumin-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 492.02
-
Enzyme Powder
Daily Milkfoliant
Once a week
AED 104.30
-
Nourishing Mask
Skin Hydrating Masque
Once a week
AED 424.78
-
Cleanser
Refreshing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 24.78
-
Moisturizer
Replenishing Rich Moisturiser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 11.84
-
SPF
Dr.G Green Mild Up Sun+
Morning
AED 81.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Micellar Cleansing Water
Evening · Once a week
AED 17.15
-
Cleansing Toner
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water
Evening
AED 38.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 168.76
-
Enzyme Powder
VT Cica Mild Powder Wash
Once a week
AED 47.62
-
Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
AED 65.00
Buy Dermalogica routine · AED 2,091.38 · 85% fit
Buy Simple routine · AED 455.14 · 83% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Dermalogica vs Simple routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
Daily Glycolic Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 203.41
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 49.99
-
Moisturizer
Active Moist
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 225.00
-
SPF
Invisible Physical Defense SPF30
Morning
AED 220.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Precleanse
Evening · Once a week
AED 205.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
AED 120.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Retinol Clearing Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 444.30
-
Enzyme Powder
Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
-
Cleansing Mask
Revision Skincare Black Mask
Once a week
AED 204.00
-
Cleanser
Refreshing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 24.78
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 49.99
-
Moisturizer
Replenishing Rich Moisturiser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 11.84
-
SPF
d'Alba UVessence Mild Waterfull Sun Cream SPF 50
Morning
AED 92.70
-
Pre-Cleanser
Micellar Cleansing Water
Evening · Once a week
AED 17.15
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
AED 120.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 168.76
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
-
Cleansing Mask
Revision Skincare Black Mask
Once a week
AED 204.00
Buy Dermalogica routine · AED 1,772.79 · 92% fit
Buy Simple routine · AED 790.31 · 88% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Dermalogica vs Simple routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Daily Glycolic Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 203.41
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 145.00
-
Moisturizer
Active Moist
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 225.00
-
SPF
Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50
Morning
AED 389.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Precleanse
Evening · Once a week
AED 205.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
AED 53.12
-
Serum or Treatment
Retinol Clearing Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 444.30
-
Enzyme Powder
Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
-
Cleansing Mask
KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
AED 122.93
-
Cleanser
Refreshing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 24.78
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 145.00
-
Moisturizer
Replenishing Rich Moisturiser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 11.84
-
Pre-Cleanser
Micellar Cleansing Water
Evening · Once a week
AED 17.15
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
AED 53.12
-
Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 168.76
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
-
Cleansing Mask
KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
AED 122.93
Buy Dermalogica routine · AED 1,888.85 · 91% fit
Buy Simple routine · AED 644.67 · 85% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
Dermalogica or Simple: which is better?
Dermalogica provides superior fit levels for oily, combination, and oily acne-prone skin types compared to Simple. Furthermore, the products on this page from Dermalogica often feature intense hydration and smoothing serums, though they come at a higher price point.
What is the difference between Dermalogica and Simple?
Dermalogica provides superior deep hydration and skin-texture improvement for the products on this page, while Simple offers more lightweight and value-friendly options. Niacinamide helps reduce skin pigmentation, and hyaluronic acid benefits skin quality and signs of aging.
The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
Dermalogica or Simple for dry skin?
Both Dermalogica and Simple offer a High routine fit for dry skin. Dermalogica helps provide intense hydration and soothing moisturizers, while Simple is known for lightweight, value-friendly moisturizers.
Dermalogica or Simple: which cleanser is better?
Dermalogica is better for cleansing because the products on this page achieve a Superior or High Lovi fit level across nearly all skin types, whereas Simple cleansers generally show an Average or Low fit.
Which is more affordable, Dermalogica or Simple?
Simple is more affordable, as reviewers often mention its lightweight and value-friendly moisturizers, whereas Dermalogica has a mostly mentioned high price point.
Which brand has better anti-aging or smoothing serums?
Dermalogica does better for smooth and improved skin texture. The products on this page help deliver brightening and smoothing serums.
Do Dermalogica and Simple products contain fragrance?
Every product on this page for both Dermalogica and Simple lists no fragrance in its ingredients.
Dermalogica or Simple for oily skin?
Dermalogica has a Superior fit level for oily skin, whereas Simple has a High fit level. The products on this page for oily skin may benefit from the inclusion of key ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
Dermalogica or Simple: which moisturizer is better?
Dermalogica is better for deep hydration and moisture, while Simple offers lightweight and value-friendly moisturizers. The products on this page provide extensive options for various skin types.
Dermalogica or Simple for sensitive skin?
Both Dermalogica and Simple offer a High Lovi fit for sensitive skin, but they differ in their overall strengths and product offerings. Simple tends to be more budget-friendly and gentle on sensitive skin, while Dermalogica provides more intensive hydration and deeper moisturization.
Dermalogica or Simple for acne-prone skin?
Dermalogica is a Superior fit for oily acne-prone skin and a High fit for acne-prone skin, while Simple is a High fit for both. Dermalogica helps provide deep hydration and soothing moisturizers across the products on this page.
Dermalogica or Simple for mature skin?
Dermalogica has a High fit for mature skin, providing deep hydration and smoothing serums that help improve skin texture. Simple also achieves a High routine fit for mature skin with value-friendly moisturizers, though reviews note it sometimes lacks sufficient hydration.
Research behind their key ingredients
The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review
Bacterial cellulose membranes as drug delivery systems: an in vivo skin compatibility study
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
Topical anti-inflammatory effects of isorhamnetin glycosides isolated from Opuntia ficus-indica
Apigenin inhibits UVA-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and prevents signs of skin aging in vivo
Vitamin C-squalene bioconjugate promotes epidermal thickening and collagen production in human skin
Antioxidant properties evaluation of topical astaxanthin formulations as anti-aging products
Microneedling by dermapen and glycolic acid peel for the treatment of acne scars: Comparative study
Topical beta-carotene protects against infra-red-light-induced free radicals
Efficacy of Oxybrasion in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris: A Preliminary Report
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
Chemical peels for acne vulgaris: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials
Colloidal Oatmeal <em>(Avena Sativa)</em> Improves Skin Barrier Through Multi-Therapy Activity
Well-aging: A new strategy for skin homeostasis under multi-stressed conditions
In vivo and in vitro evaluation of octyl methoxycinnamate liposomes
The synergistic effect of retinyl propionate and hydroxypinacolone retinoate on skin aging
The impacts of sodium lauroyl sarcosinate in facial cleanser on facial skin microbiome and lipidome
Borage Oil Treated with Immobilized Lipase Inhibits Melanogenesis
Supramolecular collagen nanoparticles for anti-wrinkle, skin whitening, and moisturizing effects
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
Skin recovery by Lavandula angustifolia leaf callus extract: Redox control of Nrf2 signaling
Algae extract protection effect on oxidized protein level in human stratum corneum
Starch- and carboxymethyl cellulose-based films as active beauty masks with papain incorporation
Semi-solid functionalized nanostructured lipid carriers loading thymol for skin disorders
Modulating effects of oatmeal extracts in the sodium lauryl sulfate skin irritancy model
Moisturizing Effects of Diglycerol Combined with Glycerol on Human Stratum Corneum
The effect of Zanthoxylum bungeanum maxim extract on crow's feet: A double-blind, split-face trial
Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Skin barrier repair efficacy and safety evaluation of an extract from Gardenia jasminoides J.Ellis
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
Saccharide isomerate ameliorates cosmetic scalp conditions in a Chinese study population
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.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
-

Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
-

Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
-

Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
-

Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
-

Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
-

Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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