Elemis vs ISDIN
Elemis and ISDIN are established European skincare houses offering thoughtful moisturizers, serums, cleansers, toners, sunscreens, and eye products. The British brand relies on nourishing glycerin and shea to best suit mature skin and dry sensitive skin, while the Spanish brand uses sophisticated formulas to best suit acne-prone skin and combination skin. While both houses provide standout solutions for dark spots, aging, and blemishes, they differ in their core approach and key ingredients.
Elemis is a British skincare brand founded in 1989 and owned by L'Occitane Group since 2019.
elemis.comau.elemis.comen.wikipedia.org
ISDIN is a Spanish skincare brand founded in 1975 and owned by Puig.
puig.combeautymatter.comuploads.puig.com
This page compares some of the most popular Elemis and ISDIN products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Elemis vs ISDIN products
People Say
Lightweight and Fast-Absorbing Texture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “absorbs instantly — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
- “ultra-light fluid product, which makes it super easy to apply — ISDIN Fusion Water”
- “Lightweight formula absorbs fast — ISDIN Hyaluronic Concentrate”
- “Absorbs almost immediately, and my skin feels well hydrated all day. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “The cream really hydrates and my face looks amazing. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Night Cream”
- “Quenches thirsty skin... immediate improvement. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
- “Improved moisture and texture — ISDIN Hyaluronic Moisture”
- “My skin felt sooo hydrated and looks so plump and dewey. — ISDIN Fusion Water”
Gentle on Sensitive Skin Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Sensitive/reactive skin tolerates — ISDIN Hyaluronic Moisture”
- “no excessive exfoliation — ISDIN Retinal Intense Serum”
- “doesn't sting eyes — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
- “no stinging or redness — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
Sun Protection and Special Care Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “doesn't leave you white as a ghost — ISDIN Fusion Water”
- “applicator has a cooling effect — ISDIN K-Ox Eyes”
- “helps reduce swelling in the area of my under-eye bags — ISDIN K-Ox Eyes”
- “face feels super clean — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash”
Brightening and Radiance Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “healthy glow — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads”
- “instantly fresh glow — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash”
- “Once I started using Elemis Superfood facial oil... my skin began to glow. — Elemis Superfood Facial Oil”
- “My hyperpigmentation has lightened and skin looks more even, even shines more. — ISDIN Flavo-C Serum”
Skin Texture and Smoothing Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “baby soft — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads”
- “skin feels baby soft — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
- “skin feels baby-soft — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash”
- “skin was much smoother — ISDIN Retinal Intense Serum”
High Price Point Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “very expensive — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
- “My only wish is that ISDIN would make this product in a bigger size bottle. — ISDIN Fusion Water”
- “high cost — ISDIN K-Ox Eyes”
- “Complete waste of money for me. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
Strong or Unpleasant Fragrance Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “The smell is very strong... could not handle for long. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
- “smell is too strong — Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm”
- “smell is overpowering — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
- “lingering headache inducing effect — ISDIN K-Ox Eyes”
Breakouts and Skin Irritation Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “blurry vision — Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm”
- “It peels horribly no matter how I apply it. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
- “this did make my eyes water water in the sun. — ISDIN Fusion Water”
- “mild redness or irritation — ISDIN K-Ox Eyes”
Elemis vs ISDIN routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 32.95
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Moisturizer
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 34.80
-
SPF
Fusion Water
Morning
AED 91.99
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Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
AED 35.29
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Cleansing Toner
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water
Evening
AED 38.99
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Serum or Treatment
Retinal Intense Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 392.99
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Enzyme Powder
VT Cica Mild Powder Wash
Once a week
AED 47.62
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Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
AED 65.00
-
Cleanser
Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 173.82
-
Moisturizer
Pro-Collagen Night Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 771.00
-
SPF
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning
AED 345.41
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
AED 315.65
-
Cleansing Toner
Balancing Lavender Toner
Evening
AED 210.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Pro-Collagen Glow Boost Exfoliator
Evening · Once a week
AED 340.00
-
Enzyme Powder
VT Cica Mild Powder Wash
Once a week
AED 47.62
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Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
AED 65.00
Buy ISDIN routine · AED 739.63 · 88% fit
Buy Elemis routine · AED 2,268.50 · 82% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Elemis vs ISDIN routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 49.95
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 49.99
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 33.40
-
SPF
Fusion Water
Morning
AED 91.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 179.45
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
AED 120.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Retinal Intense Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 392.99
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
-
Cleansing Mask
Revision Skincare Black Mask
Once a week
AED 204.00
-
Cleanser
Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 173.82
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 49.99
-
Moisturizer
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 345.41
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
AED 315.65
-
Cleansing Toner
Balancing Lavender Toner
Evening
AED 210.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Papaya Enzyme Peel
Evening · Once a week
AED 230.98
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
-
Cleansing Mask
Revision Skincare Black Mask
Once a week
AED 204.00
Buy ISDIN routine · AED 1,222.86 · 91% fit
Buy Elemis routine · AED 1,630.94 · 77% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Elemis vs ISDIN routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 84.53
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 145.00
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 33.40
-
SPF
Fusion Water
Morning
AED 91.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 179.45
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
AED 53.12
-
Serum or Treatment
Retinal Intense Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 392.99
-
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
-
Cleanser
Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 173.82
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 145.00
-
Moisturizer
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 345.41
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
AED 315.65
-
Cleansing Toner
Balancing Lavender Toner
Evening
AED 210.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Papaya Enzyme Peel
Evening · Once a week
AED 230.98
-
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 ISDIN routine · AED 1,204.50 · 92% fit
Buy Elemis routine · AED 1,644.88 · 79% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
Elemis or ISDIN: which is better?
ISDIN is generally better for sun protection, lightweight texture, and sensitive or acne-prone skin, while Elemis stands out for brightening and smoothing skin texture.
What is the difference between Elemis and ISDIN?
Elemis is known for brightening and smoothing skin texture with key ingredients like glycerin and shea butter, while ISDIN stands out for its ultralight sunscreens and gentle formulations. Lovi finds that ISDIN has superior fit levels for sensitive, acne-prone, and combination skin, whereas Elemis focuses on mature skin, dry sensitive skin, and skin with dark spots.
Elemis or ISDIN for dry skin?
Both Elemis and ISDIN are great for dry skin, offering an equal level of routine fit. Reviewers frequently mention both brands for their lightweight moisturizers.
Elemis or ISDIN: which moisturizer is better?
Both Elemis and ISDIN offer popular moisturizers, with Elemis leaning towards rich, hydrating formulas and ISDIN focusing on lightweight options. Reviewers often mention that Elemis provides luxurious texture moisturizers, while ISDIN is known for lightweight moisturizers.
Which is more affordable, Elemis or ISDIN?
When comparing price, both Elemis and ISDIN share a high price point as a commonly noted drawback among reviewers.
Elemis or ISDIN for oily skin?
ISDIN is the better choice for oily skin, as Lovi rates its overall routine fit as Superior compared to High for Elemis. ISDIN products on this page are frequently noted by reviewers for their ultralight sunscreens.
Elemis or ISDIN for sensitive skin?
ISDIN is better for sensitive skin, as Lovi rates its overall routine as Superior compared to High for Elemis. Reviewers also note that ISDIN is gentler on sensitive skin.
Elemis or ISDIN for acne-prone skin?
ISDIN is the better choice for acne-prone skin because Lovi rates its overall routine fit as Superior, compared to High for Elemis. Both brands feature products that help with breakouts, but ISDIN stands out for its lightweight, skin-friendly sunscreens.
Elemis or ISDIN for mature skin?
For mature skin, Elemis has a high price point and strong fragrance sometimes noted, but Lovi rates both Elemis and ISDIN as having a Superior routine fit. ISDIN stands out more for lightweight textures and sun protection, whereas Elemis focuses more on brightening and smoothing.
Elemis or ISDIN for skin with dark spots?
For skin with dark spots, Lovi finds that Elemis has a High fit level and ISDIN has a Superior fit level. Both brands offer products that help address dark spots.
Elemis or ISDIN for dry sensitive skin?
Both Elemis and ISDIN fit dry sensitive skin well, with Lovi rating both brands at a High level. Reviewers mention that Elemis offers hydrating moisturizers, while ISDIN is noted for being gentle on sensitive skin.
Research behind their key ingredients
Bacterial cellulose membranes as drug delivery systems: an in vivo skin compatibility study
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
A Rose Extract Protects the Skin against Stress Mediators: A Potential Role of Olfactory Receptors
Comparative measurement of hydration effects of herbal moisturizers
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
Topical Almond Oil for Prevention of Pressure Injuries: A Single-Blinded Comparison Study
Skin recovery by Lavandula angustifolia leaf callus extract: Redox control of Nrf2 signaling
Formulation and evaluation of exotic fat based cosmeceuticals for skin repair
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Effects of fermented tea seed oil on the skin lipid barrier and microbiome of sensitive skin
The clinical efficacy of a new emulsion for acne and conspicuous facial pore amelioration
Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens
Targeting Circadian Rhythm for the Regulation of Skin Collagen Metabolism
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
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
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Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
-

Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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