# Sesderma vs Dr. Barbara Sturm

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/compare/sesderma-vs-dr-barbara-sturm

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Sesderma and Dr. Barbara Sturm are distinguished skincare brands that offer advanced [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/ingredients/serum), gentle moisturizers, clarifying exfoliants, and nourishing formulations. The Spanish brand relies on botanical [extracts](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/ingredients/extract) and active compounds to suit sensitive, hyperpigmented, and aging skin, whereas the German brand focuses on deep hydration and barrier support for sensitive, dry, and balanced skin. While both provide targeted solutions for acne-prone, dark-spotted, and mature complexions, they differ in their foundational ingredients and specific regional heritages.

Sesderma is a Spanish skincare brand founded in 1989 and owned by Grupo Sesderma since 2026.

[skinexpert.sesderma.com](https://skinexpert.sesderma.com/en/jb-capital-joins-the-shareholding-of-sesderma-group-as-a-strategic-partner/) [sesderma.com](https://www.sesderma.com/us_en/about-us.html)

Dr. Barbara Sturm is a German skincare brand founded in 2014 and owned by Puig since 2024.

[uploads.puig.com](https://uploads.puig.com/uploads/Press_release_Puig_acquires_majority_stake_in_Dr_Barbara_Sturm_ENG_1_140422a900.pdf) [beautymatter.com](https://beautymatter.com/articles/puig-acquires-majority-stake-in-dr-barbara-sturm) [pitchbook.com](https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/289811-80)

This page compares some of the most popular Sesderma and Dr. Barbara Sturm products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, [use the Lovi app](https://app.pora.ai/vqqJ/j1xj2b6o?af_sub2=compare&af_sub3=selection_note&af_sub4=pg2238173576).

### Popular Sesderma vs Dr. Barbara Sturm products

#### Sesderma

- [Azelac RU Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/sesderma/azelac-ru-serum/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit — [AED 123.63 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ae/dp/B00987RKWW?tag=lovi00-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

#### Dr. Barbara Sturm

- [Hyaluronic Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/dr-barbara-sturm/hyaluronic-serum/for/oily-skin) — High fit — [AED 1,294.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ae/dp/B08BJ73C5Q?tag=lovi00-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Enzyme Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/dr-barbara-sturm/enzyme-cleanser/for/dark-spots) — Superior fit — [AED 429.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ae/dp/B07JQQX4D8?tag=lovi00-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [The Good C Vitamin C Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/dr-barbara-sturm/the-good-c-vitamin-c-serum/for/mature-skin) — High fit — [AED 735.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ae/dp/B0953YD2XP?tag=lovi00-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

## Questions and answers

### Sesderma or Dr. Barbara Sturm: which is better?

Dr. Barbara Sturm offers better choices for dark spots, where its Enzyme Cleanser earns a Superior Lovi fit level. For fragrance-conscious shoppers, every product on this page from Dr. Barbara Sturm lists no fragrance, whereas the Azelac RU [Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/ingredients/serum) from Sesderma contains fragrance.

### What is the difference between Sesderma and Dr. Barbara Sturm?

Sesderma offers a Spanish-founded skincare line featuring the Azelac RU Serum, while Dr. Barbara Sturm is a German-founded brand offering fragrance-free products like Hyaluronic Serum, Enzyme Cleanser, and The Good C [Vitamin C](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/ingredients/vitamin-c) Serum. Lovi rates Dr. Barbara Sturm's Enzyme Cleanser as a Superior fit for skin with dark spots.

### Which is more affordable, Sesderma or Dr. Barbara Sturm?

The provided page facts do not mention the prices of products from either Sesderma or Dr. Barbara Sturm, so it is not possible to determine which brand is more affordable.

### Which causes fewer breakouts, Sesderma or Dr. Barbara Sturm?

Dr. Barbara Sturm has products on this page with High fits for acne-prone and oily acne-prone skin, such as Enzyme Cleanser and The Good C Vitamin C Serum, whereas Sesderma's Azelac RU Serum has an Average fit for those skin types.

### Which brand has been around longer, Sesderma or Dr. Barbara Sturm?

Sesderma has been around longer than Dr. Barbara Sturm, having been founded in Spain in 1989 compared to Dr. Barbara Sturm which was founded in Germany in 2014.

### Do products from Sesderma or Dr. Barbara Sturm contain fragrance?

Dr. Barbara Sturm lists no fragrance in the ingredients for every product on this page, whereas Sesderma includes fragrance in its Azelac RU Serum.

### Which country were Sesderma and Dr. Barbara Sturm founded in?

Sesderma was founded in Spain, and Dr. Barbara Sturm was founded in Germany.

## Research behind their key ingredients

- [Vitamin A antagonizes decreased cell growth and elevated collagen-degrading matrix metalloproteinases and stimulates collagen accumulation in naturally aged human skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10692106/) Retinol · The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000
- [The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/) Niacinamide · The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002
- [Benefits of topical hyaluronic acid for skin quality and signs of skin aging: From literature review to clinical evidence](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36200921/) Sodium hyaluronate · Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
- [Improvement of naturally aged skin with vitamin A (retinol)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17515510/) Retinol · Archives of Dermatology, 2007
- [Nicotinic acid/niacinamide and the skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17147561/) Niacin · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2004
- [Anti-aging and brightening effects of a topical treatment containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and raspberry leaf cell culture extract: A split-face, randomized controlled trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31975502/) Ascorbic acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020
- [Bacterial cellulose membranes as drug delivery systems: an in vivo skin compatibility study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23973717/) Cellulose · European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, 2014
- [Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27261203/) Retinol · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2017
- [Prospective, randomized, double-blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageing](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/) Retinol · The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019
- [Effects of ascorbic acid on gingival melanin pigmentation in vitro and in vivo](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19186973/) Ascorbyl glucoside · Journal of Periodontology, 2009
- [Bacterial cellulose skin masks-Properties and sensory tests](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28963772/) Cellulose · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2018
- [Treatment of acne with a combination of propolis, tea tree oil, and Aloe vera compared to erythromycin cream: two double-blind investigations](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30588129/) Aloe barbadensis leaf juice · Clinical Pharmacology, 2018
- [Effect of a topical antioxidant serum containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid after Q-switched 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser for treatment of environment-induced skin pigmentation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32052907/) Ascorbic acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020
- [Efficacy and Safety of Azelaic Acid Nanocrystal-Loaded In Situ Hydrogel in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33923739/) Azelaic acid · Pharmaceutics, 2021
- [A topical lipophilic niacin derivative increases NAD, epidermal differentiation and barrier function in photodamaged skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17518989/) Niacin · Experimental Dermatology, 2007
- [The 24-hour skin hydration and barrier function effects of a hyaluronic 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract moisturizing fluid: an intra-subject, randomized, assessor-blinded study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/) Glycerin · Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
- [Sunscreens and Cosmetic Formulations Containing Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate and Rice Peptides for the Improvement of Skin Photoaging: A Double-blind, Randomized Placebo-controlled Clinical Study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33529350/) Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate · Photochemistry and Photobiology, 2021
- [Clinical evidence of the efficacy and safety of a new 3-in-1 anti-aging topical night serum-in-oil containing melatonin, bakuchiol, and ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate: 103 females treated from 28 to 84 days](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30924254/) Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019
- [Effects of 15% Azelaic Acid Gel in the Management of Post-Inflammatory Erythema and Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation in Acne Vulgaris](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38734843/) Azelaic acid · Dermatology and Therapy, 2024
- [Antioxidant-based topical formulations influence on the inflammatory response of Japanese skin: A clinical study using non-invasive techniques](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28385617/) Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate · European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, 2017
- [Efficacy and Tolerability of Topical Nicotinamide Plus Antibacterial Adhesive Agents and Zinc-Pyrrolidone Carboxylic Acid Versus Placebo as an Adjuvant Treatment for Moderate Acne Vulgaris in Indonesia: A Multicenter, Double-blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32983333/) Zinc pca · The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020
- [Borage Oil Treated with Immobilized Lipase Inhibits Melanogenesis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33128473/) Lipase · Lipids, 2020
- [Influence of vitamin E acetate on stratum corneum hydration](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9706379/) Tocopheryl acetate · Arzneimittel-Forschung, 1998
- [Nanostructured Lipid Carrier Based Gel Containing α-Tocopherol and α-Tocopheryl Acetate for Synergistic Cutaneous Antiaging Efficacy](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41309687/) Tocopheryl acetate · Scientific Reports, 2025
- [Prospective randomized double-blind comparative study of topical acetyl zingerone with tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate versus tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate alone on facial photoaging](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38525606/) Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024
- [A Double-Blind, 12-Week Study to Evaluate the Antiaging Efficacy of a Cream Containing the NFκB Inhibitor 4-Hexyl-1, 3-Phenylenediol and Ascorbic Acid-2 Glucoside in Adult Females](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27272084/) Ascorbyl glucoside · Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2016
- [Safety assessment on comedogenicity of dermatological products containing d-alpha tocopheryl acetate in Asian subjects: A double-blind randomized controlled trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34471722/) Tocopheryl acetate · Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 2021
- [The efficacy of enoxolone in reducing erythema and pain after laser treatment: A randomized split-face pilot study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38622995/) Glycyrrhetinic acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024
- [Portulaca oleracea extract relieves skin barrier damage induced by increased photosensitivity after GA peeling](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35920724/) Lactobacillus portulaca oleracea extract ferment · Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology, 2022
- [Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39769217/) Ascorbyl glucoside · International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024
- [Low-temperature extracted Portulaca oleracea L. as a functional ingredient in facial masks for photorejuvenation of sensitive skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41182319/) Lactobacillus portulaca oleracea extract ferment · Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology, 2025

## The brands

- Spanish skincare: [Sesderma](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/brands/sesderma)
- German skincare: [Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/brands/dr-barbara-sturm)

## More comparisons

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- [CeraVe vs Sesderma](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/compare/cerave-vs-sesderma)
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- [La Roche-Posay vs Sesderma](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-sesderma)
- [La Roche-Posay vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-dr-barbara-sturm)
- [Dr. Althea vs Sesderma](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/compare/dr-althea-vs-sesderma)
- [Dr. Althea vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/compare/dr-althea-vs-dr-barbara-sturm)
- [Some By Mi vs Sesderma](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/compare/some-by-mi-vs-sesderma)
- [Some By Mi vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/compare/some-by-mi-vs-dr-barbara-sturm)

## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi compares products by their fit scores, calculated from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its 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. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this comparison: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

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