# Simple vs Principia

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/compare/simple-vs-principia

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for the United Arab Emirates.

Simple and Principia are two thoughtful skincare brands that focus on gentle, effective care. Simple offers soothing moisturizers, makeup removers, cleansers, and toners with [niacinamide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/ingredients/niacinamide) and [glycerin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/ingredients/glycerin), suiting oily and acne-prone skin best, while the other brand is known for precise cleansers and formulas that suit balanced to oily skin. The main difference lies in their specific product ranges and targeted ingredients, as both help maintain a healthy, balanced complexion through their unique offerings.

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

[en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simple_Skincare) [sec.gov](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1368457/000119312511134453/dex991.htm) [prnewswire.com](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alberto-culver-announces-that-unilever-has-received-approval-from-the-us-department-of-justice-to-complete-the-acquisition-of-the-company-121400884.html) [simple.co.uk](https://www.simple.co.uk/philosophy.html)

This page compares some of the most popular Simple and Principia 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=pg6b377577d0).

### Popular Simple vs Principia products

#### Simple

- [Micellar Water](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/simple/micellar-water/for/mature-skin) — Average fit — [AED 17.15 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ae/dp/B00X3OQ6N0?tag=lovi00-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Micellar Cleansing Water](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/simple/micellar-cleansing-water/for/sensitive-skin) — High fit — [AED 17.15 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ae/dp/B00X3OQ6N0?tag=lovi00-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Hydrating Light Moisturiser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/simple/hydrating-light-moisturiser/for/dry-skin) — Average fit — [AED 17.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ae/dp/B000LQX6XG?tag=lovi00-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Refreshing Facial Wash](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/simple/refreshing-facial-wash/for/acne-prone-skin) — Average fit — [AED 24.78 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ae/dp/B0CDZN6TLD?tag=lovi00-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Replenishing Rich Moisturiser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/simple/replenishing-rich-moisturiser/for/dry-skin) — Average fit — [AED 11.84 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ae/dp/B000LNHB6M?tag=lovi00-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/simple/water-boost-hydrating-gel-cream/for/dry-skin) — Average fit — [AED 40.50 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ae/dp/B07CZR7ST1?tag=lovi00-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/simple/kind-to-skin-soothing-facial-toner/for/mature-skin) — Superior fit — [AED 15.95 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ae/dp/B076V2D94Y?tag=lovi00-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

#### Principia

- [Gel de Limpeza GL-01](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/principia/gel-de-limpeza-gl-01/for/oily-skin) — Average fit

## Questions and answers

### Simple or Principia: which is better?

Simple is generally the better choice on this page, offering a much wider range of fragrance-free products with High Lovi fit levels for sensitive and acne-prone skin, whereas Principia features only a single cleanser that rates as Caution for dry skin.

### What is the difference between Simple and Principia?

Simple offers a wide selection of fragrance-free products on this page, with the products on this page achieving High fits for sensitive skin, whereas Principia features a single cleanser that earns a Caution fit for dry skin. [Glycerin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/ingredients/glycerin) helps provide hydration in these formulations.

[Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### Simple or Principia: which cleanser is better?

Simple offers a better range of cleansers for most skin types, as the products on this page achieve Average fits across many categories, whereas Principia Gel de Limpeza GL-01 rates as Caution for dry and dry sensitive skin.

### Which is more affordable, Simple or Principia?

Simple offers more affordable options on this page, as it features a wide range of budget-friendly moisturizers and cleansers, whereas Principia only lists a single cleanser.

### Which causes fewer breakouts, Simple or Principia?

Simple features products on this page that may occasionally cause breakouts, while review data for Principia's cleanser on this page does not highlight breakouts as a common issue.

### Which brand has been on the market longer, Simple or Principia?

Simple has been on the market longer, having been founded in 1960 in the United Kingdom, whereas Principia was founded in 2020.

### Do any products from either Simple or Principia contain fragrance?

Every product on this page from both Simple and Principia lists no fragrance in its ingredients.

### What are the main key ingredients found across Simple products?

The main key ingredients across the products on this page for Simple are [Niacinamide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/ingredients/niacinamide) and Glycerin, which help support skin health. Niacinamide may help reduce pigmentation and signs of aging.

[The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/)

## Research behind their key ingredients

- [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
- [Mechanistic Basis and Clinical Evidence for the Applications of Nicotinamide (Niacinamide) to Control Skin Aging and Pigmentation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34439563/) Niacinamide · Antioxidants, 2021
- [Topical use of dexpanthenol in skin disorders](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12113650/) Panthenol, Panthenol vitamin b5 · American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002
- [Apigenin inhibits UVA-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and prevents signs of skin aging in vivo](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27279007/) Chamomilla recutita flower extract matricaria flower extract · International Journal of Molecular Medicine, 2016
- [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
- [Randomized controlled study for the anti-aging effect of human adipocyte-derived mesenchymal stem cell media combined with niacinamide after laser therapy](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33103316/) Niacinamide · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021
- [A new topical panthenol-containing emollient: Results from two randomized controlled studies assessing its skin moisturization and barrier restoration potential, and the effect on skin microflora](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27425824/) Panthenol, Panthenol vitamin b5 · The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017
- [Senomorphic activity of a combination of niacinamide and hyaluronic acid: correlation with clinical improvement of skin aging](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39009698/) Niacinamide · Scientific Reports, 2024
- [Stable Ozonides with Vitamin E Acetate versus Corticosteroid in the Treatment of Lichen Sclerosus in Foreskin: Evaluation of Effects on Inflammation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30991399/) Tocopheryl acetate vitamin e, Tocopheryl acetate · Urologia Internationalis, 2019
- [A Double-Blinded, Randomized, Vehicle-Controlled Study of the Efficacy of Moisturizer Containing Licochalcone A, Decanediol, L-Carnitine, and Salicylic Acid for Prevention of Acne Relapse in Asian Population](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33150170/) Salicylic acid · BioMed Research International, 2020
- [Efficacy of a topical gel containing chitosan, chlorhexidine, allantoin and dexpanthenol for pain and inflammation control after third molar surgery: A randomized and placebo-controlled clinical trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32683390/) Panthenol, Panthenol vitamin b5, Allantoin · Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal, 2020
- [High molecular compounds (polysaccharides and proanthocyanidins) from Hamamelis virginiana bark: influence on human skin keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation and influence on irritated skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11684194/) Witch hazel leaf water · Phytochemistry, 2001
- [Efficacy of a multitargeted, salicylic acid-based dermocosmetic cream compared to benzoyl peroxide 5% in Acne vulgaris: Results from a randomized study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/) Salicylic acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024
- [Comparison of clinical efficacies of sodium ascorbyl phosphate, retinol and their combination in acne treatment](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19134126/) Sodium ascorbyl phosphate · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2009
- [A Salicylic Acid-Based Dermocosmetic is Effective as an Adjunct to Benzoyl Peroxide for Mild to Moderate Acne and as Monotherapy in Maintenance Post Benzoyl Peroxide](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38051857/) Salicylic acid · Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023
- [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
- [Whitening effect of alpha-bisabolol in Asian women subjects](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20642768/) Bisabolol · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2010
- [Assessment of Combined Ascorbyl Palmitate (AP) and Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP) on Facial Skin Sebum Control in Female Healthy Volunteers](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27756097/) Sodium ascorbyl phosphate · Drug Research, 2017
- [Understanding Solar Skin Elastosis-Cause and Treatment](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30052192/) Witch hazel leaf water · Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2018
- [Borage Oil Treated with Immobilized Lipase Inhibits Melanogenesis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33128473/) Borago officinalis seed oil · Lipids, 2020
- [Influence of vitamin E acetate on stratum corneum hydration](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9706379/) Tocopheryl acetate vitamin e, Tocopheryl acetate · Arzneimittel-Forschung, 1998
- [Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of a Panthenol-Enriched Mask for Skin Barrier Recovery After Facial Laser Treatment: Results of a Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40613435/) Panthenol, Panthenol vitamin b5 · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025
- [Modulation of skin pigmentation by the tetrapeptide PKEK: in vitro and in vivo evidence for skin whitening effects](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22142309/) Sodium ascorbyl phosphate · Experimental Dermatology, 2012
- [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
- [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 vitamin e, Tocopheryl acetate · Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 2021
- [Impact of dermal emulsions containing diacyl phospholipids, mono acyl phospholipids, sodium lauryl ether sulfate and polysorbate 80 in combination with UVA irradiation on human skin physiology in vivo: A pilot study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42617898/) Sodium laureth sulfate · International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2026
- [A novel facial moisturizer containing Saccharide isomerate accelerates skin barrier restoration following intense pulsed light treatment: a randomized split-face study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41211697/) Saccharide isomerate · The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2025
- [Efficacy and safety of combination cream of stimu-tex AS™ (spent grain wax, Argania Spinosa Kernel oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (shea butter) extract), and saccharide isomerate after fractional CO2 laser procedure: split-face, double blinded, randomized controlled trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41134387/) Saccharide isomerate · Lasers in Medical Science, 2025
- [Saccharide isomerate ameliorates cosmetic scalp conditions in a Chinese study population](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35279940/) Saccharide isomerate · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023

## The brands

- British skincare: [Simple](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/brands/simple)
- Skincare: [Principia](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/brands/principia)

## More comparisons

- [SKIN1004 vs Simple](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/compare/skin1004-vs-simple)
- [SKIN1004 vs Principia](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/compare/skin1004-vs-principia)
- [Anua vs Simple](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/compare/anua-vs-simple)
- [Anua vs Principia](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/compare/anua-vs-principia)
- [Medicube vs Simple](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/compare/medicube-vs-simple)
- [Medicube vs Principia](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/compare/medicube-vs-principia)
- [The Ordinary vs Simple](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/compare/the-ordinary-vs-simple)
- [The Ordinary vs Principia](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/compare/the-ordinary-vs-principia)
- [Beauty of Joseon vs Simple](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/compare/beauty-of-joseon-vs-simple)
- [Beauty of Joseon vs Principia](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/compare/beauty-of-joseon-vs-principia)
- [COSRX vs Simple](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/compare/cosrx-vs-simple)
- [COSRX vs Principia](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/compare/cosrx-vs-principia)
- [CeraVe vs Simple](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/compare/cerave-vs-simple)
- [CeraVe vs Principia](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/compare/cerave-vs-principia)
- [La Roche-Posay vs Simple](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-simple)
- [La Roche-Posay vs Principia](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-principia)
- [Dr. Althea vs Simple](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/compare/dr-althea-vs-simple)
- [Dr. Althea vs Principia](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/compare/dr-althea-vs-principia)
- [Some By Mi vs Simple](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/compare/some-by-mi-vs-simple)
- [Some By Mi vs Principia](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/compare/some-by-mi-vs-principia)

## 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

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/simple-vs-principia
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/simple-vs-principia
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/compare/simple-vs-principia
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/compare/simple-vs-principia
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/compare/simple-vs-principia
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/simple-vs-principia
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/simple-vs-principia
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/simple-vs-principia
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/simple-vs-principia
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/simple-vs-principia
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/compare/simple-vs-principia
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/simple-vs-principia
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/compare/simple-vs-principia (this page)
