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CeraVe vs Simple

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

CeraVe and Simple are two well-regarded skincare lines known for gentle formulations that suit acne-prone skin. The American brand, founded in 2005, offers thoughtfully crafted moisturizers, cleansers, serums, and sunscreens utilizing hyaluronic acid and glycerin to support dry and acne-prone complexions. Meanwhile, the British brand, established in 1960, features makeup removers, cleansers, toners, and moisturizers containing niacinamide and glycerin that care for delicate barriers on acne-prone and oily acne-prone skin. While both share a dedication to soothing hydration, they differ in their foundational ingredients and specific target concerns, with the former leaning on hyaluronic acid for mature and dry skin and the latter utilizing niacinamide for hyperpigmentation.

CeraVe is an American skincare brand founded in 2005 and owned by L'Oréal since 2017.

en.wikipedia.orghappi.comloreal-finance.comcerave.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 CeraVe and Simple products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.

Popular CeraVe vs Simple products

People Say

CeraVeSimple
  • Fragrance-Free and Gentle Formula Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “doesn't leave face tight — CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser”
    • “no burning sensation — CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum”
    • “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”
  • Texture and Absorption Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “Absorbs into skin without residue — CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion”
    • “Sinks right into your skin — CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion”
    • “difference in my skin's texture is noticeable — CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser”
    • “sinks in instantly — Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream”
  • Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “Saved my dry winter skin — CeraVe Moisturising Cream”
    • “woke up with plump skin — CeraVe Skin Renewing Night 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”
  • Value and Affordability Often MentionedOften 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”
    • “reasonably priced — CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser”
  • Causes Breakouts Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
    • “Gave me cystic acne — CeraVe Moisturising Cream”
    • “gave me closed comedones — CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser”
    • “Gave me tiny bumps on my forehead. — Simple Micellar Water”
    • “caused major breakouts — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
  • Makeup Removal Difficulties Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
    • “doesn't take off mascara — CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser”
    • “doesn't remove mascara — CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser”
    • “Did not remove my mascara very well at all. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
  • Packaging Issues Often MentionedRarely Noted
    • “Worried about the snap top bottle leaking when travelling. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
    • “The cap broke off immediately. — Simple Micellar Water”
    • “hard to get last bit out — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
    • “no safety seal included — CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream”

CeraVe vs Simple routines for dry skin

Buy CeraVe routine · A$226.69 · 89% fitBuy Simple routine · A$208.81 · 84% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit

CeraVe vs Simple routines for oily skin

Buy Simple routine · A$388.80 · 86% fitBuy CeraVe routine · A$392.56 · 82% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit

CeraVe vs Simple routines for combination skin

Buy CeraVe routine · A$347.16 · 85% fitBuy Simple routine · A$322.10 · 84% fitSee multi-brand routine · 95% fit

Questions and answers

CeraVe or Simple: which is better?

CeraVe and Simple both provide a high routine fit across all skin types, but CeraVe offers superior texture, absorption, and a wider range of targeted key ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which are backed by barrier repair and hydration studies. Simple is notable for its value and affordability, though the products on this page rely on a more basic formulation of glycerin and niacinamide.

Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015

What is the difference between CeraVe and Simple?

CeraVe and Simple both provide an equal routine fit across all skin types, but CeraVe offers superior texture and absorption while Simple is known for value and affordability. CeraVe features a broader range of key ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid, whereas Simple focuses primarily on niacinamide and glycerin.

Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015

CeraVe or Simple for dry skin?

Both CeraVe and Simple are a High fit for dry skin on this page, but CeraVe offers superior hydration texture and deep moisture in its moisturizers. Ceramides in CeraVe help restore the skin barrier.

CeraVe or Simple: which cleanser is better?

CeraVe offers cleansers with superior fit levels for various skin types on the products on this page, whereas Simple products mostly show average fit levels for cleansers. CeraVe cleansers frequently feature key ingredients like ceramides and salicylic acid to address specific concerns like acne and oil control.

Which is more affordable, CeraVe or Simple?

Simple is more affordable, as reviewers frequently note its value and affordability compared to CeraVe.

CeraVe or Simple: which brand offers better texture and absorption?

CeraVe does better for texture and absorption across the products on this page. Reviewers mostly mention lightweight, non-greasy moisturizers and superior healing and texture.

Between CeraVe and Simple, which makeup removers perform better?

Simple makeup removers are noted by reviewers as gentle and effective daily options for sensitive skin, whereas CeraVe struggles more with heavy makeup.

CeraVe or Simple: which brand has fewer packaging issues?

Simple has fewer packaging issues than CeraVe.

CeraVe or Simple for oily skin?

Both CeraVe and Simple offer a High routine fit for oily skin on the products on this page. CeraVe features products like the Foaming Facial Cleanser which is rated Superior for oily skin, while Simple provides lightweight, value-friendly moisturizers.

CeraVe or Simple: which moisturizer is better?

CeraVe offers superior healing and texture in its moisturizers compared to Simple, providing deep hydration for dry skin. The products on this page are fragrance-free and feature key ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which help repair the skin barrier and support wound healing.

Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015

CeraVe or Simple for sensitive skin?

Both CeraVe and Simple offer a High routine fit for sensitive skin. The products on this page for both brands list no fragrance in their ingredients.

CeraVe or Simple for acne-prone skin?

CeraVe fits acne-prone skin with High Lovi fit for the products on this page, whereas Simple achieves an Average fit for acne-prone skin across its range. Reviewers note that CeraVe offers effective cleansers for acne and oil, while Simple may sometimes cause breakouts or irritations.

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

How does it fit your skin?

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