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Cetaphil vs Simple

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

Cetaphil and Simple are established American and British skincare brands known for gentle, effective formulations. The American line features cleansers, moisturizers, serums, and sunscreens with glycerin, niacinamide, and panthenol to suit combination and acne-prone skin. Meanwhile, the British brand offers moisturizers, makeup removers, cleansers, and toners with niacinamide and glycerin, serving acne-prone and oily acne-prone skin best. While both brands support hydration and barrier health with shared ingredients, the former includes panthenol for wound healing and targeted options for mature skin and dark spots.

Cetaphil is an American skincare brand founded in 1947 and owned by Galderma Group AG.

en.wikipedia.orgcetaphil.co.uk

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 Cetaphil and Simple products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.

Popular Cetaphil vs Simple products

People Say

CetaphilSimple
  • Gentle on sensitive skin Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “The only thing my reactive skin tolerates. — Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser”
    • “No breakouts since switching to this. — Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser”
    • “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”
  • Hydration and moisture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “cleared up flaky skin — Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream”
    • “healed my dry patches — Cetaphil Moisturising 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”
  • Texture and weight Often MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “absorbs instantly — Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion”
    • “Absorbs quickly into skin without residue — Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion”
    • “sinks in instantly — Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream”
    • “absorbs very quickly — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
  • Dermatologist and value praise Rarely NotedOften 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”
    • “recommended by my derm — Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser”
  • Versatile use and application Often MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “great for face and body — Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream”
    • “removes excess oil — Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser”
    • “Takes off any makeup residue and makes my face feel refreshed. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
    • “Best morning cleanser — Simple Refreshing Facial Wash”
  • Fragrance-free and scent issues Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “Love that it has absolutely no scent. — Simple Micellar Water”
    • “love that it's alcohol-free — Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner”
    • “No strong smell — Simple Refreshing Facial Wash”
    • “truly no smell — Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion”
  • Makeup removal difficulties Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “Doesn't take off mascara at all. — Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser”
    • “doesn't remove mascara — Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser”
    • “Struggles with mascara. — Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser”
    • “Did not remove my mascara very well at all. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
  • Dryness and lack of moisture Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
    • “Felt a little stripping on sensitive areas. — Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser”
    • “Skin felt dehydrated after 30 minutes — Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion”
    • “not moisturizing enough — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
    • “skin felt tight after an hour — Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream”
  • Formula changes and irritation Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
    • “New bottle ingredients do not match... lower amounts of beneficial ingredients. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
    • “new formula stings — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
    • “burned upon application — Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream”
    • “New version burns my face. — Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser”

Cetaphil vs Simple routines for dry skin

Buy Cetaphil routine · A$203.09 · 84% fitBuy Simple routine · A$208.81 · 84% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit

Cetaphil vs Simple routines for oily skin

Buy Cetaphil routine · A$431.02 · 87% fitBuy Simple routine · A$388.80 · 86% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit

Cetaphil vs Simple routines for combination skin

Buy Cetaphil routine · A$335.53 · 88% fitBuy Simple routine · A$322.10 · 84% fitSee multi-brand routine · 95% fit

Questions and answers

Cetaphil or Simple: which is better?

Both Cetaphil and Simple offer equal routine fit levels across all skin types, making them comparable choices depending on your specific product preferences. Cetaphil features a broader range of specialized serums and sunscreens with key ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid that help hydrate the skin and improve signs of aging.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Antioxidants, 2021

What is the difference between Cetaphil and Simple?

Cetaphil and Simple both offer high routine fit across various skin types, but Cetaphil provides a much larger range of specialty items like serums and sunscreens. Niacinamide, featured in both brands, helps control skin aging and pigmentation. Additionally, topical hyaluronic acid, found in Cetaphil products, benefits skin quality and signs of skin aging.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Antioxidants, 2021

Cetaphil or Simple for dry skin?

Both brands offer an equal routine fit level of High for dry skin. The products on this page for both Cetaphil and Simple help deliver reliable hydration and moisture to dry skin.

Cetaphil or Simple: which cleanser is better?

Both Cetaphil and Simple offer gentle cleansers, but Cetaphil has more options that achieve a Superior fit for specific skin types on this page, such as the Gentle Skin Cleanser and Daily Facial Cleanser. Reviewers mention that Cetaphil cleansers are generally gentle and non-stripping.

Which is more affordable, Cetaphil or Simple?

Simple stands out for its dermatologist and value praise on the products on this page. Both brands offer fragrance-free options, but Simple is noted for having fewer scent issues.

Where and when were Cetaphil and Simple founded?

Cetaphil was founded in the United States in 1947, while Simple was established in the United Kingdom in 1960.

Which brand has more products that are fragrance-free?

Simple has all of its products on this page listed as fragrance-free, whereas Cetaphil has 26 out of 27 products without fragrance.

Which brand receives better praise for dermatologist recommendations and value?

Simple receives better praise for dermatologist recommendations and value. Every product on the Simple page lists no fragrance in its ingredients.

Cetaphil or Simple for oily skin?

Both brands achieve a High routine fit for oily skin, making them equally suitable options on this page. Niacinamide, featured in the products on this page, helps control skin aging and pigmentation.

Antioxidants, 2021The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002

Cetaphil or Simple: which moisturizer is better?

Both Cetaphil and Simple offer products on this page with an equal routine fit for dry skin, and their moisturizers are rated similarly overall. Niacinamide, found in the products on this page for both brands, may help control skin aging and pigmentation.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Antioxidants, 2021

Cetaphil or Simple for sensitive skin?

Both brands offer an equal routine fit of High for sensitive skin. The products on this page for both Cetaphil and Simple are completely fragrance-free, and topical niacinamide helps control skin aging and pigmentation.

Antioxidants, 2021The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002

Cetaphil or Simple for acne-prone skin?

Both Cetaphil and Simple offer products that achieve a High Lovi routine fit for acne-prone skin. Cetaphil features products on this page such as the Gentle Exfoliating SA Cleanser and Ceramide Serum that help address acne, while Simple includes lightweight, value-friendly moisturizers and micellar cleansers that help maintain hydration without clogging pores.

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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