Dermalogica vs Simple
Dermalogica and Simple are two well-established skincare brands owned by Unilever. The American brand is known for targeted serums, nourishing moisturizers, gentle cleansers, and purifying masks formulated with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and salicylic acid, suiting oily acne-prone skin and oily skin best. Conversely, the British brand is lovingly known for gentle moisturizers, makeup removers, cleansers, and toners featuring niacinamide and glycerin, suiting acne-prone skin and oily acne-prone skin best. Ultimately, these brands differ because Dermalogica delivers visible results through specialized formulations for breakouts and mature concerns, while Simple thoughtfully respects delicate barriers with skin-friendly ingredients.
Dermalogica is an American skincare brand founded in 1986 and owned by Unilever since 2015.
en.wikipedia.orgcosmeticsbusiness.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 Dermalogica and Simple products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Dermalogica vs Simple products
People Say
Gentle on sensitive skin Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
- “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”
- “no artificial perfume — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
- “helps calm and nourish my skin — Dermalogica Stabilizing Repair Cream”
Deep hydration and moisture Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Saved my dry skin — Dermalogica Super Rich Repair”
- “super hydrating — Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque”
- “skin feels hydrated — Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance”
- “banished dryness within days — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
Lightweight and non-greasy absorption Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “sinks in instantly — Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream”
- “absorbs very quickly — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
- “absorbs really well — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
- “blends seamlessly — Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50”
Effective cleansing and makeup removal Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Takes off any makeup residue and makes my face feel refreshed. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
- “Best morning cleanser — Simple Refreshing Facial Wash”
- “removes last traces of makeup — Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner”
- “Removes stubborn mascara — Dermalogica Precleanse”
Smooth and improved skin texture Often MentionedNot noted
- “gentle enough for daily use — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
- “skin feels smooth as silk — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
- “fine lines have visibly softened — Dermalogica Phyto Nature Lifting Eye Cream”
High price point Mostly MentionedNot noted
- “hefty price tag — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
Caused breakouts and skin reactions Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “Cystic acne flare-ups — Dermalogica Precleanse”
- “Caused cystic acne — Dermalogica Super Rich Repair”
- “Gave me tiny bumps on my forehead. — Simple Micellar Water”
- “caused major breakouts — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
Unpleasant or strong scent Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “Smells like chemicals — Simple Refreshing Facial Wash”
- “smells like puke — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
Dermalogica vs Simple routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Refreshing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$17.90
-
Hydrating Toner
Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner
Morning
A$23.99
-
Moisturizer
Replenishing Rich Moisturiser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$35.50
-
SPF
Bioderma Photoderm Mineral Fluide SPF50+
Morning
A$24.49
-
Pre-Cleanser
Micellar Cleansing Water
Evening · Once a week
A$26.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$16.95
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
A$28.48
- Cleanser UltraCalming Cleanser Morning · Evening · Once a week
-
Hydrating Toner
Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner
Morning
A$23.99
-
Moisturizer
Intensive Moisture Balance
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$126.50
-
SPF
Invisible Physical Defense SPF30
Morning
A$116.73
-
Pre-Cleanser
Precleanse
Evening · Once a week
A$172.95
-
Serum or Treatment
BioLumin-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$217.60
-
Enzyme Powder
Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
A$179.95
-
Nourishing Mask
Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque
Once a week
A$207.95
Buy Simple routine · A$208.81 · 84% fit
Buy Dermalogica routine · A$1,045.67 · 83% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Dermalogica vs Simple routines for oily skin
-
Cleanser
Clear Start Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$49.52
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$34.66
-
Moisturizer
Active Moist
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$169.95
-
SPF
Invisible Physical Defense SPF30
Morning
A$116.73
-
Pre-Cleanser
Precleanse
Evening · Once a week
A$172.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
A$75.95
-
Serum or Treatment
BioLumin-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$217.60
-
Enzyme Powder
Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
A$179.95
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
A$118.35
-
Cleanser
Refreshing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$17.90
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$34.66
-
Moisturizer
Replenishing Rich Moisturiser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$35.50
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
A$27.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Micellar Cleansing Water
Evening · Once a week
A$26.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
A$75.95
-
Serum or Treatment
Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$16.95
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
A$118.35
Buy Dermalogica routine · A$1,135.66 · 89% fit
Buy Simple routine · A$388.80 · 86% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Dermalogica vs Simple routines for combination skin
-
Cleanser
Clear Start Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$49.52
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$42.00
-
Moisturizer
Active Moist
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$169.95
-
SPF
Invisible Physical Defense SPF30
Morning
A$116.73
-
Pre-Cleanser
Precleanse
Evening · Once a week
A$172.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
A$29.90
-
Serum or Treatment
BioLumin-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$217.60
-
Enzyme Powder
Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
A$179.95
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
A$118.35
-
Cleanser
Refreshing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$17.90
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$42.00
-
Moisturizer
Replenishing Rich Moisturiser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$35.50
-
Pre-Cleanser
Micellar Cleansing Water
Evening · Once a week
A$26.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
A$29.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$16.95
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
A$118.35
Buy Dermalogica routine · A$1,096.95 · 87% fit
Buy Simple routine · A$322.10 · 84% fitSee multi-brand routine · 95% fit
Questions and answers
Dermalogica or Simple: which is better?
Dermalogica provides deeper hydration and smoothing effects, while Simple focuses on gentle, value-friendly makeup removers and lightweight moisturizers. Both brands are completely free of artificial fragrance across the products on this page.
What is the difference between Dermalogica and Simple?
Dermalogica provides deep hydration and smoothing serums, while Simple offers lightweight, value-friendly moisturizers and gentle makeup removers. Both brands offer fragrance-free products on this page and achieve an equal fit for most skin types.
Dermalogica or Simple for dry skin?
Both Dermalogica and Simple achieve a High routine fit level for dry skin on this page. Dermalogica helps provide deeper hydration and moisture, while Simple tends to offer lightweight and value-friendly moisturization.
Dermalogica or Simple: which cleanser is better?
Dermalogica provides superior cleansing for oily acne-prone skin with products like the Special Cleansing Gel, which Lovi rates as High across all skin types. Simple offers gentle, sensitive-skin-friendly makeup removers and facial washes that help maintain routine fit at a High level for most skin types.
Which is more affordable, Dermalogica or Simple?
Simple is more affordable because reviewers frequently mention its high price point as a negative for Dermalogica, while Simple is noted for being value-friendly.
Which brand offers better deep hydration and moisture, Dermalogica or Simple?
Dermalogica does better than Simple for deep hydration and moisture. The products on this page help deliver intense hydration with key ingredients like hyaluronic acid.
How do the key ingredients differ between Dermalogica and Simple products?
Dermalogica features key ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, salicylic acid, oat, vitamin E, and lactic acid, whereas Simple products focus on niacinamide and glycerin. Topical hyaluronic acid helps improve skin quality and signs of aging. Niacinamide may help reduce cutaneous pigmentation and suppress melanosome transfer.
Dermatologic Therapy, 2022The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002
Dermalogica or Simple for oily skin?
Both Dermalogica and Simple achieve a High routine fit level for oily skin. The products on this page for both brands contain no fragrance.
Dermalogica or Simple: which moisturizer is better?
Dermalogica provides deeper hydration and richer moisturizers, while Simple offers more lightweight and value-friendly options. Hyaluronic acid helps bind moisture to the skin.
Dermalogica or Simple for sensitive skin?
Both Dermalogica and Simple achieve a High Lovi fit level for sensitive skin. The products on this page for both brands list no fragrance in their ingredients.
Dermalogica or Simple for acne-prone skin?
Both Dermalogica and Simple achieve a High Lovi fit level for acne-prone skin on the products on this page. Dermalogica is noted for deep hydration, whereas Simple is valued for being gentle on sensitive skin.
Dermalogica or Simple for oily acne-prone skin?
Dermalogica is the better choice for oily acne-prone skin, as the products on this page have a Superior Lovi fit level for this skin type compared to Simple's High fit. Dermalogica also specializes in deep hydration and smoothing serums that help manage breakout-prone skin.
Research behind their key ingredients
The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review
Bacterial cellulose membranes as drug delivery systems: an in vivo skin compatibility study
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
Topical anti-inflammatory effects of isorhamnetin glycosides isolated from Opuntia ficus-indica
Apigenin inhibits UVA-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and prevents signs of skin aging in vivo
Vitamin C-squalene bioconjugate promotes epidermal thickening and collagen production in human skin
Antioxidant properties evaluation of topical astaxanthin formulations as anti-aging products
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
Efficacy of Oxybrasion in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris: A Preliminary Report
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
Chemical peels for acne vulgaris: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials
Colloidal Oatmeal <em>(Avena Sativa)</em> Improves Skin Barrier Through Multi-Therapy Activity
Well-aging: A new strategy for skin homeostasis under multi-stressed conditions
In vivo and in vitro evaluation of octyl methoxycinnamate liposomes
The synergistic effect of retinyl propionate and hydroxypinacolone retinoate on skin aging
The impacts of sodium lauroyl sarcosinate in facial cleanser on facial skin microbiome and lipidome
Borage Oil Treated with Immobilized Lipase Inhibits Melanogenesis
Supramolecular collagen nanoparticles for anti-wrinkle, skin whitening, and moisturizing effects
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
Skin recovery by Lavandula angustifolia leaf callus extract: Redox control of Nrf2 signaling
Algae extract protection effect on oxidized protein level in human stratum corneum
Starch- and carboxymethyl cellulose-based films as active beauty masks with papain incorporation
Semi-solid functionalized nanostructured lipid carriers loading thymol for skin disorders
Modulating effects of oatmeal extracts in the sodium lauryl sulfate skin irritancy model
Moisturizing Effects of Diglycerol Combined with Glycerol on Human Stratum Corneum
The effect of Zanthoxylum bungeanum maxim extract on crow's feet: A double-blind, split-face trial
Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Skin barrier repair efficacy and safety evaluation of an extract from Gardenia jasminoides J.Ellis
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
Saccharide isomerate ameliorates cosmetic scalp conditions in a Chinese study population
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
-

Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
-

Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
-

Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
-

Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
-

Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
-

Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
-

Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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