# Dr. Barbara Sturm vs NEOCUTIS

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/dr-barbara-sturm-vs-neocutis

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

Dr. Barbara Sturm and NEOCUTIS are refined skincare houses celebrated for scientifically advanced formulas that nurture the complexion. The German line focuses on gentle moisturizers, clarifying exfoliants, and nourishing [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/serum) suited best for sensitive, dry, and balanced skin, while the Swiss brand is widely beloved for its restorative serums and moisturizers tailored for mature, dry, and stressed skin. Both collections feature standout treatments like [vitamin C](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/vitamin-c) treatments, exfoliating cleansers, and firming serums that target acne, dark spots, and aging. Ultimately, they differ through their foundational origins and specific targeting, with the Sturm collection emphasizing deep hydration and barrier support and the Swiss counterpart prioritizing restorative properties.

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)

NEOCUTIS is a Swiss skincare brand founded in 2003 and owned by Merz Holding GmbH & Co. KG since 2013.

[businesswire.com](https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260716926041/en/Merz-Completes-Inaugural-%E2%82%AC450-Million-Schuldschein-Loan-Issuance) [gcimagazine.com](https://www.gcimagazine.com/brands-products/skin-care/news/21870673/merz-to-purchase-neocutis)

This page compares some of the most popular Dr. Barbara Sturm and NEOCUTIS 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=pg0696737f07).

### Popular Dr. Barbara Sturm vs NEOCUTIS products

#### Dr. Barbara Sturm

- [Hyaluronic Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/dr-barbara-sturm/hyaluronic-serum/for/oily-skin) — High fit
- [Enzyme Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/dr-barbara-sturm/enzyme-cleanser/for/dark-spots) — Superior fit — [A$114.68 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B09VHZ9GJ8?tag=lovi-care-web-product-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [The Good C Vitamin C Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/dr-barbara-sturm/the-good-c-vitamin-c-serum/for/mature-skin) — High fit — [A$290.95 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B09WZWCKV3?tag=lovi-care-web-product-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

#### NEOCUTIS

- [Bio Serum Firm](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/neocutis/bio-serum-firm/for/mature-skin) — High fit
- [lumière](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/neocutis/lumiere/for/dry-skin) — Average fit

## Questions and answers

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

Dr. Barbara Sturm fits skin with dark spots at a Superior level with its Enzyme Cleanser, while NEOCUTIS achieves a High fit for mature skin with its Bio [Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/serum) Firm. Both brands offer fragrance-free products on this page.

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

Dr. Barbara Sturm was founded in Germany in 2014 and is owned by Puig, while NEOCUTIS was founded in Switzerland in 2003 and is owned by Merz. Both brands offer products on this page that list no fragrance in their ingredients.

### Dr. Barbara Sturm or NEOCUTIS: which moisturizer is better?

Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum has a High Lovi fit for oily skin and Average fit for dry skin, while NEOCUTIS lumière has an Average fit for dry skin and Low fit for oily skin. Every product on this page for both brands lists no fragrance in its ingredients.

[Dermatologic Therapy, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36200921/) [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

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

Neither Dr. Barbara Sturm nor NEOCUTIS lists pricing information on this page, so affordability cannot be compared here.

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

Both Dr. Barbara Sturm and NEOCUTIS offer products on this page that may work for acne-prone skin, such as Dr. Barbara Sturm Enzyme Cleanser with a High Lovi fit level for acne-prone skin.

### Between Dr. Barbara Sturm and NEOCUTIS, which brand was founded earlier and where?

NEOCUTIS was founded earlier in 2003 in Switzerland, while Dr. Barbara Sturm was founded later in 2014 in Germany.

### Do any of the products from Dr. Barbara Sturm or NEOCUTIS contain fragrance?

Every product on this page from both Dr. Barbara Sturm and NEOCUTIS lists no fragrance in its ingredients.

### How does the corporate ownership history differ between Dr. Barbara Sturm and NEOCUTIS?

Dr. Barbara Sturm was founded in Germany in 2014 and has been owned by Puig since 2024. NEOCUTIS was founded in Switzerland in 2003 and has been owned by Merz Holding GmbH & Co. KG since 2013.

## Research behind their key ingredients

- [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/) Hyaluronic acid · Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
- [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
- [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
- [Vitamin C-squalene bioconjugate promotes epidermal thickening and collagen production in human skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33037252/) Squalane · Scientific Reports, 2020
- [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
- [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
- [Evaluation of dermal extracellular matrix and epidermal-dermal junction modifications using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometric imaging, in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy, echography, and histology: effect of age and peptide applications](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25817264/) Palmitoyl tripeptide-1 acetate, Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2015
- [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
- [Squalane as a Promising Agent Protecting UV-Induced Inhibition of Collagen Biosynthesis and Wound Healing in Human Dermal Fibroblast](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40363772/) Squalane · Molecules, 2025
- [Influence of vitamin E acetate on stratum corneum hydration](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9706379/) Tocopheryl acetate · Arzneimittel-Forschung, 1998
- [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
- [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
- [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
- [Targeting Circadian Rhythm for the Regulation of Skin Collagen Metabolism](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41527525/) Palmitoyl tripeptide-1 acetate, Palmitoyl tripeptide-1 · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2026
- [Mechanistic understanding and peptide ingredient screening for type III collagen via biological knowledge graph and molecular docking](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42683869/) Palmitoyl tripeptide-1 acetate · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2026

## The brands

- German skincare: [Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/brands/dr-barbara-sturm)
- Swiss skincare: [NEOCUTIS](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/brands/neocutis)

## More comparisons

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

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