Estée Lauder vs Simple
Estée Lauder and Simple are skincare brands that offer distinct approaches for different complexions. The American brand Estée Lauder provides moisturizers, serums, eye products, and cleansers with hyaluronic acid and glycerin, suiting dry sensitive skin and dry skin best. Conversely, the British brand Simple delivers gentle moisturizers, makeup removers, cleansers, and toners with niacinamide and glycerin, suiting acne-prone skin and oily acne-prone skin best. While both brands feature glycerin, they differ in their primary ingredients and target skin types, offering specialized standalone options for concerns like acne, dark spots, and mature skin.
Estée Lauder is an American skincare brand founded in 1946 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc..
en.wikipedia.orgelcompanies.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 Estée Lauder and Simple products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Estée Lauder vs Simple products
People Say
Calms redness and irritation Sometimes 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”
- “doesn't strip the skin — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Cleansing Gelée”
Deep hydration and moisturization Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “skin drinks it up immediately — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair”
- “The formula is incredibly hydrating and leaves my skin feeling smooth. — Estée Lauder Re-Nutriv”
- “texture is dreamy — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Gel-Creme”
- “banished dryness within days — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
Non-drying formula Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Instantly boosts skin's hydration... face doesn't feel dry and tight. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
- “Leaves my face feeling soft, not tight. — Simple Micellar Water”
- “Skin feels soft not dry — Simple Refreshing Facial Wash”
- “Doesn't strip my skin — Estée Lauder Soft Clean Moisture Rich Foaming Cleanser”
Lightweight feel Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Absorbs quickly into the skin — Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+”
- “watery — Estée Lauder Micro Essence Treatment Lotion”
- “sinks in instantly — Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream”
- “absorbs very quickly — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
Affordable value Not 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”
Makeup compatibility and base Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “makeup lays well — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
- “works well under foundation — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
- “foundation sits beautifully on top — Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream”
- “doesn't pill — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Gel-Creme”
High price point and expense Mostly MentionedNot noted
- “way too expensive for the size — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair”
Strong fragrance and scent complaints Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “Smells like chemicals — Simple Refreshing Facial Wash”
- “Scent is too overpowering — Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+”
Bulky or poor packaging Sometimes NotedRarely 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”
- “lid is hard to open — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Cleansing Gelée”
Estée Lauder 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
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$26.59
-
Hydrating Toner
Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner
Morning
A$23.99
- Moisturizer Re-Nutriv Morning · Evening · Once a week
-
SPF
Bioderma Photoderm Mineral Fluide SPF50+
Morning
A$24.49
-
Pre-Cleanser
Take It Away Makeup Remover Lotion
Evening · Once a week
A$64.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Advanced Night Repair
Evening · Once a week
A$126.95
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
A$28.48
Buy Simple routine · A$208.81 · 84% fit
Buy Estée Lauder routine · A$330.00 · 83% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Estée Lauder vs Simple routines for oily skin
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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
-
Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$13.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$34.66
- Moisturizer Re-Nutriv Morning · Evening · Once a week
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
A$27.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Take It Away Makeup Remover Lotion
Evening · Once a week
A$64.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
A$75.95
-
Serum or Treatment
Advanced Night Repair
Evening · Once a week
A$126.95
-
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 Simple routine · A$388.80 · 86% fit
Buy Estée Lauder routine · A$497.39 · 80% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Estée Lauder vs Simple routines for combination skin
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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
-
Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$73.61
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$42.00
- Moisturizer Re-Nutriv Morning · Evening · Once a week
-
Pre-Cleanser
Take It Away Makeup Remover Lotion
Evening · Once a week
A$64.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
A$29.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Advanced Night Repair
Evening · Once a week
A$126.95
-
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 Simple routine · A$322.10 · 84% fit
Buy Estée Lauder routine · A$490.31 · 78% fitSee multi-brand routine · 95% fit
Questions and answers
Estée Lauder or Simple: which is better?
Estée Lauder does better for deep hydration and moisturization among the products on this page, while Simple stands out for affordable value, calming redness and irritation, and non-drying formulas. Both brands achieve equal High routine fit levels across all skin types on this page.
What is the difference between Estée Lauder and Simple?
Estée Lauder delivers deep hydration and features key ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, whereas Simple offers affordable value and uses niacinamide and glycerin. Both brands provide an equal routine fit across all skin types on this page.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
Estée Lauder or Simple for dry skin?
Both Estée Lauder and Simple have a High routine fit for dry skin based on the products on this page. Reviewers note that Estée Lauder provides deep hydration, while Simple offers lightweight, value-friendly moisturizers.
Estée Lauder or Simple: which cleanser is better?
Both Estée Lauder and Simple feature strong cleanser options on the products on this page, but Estée Lauder generally achieves higher Lovi fit levels across a wider range of skin types, such as its Advanced Night Cleansing Gelée which rates High for acne-prone, mature, combination, and oily acne-prone skin.
Which is more affordable, Estée Lauder or Simple?
Simple is more affordable, offering affordable value while Estée Lauder has a high price point.
Which brand has more products containing fragrance, Estée Lauder or Simple?
Estée Lauder has more products containing fragrance than Simple, with twelve out of fourteen products on this page listing no fragrance while two do, whereas every Simple product on this page lists no fragrance.
What are the key ingredients shared across Estée Lauder products?
The products on this page from Estée Lauder feature hyaluronic acid and glycerin as their key ingredients. Hyaluronic acid helps provide deep hydration to the skin.
When was Simple founded and who owns it?
Simple was founded in 1960 in the United Kingdom and is owned by Unilever PLC.
Estée Lauder or Simple for oily skin?
Both Estée Lauder and Simple achieve an equal High routine fit for oily skin. The products on this page for Estée Lauder feature key ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which helps with hydration, while Simple relies on niacinamide.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002
Estée Lauder or Simple: which moisturizer is better?
Both Estée Lauder and Simple feature a variety of moisturizers on this page with different strengths. Estée Lauder stands out for deep hydration and moisturization, whereas Simple offers lightweight, value-friendly moisturizers.
Estée Lauder or Simple for sensitive skin?
Both Estée Lauder and Simple are a High routine fit for sensitive skin based on the products on this page. Estée Lauder features key ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which helps provide deep hydration. Simple features niacinamide, which may help calm redness and irritation.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002
Estée Lauder or Simple for acne-prone skin?
For acne-prone skin, both Estée Lauder and Simple achieve a High routine fit level on this page. Reviewers report that Estée Lauder products on this page provide deep hydration, while Simple offers gentle, sensitive-skin-friendly makeup removers.
Research behind their key ingredients
Chrysin protects epidermal keratinocytes from UVA- and UVB-induced damage
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
Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation by topical N-acetyl glucosamine
Another Reason for Using Caffeine in Dermocosmetics: Sunscreen Adjuvant
Nanostructured Lipid Carrier for Topical Application of N-Acetyl Glucosamine
Borage Oil Treated with Immobilized Lipase Inhibits Melanogenesis
Skin recovery by Lavandula angustifolia leaf callus extract: Redox control of Nrf2 signaling
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate
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
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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