# FANCL vs Dr. Barbara Sturm Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/fancl-vs-dr-barbara-sturm The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for Australia. FANCL and Dr. Barbara Sturm are distinct skincare brands founded in Japan in 1980 and Germany in 2014, respectively. The Japanese brand is known for its thoughtful makeup removers and gentle exfoliants, while the German brand is celebrated for its gentle moisturizers, clarifying exfoliants, and nourishing [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/serum). Both brands suit sensitive, dry, and balanced skin types best, offering reliable solutions through pure or scientifically advanced formulas. They differ primarily in their origins, ownership, and specific standout formulations tailored for targeted concerns. FANCL is a Japanese skincare brand founded in 1980 and owned by Kirin Holdings Company, Limited since 2024. [fancl.jp](https://www.fancl.jp/en/about/outline/index.html) [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FANCL_Corporation) [pitchbook.com](https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/40398-22) 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) This page compares some of the most popular FANCL and Dr. Barbara Sturm 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=pg6fa7719e5d). ### Popular FANCL vs Dr. Barbara Sturm products #### FANCL - [Mild Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/fancl/mild-cleansing-oil/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — [A$56.99 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01M01PTBQ?tag=lovi-care-web-product-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) - [Facial Washing Powder](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/fancl/facial-washing-powder/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — [A$35.50 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01KTJXVI4?tag=lovi-care-web-product-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) #### 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) ## Questions and answers ### FANCL or Dr. Barbara Sturm: which is better? Both brands are great choices since every product on this page lists no fragrance in its ingredients. FANCL offers superior fits for sensitive and dry sensitive skin with its cleansing oil and washing powder, while Dr. Barbara Sturm provides a high fit for various skin types with its [vitamin C](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/vitamin-c) [serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/serum). ### What is the difference between FANCL and Dr. Barbara Sturm? FANCL is a Japanese brand founded in 1980 and owned by Kirin, while Dr. Barbara Sturm is a German brand founded in 2014 and owned by Puig. The products on this page for both brands contain no fragrance. ### Which is more affordable, FANCL or Dr. Barbara Sturm? The provided page facts do not mention pricing or affordability for either FANCL or Dr. Barbara Sturm. ### Which causes fewer breakouts, FANCL or Dr. Barbara Sturm? FANCL products on this page get a High fit level for acne-prone skin, while Dr. Barbara Sturm products on this page also get a High fit level for acne-prone skin, so both brands fit this skin type well. Every product on this page for both brands lists no fragrance in its ingredients. ### In which countries were FANCL and Dr. Barbara Sturm founded and when? FANCL was founded in Japan in 1980, while Dr. Barbara Sturm was founded in Germany in 2014. ### Which company currently owns Dr. Barbara Sturm, and when was the acquisition? Dr. Barbara Sturm is currently owned by Puig, following an acquisition in 2024. ### Do any of the FANCL or Dr. Barbara Sturm products listed on this page contain fragrance? No, every product on this page for both FANCL and Dr. Barbara Sturm lists no fragrance in its ingredients. ## 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/) Sodium hyaluronate · 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 - [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 - [Efficacy of a topical gel containing chitosan, chlorhexidine, allantoin and dexpanthenol for pain and inflammation control after third molar surgery: A randomized and placebo-controlled clinical trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32683390/) Allantoin · Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal, 2020 - [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 - [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 - [Effect of seasonal and geographical differences on skin and effect of treatment with an osmoprotectant: Sorbitol](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23752031/) Sorbitol · Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2013 - [Borage Oil Treated with Immobilized Lipase Inhibits Melanogenesis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33128473/) Lipase · Lipids, 2020 - [Why is sodium cocoyl isethionate (SCI) mild to the skin barrier? - An in vitro investigation based on the relative sizes of the SCI micelles and the skin aqueous pores](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17598025/) Sodium cocoyl isethionate · Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2007 - [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 - [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 ## The brands - Japanese skincare: [FANCL](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/brands/fancl) - German skincare: [Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/brands/dr-barbara-sturm) ## More comparisons - [SKIN1004 vs FANCL](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/skin1004-vs-fancl) - [SKIN1004 vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/skin1004-vs-dr-barbara-sturm) - [Anua vs FANCL](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/anua-vs-fancl) - [Anua vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/anua-vs-dr-barbara-sturm) - [Medicube vs FANCL](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/medicube-vs-fancl) - [Medicube vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/medicube-vs-dr-barbara-sturm) - [The Ordinary vs FANCL](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/the-ordinary-vs-fancl) - [The Ordinary vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/the-ordinary-vs-dr-barbara-sturm) - [Beauty of Joseon vs FANCL](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/beauty-of-joseon-vs-fancl) - [Beauty of Joseon vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/beauty-of-joseon-vs-dr-barbara-sturm) - [COSRX vs FANCL](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/cosrx-vs-fancl) - [COSRX vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/cosrx-vs-dr-barbara-sturm) - [CeraVe vs FANCL](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/cerave-vs-fancl) - [CeraVe vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/cerave-vs-dr-barbara-sturm) - [La Roche-Posay vs FANCL](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-fancl) - [La Roche-Posay vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-dr-barbara-sturm) - [Dr. Althea vs FANCL](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/dr-althea-vs-fancl) - [Dr. Althea vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/dr-althea-vs-dr-barbara-sturm) - [Some By Mi vs FANCL](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/some-by-mi-vs-fancl) - [Some By Mi vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/some-by-mi-vs-dr-barbara-sturm) ## 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/fancl-vs-dr-barbara-sturm - United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/fancl-vs-dr-barbara-sturm - Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/compare/fancl-vs-dr-barbara-sturm - Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/compare/fancl-vs-dr-barbara-sturm - France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/compare/fancl-vs-dr-barbara-sturm - Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/fancl-vs-dr-barbara-sturm - Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/fancl-vs-dr-barbara-sturm - Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/fancl-vs-dr-barbara-sturm - Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/fancl-vs-dr-barbara-sturm - Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/fancl-vs-dr-barbara-sturm (this page) - Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/compare/fancl-vs-dr-barbara-sturm - Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/fancl-vs-dr-barbara-sturm - United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/compare/fancl-vs-dr-barbara-sturm