Galderma vs Grown Alchemist
Galderma and Grown Alchemist are two distinct skincare lines offering targeted serums and formulations for varied complexions. The Swiss brand, established in 1981, specializes in serums suited best for oily, acne-prone, and mature skin, with standout options like Epiduo Gel and Benzac AC gels. In contrast, the second label is known for cleansers and serums that care best for sensitive, dry, and combination skin through formulas such as its Hydra-Restore Cream Cleanser and Instant Smoothing Serum. Ultimately, both differ primarily in their core ingredient approaches and the specific skin types they serve most effectively.
Galderma is a Swiss skincare brand founded in 1981 and owned by Galderma Group AG.
This page compares some of the most popular Galderma and Grown Alchemist products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Galderma vs Grown Alchemist products
People Say
Acne Clearance and Breakout Prevention Mostly MentionedNot noted
- “cleared up my skin — Galderma Benzac AC Mild Strength 2.5% Acne Gel”
- “cystic acne gone — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
- “stops new pimples — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
Gentle on Sensitive Skin Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “Perfect for sensitive skin — Grown Alchemist Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser”
- “calms my skin down — Grown Alchemist Hydra-Restore Cream Cleanser”
- “didn't burn my face — Galderma Benzac AC Mild Strength 2.5% Acne Gel”
Non-Stripping and Effective Cleansing Not notedMostly Mentioned
- “Doesn't dry out my skin — Grown Alchemist Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser”
- “Gets everything nice and clean — Grown Alchemist Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser”
- “doesn't strip at all — Grown Alchemist Hydra-Restore Cream Cleanser”
Hydrating and Luxurious Texture Not notedMostly Mentioned
- “Skin version of chugging water — Grown Alchemist Instant Smoothing Serum”
- “silkiest cleanser — Grown Alchemist Hydra-Restore Cream Cleanser”
- “Very light weight — Grown Alchemist Instant Smoothing Serum”
Pleasant and Soothing Scent Not notedMostly Mentioned
- “Smells amazing — Grown Alchemist Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser”
- “smell is divine — Grown Alchemist Hydra-Restore Cream Cleanser”
Severe Dryness and Peeling Mostly MentionedNot noted
- “face on fire — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
Redness, Irritation, and Stinging Mostly MentionedNot noted
- “red as tomato — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
Initial Purging Phase Mostly MentionedNot noted
- “got worse first — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
Fabric Bleaching Mostly MentionedNot noted
- “bleached my towel — Galderma Benzac AC 5”
Makeup Removal Issues Not notedOften Mentioned
- “Isn't going to be your makeup remover — Grown Alchemist Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser”
Questions and answers
Galderma or Grown Alchemist: which is better?
Galderma is better for acne clearance, as the products on this page achieve a High fit level for oily acne-prone skin, whereas Grown Alchemist is better for gentle, hydrating care on sensitive skin. Reviewers note that Galderma delivers effective acne-clearing serums, though users may experience severe dryness and peeling.
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2018
What is the difference between Galderma and Grown Alchemist?
Galderma excels at acne clearance and breakout prevention with products like Epiduo Gel, whereas Grown Alchemist performs better at providing hydrating and gentle cleansing options such as Hydra-Restore Cream Cleanser.
Which is more affordable, Galderma or Grown Alchemist?
The products on this page for both Galderma and Grown Alchemist do not list pricing information, so a comparison of affordability cannot be made from the available facts.
Which causes fewer breakouts, Galderma or Grown Alchemist?
Galderma does a better job clearing acne and preventing breakouts with the products on this page. Reviewers frequently mention its serums clear acne effectively, though they may also cause dryness and peeling.
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 2021
Which brand has products that are better suited for oily acne-prone skin, Galderma or Grown Alchemist?
Galderma has products on this page that are better suited for oily acne-prone skin, with Lovi fit levels rated High. Grown Alchemist products on this page have an Average Lovi fit level for this skin type.
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2018
Do either Galderma or Grown Alchemist products contain fragrance?
Every product from Galderma and Grown Alchemist on this page lists no fragrance in its ingredients.
What are the main negative review themes associated with Galderma skincare products?
Reviewers frequently mention severe dryness and peeling alongside severe irritation and discomfort as the main negative review themes associated with the products on this page by Galderma.
Research behind their key ingredients
The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer
Final report on the safety assessment of Benzyl Alcohol, Benzoic Acid, and Sodium Benzoate
Efficacy of olive leaf extract-containing cream for facial rejuvenation: A pilot study
A Rose Extract Protects the Skin against Stress Mediators: A Potential Role of Olfactory Receptors
Development and efficacy assessments of tea seed oil makeup remover
Effects of fermented tea seed oil on the skin lipid barrier and microbiome of sensitive skin
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
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
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Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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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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