Neutrogena vs Elemis
Neutrogena and Elemis are established skincare brands offering distinct approaches to daily care. Neutrogena is an American line founded in 1930 featuring glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and dimethicone within moisturizers and sunscreens, while Elemis is a British house founded in 1989 providing nourishing serums and rich moisturizers formulated with glycerin and shea. The former brand suits sensitive and mature skin best, whereas the latter caters primarily to dry and mature skin. They differ fundamentally in their geographical origins, founding eras, and signature ingredient pairings.
Neutrogena is an American skincare brand founded in 1930 and owned by Kimberly-Clark Corporation since 2026.
investor.kimberly-clark.comen.wikipedia.orginvestors.kenvue.com
Elemis is a British skincare brand founded in 1989 and owned by L'Occitane Group since 2019.
elemis.comau.elemis.comen.wikipedia.org
This page compares some of the most popular Neutrogena and Elemis products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Neutrogena vs Elemis products
People Say
Deep Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Skin looked plumper and radiant — Neutrogena HYDRO BOOST WATER CREAM”
- “It also hydrates my skin. This cream has been so easy to add to my routine. — Neutrogena Retinol Regenerating Cream”
- “The cream really hydrates and my face looks amazing. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Night Cream”
- “Quenches thirsty skin... immediate improvement. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
Lightweight and Non-Greasy Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Absorbs instantly without sticky residue — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel”
- “absorbs instantly — Neutrogena COLLAGEN BANK Moisturizer”
- “Absorbs into skin without residue. — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum”
- “Absorbs almost immediately, and my skin feels well hydrated all day. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
Gentle and Sensitive Skin Friendly Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
- “leaves skin soft and balanced — Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser”
- “love that it has no scent — Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser”
- “calms my acne prone skin — Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser”
- “no stinging or redness — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
Skin Texture and Anti-Aging Benefits Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “baby soft — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads”
- “skin feels baby soft — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
- “skin feels baby-soft — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash”
- “Skin is looking smoother — Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream”
Luxurious Spa-Like Scents and Textures Not notedOften Mentioned
- “whipped silk feel — Elemis Superfood Midnight Facial”
- “smells like a spa — Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm”
- “smells like a holiday — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
Radiant Glow and Soft Skin Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “healthy glow — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads”
- “instantly fresh glow — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash”
- “Once I started using Elemis Superfood facial oil... my skin began to glow. — Elemis Superfood Facial Oil”
- “Face felt baby soft afterwards — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Hydrogel Mask”
High Price Point and Value Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
- “Jar is too small for the price — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel”
- “Runs out quickly — Neutrogena HYDRO BOOST WATER CREAM”
- “Complete waste of money for me. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
Strong Fragrance and Scents Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Smell is too overpowering and lingering — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel”
- “Scent is so off-putting — Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream”
- “The smell is very strong... could not handle for long. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
- “smell is too strong — Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm”
Packaging and Design Issues Sometimes NotedRarely Noted
- “jar looks half empty — Elemis Superfood Midnight Facial”
- “tube feels half empty — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
- “pump broke quickly — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash”
- “Eye holes are too small — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Hydrogel Mask”
Neutrogena vs Elemis routines for dry skin
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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
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$223.78
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
A$81.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Pro-Collagen Glow Boost Exfoliator
Evening · Once a week
A$128.95
-
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
Hydro Boost Water Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$18.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Alcohol-Free Toner
Morning
A$8.49
-
Moisturizer
Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$18.99
-
SPF
Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen
Morning
A$12.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
HYDRO BOOST WATER CREAM
Evening · Once a week
A$18.99
-
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
Hydro Boost Hydrating Hydrogel Mask
Once a week
A$4.49
Buy Elemis routine · A$549.28 · 91% fit
Buy Neutrogena routine · A$116.40 · 81% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Neutrogena vs Elemis routines for oily skin
-
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
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$223.78
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
A$81.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Balancing Lavender Toner
Evening
A$77.81
-
Serum or Treatment
Papaya Enzyme Peel
Evening · Once a week
A$67.00
-
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
Hydro Boost Water Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$18.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Alcohol-Free Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$8.49
-
Moisturizer
Hydro Boost+ Niacinamide Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$22.49
-
SPF
Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen
Morning
A$12.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover
Evening · Once a week
A$10.49
-
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
Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask
Once a week
A$42.95
Buy Elemis routine · A$653.08 · 80% fit
Buy Neutrogena routine · A$244.80 · 75% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Neutrogena vs Elemis routines for combination skin
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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
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$223.78
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
A$81.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Balancing Lavender Toner
Evening
A$77.81
-
Serum or Treatment
Papaya Enzyme Peel
Evening · Once a week
A$67.00
-
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
Hydro Boost Water Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$18.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Alcohol-Free Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$8.49
-
Moisturizer
Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$18.99
-
SPF
Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen
Morning
A$12.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover
Evening · Once a week
A$10.49
-
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
Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask
Once a week
A$42.95
Buy Elemis routine · A$720.04 · 82% fit
Buy Neutrogena routine · A$195.25 · 80% fitSee multi-brand routine · 95% fit
Questions and answers
Neutrogena or Elemis: which is better?
Neutrogena is better for budget-conscious shoppers seeking lightweight, fragrance-free basics, while Elemis is better for those wanting a luxurious, spa-like anti-aging routine. Both brands offer products on this page that help deliver deep hydration.
What is the difference between Neutrogena and Elemis?
Neutrogena and Elemis both offer deeply hydrating moisturizers, but Neutrogena is better for gentle, sensitive-friendly care and lightweight products, while Elemis excels in luxury textures, radiant glows, and anti-aging benefits.
Neutrogena or Elemis for dry skin?
Both Neutrogena and Elemis help with dry skin, but Elemis is a superior fit for dry skin routines on this page. Topical hyaluronic acid, found in the products on this page, helps improve skin hydration and signs of aging.
Dermatologic Therapy, 2022Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015
Neutrogena or Elemis: which cleanser is better?
Neutrogena is better for sensitive and acne-prone skin, as the cleansers on this page fit sensitive skin and acne-prone skin up to a Superior level. Elemis also offers effective options, but Neutrogena's cleansers are generally more budget-friendly.
Which is more affordable, Neutrogena or Elemis?
Neutrogena is more affordable, whereas Elemis has higher price point concerns on the products on this page.
Which brand has more fragrance-free products, Neutrogena or Elemis?
Neutrogena has more fragrance-free products on this page, with thirty-nine products listing no fragrance compared to four for Elemis.
Neutrogena or Elemis for anti-aging and skin texture?
Neutrogena or Elemis for oily skin?
Both Neutrogena and Elemis fit oily skin at a High level on this page. Reviewers report that the products on this page for Neutrogena are more lightweight and non-greasy.
Neutrogena or Elemis: which moisturizer is better?
Neutrogena is better for everyday, budget-friendly hydration, while Elemis is better for luxurious anti-aging and smoother skin texture. Neutrogena offers many fragrance-free moisturizers, whereas most Elemis moisturizers on this page feature added fragrance.
Neutrogena or Elemis for sensitive skin?
Both Neutrogena and Elemis have a High routine fit for sensitive skin, but Neutrogena does better on the products on this page for being gentle and sensitive skin friendly. The products on this page for Neutrogena are mostly fragrance-free, whereas Elemis includes fragrance in the majority of its formulas.
Neutrogena or Elemis for acne-prone skin?
Both Neutrogena and Elemis have a High routine fit for acne-prone skin. Neutrogena tends to be more gentle and sensitive-skin friendly, while Elemis helps provide a radiant glow and smoother skin texture.
Neutrogena or Elemis for mature skin?
Elemis is a superior fit for mature skin, whereas Neutrogena has a high fit level for the products on this page. Elemis helps improve skin texture and reduce signs of aging with ingredients like retinol.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000Archives of Dermatology, 2007
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
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
Effects of ascorbic acid on gingival melanin pigmentation in vitro and in vivo
Apigenin inhibits UVA-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and prevents signs of skin aging in vivo
Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation by topical N-acetyl glucosamine
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
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
Anti-inflammatory activity of parthenolide-depleted Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)
A Rose Extract Protects the Skin against Stress Mediators: A Potential Role of Olfactory Receptors
Evaluation of moisturizing and irritation potential of sacha inchi oil
Solid lipid nanoparticles bearing oxybenzone: in-vitro and in-vivo evaluation
Nanostructured Lipid Carrier for Topical Application of N-Acetyl Glucosamine
Comparative measurement of hydration effects of herbal moisturizers
Topical Almond Oil for Prevention of Pressure Injuries: A Single-Blinded Comparison Study
Skin recovery by Lavandula angustifolia leaf callus extract: Redox control of Nrf2 signaling
Safety of a preservative system containing 1,2-hexanediol and caprylyl glycol
Formulation and evaluation of exotic fat based cosmeceuticals for skin repair
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
Effects of fermented tea seed oil on the skin lipid barrier and microbiome of sensitive skin
Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens
Natural Moisturizing Factor-Enriched Formulations Compared to a Ceramide-Based Cream
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.
-

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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