# Simple vs Carotone

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/simple-vs-carotone

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

Simple and Carotone are distinct skincare options, with the British brand offering gentle moisturizers, makeup removers, cleansers, and toners featuring [niacinamide](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/niacinamide) and [glycerin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/glycerin), while the other is loved for targeted [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/serum) and carefully crafted formulas. The first brand suits acne-prone and oily acne-prone skin best through barrier-respecting products like the Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner for acne-prone skin, the Micellar Cleansing [Water](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/water) for skin with dark spots, and the Micellar Water for mature skin, where niacinamide reduces hyperpigmentation and improves aging signs, and glycerin improves skin hydration and barrier function. Meanwhile, the second brand suits dry, normal, and combination skin best with standout offerings such as the Brightening Cream for acne-prone skin. They differ fundamentally in formulation focus and ideal skin types, though regular use of both supports a radiant and even complexion.

Simple is a British skincare brand founded in 1960 and owned by Unilever PLC since 2011.

[en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simple_Skincare) [sec.gov](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1368457/000119312511134453/dex991.htm) [prnewswire.com](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alberto-culver-announces-that-unilever-has-received-approval-from-the-us-department-of-justice-to-complete-the-acquisition-of-the-company-121400884.html) [simple.co.uk](https://www.simple.co.uk/philosophy.html)

This page compares some of the most popular Simple and Carotone 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=pg3258bdb2c4).

### Popular Simple vs Carotone products

#### Simple

- [Micellar Water](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/simple/micellar-water/for/mature-skin) — Average fit — [A$19.99 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0793Z5XZB?tag=lovi-care-web-product-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Micellar Cleansing Water](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/simple/micellar-cleansing-water/for/sensitive-skin) — High fit — [A$26.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B071XCT81N?tag=lovi-care-web-product-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Hydrating Light Moisturiser](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/simple/hydrating-light-moisturiser/for/dry-skin) — Average fit — [A$14.99 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B000LQX6XG?tag=lovi-care-web-product-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Refreshing Facial Wash](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/simple/refreshing-facial-wash/for/acne-prone-skin) — Average fit — [A$17.90 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B000LQUA6M?tag=lovi-care-web-product-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Replenishing Rich Moisturiser](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/simple/replenishing-rich-moisturiser/for/dry-skin) — Average fit — [A$35.50 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B08T7GZ1HB?tag=lovi-care-web-product-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/simple/water-boost-hydrating-gel-cream/for/dry-skin) — Average fit — [A$37.58 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B076TBCFWR?tag=lovi-care-web-product-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/simple/kind-to-skin-soothing-facial-toner/for/mature-skin) — Superior fit — [A$19.85 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B076V2D94Y?tag=lovi-care-web-product-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

#### Carotone

- [Brightening Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/carotone/brightening-cream/for/mature-skin) — Average fit

## Questions and answers

### Simple or Carotone: which is better?

Simple is the better-rounded choice on this page, offering a wide variety of gentle makeup removers and moisturizers containing [glycerin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/glycerin) and [niacinamide](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/niacinamide) that help hydrate the skin. Carotone only features a brightening cream, and Lovi rates both brands as having average fits across most skin types.

[The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/) [Antioxidants, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34439563/)

### What is the difference between Simple and Carotone?

Simple offers a broad range of fragrance-free cleansers, makeup removers, and moisturizers featuring niacinamide and glycerin that fit acne-prone, oily, and sensitive skin, whereas Carotone features a single brightening cream on this page. Niacinamide helps reduce skin pigmentation.

[The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/) [Antioxidants, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34439563/)

### Which is more affordable, Simple or Carotone?

Simple features lightweight, value-friendly moisturizers on this page, while Carotone has only one brightening cream listed without pricing details. Niacinamide helps reduce skin pigmentation, and glycerin supports skin hydration.

[The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/) [Antioxidants, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34439563/)

### Which causes fewer breakouts, Simple or Carotone?

Simple products are frequently noted by reviewers to sometimes cause breakouts or irritations. Carotone has no reviewer feedback listed regarding breakouts.

### When and where were the parent companies of Simple and Carotone founded?

Simple was founded in the United Kingdom in 1960, and its parent company Unilever PLC has owned it since 2011. Carotone was founded in 2009 and is owned by Nouvelle Parfumerie Gandour.

### Do any of the products from Simple or Carotone contain fragrance in their ingredients?

No, every product on this page from both Simple and Carotone lists no fragrance in its ingredients.

### Which skin types do the brand-focused routines for Simple fit best?

The brand-focused routines for Simple fit best for acne-prone skin, oily acne-prone skin, and oily skin.

## Research behind their key ingredients

- [The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/) Niacinamide · The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002
- [Mechanistic Basis and Clinical Evidence for the Applications of Nicotinamide (Niacinamide) to Control Skin Aging and Pigmentation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34439563/) Niacinamide · Antioxidants, 2021
- [Topical use of dexpanthenol in skin disorders](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12113650/) Panthenol, Panthenol vitamin b5 · American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002
- [Improvement of naturally aged skin with vitamin A (retinol)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17515510/) Retinol vitamin a · Archives of Dermatology, 2007
- [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
- [Prospective, randomized, double-blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageing](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/) Retinol vitamin a · The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019
- [Skin barrier disruption by sodium lauryl sulfate-exposure alters the expressions of involucrin, transglutaminase 1, profilaggrin, and kallikreins during the repair phase in human skin in vivo](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18007579/) Sodium lauryl sulfate · The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2008
- [Apigenin inhibits UVA-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and prevents signs of skin aging in vivo](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27279007/) Chamomilla recutita flower extract matricaria flower extract · International Journal of Molecular Medicine, 2016
- [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
- [Randomized controlled study for the anti-aging effect of human adipocyte-derived mesenchymal stem cell media combined with niacinamide after laser therapy](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33103316/) Niacinamide · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021
- [A new topical panthenol-containing emollient: Results from two randomized controlled studies assessing its skin moisturization and barrier restoration potential, and the effect on skin microflora](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27425824/) Panthenol, Panthenol vitamin b5 · The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017
- [Senomorphic activity of a combination of niacinamide and hyaluronic acid: correlation with clinical improvement of skin aging](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39009698/) Niacinamide · Scientific Reports, 2024
- [Stable Ozonides with Vitamin E Acetate versus Corticosteroid in the Treatment of Lichen Sclerosus in Foreskin: Evaluation of Effects on Inflammation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30991399/) Tocopheryl acetate vitamin e, Tocopheryl acetate · Urologia Internationalis, 2019
- [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/) Panthenol, Panthenol vitamin b5, Allantoin · Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal, 2020
- [High molecular compounds (polysaccharides and proanthocyanidins) from Hamamelis virginiana bark: influence on human skin keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation and influence on irritated skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11684194/) Witch hazel leaf water · Phytochemistry, 2001
- [Comparison of clinical efficacies of sodium ascorbyl phosphate, retinol and their combination in acne treatment](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19134126/) Sodium ascorbyl phosphate · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2009
- [Changes in Skin Barrier Function after Repeated Exposition to Phospholipid-Based Surfactants and Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate In Vivo and Corneocyte Surface Analysis by Atomic Force Microscopy](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33804924/) Sodium lauryl sulfate · Pharmaceutics, 2021
- [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
- [A novel model of inflammatory pain in human skin involving topical application of sodium lauryl sulfate](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20358390/) Sodium lauryl sulfate · Inflammation Research, 2010
- [Whitening effect of alpha-bisabolol in Asian women subjects](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20642768/) Bisabolol · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2010
- [Assessment of Combined Ascorbyl Palmitate (AP) and Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP) on Facial Skin Sebum Control in Female Healthy Volunteers](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27756097/) Sodium ascorbyl phosphate · Drug Research, 2017
- [Understanding Solar Skin Elastosis-Cause and Treatment](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30052192/) Witch hazel leaf water · Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2018
- [Borage Oil Treated with Immobilized Lipase Inhibits Melanogenesis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33128473/) Borago officinalis seed oil · Lipids, 2020
- [Influence of vitamin E acetate on stratum corneum hydration](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9706379/) Tocopheryl acetate vitamin e, Tocopheryl acetate · Arzneimittel-Forschung, 1998
- [Anatomical site differences of sodium lauryl sulfate-induced irritation: randomized controlled trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30637727/) Sodium lauryl sulfate · The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019
- [Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of a Panthenol-Enriched Mask for Skin Barrier Recovery After Facial Laser Treatment: Results of a Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40613435/) Panthenol, Panthenol vitamin b5 · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025
- [Modulation of skin pigmentation by the tetrapeptide PKEK: in vitro and in vivo evidence for skin whitening effects](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22142309/) Sodium ascorbyl phosphate · Experimental Dermatology, 2012
- [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
- [Safety assessment on comedogenicity of dermatological products containing d-alpha tocopheryl acetate in Asian subjects: A double-blind randomized controlled trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34471722/) Tocopheryl acetate vitamin e, Tocopheryl acetate · Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 2021
- [Impact of dermal emulsions containing diacyl phospholipids, mono acyl phospholipids, sodium lauryl ether sulfate and polysorbate 80 in combination with UVA irradiation on human skin physiology in vivo: A pilot study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42617898/) Sodium laureth sulfate · International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2026
- [A novel facial moisturizer containing Saccharide isomerate accelerates skin barrier restoration following intense pulsed light treatment: a randomized split-face study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41211697/) Saccharide isomerate · The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2025
- [Efficacy and safety of combination cream of stimu-tex AS™ (spent grain wax, Argania Spinosa Kernel oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (shea butter) extract), and saccharide isomerate after fractional CO2 laser procedure: split-face, double blinded, randomized controlled trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41134387/) Saccharide isomerate · Lasers in Medical Science, 2025
- [Saccharide isomerate ameliorates cosmetic scalp conditions in a Chinese study population](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35279940/) Saccharide isomerate · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023

## The brands

- British skincare: [Simple](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/brands/simple)
- Skincare: [Carotone](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/brands/carotone)

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