# Simple vs darrow

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

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

Simple and darrow are two skincare options known for gentle care and rigorously tested formulas. The British brand Simple features soothing moisturizers, makeup removers, cleansers, and toners with [niacinamide](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/niacinamide) and [glycerin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/glycerin), while darrow offers gentle cleansers. Both suits acne-prone skin best, and they differ as the former also suits oily acne-prone skin with standalone items like the Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner, the Micellar Cleansing [Water](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/water), and the Micellar Water.

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 darrow 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=pg02ce768bd5).

### Popular Simple vs darrow 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)

#### darrow

- [Actine](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/darrow/actine/for/combination-skin) — Average fit

## Questions and answers

### Simple or darrow: which is better?

Simple has a much broader range of products on this page and achieves higher Lovi fit levels across most skin types compared to darrow. [Niacinamide](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/niacinamide) helps reduce skin pigmentation and aging signs. [Glycerin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/glycerin) helps maintain skin hydration and barrier function.

[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 darrow?

Simple offers several fragrance-free products on this page like micellar [waters](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/water) and moisturizers with High to Average Lovi fits for sensitive skin, whereas darrow features just one cleanser with lower fit ratings for sensitive skin. Glycerin helps provide hydration in the products on this page.

[Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### Simple or darrow: which cleanser is better?

Simple offers a better cleanser choice with its Refreshing Facial Wash, which achieves Average Lovi fit levels for most skin types, whereas darrow's Actine cleanser gets Low fits or Cautions for many users. Both cleansers list no fragrance in their ingredients.

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

Simple features lightweight and value-friendly moisturizers among the products on this page, while darrow does not offer comparable affordability information.

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

Simple offers products on this page with a High Lovi fit for acne-prone skin, whereas darrow's cleanser has a Low fit and may cause issues.

### In what year and country was each brand founded, and who currently owns them?

Simple was founded in 1960 in the United Kingdom and is owned by Unilever PLC, while darrow was founded in 1969 in n/a and is owned by Pierre Fabre.

### How do the fit levels for oily acne-prone skin compare between Simple products and darrow's Actine cleanser?

Simple products on this page have an average Lovi fit for oily acne-prone skin, while darrow's Actine cleanser also has an average fit level for this skin type.

### Which of the two brands offers products with fragrance-free ingredients according to the page?

Both Simple and darrow offer fragrance-free products, as every product listed on this page for both brands contains no fragrance in its ingredients.

## 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 vitamin b5 · American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002
- [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
- [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 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
- [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
- [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
- [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 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
- [Evaulation of irritation potential of surfactant mixtures](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18503452/) Sodium laureth sulfate · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 1999
- [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: [darrow](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/brands/darrow)

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