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Simple vs Galderma

Rated by Lovi · Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes · How the Fit score works

Simple and Galderma are skincare brands offering distinct approaches for varied complexions. The British brand is known for gentle moisturizers, makeup removers, cleansers, and toners featuring niacinamide and glycerin, while the Swiss brand provides specialized serums. Both lines suit oily acne-prone skin best, yet they differ because the former respects delicate barriers through soothing formulations while the latter targets specific concerns like acne and hyperpigmentation with potent gels.

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

en.wikipedia.orgsec.govprnewswire.comsimple.co.uk

Galderma is a Swiss skincare brand founded in 1981 and owned by Galderma Group AG.

en.wikipedia.org

This page compares some of the most popular Simple and Galderma products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.

Popular Simple vs Galderma products

People Say

SimpleGalderma
  • Gentle on sensitive skin Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “Does not cause any form of irritation on the skin which I love. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
    • “The only cleanser that doesn't turn my face red. — Simple Micellar Water”
    • “no artificial perfume — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
    • “didn't burn my face — Galderma Benzac AC Mild Strength 2.5% Acne Gel”
  • Clears acne and prevents breakouts Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “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”
  • Hydration and non-drying Mostly MentionedNot noted
    • “banished dryness within days — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
    • “Instantly boosts skin's hydration... face doesn't feel dry and tight. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
    • “Leaves my face feeling soft, not tight. — Simple Micellar Water”
  • No residue or lightweight absorption Often MentionedNot noted
    • “sinks in instantly — Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream”
    • “absorbs very quickly — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
    • “absorbs really well — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
  • Affordable value Often MentionedNot noted
    • “great value for money — Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner”
    • “super affordable — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
    • “Can't beat the price for the quality. — Simple Micellar Water”
  • Effective cleansing Often MentionedNot noted
    • “Takes off any makeup residue and makes my face feel refreshed. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
    • “Best morning cleanser — Simple Refreshing Facial Wash”
    • “removes last traces of makeup — Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner”
  • Intense burning and dryness Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “face on fire — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
  • Acne purge and irritation Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “got worse first — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
  • Bleaches fabrics Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “bleached my towel — Galderma Benzac AC 5”
  • Formula and packaging issues Often MentionedNot noted
    • “New bottle ingredients do not match... lower amounts of beneficial ingredients. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”

Simple vs Galderma routines for dry skin

Buy Galderma routine · A$217.98 · 89% fitBuy Simple routine · A$208.81 · 84% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit

Simple vs Galderma routines for oily skin

Buy Galderma routine · A$435.35 · 95% fitBuy Simple routine · A$388.80 · 86% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit

Simple vs Galderma routines for combination skin

Buy Galderma routine · A$378.83 · 92% fitBuy Simple routine · A$322.10 · 84% fitSee multi-brand routine · 95% fit

Questions and answers

Simple or Galderma: which is better?

Simple tends to be better for gentle hydration and sensitive skin, whereas Galderma is more effective for clearing acne with its specialized serums. Glycerin in Simple products helps provide moisture, while Benzoyl Peroxide in Galderma targets breakouts effectively.

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020

What is the difference between Simple and Galderma?

Simple offers gentle, hydrating cleansers and moisturizers featuring niacinamide and glycerin that suit sensitive skin well, whereas Galderma provides targeted acne-clearing serums containing benzoyl peroxide. Reviewers note that Simple helps deliver lightweight and value-friendly hydration, while Galderma may cause severe dryness and peeling despite its effectiveness against acne.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Antioxidants, 2021

Simple or Galderma for dry skin?

Simple and Galderma both offer a High fit for dry skin on this page. Reviewers note that Simple provides lightweight, value-friendly moisturizers, while Galderma serums feature key ingredients like benzoyl peroxide that may help with acne but can cause intense burning and dryness.

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 2021

Which is more affordable, Simple or Galderma?

Simple is more affordable, offering value-friendly moisturizers and cleansers. The products on this page help provide budget-friendly options compared to Galderma.

Which brand performs better for mature skin and skin with dark spots according to the routine fit comparisons?

Galderma performs better for mature skin and skin with dark spots, as Lovi rates its routine fit as Superior for both compared to Simple's High fit level. Glycerin in Simple helps support moisture balance, while niacinamide in Simple may help reduce pigmentation.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

How do the reviewers' opinions on hydration and dryness differ between Simple and Galderma products?

Simple products are praised for providing hydration and being non-drying, whereas reviewers often note severe dryness and peeling with Galderma. Glycerin helps maintain moisture in Simple formulas, while ingredients like benzoyl peroxide in Galderma serums may cause significant dryness. Lovi rates Simple as High for hydration and non-drying compared to Galderma.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

What are the founding years and home countries of Simple and Galderma?

Simple was founded in 1960 in the United Kingdom, whereas Galderma was founded in 1981 in Switzerland.

Simple or Galderma for oily skin?

For oily skin, Lovi rates Galderma as Superior and Simple as High. The products on this page for Simple feature key ingredients like glycerin and niacinamide to help hydrate without feeling heavy.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

Simple or Galderma for sensitive skin?

Simple is the better choice for sensitive skin because its products on this page achieve high to superior fit levels for sensitive skin and focus on gentle, fragrance-free hydration. Galderma, by contrast, frequently causes severe dryness, peeling, and intense irritation, making its serums less suitable for sensitive skin types.

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020

Simple or Galderma for acne-prone skin?

For acne-prone skin, Galderma achieves a Superior Lovi fit level on this page, while Simple achieves High. Galderma features effective acne-clearing serums, though reviewers note they may cause severe dryness, peeling, and irritation.

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 2021

Research behind their key ingredients

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.

  • Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Co-founder, Medical Director

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer

  • Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Co-founder, CEO and CTO

    PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex

  • Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Medical Board

    Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine

  • Aishani Shah, MD

    Aishani Shah, MD

    Medical Board

    Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD

  • Asya Zubkova, MS

    Asya Zubkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member

  • Hanna Kurets, MD

    Hanna Kurets, MD

    Medical Board, Medical Advisor

    Dermatology MD

  • Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Medical Board

    Dermatology and diagnostic consultant

  • Victoria Derkova, MS

    Victoria Derkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist

How does it fit your skin?

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