Anua vs NIVEA
Anua and NIVEA are established skincare brands offering distinct approaches to daily care. The Korean innovator, founded in 2019, delivers targeted moisturizers, toners, serums, and cleansers featuring hyaluronic acid, heartleaf, and niacinamide to benefit dry skin and oily acne-prone skin. Conversely, the German heritage house, established in 1911, is known for reliable sunscreens, targeted serums, and nourishing moisturizers thoughtfully formulated with glycerin to suit dry skin and sensitive skin. While both ranges address various complexion needs, the former utilizes specialized actives for blemishes and hydration, whereas the latter relies on gentle compositions to improve barrier function and lasting comfort.
Anua is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2019 and owned by The Founders Inc..
prnewswire.comkedglobal.comtracxn.comv.daum.net
NIVEA is a German skincare brand founded in 1911 and owned by maxingvest GmbH & Co. KGaA since 2004.
beiersdorf.comen.wikipedia.org
This page compares some of the most popular Anua and NIVEA products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Anua vs NIVEA products
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Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
CA$30.99
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Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner
CA$28.99
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Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
CA$28.00
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PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum
CA$34.99
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Heartleaf Quercetin Pore Deep Cleansing Foam
CA$22.40
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Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner
CA$31.99
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PEACH 70% NIACINAMIDE SERUM
CA$33.50
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Heartleaf 77% Clear Pad
CA$32.98
People Say
Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “complexion feels so plump — Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum”
- “leaves skin plump — Anua Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner”
- “Drink of water for my skin — Anua PEACH 70% NIACINAMIDE SERUM”
- “Smoothed out dry flaky scales on my cheeks overnight — NIVEA Creme”
Skin Texture and Smoothing Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Makes my face feel smooth and soft. — NIVEA Soft”
- “skin feels squeaky clean and soft — NIVEA DERMA SKIN CLEAR”
- “skin feels smooth — NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub”
- “Skin feels super smooth — Anua PEACH 70% NIACINAMIDE SERUM”
Texture and Absorption Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
- “melts into skin — Anua Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream”
- “Feels like water, not heavy oil — Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil”
- “Absorbs quickly without stickiness — Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner”
- “It's lightweight on the skin and leaves a bit of subtle sheen. — NIVEA Soft”
Gentle and Soothing Mostly MentionedRarely Noted
- “Calms my redness instantly — Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner”
- “calmed my red spots — Anua Heartleaf 77% Clear Pad”
- “leaves my face soft, smooth, and fresh without dryness — Anua Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder”
- “doesn't leave skin dry or stretched — NIVEA DERMA SKIN CLEAR”
Brightening and Glow Mostly MentionedNot noted
- “Significant reduction in hyperpigmentation from acne scarring. — Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum”
- “glass-like glow — Anua Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner”
- “Gives a nice healthy glow — Anua PEACH 70% NIACINAMIDE SERUM”
Value and Pricing Not notedOften Mentioned
- “Works better than expensive luxury creams — NIVEA Creme”
- “Best affordable vegan moisturizer. — NIVEA Soft”
- “absolute steal for the price — NIVEA DERMA SKIN CLEAR”
Breakouts and Acne Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “Clogged my pores and caused bad acne — NIVEA Creme”
- “I noticed some acne breakouts on my chin after using this crème for a while. — NIVEA Soft”
- “Wrecked my skin barrier — Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil”
Sticky or Greasy Finish Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Left such a gross tacky finish that refused to dry. — Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum”
- “leaves a tacky finish — Anua BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner”
- “too dewy — Anua Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream”
- “Leaves a shiny grease layer that doesn't go away — NIVEA Creme”
Application and Consistency Issues Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “leaves skin tight — Anua Heartleaf Quercetin Pore Deep Cleansing Foam”
- “takes a long time to wash off cause it's very slimy — Anua Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder”
- “Congested my skin worse — Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil”
- “not super gritty — NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub”
Anua vs NIVEA routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$20.19
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Hydrating Toner
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Morning
CA$27.99
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Moisturizer
Creme
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$15.98
-
SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
CA$38.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
CA$17.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub
Evening · Once a week
CA$12.98
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
CA$29.99
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Cleanser
Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Gentle Foaming Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$22.90
-
Hydrating Toner
Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner
Morning
CA$31.99
-
Moisturizer
Heartleaf 70% Intense Calming Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$42.88
-
SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
CA$38.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$30.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
Evening · Once a week
CA$28.00
-
Nourishing Mask
Heartleaf 77% Soothing Sheet Mask
Once a week
CA$10.00
Buy NIVEA routine · CA$163.12 · 89% fit
Buy Anua routine · CA$204.76 · 87% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
Anua vs NIVEA routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$20.96
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
Soft
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$13.49
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
CA$35.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$23.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
CA$28.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub
Evening · Once a week
CA$12.98
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Tatcha The Clarifying Clay Mask
Once a week
CA$95.00
-
Cleanser
Heartleaf Quercetin Pore Deep Cleansing Foam
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$22.40
-
Hydrating Toner
Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder
Morning · Once a week
CA$33.50
-
Moisturizer
Heartleaf 70% Intense Calming Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$42.88
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
CA$35.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$30.99
-
Cleansing Toner
BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner
Evening
CA$31.40
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
Evening · Once a week
CA$28.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Tatcha The Clarifying Clay Mask
Once a week
CA$95.00
Buy NIVEA routine · CA$298.37 · 88% fit
Buy Anua routine · CA$320.12 · 85% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Anua vs NIVEA routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$44.95
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
Soft
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$13.49
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
CA$20.96
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$23.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
CA$31.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub
Evening · Once a week
CA$12.98
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay
Once a week
CA$50.00
-
Cleanser
Heartleaf Quercetin Pore Deep Cleansing Foam
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$22.40
-
Hydrating Toner
Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$31.99
-
Moisturizer
Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$33.50
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
CA$20.96
-
Pre-Cleanser
Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$30.99
-
Cleansing Toner
BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner
Evening
CA$31.40
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
Evening · Once a week
CA$28.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay
Once a week
CA$50.00
Buy NIVEA routine · CA$265.46 · 88% fit
Buy Anua routine · CA$249.24 · 85% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
Anua or NIVEA: which is better?
Both Anua and NIVEA offer a High routine fit across all skin types, but Anua stands out for being fragrance-free across the products on this page and performing better in hydration, soothing, and brightening. NIVEA tends to be better for skin texture and smoothing as well as value and pricing, though some reviewers note a strong fragrance in several of its products.
What is the difference between Anua and NIVEA?
Anua focuses on gentle, soothing, and brightening products featuring ingredients like heartleaf and niacinamide with no added fragrance, whereas NIVEA offers versatile moisturizers and blemish-clearing formulas where several products contain fragrance.
Anua or NIVEA for dry skin?
Both Anua and NIVEA offer a High Lovi routine fit for dry skin. Anua provides fragrance-free products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which helps hydrate the skin.
Anua or NIVEA: which moisturizer is better?
Both Anua and NIVEA offer moisturizers with equal routine fits across skin types, but Anua stands out for better hydration and moisture. Anua's products on this page list no fragrance and feature key ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which helps with skin hydration.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
Which is more affordable, Anua or NIVEA?
NIVEA is more affordable than Anua, as NIVEA is noted for offering better value and pricing among the products on this page.
Between Anua and NIVEA, which brand has better fragrance-free options?
Anua has better fragrance-free options because every product on its page lists no fragrance in its ingredients, whereas several NIVEA products contain added fragrance.
How do the founding years and countries of origin compare between Anua and NIVEA?
Anua was founded in 2019 in South Korea, whereas NIVEA was founded much earlier in 1911 in Germany. Both brands are owned by different parent companies, with Anua under The Founders Inc. and NIVEA under maxingvest GmbH & Co. KGaA.
Which brand performs better specifically for hydration and moisture according to reviewers?
Anua performs better specifically for hydration and moisture according to reviewers, thanks to products on this page featuring key ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. Hyaluronic acid helps bind moisture to the skin.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
Anua or NIVEA for oily skin?
Anua and NIVEA both offer a High routine fit for oily skin. Anua performs better for hydration, texture and absorption, and a gentle, soothing feel, while NIVEA provides good value and blemish-clearing serums.
Anua or NIVEA: which sunscreen is better?
Both Anua and NIVEA offer sunscreens on the products on this page, but Anua stands out for being fragrance-free and having a high fit level across almost all skin types. NIVEA sunscreens also provide strong options, though some products on this page list fragrance.
Anua or NIVEA for sensitive skin?
Both Anua and NIVEA provide a High routine fit for sensitive skin, but Anua is often preferred for being gentle and soothing. Anua formulas are fragrance-free across the products on this page, whereas some NIVEA products contain added fragrance.
Anua or NIVEA for acne-prone skin?
Both Anua and NIVEA offer high routine fit for acne-prone skin, but the products on this page show that Anua provides fragrance-free options and is rated higher across specific blemish-fighting treatments. NIVEA features blemish-clearing serums, though review themes indicate it may sometimes cause breakouts and strong fragrance.
Research behind their key ingredients
Effects of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) on Skin Health: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Evidence
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
Apigenin inhibits UVA-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and prevents signs of skin aging in vivo
Effects of glyceryl glucoside on AQP3 expression, barrier function and hydration of human skin
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
Exotic Vegetable Oils for Cosmetic O/W Nanoemulsions: In Vivo Evaluation
In vivo and in vitro evaluation of octyl methoxycinnamate liposomes
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
Moisturizing Effects of Diglycerol Combined with Glycerol on Human Stratum Corneum
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Histometric assessment of the age-related skin response to 2-hydroxy-5-octanoyl benzoic acid
Emulgels powered by coco-glucoside: A stable and effective synbiotics delivery system for skin care
Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens
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
-

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
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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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