# Biore vs Dr. Barbara Sturm

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/biore-vs-dr-barbara-sturm

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

Biore and Dr. Barbara Sturm are distinct skincare lines from Japan and Germany that offer thoughtful sunscreens, cleansers, masks, makeup removers, gentle moisturizers, clarifying exfoliants, and nourishing [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/serum). The Japanese brand suits sensitive and oily skin best with gentle and clarifying formulations, featuring standout items like the UV Aqua Rich, Makeup Remover Perfect Oil, and Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser. Meanwhile, Dr. Barbara Sturm suits sensitive, dry, and balanced skin best through deep hydration and barrier support, highlighted by The Good C [Vitamin C](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/vitamin-c) Serum, Enzyme Cleanser, and Hyaluronic Serum. While both brands support a refreshed complexion, the former relies on effective formulas for balance, whereas the latter builds upon scientifically advanced formulas for a calm, smooth, and radiant finish.

Biore is a Japanese skincare brand founded in 1980 and owned by Kao Corporation.

[biore.com](https://www.biore.com/en-sa/about-us/our-story/) [kao.com](https://www.kao.com/global/en/newsroom/news/release/2024/20240214-001/)

Dr. Barbara Sturm is a German skincare brand founded in 2014 and owned by Puig since 2024.

[uploads.puig.com](https://uploads.puig.com/uploads/Press_release_Puig_acquires_majority_stake_in_Dr_Barbara_Sturm_ENG_1_140422a900.pdf) [beautymatter.com](https://beautymatter.com/articles/puig-acquires-majority-stake-in-dr-barbara-sturm) [pitchbook.com](https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/289811-80)

This page compares some of the most popular Biore and Dr. Barbara Sturm 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=pge57eb6d75d).

### Popular Biore vs Dr. Barbara Sturm products

#### Dr. Barbara Sturm

- [Hyaluronic Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/dr-barbara-sturm/hyaluronic-serum/for/oily-skin) — High fit — [CA$409.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08BJ73C5Q?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Enzyme Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/dr-barbara-sturm/enzyme-cleanser/for/dark-spots) — Superior fit — [CA$157.17 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07JQQX4D8?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [The Good C Vitamin C Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/dr-barbara-sturm/the-good-c-vitamin-c-serum/for/mature-skin) — High fit — [CA$195.18 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0953YD2XP?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

#### Biore

- [UV Aqua Rich](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/biore/uv-aqua-rich/for/combination-skin) — High fit
- [Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/biore/deep-pore-charcoal-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Average fit
- [Deep Cleansing Pore Strips](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/biore/deep-cleansing-pore-strips/for/oily-skin) — Average fit
- [Makeup Remover Perfect Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/biore/makeup-remover-perfect-oil/for/sensitive-skin) — High fit — [CA$42.80 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B000FQMZSE?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

## People Say

Biore

Dr. Barbara Sturm

- Effective cleansing and debris removal Mostly Mentioned Often Mentioned “Gets the gunk out — Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips” “Face feels squeaky clean — Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser” “No greasy film, leaves skin fresh, rinses easily. — Biore Makeup Remover Perfect Oil” “deep yet gentle cleanse — Dr. Barbara Sturm Enzyme Cleanser”
- Lightweight texture and finish Often Mentioned Mostly Mentioned “sinks in immediately — Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum” “sinks in quickly — Dr. Barbara Sturm The Good C Vitamin C Serum” “melts into skin — Biore UV Aqua Rich”
- Sun protection and hydration Sometimes Noted Mostly Mentioned “skin drank it up — Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum” “skin feels softer — Dr. Barbara Sturm The Good C Vitamin C Serum” “SPF 50+ PA++++ — Biore UV Aqua Rich”
- Calming sensitive skin Not noted Mostly Mentioned “doesn't irritate my sensitive skin — Dr. Barbara Sturm The Good C Vitamin C Serum” “reduced redness — Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum”
- Ease of use Often Mentioned Sometimes Noted “Minimal effort required — Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips” “Works in shower, effective on wet hands/face. — Biore Makeup Remover Perfect Oil” “practical for travel — Dr. Barbara Sturm Enzyme Cleanser”
- Skin texture smoothing Sometimes Noted Often Mentioned “skin texture is immediately more even — Dr. Barbara Sturm Enzyme Cleanser” “Leaves skin feeling clean — Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips”
- High price point and cheaper alternatives Not noted Mostly Mentioned “way too expensive — Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum”
- Inconsistent or temporary results Sometimes Noted Often Mentioned “Doesn't get all blackheads — Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips” “Doesn't shrink pores — Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips” “did nothing — Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum”
- Drying and stripping effects Often Mentioned Sometimes Noted “face feels a bit tight — Dr. Barbara Sturm Enzyme Cleanser” “Made my skin peel — Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser”
- Scent and fragrance complaints Often Mentioned Rarely Noted “smells a bit weird — Dr. Barbara Sturm Enzyme Cleanser” “smells like alcohol — Biore UV Aqua Rich”

## Questions and answers

### Biore or Dr. Barbara Sturm: which is better?

Biore is better for effective cleansing and ease of use with the products on this page, while Dr. Barbara Sturm is better for lightweight texture, sun protection, hydration, calming sensitive skin, and smoothing skin texture. [Hyaluronic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/hyaluronic-acid) helps improve skin quality and signs of aging.

[Dermatologic Therapy, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36200921/)

### What is the difference between Biore and Dr. Barbara Sturm?

Biore offers more affordable and effective cleansing and debris removal with products like Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser, whereas Dr. Barbara Sturm provides superior skin texture smoothing and sun protection with lightweight options like Enzyme Cleanser and The Good C [Vitamin C](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/vitamin-c) [Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/serum). Lovi rates Dr. Barbara Sturm's Enzyme Cleanser as a Superior fit for skin with dark spots.

[Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31975502/) [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32052907/)

### Which is more affordable, Biore or Dr. Barbara Sturm?

Biore is the more affordable brand, though reviewers note it comes with a high price point and cheaper alternatives drawback compared to Dr. Barbara Sturm.

### Which causes fewer breakouts, Biore or Dr. Barbara Sturm?

When it comes to breakout-prone skin, the products on this page for Dr. Barbara Sturm hold a High Lovi fit for acne-prone skin, whereas Biore products on this page generally have an Average Lovi fit for acne-prone skin.

### Which brand has products that are better for calming sensitive skin?

Dr. Barbara Sturm does better for calming sensitive skin, while Biore products on this page have a Low fit level for sensitive skin.

### How do the founding years and corporate ownerships of Biore and Dr. Barbara Sturm compare?

Biore was founded in Japan in 1980 and is owned by Kao Corporation, whereas Dr. Barbara Sturm was founded in Germany in 2014 and is owned by Puig.

### Which brand performs better for lightweight texture and finish according to reviewers?

Dr. Barbara Sturm performs better for lightweight texture and finish according to reviewers. The products on this page for this brand provide smooth finishes without heavy layers.

## Research behind their key ingredients

- [Benefits of topical hyaluronic acid for skin quality and signs of skin aging: From literature review to clinical evidence](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36200921/) Sodium hyaluronate · Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
- [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
- [Bacterial cellulose membranes as drug delivery systems: an in vivo skin compatibility study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23973717/) Cellulose · European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, 2014
- [Psychophysical study of the effects of topical application of menthol in healthy volunteers](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16527405/) Menthol · Pain, 2006
- [Effects of ascorbic acid on gingival melanin pigmentation in vitro and in vivo](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19186973/) Ascorbyl glucoside · Journal of Periodontology, 2009
- [Topical Formulation Containing Naringenin: Efficacy against Ultraviolet B Irradiation-Induced Skin Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Mice](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26741806/) Grapefruit fruit extract · PloS One, 2016
- [Bacterial cellulose skin masks-Properties and sensory tests](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28963772/) Cellulose · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2018
- [Treatment of acne with a combination of propolis, tea tree oil, and Aloe vera compared to erythromycin cream: two double-blind investigations](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30588129/) Aloe barbadensis leaf juice · Clinical Pharmacology, 2018
- [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
- [A Double-Blinded, Randomized, Vehicle-Controlled Study of the Efficacy of Moisturizer Containing Licochalcone A, Decanediol, L-Carnitine, and Salicylic Acid for Prevention of Acne Relapse in Asian Population](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33150170/) Salicylic acid · BioMed Research International, 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 extract · Phytochemistry, 2001
- [Sunscreens and Cosmetic Formulations Containing Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate and Rice Peptides for the Improvement of Skin Photoaging: A Double-blind, Randomized Placebo-controlled Clinical Study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33529350/) Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate · Photochemistry and Photobiology, 2021
- [Clinical evidence of the efficacy and safety of a new 3-in-1 anti-aging topical night serum-in-oil containing melatonin, bakuchiol, and ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate: 103 females treated from 28 to 84 days](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30924254/) Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019
- [Efficacy of a multitargeted, salicylic acid-based dermocosmetic cream compared to benzoyl peroxide 5% in Acne vulgaris: Results from a randomized study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/) Salicylic acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024
- [A Salicylic Acid-Based Dermocosmetic is Effective as an Adjunct to Benzoyl Peroxide for Mild to Moderate Acne and as Monotherapy in Maintenance Post Benzoyl Peroxide](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38051857/) Salicylic acid · Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023
- [Antioxidant-based topical formulations influence on the inflammatory response of Japanese skin: A clinical study using non-invasive techniques](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28385617/) Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate · European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, 2017
- [Challenging the safety and efficacy of topically applied chlorogenic acid, apigenin, kaempferol, and naringenin by HET-CAM, HPLC-TBARS-EVSC, and laser Doppler flowmetry](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38831914/) Grapefruit fruit extract · Frontiers in Chemistry, 2024
- [Subclinical, non-erythematous irritation with an open assay model (washing): sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) versus sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11278060/) Sodium laureth sulfate · Food and Chemical Toxicology, 2001
- [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
- [In vivo and in vitro evaluation of octyl methoxycinnamate liposomes](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24376350/) Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate · International Journal of Nanomedicine, 2013
- [Effect of seasonal and geographical differences on skin and effect of treatment with an osmoprotectant: Sorbitol](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23752031/) Sorbitol · Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2013
- [Borage Oil Treated with Immobilized Lipase Inhibits Melanogenesis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33128473/) Lipase · Lipids, 2020
- [Influence of vitamin E acetate on stratum corneum hydration](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9706379/) Tocopheryl acetate · Arzneimittel-Forschung, 1998
- [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
- [Prospective randomized double-blind comparative study of topical acetyl zingerone with tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate versus tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate alone on facial photoaging](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38525606/) Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024
- [A Double-Blind, 12-Week Study to Evaluate the Antiaging Efficacy of a Cream Containing the NFκB Inhibitor 4-Hexyl-1, 3-Phenylenediol and Ascorbic Acid-2 Glucoside in Adult Females](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27272084/) Ascorbyl glucoside · Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2016
- [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 · Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 2021
- [Mitigation of ultraviolet-induced erythema and inflammation by para-hydroxycinnamic acid in human skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39138602/) Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2025
- [Facial disbiosis and UV filters](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39499337/) Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate · Archives of Dermatological Research, 2024
- [Portulaca oleracea extract relieves skin barrier damage induced by increased photosensitivity after GA peeling](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35920724/) Lactobacillus portulaca oleracea extract ferment · Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology, 2022
- [Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39769217/) Ascorbyl glucoside · International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024
- [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
- [Low-temperature extracted Portulaca oleracea L. as a functional ingredient in facial masks for photorejuvenation of sensitive skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41182319/) Lactobacillus portulaca oleracea extract ferment · Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology, 2025

## The brands

- Japanese skincare: [Biore](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/brands/biore)
- German skincare: [Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/brands/dr-barbara-sturm)

## More comparisons

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- [SKIN1004 vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/skin1004-vs-dr-barbara-sturm)
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- [Anua vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/anua-vs-dr-barbara-sturm)
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- [Medicube vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/medicube-vs-dr-barbara-sturm)
- [The Ordinary vs Biore](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/the-ordinary-vs-biore)
- [The Ordinary vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/the-ordinary-vs-dr-barbara-sturm)
- [Beauty of Joseon vs Biore](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/beauty-of-joseon-vs-biore)
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- [COSRX vs Biore](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/cosrx-vs-biore)
- [COSRX vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/cosrx-vs-dr-barbara-sturm)
- [CeraVe vs Biore](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/cerave-vs-biore)
- [CeraVe vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/cerave-vs-dr-barbara-sturm)
- [La Roche-Posay vs Biore](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-biore)
- [La Roche-Posay vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-dr-barbara-sturm)
- [Dr. Althea vs Biore](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/dr-althea-vs-biore)
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- [Some By Mi vs Biore](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/some-by-mi-vs-biore)
- [Some By Mi vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/some-by-mi-vs-dr-barbara-sturm)

## 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

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- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/biore-vs-dr-barbara-sturm (this page)
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