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Cetaphil vs Simple

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

Cetaphil and Simple are two trusted skincare brands known for nurturing sensitive complexions with thoughtful ingredients like glycerin, niacinamide, and panthenol. While the American brand features a diverse lineup of cleansers, moisturizers, serums, and sunscreens that suit combination and oily acne-prone skin best, the British brand focuses on gentle moisturizers, soothing makeup removers, dependable cleansers, and refreshing toners tailored for oily and mature skin. These reliable offerings differ primarily in their specialized formulations and targeted solutions, allowing individuals to select the ideal daily care for their unique skin type.

Cetaphil is an American skincare brand founded in 1947 and owned by Galderma Group AG.

en.wikipedia.orgcetaphil.co.uk

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

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

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

Popular Cetaphil vs Simple products

People Say

CetaphilSimple
  • Gentle on sensitive skin Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “The only thing my reactive skin tolerates. — Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser”
    • “No breakouts since switching to this. — Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser”
    • “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”
  • Hydration and moisture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “cleared up flaky skin — Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream”
    • “healed my dry patches — Cetaphil Moisturising Cream”
    • “banished dryness within days — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
    • “Instantly boosts skin's hydration... face doesn't feel dry and tight. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
  • Texture and weight Often MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “absorbs instantly — Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion”
    • “Absorbs quickly into skin without residue — Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion”
    • “sinks in instantly — Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream”
    • “absorbs very quickly — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
  • Dermatologist and value praise Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
    • “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”
    • “recommended by my derm — Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser”
  • Versatile use and application Often MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “great for face and body — Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream”
    • “removes excess oil — Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser”
    • “Takes off any makeup residue and makes my face feel refreshed. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
    • “Best morning cleanser — Simple Refreshing Facial Wash”
  • Fragrance-free and scent issues Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “Love that it has absolutely no scent. — Simple Micellar Water”
    • “love that it's alcohol-free — Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner”
    • “No strong smell — Simple Refreshing Facial Wash”
    • “truly no smell — Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion”
  • Makeup removal difficulties Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “Doesn't take off mascara at all. — Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser”
    • “doesn't remove mascara — Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser”
    • “Struggles with mascara. — Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser”
    • “Did not remove my mascara very well at all. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
  • Dryness and lack of moisture Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
    • “Felt a little stripping on sensitive areas. — Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser”
    • “Skin felt dehydrated after 30 minutes — Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion”
    • “not moisturizing enough — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
    • “skin felt tight after an hour — Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream”
  • Formula changes and irritation Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
    • “New bottle ingredients do not match... lower amounts of beneficial ingredients. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
    • “new formula stings — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
    • “burned upon application — Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream”
    • “New version burns my face. — Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser”

Cetaphil vs Simple routines for dry skin

Buy Simple routine · CA$156.25 · 83% fitBuy Cetaphil routine · CA$148.04 · 80% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit

Cetaphil vs Simple routines for oily skin

Buy Simple routine · CA$271.73 · 87% fitBuy Cetaphil routine · CA$282.83 · 84% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit

Cetaphil vs Simple routines for combination skin

Buy Simple routine · CA$214.83 · 86% fitBuy Cetaphil routine · CA$240.92 · 85% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit

Questions and answers

Cetaphil or Simple: which is better?

Both Cetaphil and Simple are well matched, showing an equal High routine fit across all skin types on the products on this page. Niacinamide, which is included in both brands, may help reduce cutaneous pigmentation.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Antioxidants, 2021

What is the difference between Cetaphil and Simple?

Cetaphil and Simple both offer high routine fit levels across major skin types, but Cetaphil provides a much larger range of specialty items including serums, sunscreens, and targeted treatments. Simple focuses primarily on basic cleansing and lightweight hydration with entirely fragrance-free formulations.

Cetaphil or Simple for dry skin?

Both brands achieve a High routine fit for dry skin on this page. Cetaphil and Simple provide formulations that help maintain moisture and support skin hydration.

Cetaphil or Simple: which cleanser is better?

Both Cetaphil and Simple offer gentle cleansers on this page that are generally well-tolerated by various skin types, but Cetaphil features a broader selection of specialized cleansers tailored for specific concerns like oily or acne-prone skin.

Which is more affordable, Cetaphil or Simple?

Simple stands out for its dermatologist and value praise compared to Cetaphil. The products on this page are known for providing lightweight and value-friendly moisturizers.

Which brand has been around longer, Cetaphil or Simple?

Cetaphil has been around longer than Simple, as Cetaphil was founded in the United States in 1947 while Simple was founded in the United Kingdom in 1960.

Do any Cetaphil products contain fragrance, and how does Simple compare?

Most of the Cetaphil products on this page list no fragrance, with only the Oily Skin Cleanser including it. Simple compares by listing no fragrance in every product on this page.

Which brand has better dermatologist and value praise according to reviewers?

Simple does better with dermatologist and value praise according to reviewers. The products on this page for Simple are also noted for providing lightweight, value-friendly moisturizers.

Cetaphil or Simple for oily skin?

Both Cetaphil and Simple are rated High for oily skin on Lovi. Cetaphil features a wider selection of specialized cleansers and moisturizers formulated for oil control, while Simple offers lightweight, value-friendly hydration across the products on this page.

Cetaphil or Simple: which moisturizer is better?

Both Cetaphil and Simple offer products on this page with an average fit level for moisturizers across various skin types. Cetaphil features key ingredients like glycerin and niacinamide that help provide hydration and address skin aging, while Simple provides lightweight, value-friendly options for daily use.

Antioxidants, 2021

Cetaphil or Simple for sensitive skin?

Both brands offer an equal Lovi fit level of High for sensitive skin. The products on this page help provide gentle and sensitive-skin-friendly care.

Cetaphil or Simple for acne-prone skin?

Both brands fit acne-prone skin at a High level on this page. Cetaphil features products like Extra Gentle Daily Scrub that help with acne-prone skin, while Simple offers items such as Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner that are fragrance-free.

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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