Clarins vs Galderma
Clarins and Galderma are established skincare brands from France and Switzerland that offer distinct approaches to complexion care. Clarins provides luxurious moisturizers, potent serums, soothing eye products, and gentle toners enriched with shea and squalane, making it ideal for sensitive and dry sensitive skin. Conversely, the Swiss brand focuses on specialized serums that suit oily and combination skin. While both companies address concerns like acne, dark spots, and aging, the French house relies on botanical nourishment to reduce redness and increase collagen, whereas the Swiss competitor utilizes targeted topical gels for blemish control.
Clarins is a French skincare brand founded in 1954 and owned by Famille C (Groupe Clarins).
groupeclarins.comen.wikipedia.orghappi.com
Galderma is a Swiss skincare brand founded in 1981 and owned by Galderma Group AG.
This page compares some of the most popular Clarins and Galderma products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Clarins vs Galderma products
People Say
Hydration and glow Mostly MentionedNot noted
- “skin drinks it up — Clarins Double Serum”
- “absorbs immediately — Clarins Double Serum Eye”
- “insane how cooling it is — Clarins Cryo-Flash Cream-Mask”
Acne clearance and prevention 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”
Pleasant scent Rarely NotedNot noted
- “smells luxurious — Clarins Extra-Firming Neck & Décolleté Cream”
- “smells luxurious — Clarins Double Serum Light Texture”
Skin irritation and breakouts Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “caused cystic acne — Clarins Double Serum”
- “caused redness — Clarins Double Serum Eye”
- “made my face burn — Clarins Cryo-Flash Cream-Mask”
- “face on fire — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
Purging and side effects Not notedMostly Mentioned
- “got worse first — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
High price point Mostly MentionedNot noted
- “way too expensive — Clarins Double Serum”
Clarins vs Galderma routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$20.19
-
Hydrating Toner
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Morning
CA$27.99
-
Moisturizer
Tata Harper Repairative Moisturizer
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$162.00
-
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
Benzac AC 5
Evening · Once a week
CA$45.40
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
CA$29.99
-
Cleanser
Gentle Foaming Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$48.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Hydrating Toning Lotion
Morning
CA$49.00
-
Moisturizer
Hydra-Essentiel Silky Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$56.00
-
SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
CA$38.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Total Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$49.00
- Serum or Treatment BRIGHT PLUS Evening · Once a week
-
Nourishing Mask
Cryo-Flash Cream-Mask
Once a week
CA$92.00
Buy Galderma routine · CA$341.56 · 89% fit
Buy Clarins routine · CA$332.00 · 77% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
Clarins vs Galderma 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
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$29.98
-
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
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Serum or Treatment
Benzac AC 5
Evening · Once a week
CA$45.40
-
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
Gentle Foaming Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$48.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Hydrating Toning Lotion
Morning · Once a week
CA$49.00
-
Moisturizer
Double Serum Light Texture
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$113.00
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
CA$35.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Total Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$49.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Purifying Toning Lotion
Evening
CA$49.00
- Serum or Treatment BRIGHT PLUS Evening · Once a week
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Tatcha The Clarifying Clay Mask
Once a week
CA$95.00
Buy Galderma routine · CA$347.28 · 94% fit
Buy Clarins routine · CA$468.45 · 71% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Clarins vs Galderma 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
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$29.98
-
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
Benzac AC 5
Evening · Once a week
CA$45.40
-
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
Gentle Foaming Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$48.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Hydrating Toning Lotion
Morning · Once a week
CA$49.00
-
Moisturizer
Double Serum Light Texture
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$113.00
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
CA$20.96
-
Pre-Cleanser
Total Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$49.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Purifying Toning Lotion
Evening
CA$49.00
- Serum or Treatment BRIGHT PLUS Evening · Once a week
-
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
Buy Galderma routine · CA$314.37 · 94% fit
Buy Clarins routine · CA$408.46 · 74% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
Clarins or Galderma: which is better?
Clarins is better for hydration and glow with luxurious textures, while Galderma is better for acne-clearing serums.
What is the difference between Clarins and Galderma?
Clarins focuses on hydrating and glowing botanical formulas suited for mature and sensitive skin, whereas Galderma specializes in fragrance-free acne treatments that achieve a Superior fit for oily and acne-prone skin.
Clarins or Galderma for dry skin?
Both Clarins and Galderma provide a High Lovi fit level for dry skin. Reviewers note that the products on this page from Clarins help deliver hydration and smoothing moisturizers, though topical hyaluronic acid may also support skin quality.
Which is more affordable, Clarins or Galderma?
Galderma is more affordable, whereas Clarins is noted for having a high price point.
How do Clarins and Galderma differ in their country of origin and founding year?
Clarins was founded in France in 1954, whereas Galderma was founded in Switzerland in 1981.
Which brand offers a fragrance-free product line, Clarins or Galderma?
Galderma offers a fragrance-free product line, as every product on this page lists no fragrance in its ingredients, whereas almost all Clarins products contain fragrance.
What are the main key ingredients found across Clarins products?
The products on this page from Clarins feature key ingredients like shea butter, squalane, oat, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and glycerin.
Dermatologic Therapy, 2022Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020
Clarins or Galderma for oily skin?
Galderma is the better choice for oily skin, as Lovi rates its routine as Superior compared to Clarins' Average. Galderma features effective acne-clearing serums, though shoppers should watch out for possible severe dryness and peeling.
Clarins or Galderma for sensitive skin?
Lovi finds that both Clarins and Galderma fit sensitive skin at a High level. Clarins offers hydrating and smoothing moisturizers, while Galderma provides effective acne-clearing serums.
Clarins or Galderma for acne-prone skin?
For acne-prone skin, Galderma is a better choice because Lovi rates its products as Superior for this skin type, compared to Clarins' Average rating. Reviewers also note that Galderma excels at effective acne clearance and prevention.
Research behind their key ingredients
The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review
Effects of ascorbic acid on gingival melanin pigmentation in vitro and in vivo
Apigenin inhibits UVA-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and prevents signs of skin aging in vivo
Vitamin C-squalene bioconjugate promotes epidermal thickening and collagen production in human skin
Mechanism of action and clinical benefits of colloidal oatmeal for dermatologic practice
Colloidal Oatmeal <em>(Avena Sativa)</em> Improves Skin Barrier Through Multi-Therapy Activity
Skin improvement and stability of Echinacea purpurea dermatological formulations
The impacts of sodium lauroyl sarcosinate in facial cleanser on facial skin microbiome and lipidome
Modulating effects of oatmeal extracts in the sodium lauryl sulfate skin irritancy model
Moisturizing effect of stable cream containing Crocus sativus extracts
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
Microcirculation-Promoting Effect of Escin on Cutaneous Tissue via Gsk3β Down-Regulation
Saccharide isomerate ameliorates cosmetic scalp conditions in a Chinese study population
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
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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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
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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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