Clarins vs Simple
Clarins and Simple are skincare brands founded in France and Britain in 1954 and 1960, respectively. The French brand is loved for luxurious moisturizers, potent serums, soothing eye products, and gentle toners enriched with shea and squalane, suiting sensitive and dry sensitive skin best, whereas the British brand is deeply loved for gentle moisturizers, soothing makeup removers, dependable cleansers, and refreshing toners formulated with niacinamide and glycerin, suiting oily and mature skin best. Both brands differ in their formulations, standout treatments, and targeted concerns, as the former utilizes shea butter and squalane to reduce redness and increase collagen, while the latter employs its key ingredients to reduce hyperpigmentation, improve aging signs, boost hydration, and strengthen barrier function.
Clarins is a French skincare brand founded in 1954 and owned by Famille C (Groupe Clarins).
groupeclarins.comen.wikipedia.orghappi.com
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 Clarins and Simple products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Clarins vs Simple products
People Say
Deep hydration and moisture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “skin drinks it up — Clarins Double Serum”
- “keeps skin moist — Clarins Multi-Active Jour”
- “banished dryness within days — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
- “Instantly boosts skin's hydration... face doesn't feel dry and tight. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
Gentle on sensitive skin Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
- “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”
- “no irritation for contact wearers — Clarins Total Eye Lift”
Lightweight and fast absorbing Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “absorbs immediately — Clarins Double Serum Eye”
- “sinks in immediately — Clarins Double Serum Light Texture”
- “sinks in instantly — Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream”
- “absorbs very quickly — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
Luxurious texture and scent Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “melting non-oily texture — Clarins Extra-Firming Neck & Décolleté Cream”
- “Creamy texture feels luxurious upon application — Clarins Extra-Firming Day Cream”
- “feels like silk — Clarins Double Serum”
- “Love that it has absolutely no scent. — Simple Micellar Water”
Makeup compatibility and base Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “concealer glides on smoothly — Clarins Total Eye Lift”
- “Perfect primer for any foundation, which all glide on smoothly. — Clarins Beauty Flash Balm”
- “makeup lays well — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
- “works well under foundation — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
Affordable value Not 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”
High price point Mostly MentionedNot noted
- “way too expensive — Clarins Double Serum”
Strong fragrance and scent Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “Smells like chemicals — Simple Refreshing Facial Wash”
- “smells like perfume — Clarins Multi-Active Jour”
Subtle or insufficient results Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “didn't see a lift — Clarins Total Eye Lift”
- “no change in circles — Clarins Double Serum Eye”
- “not moisturizing enough — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
- “skin felt tight after an hour — Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream”
Clarins vs Simple routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Refreshing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$12.79
-
Hydrating Toner
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Morning
CA$27.99
-
Moisturizer
Replenishing Rich Moisturiser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$13.40
-
SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
CA$38.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Micellar Cleansing Water
Evening · Once a week
CA$11.99
-
Serum or Treatment
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Fresh Ampoule
Evening · Once a week
CA$22.09
-
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 Simple routine · CA$156.25 · 83% fit
Buy Clarins routine · CA$332.00 · 77% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
Clarins vs Simple routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
Refreshing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$12.79
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
Replenishing Rich Moisturiser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$13.40
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
CA$35.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Micellar Cleansing Water
Evening · Once a week
CA$11.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
CA$28.90
-
Serum or Treatment
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Evening · Once a week
CA$6.60
-
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 Simple routine · CA$271.73 · 87% fit
Buy Clarins routine · CA$468.45 · 71% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Clarins vs Simple routines for combination skin
-
Cleanser
Refreshing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$12.79
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
Replenishing Rich Moisturiser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$13.40
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
CA$20.96
-
Pre-Cleanser
Micellar Cleansing Water
Evening · Once a week
CA$11.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
CA$31.99
-
Serum or Treatment
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Evening · Once a week
CA$6.60
-
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 Simple routine · CA$214.83 · 86% fit
Buy Clarins routine · CA$408.46 · 74% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
Clarins or Simple: which is better?
Simple tends to be better for oily and acne-prone skin, while both brands offer great options for sensitive or mature skin. Simple is often more affordable and fragrance-free, whereas Clarins focuses on luxurious textures and rich hydration.
What is the difference between Clarins and Simple?
Clarins is known for luxurious textures and scents with a higher price point, while Simple is an affordable choice featuring fragrance-free products that are especially gentle on sensitive skin. For oily and acne-prone skin types, the products on this page show that Simple has a High fit level while Clarins has an Average fit level.
Clarins or Simple for dry skin?
Both Clarins and Simple are well-suited for dry skin, as the products on this page for both brands achieve a High Lovi fit level for this skin type. Clarins is frequently noted by reviewers for its hydrating and smoothing moisturizers, while Simple is praised for its affordable value.
Clarins or Simple: which cleanser is better?
Simple is better for sensitive skin since its products on this page list no fragrance, whereas nearly all Clarins cleansers contain it. For dry skin, Clarins Hydrating Gentle Foaming Cleanser offers a High Lovi fit level compared to a Low fit level for Simple Refreshing Facial Wash.
Which is more affordable, Clarins or Simple?
Simple is more affordable, as the products on this page offer lightweight, value-friendly moisturizers.
Which brand has products with fragrance, Clarins or Simple?
Clarins has products with fragrance, whereas every product from Simple on this page lists no fragrance.
Clarins or Simple for oily skin?
Simple fits oily skin better than Clarins, as Lovi rates the routine fit for Simple as High and for Clarins as Average. Simple also offers fragrance-free options across the products on this page.
Clarins or Simple: which moisturizer is better?
When it comes to moisturizers, Clarins is better for luxurious textures and deep hydration, while Simple is more affordable and better suited for oily and combination skin. Lovi rates the routine fit for dry skin as High for both brands.
Clarins or Simple for sensitive skin?
Both Clarins and Simple are well-suited choices, as Lovi rates both brands as High for sensitive skin. Simple is often preferred for being fragrance-free and gentle, whereas Clarins offers luxurious textures with key ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid.
Clarins or Simple for acne-prone skin?
Simple fits acne-prone skin better than Clarins, as Lovi rates Simple with a High fit for this skin type while Clarins products on this page have an Average fit. Niacinamide, a key ingredient found across Simple products on this page, helps control skin aging and pigmentation.
Clarins or Simple for mature skin?
Both Clarins and Simple offer a high Lovi fit level for mature skin, but Clarins is well-liked for its luxurious textures and deep hydration while Simple provides an affordable, fragrance-free routine. Topical hyaluronic acid in Clarins products may help improve skin quality and signs of aging.
Clarins or Simple for combination skin?
Simple has an overall High fit level for combination skin, whereas Clarins has an Average fit level for the products on this page.
Research behind their key ingredients
The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer
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
Borage Oil Treated with Immobilized Lipase Inhibits Melanogenesis
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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