# Dr. Barbara Sturm vs Eco Tan

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

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

Dr. Barbara Sturm and Eco Tan are distinct skincare lines that cater to thoughtful daily routines through different philosophies. The German brand founded in 2014 and owned by Puig since 2024 is deeply loved for its gentle moisturizers, clarifying exfoliants, and nourishing [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/serum), all built on scientifically advanced formulas, while the other is widely celebrated for its clarifying toners and botanical formulas. These products suit sensitive, dry, balanced, and combination skin best because they focus on deep hydration, barrier support, and natural [extracts](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/extract) to gently balance and refresh the complexion. Both brands differ primarily in their core approaches, as one relies on scientifically advanced components while the other relies on natural extracts.

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 Dr. Barbara Sturm and Eco Tan 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=pg4ca6d40c50).

### Popular Dr. Barbara Sturm vs Eco Tan 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)

#### Eco Tan

- [Face Tan Water](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/eco-tan/face-tan-water/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — High fit

## Questions and answers

### Dr. Barbara Sturm or Eco Tan: which is better?

Dr. Barbara Sturm has a superior fit for skin with dark spots with its Enzyme Cleanser, and high fits across many skin types with its [serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/serum) and moisturizer products on this page. Eco Tan has a high fit for dry, mature, and acne-prone skin with its Face Tan [Water](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/water). Both brands list no fragrance in their products on this page.

[Dermatologic Therapy, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36200921/) [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31975502/)

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

Dr. Barbara Sturm offers three fragrance-free products on this page—Hyaluronic Serum, Enzyme Cleanser, and The Good C [Vitamin C](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/vitamin-c) Serum—while Eco Tan features just one fragrance-free toner, Face Tan Water. Lovi rates the Enzyme Cleanser from Dr. Barbara Sturm as a Superior fit for skin with dark spots.

[Dermatologic Therapy, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36200921/) [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31975502/)

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

Neither Dr. Barbara Sturm nor Eco Tan lists price or affordability details on this page.

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

Both Dr. Barbara Sturm and Eco Tan offer products on this page with no fragrance. For acne-prone skin, Lovi rates Dr. Barbara Sturm's Enzyme Cleanser and The Good C Vitamin C Serum as High, and its Hyaluronic Serum as Average, while Eco Tan's Face Tan Water is rated High for acne-prone skin.

### How does the founding year of Dr. Barbara Sturm compare to Eco Tan?

Dr. Barbara Sturm was founded in 2014, whereas Eco Tan was founded earlier in 2010.

### Which brand is currently owned by Puig?

Dr. Barbara Sturm is currently owned by Puig, as the company has been under their ownership since 2024.

### Do either Dr. Barbara Sturm or Eco Tan products contain fragrance?

Every product from both Dr. Barbara Sturm and Eco Tan on this page lists no fragrance in its ingredients.

## 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
- [The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30666070/) Aloe barbadensis leaf juice · Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences, 2019
- [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
- [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
- [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
- [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
- [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
- [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
- [Borage Oil Treated with Immobilized Lipase Inhibits Melanogenesis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33128473/) Lipase · Lipids, 2020
- [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
- [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
- [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

- German skincare: [Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/brands/dr-barbara-sturm)
- Skincare: [Eco Tan](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/brands/eco-tan)

## More comparisons

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

## 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

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/dr-barbara-sturm-vs-eco-tan
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- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/dr-barbara-sturm-vs-eco-tan (this page)
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/dr-barbara-sturm-vs-eco-tan
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