Estée Lauder vs NIVEA
Estée Lauder and NIVEA are distinguished skincare brands, with the American creator founded in 1946 and the German counterpart established in 1911. Both labels offer nourishing moisturizers and targeted serums formulated with glycerin, while the former also provides eye products and cleansers featuring hyaluronic acid, and the latter features reliable sunscreens. The former suits mature skin and sensitive skin best through its gentle compositions, whereas the latter suits dry skin and sensitive skin best by delivering lasting comfort. Ultimately, the two differ in their specific targeted concerns and heritage, with the American house excelling in specialized peptide and essence options and the German pioneer focusing on advanced sun protection and anti-dark spot care.
Estée Lauder is an American skincare brand founded in 1946 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc..
en.wikipedia.orgelcompanies.com
NIVEA is a German skincare brand founded in 1911 and owned by maxingvest GmbH & Co. KGaA since 2004.
beiersdorf.comen.wikipedia.org
This page compares some of the most popular Estée Lauder and NIVEA products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Estée Lauder vs NIVEA products
People Say
Deep Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “skin drinks it up immediately — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair”
- “The formula is incredibly hydrating and leaves my skin feeling smooth. — Estée Lauder Re-Nutriv”
- “texture is dreamy — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Gel-Creme”
- “Smoothed out dry flaky scales on my cheeks overnight — NIVEA Creme”
Skin Texture and Smoothness Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Absorbs quickly into the skin — Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+”
- “gives me that glass skin look — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair”
- “Makes my face feel smooth and soft. — NIVEA Soft”
- “skin feels squeaky clean and soft — NIVEA DERMA SKIN CLEAR”
Product Value and Longevity Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Works better than expensive luxury creams — NIVEA Creme”
- “Best affordable vegan moisturizer. — NIVEA Soft”
- “absolute steal for the price — NIVEA DERMA SKIN CLEAR”
- “A little goes a long way — Estée Lauder Soft Clean Moisture Rich Foaming Cleanser”
Pleasant Scent Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “smells like holiday — NIVEA Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+”
- “Smell brings me back to childhood — NIVEA Creme”
- “smells really nice — NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub”
- “pleasant cucumber fragrance — Estée Lauder DayWear Moisturizer”
Gentle Cleansing and Makeup Removal Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “doesn't strip the skin — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Cleansing Gelée”
- “Lathers well — Estée Lauder Soft Clean Moisture Rich Foaming Cleanser”
- “removes all my makeup effortlessly — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Cleansing Gelée”
- “unclogs pores — NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub”
Versatile Multi-Purpose Use Not notedOften Mentioned
- “Use it on face, body, hands, and feet — NIVEA Creme”
- “Applying is easy, you can use on your face, hands, and body. — NIVEA Soft”
High Price Point and Cost Mostly MentionedNot noted
- “way too expensive for the size — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair”
Fragrance and Scent Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “Scent is too overpowering for sensitive noses — NIVEA Creme”
- “Has a heavy, baby powder smell. — NIVEA Soft”
- “smells like men's hairspray — NIVEA DERMA SKIN CLEAR”
- “Scent is too overpowering — Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+”
Sticky or Heavy Residue Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “tacky film — Estée Lauder Micro Essence Treatment Lotion”
- “Leaves a greasy film behind — Estée Lauder Take It Away Makeup Remover Lotion”
- “Leaves a shiny grease layer that doesn't go away — NIVEA Creme”
Estée Lauder vs NIVEA 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
Creme
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$15.98
-
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
Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub
Evening · Once a week
CA$12.98
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
CA$29.99
-
Cleanser
Advanced Night Cleansing Gelée
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$46.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Micro Essence Treatment Lotion
Morning
CA$107.00
-
Moisturizer
Revitalizing Supreme+
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$156.00
- SPF DayWear Moisturizer Morning
-
Pre-Cleanser
Take It Away Makeup Remover Lotion
Evening · Once a week
CA$48.00
- Serum or Treatment Perfectionist Pro Evening · Once a week
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
CA$29.99
Buy NIVEA routine · CA$163.12 · 89% fit
Buy Estée Lauder routine · CA$386.99 · 76% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
Estée Lauder vs NIVEA 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
Soft
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$13.49
-
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
-
Serum or Treatment
Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub
Evening · Once a week
CA$12.98
-
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
Advanced Night Cleansing Gelée
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$46.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Micro Essence Treatment Lotion
Morning · Once a week
CA$107.00
-
Moisturizer
Revitalizing Supreme+
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$156.00
- SPF DayWear Moisturizer Morning
-
Pre-Cleanser
Take It Away Makeup Remover Lotion
Evening · Once a week
CA$48.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
CA$28.90
- Serum or Treatment Perfectionist Pro 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 NIVEA routine · CA$298.37 · 88% fit
Buy Estée Lauder routine · CA$510.40 · 75% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Estée Lauder vs NIVEA 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
Soft
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$13.49
-
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
Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub
Evening · Once a week
CA$12.98
-
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
Advanced Night Cleansing Gelée
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$46.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Micro Essence Treatment Lotion
Morning · Once a week
CA$107.00
- Moisturizer Re-Nutriv Morning · Evening · Once a week
- SPF DayWear Moisturizer Morning
-
Pre-Cleanser
Take It Away Makeup Remover Lotion
Evening · Once a week
CA$48.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
CA$31.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Advanced Night Repair
Evening · Once a week
CA$112.00
-
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 NIVEA routine · CA$265.46 · 88% fit
Buy Estée Lauder routine · CA$424.49 · 75% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
Estée Lauder or NIVEA: which is better?
Both Estée Lauder and NIVEA are great options, as their routines on this page achieve a High fit level across all skin types. Estée Lauder stands out for deep hydration and gentle cleansers, while NIVEA offers better product value and versatile multi-purpose moisturizers.
What is the difference between Estée Lauder and NIVEA?
Both Estée Lauder and NIVEA offer high routine fit across all skin types, but Estée Lauder stands out for deep hydration and gentle cleansers, while NIVEA is favored for its product value, versatile moisturizers, and pleasant scents. Estée Lauder products on this page often feature hyaluronic acid and glycerin, whereas NIVEA products on this page rely primarily on glycerin.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
Estée Lauder or NIVEA for dry skin?
Both Estée Lauder and NIVEA achieve a High routine fit level for dry skin on this page, offering products like Estée Lauder DayWear Moisturizer and NIVEA Creme. The products on this page help deliver deep hydration, though NIVEA reviewers note greasy and oily residue while Estée Lauder features key ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
Dermatologic Therapy, 2022Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015
Estée Lauder or NIVEA: which moisturizer is better?
Both Estée Lauder and NIVEA offer moisturizers on this page that achieve a High routine fit for dry, sensitive, and mature skin types. Estée Lauder features key ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin across its range, whereas NIVEA often relies on glycerin.
Which is more affordable, Estée Lauder or NIVEA?
NIVEA is more affordable, whereas the products on this page for Estée Lauder have a high price point. NIVEA delivers better product value and longevity according to the page reviews.
Which brand has more fragrance-free products, Estée Lauder or NIVEA?
Estee Lauder has more fragrance-free products than NIVEA, as 12 of 14 products on this page list no fragrance compared to only 3 of 9 products for NIVEA.
Which brand performs better for deep hydration and moisture according to reviewers?
According to reviewers, Estée Lauder performs better for deep hydration and moisture. The products on this page help deliver intense moisture supported by key ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Drug Delivery, 2017
Estée Lauder or NIVEA for oily skin?
Both Estée Lauder and NIVEA achieve a High routine fit level for oily skin based on the products on this page. Estée Lauder features key ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, while NIVEA also incorporates glycerin to help provide hydration.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
Estée Lauder or NIVEA: which sunscreen is better?
Both Estée Lauder and NIVEA offer effective options among the sunscreens on this page, with DayWear Moisturizer by Estée Lauder rated High to Superior for all skin types and NIVEA sunscreens like Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+ performing strongly for hydration and protection. Reviewers note that Estée Lauder formulas often provide a lightweight feel, while NIVEA sunscreens may occasionally leave a greasy or oily residue.
Estée Lauder or NIVEA for sensitive skin?
Both Estée Lauder and NIVEA achieve a High routine fit for sensitive skin on the products on this page. Estée Lauder features key ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, and 12 of its 14 products list no fragrance.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
Estée Lauder or NIVEA for acne-prone skin?
Both Estée Lauder and NIVEA products on this page show a High routine fit for acne-prone skin. Hyaluronic acid helps hydrate the skin while minimizing irritation risks.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
Research behind their key ingredients
Chrysin protects epidermal keratinocytes from UVA- and UVB-induced damage
Vitamin C-squalene bioconjugate promotes epidermal thickening and collagen production in human skin
Effects of glyceryl glucoside on AQP3 expression, barrier function and hydration of human skin
Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation by topical N-acetyl glucosamine
Another Reason for Using Caffeine in Dermocosmetics: Sunscreen Adjuvant
Exotic Vegetable Oils for Cosmetic O/W Nanoemulsions: In Vivo Evaluation
In vivo and in vitro evaluation of octyl methoxycinnamate liposomes
Nanostructured Lipid Carrier for Topical Application of N-Acetyl Glucosamine
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
Skin recovery by Lavandula angustifolia leaf callus extract: Redox control of Nrf2 signaling
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate
Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens
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
-

Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
-

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
-

Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
-

Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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