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Galderma vs Dr. Barbara Sturm

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

Galderma and Dr. Barbara Sturm are distinct skincare brands originating from Switzerland and Germany, respectively. The Swiss brand specializes in targeted serums with active ingredients like Epiduo Gel and Benzac AC for oily and combination skin, while the German brand is deeply loved for gentle moisturizers, clarifying exfoliants, and nourishing serums built on scientifically advanced formulas for sensitive, dry, and balanced skin. While the former focuses on acne, dark spots, and mature concerns through specialized treatments, the latter emphasizes deep hydration and barrier support with components like the Hyaluronic Serum and Enzyme Cleanser. These two approaches differ fundamentally in their core philosophy and ingredient strengths, allowing users to select the ideal option for their unique complexion.

Galderma is a Swiss skincare brand founded in 1981 and owned by Galderma Group AG.

en.wikipedia.org

Dr. Barbara Sturm is a German skincare brand founded in 2014 and owned by Puig since 2024.

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

Popular Galderma vs Dr. Barbara Sturm products

People Say

GaldermaDr. Barbara Sturm
  • Gentle on Sensitive Skin Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
    • “doesn't irritate my sensitive skin — Dr. Barbara Sturm The Good C Vitamin C Serum”
    • “deep yet gentle cleanse — Dr. Barbara Sturm Enzyme Cleanser”
    • “reduced redness — Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum”
    • “didn't burn my face — Galderma Benzac AC Mild Strength 2.5% Acne Gel”
  • Acne Clearance and Prevention Mostly MentionedNot noted
    • “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”
  • Deep Hydration Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “skin drank it up — Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum”
    • “skin feels softer — Dr. Barbara Sturm The Good C Vitamin C Serum”
  • Lightweight Absorption Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “sinks in immediately — Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum”
    • “sinks in quickly — Dr. Barbara Sturm The Good C Vitamin C Serum”
  • Glow and Radiance Not notedOften Mentioned
    • “skin looks brighter — Dr. Barbara Sturm The Good C Vitamin C Serum”
    • “healthy glow — Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum”
  • Severe Dryness and Peeling Mostly MentionedNot noted
    • “skin flaking off — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
  • High Price and Cost Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “way too expensive — Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum”
  • Intense Burning and Stinging Mostly MentionedNot noted
    • “face on fire — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
  • Acne Purging Phase Mostly MentionedNot noted
    • “got worse first — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
  • Fabric Bleaching Mostly MentionedNot noted
    • “bleached my towel — Galderma Benzac AC 5”

Questions and answers

Galderma or Dr. Barbara Sturm: which is better?

Galderma is better for acne clearance and prevention with effective serums like Benzac AC 5, while Dr. Barbara Sturm does better for sensitive skin, deep hydration, and glow. However, the products on this page from Galderma may cause severe dryness and peeling.

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2018

What is the difference between Galderma and Dr. Barbara Sturm?

Galderma is better for acne clearance and prevention with products like Epiduo Gel, while Dr. Barbara Sturm does better for deep hydration, lightweight absorption, and being gentle on sensitive skin. Reviewers often mention Galderma for effective acne-clearing serums, though it may cause severe dryness and peeling.

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2018

Which is more affordable, Galderma or Dr. Barbara Sturm?

Galderma is more affordable, as Dr. Barbara Sturm faces review themes of high price and cost.

Which causes fewer breakouts, Galderma or Dr. Barbara Sturm?

Galderma is better for acne clearance and prevention, whereas Dr. Barbara Sturm has a known acne purging phase. For oily acne-prone skin, the products on this page by Galderma like Epiduo Gel and Benzac AC 5 reach a High fit level according to Lovi.

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2018

Which brand was founded earlier, Galderma or Dr. Barbara Sturm?

Galderma was founded earlier in 1981, whereas Dr. Barbara Sturm was established in 2014.

Do any products from Galderma or Dr. Barbara Sturm contain fragrance?

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

Which brand performs better for deep hydration and a glowing complexion?

Dr. Barbara Sturm performs better for deep hydration and a glowing complexion. Lovi rates Dr. Barbara Sturm higher for providing deep hydration and glow and radiance compared to Galderma.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020

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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