# Galderma vs Dr. Barbara Sturm

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

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

Galderma and Dr. Barbara Sturm are distinct skincare brands originating from Switzerland and Germany, respectively. The Swiss brand specializes in targeted [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/serum) 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](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galderma)

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 Galderma and Dr. Barbara Sturm 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=pg8760b0c3b1).

### Popular Galderma vs Dr. Barbara Sturm products

#### Galderma

- [Epiduo Gel](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/galderma/epiduo-gel/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit
- [Benzac AC 5](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/galderma/benzac-ac-5/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — [CA$45.40 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0H7FDLC2T?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Benzac AC Mild Strength 2.5% Acne Gel](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/galderma/benzac-ac-mild-strength-2-5-acne-gel/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit

#### 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)

## People Say

Galderma

Dr. Barbara Sturm

- Gentle on Sensitive Skin Sometimes Noted Mostly 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 Mentioned Not 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 noted Mostly 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 noted Mostly 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 noted Often 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 Mentioned Not noted “skin flaking off — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
- High Price and Cost Not noted Mostly Mentioned “way too expensive — Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum”
- Intense Burning and Stinging Mostly Mentioned Not noted “face on fire — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
- Acne Purging Phase Mostly Mentioned Not noted “got worse first — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
- Fabric Bleaching Mostly Mentioned Not 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](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/serum) 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, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32175593/) [American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29549588/)

### 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, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32175593/) [American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29549588/)

### 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, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32175593/) [American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29549588/)

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

## 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
- [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
- [Topical benzoyl peroxide for acne](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32175593/) Benzoyl peroxide, Benzoyl peroxide 25mg g · The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020
- [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
- [Prevention and Reduction of Atrophic Acne Scars with Adapalene 0.3%/Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% Gel in Subjects with Moderate or Severe Facial Acne: Results of a 6-Month Randomized, Vehicle-Controlled Trial Using Intra-Individual Comparison](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29549588/) Adapalene · American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2018
- [Benzoyl peroxide treatment decreases Cutibacterium acnes in shoulder surgery, from skin incision until wound closure](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33545336/) Benzoyl peroxide, Benzoyl peroxide 25mg g · Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 2021
- [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
- [Efficacy and Safety of a Fixed-Dose Clindamycin Phosphate 1.2%, Benzoyl Peroxide 3.1%, and Adapalene 0.15% Gel for Moderate-to-Severe Acne: A Randomized Phase II Study of the First Triple-Combination Drug](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34674160/) Benzoyl peroxide, Benzoyl peroxide 25mg g · American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2022
- [A topical gel of tea tree oil nanoemulsion containing adapalene versus adapalene marketed gel in patients with acne vulgaris: a randomized clinical trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34251536/) Adapalene · Archives of Dermatological Research, 2022
- [Development of Multifunctional Cosmetic Cream Using Bioactive Materials from Streptomyces sp. T65 with Synthesized Mesoporous Silica Particles SBA-15](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32224894/) Silicon dioxide · Antioxidants, 2020
- [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
- [Formulating octyl methoxycinnamate in hybrid lipid-silica nanoparticles: An innovative approach for UV skin protection](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32395645/) Silicon dioxide · Heliyon, 2020
- [Clindamycin phosphate 1.2%/adapalene 0.15%/benzoyl peroxide 3.1% gel for moderate-to-severe acne: Efficacy and safety results from two randomized phase 3 trials](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37656094/) Adapalene · Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2023
- [Efficacy and safety of microencapsulated benzoyl peroxide and microencapsulated tretinoin for the treatment of acne vulgaris: Results from two phase 3 double-blind, randomized, vehicle-controlled studies](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37356627/) Benzoyl peroxide, Benzoyl peroxide 25mg g · Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2023
- [Semi-Solid Dosage Forms Containing Pranoprofen-Loaded NLC as Topical Therapy for Local Inflammation: In Vitro, Ex Vivo and In Vivo Evaluation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37367119/) Carbomer 940 · Gels, 2023
- [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

- Swiss skincare: [Galderma](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/brands/galderma)
- German skincare: [Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/brands/dr-barbara-sturm)

## More comparisons

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

## 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

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