# Galderma vs Principia

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/galderma-vs-principia

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

Galderma and Principia are skincare brands known for specific formulations addressing diverse complexions, where the Swiss brand founded in 1981 offers [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/serum) like the Epiduo Gel and Benzac AC variants for oily, combination, acne-prone, mature, and dark-spot concerns, while the other is widely loved for thoughtful cleansers and precise formulas such as the Gel de Limpeza GL-01. Both serve oily skin best, with Principia additionally suiting balanced skin to help maintain a healthy, balanced complexion. The two diverge in their heritage and product types, as the Swiss enterprise provides targeted treatments while its counterpart focuses on foundational cleansing.

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

[en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galderma)

This page compares some of the most popular Galderma and Principia 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=pge61aea6da8).

### Popular Galderma vs Principia 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

#### Principia

- [Gel de Limpeza GL-01](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/principia/gel-de-limpeza-gl-01/for/oily-skin) — Average fit

## Questions and answers

### Galderma or Principia: which is better?

Galderma is better for clearing acne because the products on this page have a High fit for oily acne-prone skin, whereas Principia only has an Average fit. [Benzoyl peroxide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide) helps reduce acne-causing bacteria, though the products on this page may cause severe dryness and peeling.

[The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32175593/) [Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33545336/)

### What is the difference between Galderma and Principia?

Galderma offers effective acne-clearing [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/serum) that Lovi rates as High for oily and acne-prone skin, whereas Principia provides a cleanser that Lovi rates as Average for those same skin types. Galderma treatments help clear acne but may cause severe dryness and irritation.

[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 Principia?

I am sorry, but the provided page facts do not contain pricing information to determine whether Galderma or Principia is more affordable.

### Which causes fewer breakouts, Galderma or Principia?

Galderma has a High Lovi fit for oily acne-prone skin with the products on this page and is known for effective acne-clearing serums, whereas Principia only features a cleanser with an Average fit for those breakouts.

[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/)

### How do the founding years and countries of origin compare between Galderma and Principia?

Galderma was founded in 1981 in Switzerland, whereas Principia was founded more recently in 2020 with its country of origin not specified.

### Which brand offers products with a High Lovi fit level for oily acne-prone skin, Galderma or Principia?

Galderma offers products with a High Lovi fit level for oily acne-prone skin, while Principia has an Average fit for this skin type. Galderma's products on this page are mostly known as effective acne-clearing serums.

[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 are the main negative reviewer feedback points associated with Galderma products?

Reviewers mostly mention that Galderma products may cause severe dryness, peeling, irritation, and discomfort.

## Research behind their key ingredients

- [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
- [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 Double-Blinded, Randomized, Vehicle-Controlled Study of the Efficacy of Moisturizer Containing Licochalcone A, Decanediol, L-Carnitine, and Salicylic Acid for Prevention of Acne Relapse in Asian Population](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33150170/) Salicylic acid · BioMed Research International, 2020
- [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
- [Efficacy of a multitargeted, salicylic acid-based dermocosmetic cream compared to benzoyl peroxide 5% in Acne vulgaris: Results from a randomized study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/) Salicylic acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024
- [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
- [A Salicylic Acid-Based Dermocosmetic is Effective as an Adjunct to Benzoyl Peroxide for Mild to Moderate Acne and as Monotherapy in Maintenance Post Benzoyl Peroxide](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38051857/) Salicylic acid · Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023
- [Impact of dermal emulsions containing diacyl phospholipids, mono acyl phospholipids, sodium lauryl ether sulfate and polysorbate 80 in combination with UVA irradiation on human skin physiology in vivo: A pilot study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42617898/) Sodium laureth sulfate · International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2026

## The brands

- Swiss skincare: [Galderma](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/brands/galderma)
- Skincare: [Principia](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/brands/principia)

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## 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/galderma-vs-principia
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/galderma-vs-principia
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/compare/galderma-vs-principia
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- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/galderma-vs-principia
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/galderma-vs-principia (this page)
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- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/compare/galderma-vs-principia
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