# Galderma vs Shu Uemura

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

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

Galderma and Shu Uemura are distinct international beauty houses, with the former being a Swiss specialist established in 1981 and the latter a Japanese pioneer founded in 1967. The Swiss brand offers targeted [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/serum) like Epiduo Gel and Benzac AC variants that suit oily and combination skin, addressing acne-prone, mature, and uneven complexions. Conversely, the Japanese brand is deeply loved for its transformative makeup removers and meticulously crafted formulas, such as its cleansing oil, which are gentle enough for all skin types. While both provide effective care, they differ in their core offerings and ideal skin matches, allowing individuals to choose based on their specific concerns.

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

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

Shu Uemura is a Japanese skincare brand founded in 1967 and owned by L'Oréal S.A. since 2003.

[loreal-finance.com](https://www.loreal-finance.com/eng/2024-universal-registration-document/en/article/12/) [pitchbook.com](https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/168869-71) [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shu_Uemura) [sec.gov](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/vprr/0303/03037595.pdf)

This page compares some of the most popular Galderma and Shu Uemura 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=pgc9ab0ea169).

### Popular Galderma vs Shu Uemura 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

#### Shu Uemura

- [cleansing oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/shu-uemura/cleansing-oil/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Average fit — [CA$111.24 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B09T9QDNPH?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

## Questions and answers

### Galderma or Shu Uemura: which is better?

Galderma is the better choice for oily and acne-prone skin, as the products on this page achieve a High Lovi fit for those skin types, though they may cause severe dryness and peeling. Shu Uemura offers a cleansing oil with only average or lower fit levels across most skin types.

[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 Shu Uemura?

Galderma fits oily skin, combination skin, and oily acne-prone skin best with its effective acne-clearing [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/serum), whereas Shu Uemura features a single cleansing oil on this page. Reviewers note that Galderma helps clear acne but may cause severe dryness, peeling, and irritation. Lovi gives Galderma a High fit for oily acne-prone skin.

[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 Shu Uemura?

The provided page facts do not mention pricing or affordability for either Galderma or Shu Uemura.

### Which causes fewer breakouts, Galderma or Shu Uemura?

Galderma is the better choice for managing breakouts, as the products on this page help clear acne, whereas Shu Uemura is rated Low for acne-prone skin.

[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/)

### Between Galderma and Shu Uemura, which brand was founded earlier and in which country?

Shu Uemura was founded earlier in 1967 in Japan, whereas Galderma was founded in 1981 in Switzerland.

### How do the Lovi fit levels for oily acne-prone skin compare between Galderma's serums and Shu Uemura's cleansing oil?

Galderma's serums have a High Lovi fit for oily acne-prone skin, whereas Shu Uemura's cleansing oil has a Caution fit for that skin type. The products on this page help clear acne effectively, though reviewers note that Galderma's serums 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/)

### What are the most commonly mentioned negative reviews for Galderma products regarding skin reactions?

Reviewers mostly mention severe dryness and peeling along with severe irritation and discomfort as negative skin reactions for Galderma products.

## Research behind their key ingredients

- [Peroxidated squalene induces the production of inflammatory mediators in HaCaT keratinocytes: a possible role in acne vulgaris](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16778793/) Squalane · The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2006
- [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 Camellia japonica oil on human type I procollagen production and skin barrier function](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17386986/) Camellia japonica seed oil · Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2007
- [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
- [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
- [Squalane as a Promising Agent Protecting UV-Induced Inhibition of Collagen Biosynthesis and Wound Healing in Human Dermal Fibroblast](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40363772/) Squalane · Molecules, 2025

## The brands

- Swiss skincare: [Galderma](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/brands/galderma)
- Japanese skincare: [Shu Uemura](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/brands/shu-uemura)

## More comparisons

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

## 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-shu-uemura
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/galderma-vs-shu-uemura
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/compare/galderma-vs-shu-uemura
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/compare/galderma-vs-shu-uemura
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/compare/galderma-vs-shu-uemura
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/galderma-vs-shu-uemura
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/galderma-vs-shu-uemura
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/galderma-vs-shu-uemura
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/galderma-vs-shu-uemura (this page)
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/galderma-vs-shu-uemura
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/compare/galderma-vs-shu-uemura
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/galderma-vs-shu-uemura
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/compare/galderma-vs-shu-uemura
