ISDIN and Grown Alchemist are esteemed skincare brands that offer thoughtfully balanced formulas designed to nurture and protect the complexion. The Spanish heritage brand known since 1975 provides elegant moisturizers, advanced sunscreens, restorative serums , and targeted eye products that suit dry and sensitive skin best, while the botanical-inspired counterpart is cherished for its cleansers, serums, and nurturing formulas that accommodate sensitive, dry, and combination skin. While both share a dedication to reliable daily support, ISDIN emphasizes dependable protection and corrective care through solutions like Fusion Water , Eryfotona Actinica, and K-Ox Eyes, whereas Grown Alchemist focuses on balancing and smoothing with standouts like the Hydra-Restore Cream Cleanser, Instant Smoothing Serum, and Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser.
ISDIN is a Spanish skincare brand founded in 1975 and owned by Puig.
puig.com beautymatter.com uploads.puig.com
This page compares some of the most popular ISDIN and Grown Alchemist products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app .
Popular ISDIN vs Grown Alchemist products
People Say
ISDIN Grown Alchemist
+ Texture and finish
Mostly Mentioned Mostly Mentioned
“absorbs instantly — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica” “ultra-light fluid product, which makes it super easy to apply — ISDIN Fusion Water” “Lightweight formula absorbs fast — ISDIN Hyaluronic Concentrate” “silkiest cleanser — Grown Alchemist Hydra-Restore Cream Cleanser”
+ Sensitivity and gentleness
Often Mentioned Mostly Mentioned
“Sensitive/reactive skin tolerates — ISDIN Hyaluronic Moisture” “no excessive exfoliation — ISDIN Retinal Intense Serum” “Perfect for sensitive skin — Grown Alchemist Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser” “calms my skin down — Grown Alchemist Hydra-Restore Cream Cleanser”
+ Hydration and plumping
Often Mentioned Mostly Mentioned
“Skin version of chugging water — Grown Alchemist Instant Smoothing Serum” “doesn't strip at all — Grown Alchemist Hydra-Restore Cream Cleanser” “Improved moisture and texture — ISDIN Hyaluronic Moisture”
+ Cleansing experience
Not noted Mostly Mentioned
“Doesn't dry out my skin — Grown Alchemist Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser” “Gets everything nice and clean — Grown Alchemist Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser” “smell is divine — Grown Alchemist Hydra-Restore Cream Cleanser”
+ Skin renewal and tone
Sometimes Noted Sometimes Noted
“My hyperpigmentation has lightened and skin looks more even, even shines more. — ISDIN Flavo-C Serum” “I am more on a dehydrated side and this helps me look hydrated and smooth. — ISDIN Flavo-C Serum” “Smooths out fine lines — Grown Alchemist Instant Smoothing Serum”
+ Scent and appeal
Rarely Noted Often Mentioned
“Smells amazing — Grown Alchemist Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser” “Smells absolutely amazing — ISDIN Hyaluronic Concentrate”
– Price and value
Often Mentioned Often Mentioned
“very expensive — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica” “My only wish is that ISDIN would make this product in a bigger size bottle. — ISDIN Fusion Water” “expensive for what it is — Grown Alchemist Hydra-Restore Cream Cleanser” “A bit pricey — Grown Alchemist Instant Smoothing Serum”
– Fragrance and scent
Often Mentioned Often Mentioned
“smell is overpowering — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica” “lingering headache inducing effect — ISDIN K-Ox Eyes” “Too perfumy notes — Grown Alchemist Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser” “smells medicinal — Grown Alchemist Hydra-Restore Cream Cleanser”
– Packaging and dispensing
Rarely Noted Often Mentioned
“Pump stopped working — ISDIN Hyaluronic Concentrate” “I like the actual product, but the packaging is awful, I've already lost three bottles the applicator pops off. — ISDIN Flavo-C Serum” “tube cracks easily — Grown Alchemist Hydra-Restore Cream Cleanser”
Questions and answers
ISDIN or Grown Alchemist: which is better?
ISDIN is better for texture and finish, while Grown Alchemist does better for hydration, plumping, and cleansing experience. Reviewers mostly mention ISDIN for ultralight, makeup-friendly, and skin-friendly sunscreens, though it comes at a high price point and sometimes features strong fragrance.
What is the difference between ISDIN and Grown Alchemist?
ISDIN delivers superior texture and finish, while Grown Alchemist offers better hydration, plumping, and cleansing experiences according to reviewers on this page.
Which is more affordable, ISDIN or Grown Alchemist?
Price and value are equal between ISDIN and Grown Alchemist according to the review themes on this page.
Which causes fewer breakouts, ISDIN or Grown Alchemist?
When it comes to acne-prone skin, the products on this page for both ISDIN and Grown Alchemist offer a mix of high and average fit levels depending on the specific item you choose. For instance, ISDIN's Eryfotona Actinica sunscreen achieves a high fit for acne-prone skin, while Grown Alchemist's Hydra-Restore Cream Cleanser also rates high for this skin type.
Which brand was founded earlier, ISDIN or Grown Alchemist?
ISDIN was founded earlier in 1975, while Grown Alchemist was founded in 2008.
Do all Grown Alchemist products list no fragrance in their ingredients?
Yes, every Grown Alchemist product on this page lists no fragrance in its ingredients.
What are the common reviewer complaints regarding ISDIN products?
Reviewers often complain that ISDIN products come with a high price point. Some shoppers also sometimes note a strong fragrance.
2 more questions
Research behind their key ingredients
46 more studies
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
Ascorbic acid, Tocopherol · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020 Prospective, randomized, double-blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageing
Bakuchiol · The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019 Treatment of acne with a combination of propolis, tea tree oil, and Aloe vera compared to erythromycin cream: two double-blind investigations
Aloe barbadensis leaf extract · Clinical Pharmacology, 2018 Antiaging efficacy of melatonin-based day and night creams: a randomized, split-face, assessor-blinded proof-of-concept trial
Melatonin · Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2018 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
Ascorbic acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020 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
Glycerin · Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017 Randomized controlled study for the anti-aging effect of human adipocyte-derived mesenchymal stem cell media combined with niacinamide after laser therapy
Niacinamide · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021 A new topical panthenol-containing emollient: Results from two randomized controlled studies assessing its skin moisturization and barrier restoration potential, and the effect on skin microflora
Panthenol · The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017 Stable Ozonides with Vitamin E Acetate versus Corticosteroid in the Treatment of Lichen Sclerosus in Foreskin: Evaluation of Effects on Inflammation
Tocopheryl acetate · Urologia Internationalis, 2019 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
Salicylic acid · BioMed Research International, 2020 Senomorphic activity of a combination of niacinamide and hyaluronic acid: correlation with clinical improvement of skin aging
Niacinamide · Scientific Reports, 2024 Efficacy of olive leaf extract-containing cream for facial rejuvenation: A pilot study
Olive leaf extract · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020 Biomimetic hyaluronic acid-stabilized zinc oxide nanoparticles in acne treatment: A preclinical and clinical approach
Zinc oxide · Journal of Controlled Release, 2025 Efficacy of a multitargeted, salicylic acid-based dermocosmetic cream compared to benzoyl peroxide 5% in Acne vulgaris: Results from a randomized study
Salicylic acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024 Evaluation of dermal extracellular matrix and epidermal-dermal junction modifications using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometric imaging, in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy, echography, and histology: effect of age and peptide applications
Palmitoyl tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2015 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
Salicylic acid · Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023 Botulinum toxin injection as a single or combined treatment with non-cross-linked high molecular weight and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid gel for neck rejuvenation: A randomized clinical trial
Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid · Dermatologic Therapy, 2022 A Rose Extract Protects the Skin against Stress Mediators: A Potential Role of Olfactory Receptors
Rose bud · Molecules, 2020 Is benzyl alcohol a significant contact sensitizer?
Benzyl alcohol · Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2022 Effect of a botanical cleansing lotion on skin sebum and erythema of the face: A randomized controlled blinded half-side comparison
Willow bark extract · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019 Anti-Inflammatory Effect of a Novel Topical Herbal Composition (VEL-091604) Consisting of Gentian Root, Licorice Root and Willow Bark Extract
Willow bark extract · Planta Medica, 2019 Noninvasive evaluation of the influence of aucubin-containing cosmetic macroemulsion on selected skin parameters
Plantago extract · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021 Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane · Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 1987 Using ordered mesoporous silica SBA-15 to limit cutaneous penetration and transdermal permeation of organic UV filters
Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane · International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2019 Topical Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle Formulations for Acne Vulgaris: A Systematic Review of Pre-Clinical and Early-Phase Clinical Evidence
Zinc oxide · Biomedicines, 2025 Influence of vitamin E acetate on stratum corneum hydration
Tocopheryl acetate · Arzneimittel-Forschung, 1998 Enhancing Photoprotection and Mitigating Ex Vivo Stratum Corneum Oxidative Stress: A Multifunctional Strategy Combining Rosmarinic Acid with UVB Filters
Octocrylene · Antioxidants, 2025 Rosa gallica and its active compound, cyanidin-3,5-O-diglucoside, improve skin hydration via the GLK signaling pathway
Rose bud · BioFactors, 2023 Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of a Panthenol-Enriched Mask for Skin Barrier Recovery After Facial Laser Treatment: Results of a Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Study
Panthenol · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025 TiO2-embedded mesoporous silica with lower porosity is beneficial to adsorb the pollutants and retard UV filter absorption: A possible application for outdoor skin protection
Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane · European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2023 Efficacy and Tolerability of Stable Hybrid Cooperative Complexes of High- and Low-Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid in Asian Patients: An Open-Label Study
Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid · Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 2026 Ginkgo biloba leaves extract's cosmeceutical evaluation: a preliminary assessments on human volunteers towards achieving improved skin condition and rejuvenation
Ginkgo biloba leaf extract · Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy, 2023 Clinical efficacy of herbal extract cream on the skin hydration, elasticity, thickness, and dermis density for aged skin: A randomized controlled double-blind study
Botanical extracts · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019 Nanostructured Lipid Carrier Based Gel Containing α-Tocopherol and α-Tocopheryl Acetate for Synergistic Cutaneous Antiaging Efficacy
Tocopheryl acetate · Scientific Reports, 2025 Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid · Colloids and Surfaces. B, Biointerfaces, 2022 Effect of an Emollient Emulsion Containing 15.0% of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride on the Urocanic Acid of the Stratum Corneum
Caprylic capric triglyceride · Life, 2023 Influence of the emulsifier on nanostructure and clinical application of liquid crystalline emulsions
Camellia seed oil · Scientific Reports, 2023 Development and efficacy assessments of tea seed oil makeup remover
Camellia seed oil · Annales Pharmaceutiques Francaises, 2017 Safety assessment on comedogenicity of dermatological products containing d-alpha tocopheryl acetate in Asian subjects: A double-blind randomized controlled trial
Tocopheryl acetate · Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 2021 Facial disbiosis and UV filters
Ethylhexyl salicylate · Archives of Dermatological Research, 2024 The clinical efficacy of a new emulsion for acne and conspicuous facial pore amelioration
Lens esculenta seed extract · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024 Effects of fermented tea seed oil on the skin lipid barrier and microbiome of sensitive skin
Camellia seed oil · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2026 Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens
Ethylhexyl salicylate · Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2025 Targeting Circadian Rhythm for the Regulation of Skin Collagen Metabolism
Palmitoyl tripeptide-1 · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2026 Mechanistic understanding and peptide ingredient screening for type III collagen via biological knowledge graph and molecular docking
Palmitoyl tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2026 Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind Assessment of Supramolecular Bakuchiol and Terminalia Chebula Extract for Facial Photoaging in Chinese Sensitive Skin Population
Bakuchiol · Health Science Reports, 2025
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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
Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
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
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
Aishani Shah, MD
Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
Asya Zubkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
Hanna Kurets, MD
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