NIVEA vs Elemis
NIVEA and Elemis are established skincare brands offering distinct approaches to daily moisture and repair. The German pioneer, founded in 1911, focuses on reliable sunscreens, targeted serums, and nourishing moisturizers featuring glycerin to comfort dry and sensitive skin. Conversely, the British house, established in 1989, curates rich moisturizers, gentle cleansers, and refreshing toners anchored by glycerin and shea butter to restore suppleness to mature and dry skin. While both companies harness glycerin to enhance barrier function, they differ in their formulation heritage and specific ingredient synergies.
NIVEA is a German skincare brand founded in 1911 and owned by maxingvest GmbH & Co. KGaA since 2004.
beiersdorf.comen.wikipedia.org
Elemis is a British skincare brand founded in 1989 and owned by L'Occitane Group since 2019.
elemis.comau.elemis.comen.wikipedia.org
This page compares some of the most popular NIVEA and Elemis products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular NIVEA vs Elemis products
People Say
Texture and Absorption Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “It's lightweight on the skin and leaves a bit of subtle sheen. — NIVEA Soft”
- “Makes my face feel smooth and soft. — NIVEA Soft”
- “Absorbs almost immediately, and my skin feels well hydrated all day. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
- “skin feels baby soft — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
Hydration and Moisture Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “The cream really hydrates and my face looks amazing. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Night Cream”
- “Quenches thirsty skin... immediate improvement. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
- “skin feels baby soft — Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm”
- “Smoothed out dry flaky scales on my cheeks overnight — NIVEA Creme”
Fragrance and Scent Praise Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “smells like holiday — NIVEA Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+”
- “Smell brings me back to childhood — NIVEA Creme”
- “smells like a spa — Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm”
- “smells like a holiday — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
Exfoliation and Blemish Reduction Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “cleared my complexion in 7 days — NIVEA DERMA SKIN CLEAR”
- “unclogs pores — NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub”
- “reduces blackheads — NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub”
- “non-stripping formula — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash”
Gentle Care Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “doesn't dry out skin — NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub”
- “doesn't leave skin dry or stretched — NIVEA DERMA SKIN CLEAR”
- “no stinging or redness — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
- “Feels incredibly gentle and instantly rebalances my skin's pH. — Elemis Balancing Lavender Toner”
Value and Affordability Often MentionedNot noted
- “Works better than expensive luxury creams — NIVEA Creme”
- “Best affordable vegan moisturizer. — NIVEA Soft”
- “absolute steal for the price — NIVEA DERMA SKIN CLEAR”
Product Ineffectiveness or Minor Issues Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
- “didn't see a difference — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
- “tends to flake off — Elemis Pro-Collagen Eye Revive Mask”
- “It peels horribly no matter how I apply it. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
- “not super gritty — NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub”
Value and Pricing Not notedMostly Mentioned
- “Complete waste of money for me. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
Fragrance and Scent Complaints Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Scent is too overpowering for sensitive noses — NIVEA Creme”
- “Has a heavy, baby powder smell. — NIVEA Soft”
- “smell is too strong — NIVEA Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+”
- “The smell is very strong... could not handle for long. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
NIVEA vs Elemis routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$20.19
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Hydrating Toner
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Morning
CA$27.99
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Moisturizer
Creme
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$15.98
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SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
CA$38.00
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Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
CA$17.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub
Evening · Once a week
CA$12.98
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Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
CA$29.99
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Cleanser
Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$66.49
-
Hydrating Toner
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Morning
CA$27.99
-
Moisturizer
Pro-Collagen Night Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$131.00
-
SPF
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning
CA$154.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
CA$26.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Pro-Collagen Glow Boost Exfoliator
Evening · Once a week
CA$34.00
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
CA$29.99
Buy NIVEA routine · CA$163.12 · 89% fit
Buy Elemis routine · CA$278.47 · 88% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
NIVEA vs Elemis routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$20.96
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
Soft
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$13.49
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
CA$35.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$23.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
CA$28.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub
Evening · Once a week
CA$12.98
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Tatcha The Clarifying Clay Mask
Once a week
CA$95.00
-
Cleanser
Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$66.49
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
Pro-Collagen Night Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$131.00
-
SPF
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning
CA$154.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
CA$26.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
CA$28.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Pro-Collagen Glow Boost Exfoliator
Evening · Once a week
CA$34.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Tatcha The Clarifying Clay Mask
Once a week
CA$95.00
Buy NIVEA routine · CA$298.37 · 88% fit
Buy Elemis routine · CA$411.49 · 74% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
NIVEA vs Elemis routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$44.95
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
Soft
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$13.49
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
CA$20.96
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$23.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
CA$31.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub
Evening · Once a week
CA$12.98
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay
Once a week
CA$50.00
-
Cleanser
Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$66.49
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
Pro-Collagen Night Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$131.00
-
SPF
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning
CA$154.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
CA$26.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
CA$31.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Pro-Collagen Glow Boost Exfoliator
Evening · Once a week
CA$34.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay
Once a week
CA$50.00
Buy NIVEA routine · CA$265.46 · 88% fit
Buy Elemis routine · CA$369.58 · 77% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
NIVEA or Elemis: which is better?
NIVEA and Elemis both offer products on this page that provide an equal routine fit for most skin types, while Elemis has a superior routine fit for mature skin. NIVEA delivers better value and affordability, whereas Elemis provides better hydration and moisture.
What is the difference between NIVEA and Elemis?
NIVEA and Elemis both offer products on this page that feature glycerin, but NIVEA excels in value and affordability while Elemis stands out for hydration and moisture.
NIVEA or Elemis for dry skin?
Both brands offer a High routine fit for dry skin, with Elemis featuring key ingredients like glycerin and shea butter. Reviewers note that Elemis delivers hydrating moisturizers, while NIVEA provides a more affordable option.
NIVEA or Elemis: which moisturizer is better?
Both NIVEA and Elemis offer great moisturizers, with Elemis achieving a Superior fit for mature skin while NIVEA provides versatile multi-use options that shoppers find budget-friendly.
Which is more affordable, NIVEA or Elemis?
NIVEA is more affordable, as value and pricing is an area where NIVEA does better. The products on this page offer budget-friendly options compared to the high price point frequently mentioned for Elemis.
Between NIVEA and Elemis, which brand is better suited for mature skin?
Elemis is better suited for mature skin, as Lovi rates its routine as Superior compared to the High fit level for NIVEA. Elemis also features highly rated luxury moisturizers and anti-aging formulas specifically designed for mature skin.
How do the founding years and corporate ownership of NIVEA and Elemis compare?
NIVEA was founded in 1911 in Germany and is owned by maxingvest GmbH & Co. KGaA, while Elemis was founded in 1989 in the United Kingdom and is owned by the L'Occitane Group.
Which brand performs better for exfoliation and blemish reduction according to reviewers?
NIVEA performs better for exfoliation and blemish reduction according to reviewers. The products on this page help provide blemish-clearing serums.
NIVEA or Elemis for oily skin?
NIVEA is a better fit for oily skin, as the products on this page achieve a High routine fit level compared to an Average fit level for Elemis. Both brands use glycerin across their formulas.
NIVEA or Elemis for sensitive skin?
Both NIVEA and Elemis fit sensitive skin well, as the products on this page achieve a High Lovi fit level for this skin type. NIVEA stands out for offering better value and affordability, while Elemis is noted for its hydrating moisturizers.
NIVEA or Elemis for acne-prone skin?
Both NIVEA and Elemis feature products on this page that are a High fit for acne-prone skin. NIVEA excels with blemish-clearing serums, while Elemis offers well-regarded cleansers and peels for the same skin type.
Research behind their key ingredients
Bacterial cellulose membranes as drug delivery systems: an in vivo skin compatibility study
Effects of glyceryl glucoside on AQP3 expression, barrier function and hydration of human skin
Microneedling by dermapen and glycolic acid peel for the treatment of acne scars: Comparative study
Topical beta-carotene protects against infra-red-light-induced free radicals
Exotic Vegetable Oils for Cosmetic O/W Nanoemulsions: In Vivo Evaluation
A Rose Extract Protects the Skin against Stress Mediators: A Potential Role of Olfactory Receptors
In vivo and in vitro evaluation of octyl methoxycinnamate liposomes
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
Comparative measurement of hydration effects of herbal moisturizers
Topical Almond Oil for Prevention of Pressure Injuries: A Single-Blinded Comparison Study
Skin recovery by Lavandula angustifolia leaf callus extract: Redox control of Nrf2 signaling
Formulation and evaluation of exotic fat based cosmeceuticals for skin repair
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Effects of fermented tea seed oil on the skin lipid barrier and microbiome of sensitive skin
Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens
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.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
-

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
-

Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
-

Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
-

Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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