NIVEA vs ISDIN
NIVEA and ISDIN are established skincare houses that offer comforting daily care for dry and sensitive skin. The German brand, founded in 1911 and owned by Maxingvest GmbH & Co. KGaA since 2004, is deeply loved for its reliable sunscreens, targeted serums, and nourishing moisturizers formulated with glycerin to improve stratum corneum hydration and barrier function. Meanwhile, the Spanish brand, founded in 1975 and owned by Puig, is known for its elegant moisturizers, advanced sunscreens, restorative serums, and targeted eye products. While both suit dry and sensitive skin best, they differ through their distinct heritage and specific standout remedies.
NIVEA is a German skincare brand founded in 1911 and owned by maxingvest GmbH & Co. KGaA since 2004.
beiersdorf.comen.wikipedia.org
ISDIN is a Spanish skincare brand founded in 1975 and owned by Puig.
puig.combeautymatter.comuploads.puig.com
This page compares some of the most popular NIVEA and ISDIN products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular NIVEA vs ISDIN products
People Say
Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Smoothed out dry flaky scales on my cheeks overnight — NIVEA Creme”
- “It's lightweight on the skin and leaves a bit of subtle sheen. — NIVEA Soft”
- “Makes my face feel smooth and soft. — NIVEA Soft”
- “Improved moisture and texture — ISDIN Hyaluronic Moisture”
Texture and Application Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Use it on face, body, hands, and feet — NIVEA Creme”
- “Applying is easy, you can use on your face, hands, and body. — NIVEA Soft”
- “absorbs instantly — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
- “ultra-light fluid product, which makes it super easy to apply — ISDIN Fusion Water”
Blemish Reduction and Skin Texture Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “cleared my complexion in 7 days — NIVEA DERMA SKIN CLEAR”
- “skin feels squeaky clean and soft — NIVEA DERMA SKIN CLEAR”
- “unclogs pores — NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub”
- “skin was much smoother — ISDIN Retinal Intense Serum”
Sensitive Skin Friendly Not notedOften Mentioned
- “Sensitive/reactive skin tolerates — ISDIN Hyaluronic Moisture”
- “no excessive exfoliation — ISDIN Retinal Intense Serum”
- “doesn't sting eyes — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
Fragrance and Scent Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “smells like holiday — NIVEA Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+”
- “Smell brings me back to childhood — NIVEA Creme”
- “smells really nice — NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub”
- “Smells absolutely amazing — ISDIN Hyaluronic Concentrate”
Value and Price 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”
Strong Scent and Irritation Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Scent is too overpowering for sensitive noses — NIVEA Creme”
- “Has a heavy, baby powder smell. — NIVEA Soft”
- “smells like men's hairspray — NIVEA DERMA SKIN CLEAR”
- “smell is overpowering — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
High Price Point Not notedOften Mentioned
- “very expensive — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
NIVEA vs ISDIN routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$20.19
-
Hydrating Toner
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Morning
CA$27.99
-
Moisturizer
Tata Harper Repairative Moisturizer
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$162.00
-
SPF
Fusion Water
Morning
CA$69.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
CA$17.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Flavo-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
CA$65.00
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
CA$29.99
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Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$20.19
-
Hydrating Toner
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Morning
CA$27.99
-
Moisturizer
Creme
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$15.98
-
SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
CA$38.00
-
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
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
CA$29.99
Buy ISDIN routine · CA$393.15 · 94% fit
Buy NIVEA routine · CA$163.12 · 89% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
NIVEA vs ISDIN 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
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$29.98
-
SPF
Fusion Water
Morning
CA$69.99
-
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
Flavo-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
CA$65.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Tatcha The Clarifying Clay Mask
Once a week
CA$95.00
-
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
Buy ISDIN routine · CA$400.92 · 91% fit
Buy NIVEA routine · CA$298.37 · 88% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
NIVEA vs ISDIN 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
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$29.98
-
SPF
Fusion Water
Morning
CA$69.99
-
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
Flavo-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
CA$65.00
-
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
-
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
Buy ISDIN routine · CA$383.00 · 92% fit
Buy NIVEA routine · CA$265.46 · 88% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
NIVEA or ISDIN: which is better?
Both NIVEA and ISDIN are great choices, but they fit different needs and budgets. Lovi rates routine fit for both brands as High across all skin types, with NIVEA winning on value and price while ISDIN stands out for being sensitive-skin friendly.
What is the difference between NIVEA and ISDIN?
NIVEA is valued for intense deep hydration and blemish-clearing serums, while ISDIN is recognized for ultralight sunscreens and being sensitive-skin friendly.
NIVEA or ISDIN for dry skin?
ISDIN is a better fit for dry skin, where Lovi rates its routine as Superior compared to NIVEA at High. Reviewers mention that ISDIN offers lightweight moisturizers, while NIVEA products on this page help deliver intense deep hydration.
NIVEA or ISDIN: which moisturizer is better?
When comparing moisturizers, NIVEA offers intense deep hydration and versatile multi-use options like Creme, whereas ISDIN provides lightweight daily hydration such as Hyaluronic Concentrate. Lovi gives both brands varied fit levels depending on specific skin types.
Which is more affordable, NIVEA or ISDIN?
NIVEA is more affordable than ISDIN, as ISDIN is often noted by reviewers for having a high price point. Review themes also show NIVEA does better for value and price.
How do the founding years and corporate ownership of NIVEA and ISDIN compare?
NIVEA was founded in Germany in 1911 and has been owned by maxingvest GmbH & Co. KGaA since 2004, whereas ISDIN was founded in Spain in 1975 and is owned by Puig.
Which brand has more products containing fragrance, NIVEA or ISDIN?
NIVEA has more products containing fragrance on this page, with six fragranced options compared to five for ISDIN.
What are the morning routine steps for dry skin using NIVEA versus ISDIN?
For a morning routine for dry skin, NIVEA uses Cleanser, Hydrating Facial Cleanser, Hydrating Toner, Supple Preparation Unscented Toner, Creme moisturizer, and Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen, while ISDIN uses Cleanser, Hydrating Facial Cleanser, Hydrating Toner, Supple Preparation Unscented Toner, Repairative Moisturizer, and Fusion Water sun protection.
NIVEA or ISDIN for oily skin?
For oily skin, Lovi rates ISDIN as Superior and NIVEA as High. Reviewers note that ISDIN excels with ultralight sunscreens and lightweight moisturizers.
NIVEA or ISDIN: which sunscreen is better?
ISDIN is better for sunscreens as its products like Eryfotona Actinica reach a Superior Lovi fit level for multiple skin types. Reviewers also mostly mention ISDIN sunscreens for being ultralight and makeup-friendly.
NIVEA or ISDIN for sensitive skin?
ISDIN is a better fit for sensitive skin, earning a Superior routine fit compared to NIVEA's High fit rating.
NIVEA or ISDIN for acne-prone skin?
Both NIVEA and ISDIN have products that fit acne-prone skin well, but ISDIN has a Superior routine fit compared to NIVEA's High fit. NIVEA offers blemish-clearing serums that reviewers mostly mention, while ISDIN is praised for ultralight sunscreens.
Research behind their key ingredients
Effects of glyceryl glucoside on AQP3 expression, barrier function and hydration of human skin
Exotic Vegetable Oils for Cosmetic O/W Nanoemulsions: In Vivo Evaluation
In vivo and in vitro evaluation of octyl methoxycinnamate liposomes
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
The clinical efficacy of a new emulsion for acne and conspicuous facial pore amelioration
Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens
Targeting Circadian Rhythm for the Regulation of Skin Collagen Metabolism
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
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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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