# NIVEA vs Menarini

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/nivea-vs-menarini

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

NIVEA and Menarini are established skincare brands offering reliable care through thoughtful formulas. The German brand, founded in 1911 and owned by maxingvest GmbH & Co. KGaA since 2004, is known for sunscreens, targeted [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/serum), and nourishing moisturizers formulated with [glycerin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/glycerin), while the other brand is beloved for advanced serums. Both suit dry and sensitive skin best, with the first also suiting combination skin and featuring specific items like the Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+, UV Deep Protect & Care Gel, and LUMINOUS630 ANTI-DARK SPOT SERUM, whereas the latter features the A-Ret Gel for acne-prone skin. They differ as the first relies on glycerin to improve stratum corneum hydration and barrier function, while both brands ultimately deliver gentle comfort for a healthy complexion.

NIVEA is a German skincare brand founded in 1911 and owned by maxingvest GmbH & Co. KGaA since 2004.

[beiersdorf.com](https://www.beiersdorf.com/about-us/our-history/founding-history) [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maxingvest_AG)

This page compares some of the most popular NIVEA and Menarini 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=pg252e2546cb).

### Popular NIVEA vs Menarini products

#### Menarini

- [A-Ret Gel](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/menarini/a-ret-gel/for/oily-skin) — High fit

#### NIVEA

- [Creme](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/nivea/creme/for/dry-skin) — High fit — [CA$15.98 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01CPLICB0?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Soft](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/nivea/soft/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Average fit — [CA$13.49 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01CPLIC9M?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [MEN](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/nivea/men/for/dark-spots) — Average fit
- [UV Deep Protect & Care Gel](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/nivea/uv-deep-protect-and-care-gel/for/combination-skin) — High fit
- [DERMA SKIN CLEAR](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/nivea/derma-skin-clear/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit — [CA$19.28 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0C1CGC2QJ?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Express Hydration](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/nivea/express-hydration/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Average fit
- [LUMINOUS630 ANTI-DARK SPOT SERUM](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/nivea/luminous630-anti-dark-spot-serum/for/sensitive-skin) — Average fit
- [Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/nivea/protect-and-moisture-sun-lotion-spf50/for/combination-skin) — High fit

## Questions and answers

### NIVEA or Menarini: which is better?

NIVEA and Menarini both offer effective products, with NIVEA achieving a High Lovi fit for dry skin, sensitive skin, and mature skin, while Menarini features specialized options like A-Ret Gel. [Glycerin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/glycerin) helps provide moisture across NIVEA's range.

### What is the difference between NIVEA and Menarini?

Nivea offers a wide range of moisturizers, sunscreens, and blemish-clearing [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/serum) that fit dry, sensitive, and mature skin best, whereas Menarini features just one fragrance-free serum, A-Ret Gel, which helps oily and oily acne-prone skin with a High Lovi fit.

[The New England Journal of Medicine, 1993](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8336752/) [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32210603/)

### Which is more affordable, NIVEA or Menarini?

This page does not provide pricing or affordability information for either NIVEA or Menarini.

### Which causes fewer breakouts, NIVEA or Menarini?

NIVEA products on this page have reviewers sometimes noting breakouts, while Menarini only offers A-Ret Gel on this page without blemish data from reviewers.

### Which brand has been established longer, NIVEA or Menarini?

Menarini has been established longer, having been founded in 1886 compared to NIVEA, which was founded in 1911.

### How do the fragrance options differ between NIVEA and Menarini products?

NIVEA offers some fragrance-free options as 3 of the 9 products on this page list no fragrance, while Menarini products on this page are completely fragrance-free.

### Which brand offers a wider variety of product types like sunscreens and moisturizers on this page?

NIVEA offers a wider variety of product types on this page, featuring multiple sunscreens, moisturizers, and serums, whereas Menarini features only a single gel serum.

## Research behind their key ingredients

- [Hyaluronic acid and wound healing](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25877441/) Sodium hyaluronate · Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015
- [The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/) Niacinamide · The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002
- [Skin delivery of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and hyaluronic acid loaded nano-transfersomes for antioxidant and anti-aging effects in UV radiation induced skin damage](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28155509/) Hyaluronic acid · Drug Delivery, 2017
- [Restoration of collagen formation in photodamaged human skin by tretinoin (retinoic acid)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8336752/) Tretinoin · The New England Journal of Medicine, 1993
- [Mechanistic Basis and Clinical Evidence for the Applications of Nicotinamide (Niacinamide) to Control Skin Aging and Pigmentation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34439563/) Niacinamide · Antioxidants, 2021
- [Benefits of topical hyaluronic acid for skin quality and signs of skin aging: From literature review to clinical evidence](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36200921/) Sodium hyaluronate, Hyaluronic acid · Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
- [Topical use of dexpanthenol in skin disorders](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12113650/) Panthenol · American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002
- [Effects of glyceryl glucoside on AQP3 expression, barrier function and hydration of human skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22584263/) Glyceryl glucoside · Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2012
- [Clinical Assessment of New Topical Cream Containing Two Essential Oils Combined with Tretinoin in the Treatment of Acne](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32210603/) Tretinoin · Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/) 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33103316/) Niacinamide · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021
- [Effective reduction of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation with the tyrosinase inhibitor isobutylamido-thiazolyl-resorcinol (Thiamidol)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33559186/) Isobutylamido thiazolyl resorcinol · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27425824/) Panthenol · The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017
- [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
- [Senomorphic activity of a combination of niacinamide and hyaluronic acid: correlation with clinical improvement of skin aging](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39009698/) Niacinamide · Scientific Reports, 2024
- [Treatment of xerosis with a topical formulation containing glyceryl glucoside, natural moisturizing factors, and ceramide](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22916312/) Glyceryl glucoside · The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2012
- [Efficacy assessments of tretinoin-loaded nano lipid carriers in acne vulgaris: a double blind, split-face randomized clinical study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34146120/) Tretinoin · Archives of Dermatological Research, 2022
- [Topical tretinoin for treating photoaging: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35620028/) Tretinoin · International Journal of Women's Dermatology, 2022
- [Fatty acids based α-Tocopherol loaded nanostructured lipid carrier gel: In vitro and in vivo evaluation for moisturizing and anti-aging effects](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32129554/) Vitamin e · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 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
- [Exotic Vegetable Oils for Cosmetic O/W Nanoemulsions: In Vivo Evaluation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26927034/) Lanolin alcohol eucerit · Molecules, 2016
- [Efficacy of a topical serum containing L-ascorbic acid, neohesperidin, pycnogenol, tocopherol, and hyaluronic acid in relation to skin aging signs](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35150043/) Vitamin e · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022
- [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
- [Development of stable tocopherol succinate-loaded ethosomes to enhance transdermal permeation: In vitro and in vivo characterizations](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35274433/) Vitamin e · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022
- [Topical application of jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis L.) wax enhances the synthesis of pro-collagen III and hyaluronic acid and reduces inflammation in the ex-vivo human skin organ culture model](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38344180/) Jojoba seed oil · Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2024
- [Clinical evaluation of the efficacy of a facial serum containing dioic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, LHA, citric acid, and HEPES in treating post-inflammatory hyperchromia and controlling oily skin in patients with acne vulgaris](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33617668/) Citric acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021
- [In vivo and in vitro evaluation of octyl methoxycinnamate liposomes](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24376350/) Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate · International Journal of Nanomedicine, 2013
- [Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3819071/) Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane · Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 1987
- [Enhancing Photoprotection and Mitigating Ex Vivo Stratum Corneum Oxidative Stress: A Multifunctional Strategy Combining Rosmarinic Acid with UVB Filters](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40227214/) Octocrylene · Antioxidants, 2025
- [Influence of vitamin E acetate on stratum corneum hydration](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9706379/) Tocopheryl acetate · Arzneimittel-Forschung, 1998
- [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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40613435/) Panthenol · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025
- [Tocopherol succinate-loaded ethosomal gel synthesized by cold method technique: Deeper biophysical characterizations for translational application on human skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38268219/) Vitamin e · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024
- [Nanostructured Lipid Carrier Based Gel Containing α-Tocopherol and α-Tocopheryl Acetate for Synergistic Cutaneous Antiaging Efficacy](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41309687/) Tocopheryl acetate · Scientific Reports, 2025
- [Facial disbiosis and UV filters](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39499337/) Ethylhexyl salicylate, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate · Archives of Dermatological Research, 2024
- [Mitigation of ultraviolet-induced erythema and inflammation by para-hydroxycinnamic acid in human skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39138602/) Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2025
- [Safety assessment on comedogenicity of dermatological products containing d-alpha tocopheryl acetate in Asian subjects: A double-blind randomized controlled trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34471722/) Tocopheryl acetate · Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 2021
- [Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40911743/) Ethylhexyl salicylate · Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2025

## The brands

- German skincare: [NIVEA](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/brands/nivea)
- Skincare: [Menarini](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/brands/menarini)

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