Dermalogica vs Galderma
Dermalogica and Galderma are skincare brands founded in the 1980s that offer distinct solutions for various complexion needs. The American brand is known for targeted serums, nourishing moisturizers, gentle cleansers, and purifying masks formulated with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and salicylic acid, while the Swiss brand focuses specifically on serums. Both brands suit oily skin and acne-prone skin best, though they differ because Dermalogica also serves combination skin through active formulations that balance excess oil and moisture.
Dermalogica is an American skincare brand founded in 1986 and owned by Unilever since 2015.
en.wikipedia.orgcosmeticsbusiness.com
Galderma is a Swiss skincare brand founded in 1981 and owned by Galderma Group AG.
This page compares some of the most popular Dermalogica and Galderma products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Dermalogica vs Galderma products
People Say
Acne and Breakout Prevention Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “cleared up my skin — Galderma Benzac AC Mild Strength 2.5% Acne Gel”
- “cystic acne gone — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
- “stops new pimples — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
- “Brings out all the gunk — Dermalogica Blackhead Clearing Fizz Mask”
Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedNot noted
- “Saved my dry skin — Dermalogica Super Rich Repair”
- “blends seamlessly — Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50”
- “Absorbs quickly... not greasy — Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream”
Skin Texture and Smoothing Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “gentle enough for daily use — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
- “skin feels smooth as silk — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
- “skin feels smooth — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
- “angry redness tones down — Galderma Benzac AC 5”
Dryness, Peeling and Burning Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
- “A bit drying — Dermalogica Blackhead Clearing Fizz Mask”
- “burns immediately — Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque”
- “face on fire — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
Acne and Skin Reactions Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “Cystic acne flare-ups — Dermalogica Precleanse”
- “Caused cystic acne — Dermalogica Super Rich Repair”
- “gave me acne — Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel”
- “got worse first — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
High Price Point Mostly MentionedNot noted
- “hefty price tag — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
Fabric Bleaching Not notedMostly Mentioned
- “bleached my towel — Galderma Benzac AC 5”
Dermalogica vs Galderma routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$19.99
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Hydrating Toner
Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner
Morning
$16.99
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Moisturizer
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$22.00
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SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
$15.99
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Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
$21.70
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Serum or Treatment
Epiduo Gel
Evening · Once a week
$34.97
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Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
$22.00
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Cleanser
Special Cleansing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$73.00
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Hydrating Toner
Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner
Morning
$16.99
-
Moisturizer
Stabilizing Repair Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$69.00
-
SPF
Invisible Physical Defense SPF30
Morning
$49.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Precleanse
Evening · Once a week
$49.00
-
Serum or Treatment
BioLumin-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
$99.00
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Nourishing Mask
Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque
Once a week
$69.00
Buy Galderma routine · $153.64 · 90% fit
Buy Dermalogica routine · $424.99 · 87% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
Dermalogica vs Galderma routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$15.97
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
$15.60
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$18.99
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
$14.97
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
$50.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
$28.42
-
Serum or Treatment
Epiduo Gel
Evening · Once a week
$34.97
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
$69.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Revision Skincare Black Mask
Once a week
$79.00
-
Cleanser
Daily Glycolic Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$39.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
$15.60
-
Moisturizer
Active Moist
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$83.00
-
SPF
Invisible Physical Defense SPF30
Morning
$49.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Precleanse
Evening · Once a week
$49.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
$28.42
-
Serum or Treatment
Retinol Clearing Oil
Evening · Once a week
$89.00
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Enzyme Powder
Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
$69.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Revision Skincare Black Mask
Once a week
$79.00
Buy Galderma routine · $326.92 · 96% fit
Buy Dermalogica routine · $501.02 · 92% fitSee multi-brand routine · 98% fit
Dermalogica vs Galderma routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$28.08
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
$25.60
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$18.99
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
$14.97
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
$50.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
$18.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Epiduo Gel
Evening · Once a week
$34.97
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
$69.00
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
$58.00
-
Cleanser
Daily Glycolic Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$39.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
$25.60
-
Moisturizer
Active Moist
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$83.00
-
SPF
Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50
Morning
$129.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Precleanse
Evening · Once a week
$49.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
$18.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Retinol Clearing Oil
Evening · Once a week
$89.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
$69.00
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
$58.00
Buy Galderma routine · $318.51 · 94% fit
Buy Dermalogica routine · $560.50 · 91% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
Dermalogica or Galderma: which is better?
Both brands are well suited for oily skin and oily acne-prone skin, with Galderma focusing more on effective acne-clearing serums and Dermalogica offering a wider variety of cleansers, moisturizers, and masks.
What is the difference between Dermalogica and Galderma?
Dermalogica offers a wide range of products with strong performance in hydration and soothing care, whereas Galderma focuses primarily on effective acne-clearing serums. Both brands achieve a Superior fit for oily and combination skin types on the products on this page.
Dermalogica or Galderma for dry skin?
For dry skin, Dermalogica offers products on this page with a High routine fit level, while Galderma achieves a Superior routine fit level. Reviewers mention that Dermalogica provides intense hydration, whereas Galderma is more frequently associated with severe dryness and peeling.
Which is more affordable, Dermalogica or Galderma?
Galderma is more affordable, whereas Dermalogica has a high price point as a negative review theme on this page.
Dermalogica or Galderma for skin texture and smoothing?
Both Dermalogica and Galderma work equally well for skin texture and smoothing. Reviewers report that both brands offer effective options for smoothing skin.
Which brand performs better for hydration and moisture, Dermalogica or Galderma?
Dermalogica performs better for hydration and moisture, offering a wide range of hydrating products and soothing moisturizers that reviewers frequently praise for intense hydration. Topical hyaluronic acid, found in Dermalogica products, helps improve skin quality and signs of skin aging.
Dermalogica or Galderma for acne and breakout prevention?
Galderma does better for acne and breakout prevention, offering targeted serums that reviewers often note as effective. Dermalogica also fits oily acne-prone skin well with products like its Daily Glycolic Cleanser, but Galderma takes the lead for acne care.
Dermalogica or Galderma for oily skin?
Both brands fit oily skin well with a Superior routine fit level. Dermalogica features a wide range of oil-balancing cleansers and lightweight moisturizers, while Galderma offers targeted acne-clearing serums.
Dermalogica or Galderma for sensitive skin?
Both Dermalogica and Galderma fit sensitive skin at a High level. Reviewers note that Dermalogica helps provide gentle, non-stripping cleansers and soothing moisturizers, while Galderma focuses more on effective acne-clearing serums.
Dermalogica or Galderma for acne-prone skin?
Galderma is a better fit for acne-prone skin, as the routine fit for this skin type is Superior compared to Dermalogica's High. Reviewers also note that Galderma provides effective acne-clearing serums.
Research behind their key ingredients
The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review
Bacterial cellulose membranes as drug delivery systems: an in vivo skin compatibility study
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
Topical anti-inflammatory effects of isorhamnetin glycosides isolated from Opuntia ficus-indica
Apigenin inhibits UVA-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and prevents signs of skin aging in vivo
Vitamin C-squalene bioconjugate promotes epidermal thickening and collagen production in human skin
Antioxidant properties evaluation of topical astaxanthin formulations as anti-aging products
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
Efficacy of Oxybrasion in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris: A Preliminary Report
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
Chemical peels for acne vulgaris: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials
Colloidal Oatmeal <em>(Avena Sativa)</em> Improves Skin Barrier Through Multi-Therapy Activity
Well-aging: A new strategy for skin homeostasis under multi-stressed conditions
In vivo and in vitro evaluation of octyl methoxycinnamate liposomes
The synergistic effect of retinyl propionate and hydroxypinacolone retinoate on skin aging
The impacts of sodium lauroyl sarcosinate in facial cleanser on facial skin microbiome and lipidome
Supramolecular collagen nanoparticles for anti-wrinkle, skin whitening, and moisturizing effects
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
Skin recovery by Lavandula angustifolia leaf callus extract: Redox control of Nrf2 signaling
Algae extract protection effect on oxidized protein level in human stratum corneum
Starch- and carboxymethyl cellulose-based films as active beauty masks with papain incorporation
Semi-solid functionalized nanostructured lipid carriers loading thymol for skin disorders
Modulating effects of oatmeal extracts in the sodium lauryl sulfate skin irritancy model
Moisturizing Effects of Diglycerol Combined with Glycerol on Human Stratum Corneum
The effect of Zanthoxylum bungeanum maxim extract on crow's feet: A double-blind, split-face trial
Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Skin barrier repair efficacy and safety evaluation of an extract from Gardenia jasminoides J.Ellis
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
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
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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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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