🇺🇸United States

Dermalogica vs Simple

Rated by Lovi · Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes · How the Fit score works

Dermalogica and Simple are popular skincare brands owned by Unilever, offering distinct options for different routines. The American brand provides targeted serums, nourishing moisturizers, gentle cleansers, purifying masks, and more with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and salicylic acid, while the British brand offers gentle moisturizers, makeup removers, cleansers, and toners enriched with niacinamide and glycerin. Dermalogica suits oily skin and combination skin best to balance excess oil and moisture, whereas Simple suits acne-prone skin and oily skin best because of its carefully balanced, skin-loving formulations. Both differ in their active ingredients and targeted concerns, helping users choose between specialized treatments and soothing care.

Dermalogica is an American skincare brand founded in 1986 and owned by Unilever since 2015.

en.wikipedia.orgcosmeticsbusiness.com

Simple is a British skincare brand founded in 1960 and owned by Unilever PLC since 2011.

en.wikipedia.orgsec.govprnewswire.comsimple.co.uk

This page compares some of the most popular Dermalogica and Simple products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.

Popular Dermalogica vs Simple products

People Say

DermalogicaSimple
  • Gentle on sensitive skin Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
    • “Does not cause any form of irritation on the skin which I love. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
    • “The only cleanser that doesn't turn my face red. — Simple Micellar Water”
    • “no artificial perfume — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
    • “helps calm and nourish my skin — Dermalogica Stabilizing Repair Cream”
  • Deep hydration and moisture Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “Saved my dry skin — Dermalogica Super Rich Repair”
    • “super hydrating — Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque”
    • “skin feels hydrated — Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance”
    • “banished dryness within days — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
  • Lightweight and non-greasy absorption Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “sinks in instantly — Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream”
    • “absorbs very quickly — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
    • “absorbs really well — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
    • “blends seamlessly — Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50”
  • Effective cleansing and makeup removal Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “Takes off any makeup residue and makes my face feel refreshed. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
    • “Best morning cleanser — Simple Refreshing Facial Wash”
    • “removes last traces of makeup — Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner”
    • “Removes stubborn mascara — Dermalogica Precleanse”
  • Smooth and improved skin texture Often MentionedNot noted
    • “gentle enough for daily use — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
    • “skin feels smooth as silk — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
    • “fine lines have visibly softened — Dermalogica Phyto Nature Lifting Eye Cream”
  • High price point Mostly MentionedNot noted
    • “hefty price tag — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
  • Caused breakouts and skin reactions Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
    • “Cystic acne flare-ups — Dermalogica Precleanse”
    • “Caused cystic acne — Dermalogica Super Rich Repair”
    • “Gave me tiny bumps on my forehead. — Simple Micellar Water”
    • “caused major breakouts — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
  • Unpleasant or strong scent Often MentionedRarely Noted
    • “Smells like chemicals — Simple Refreshing Facial Wash”
    • “smells like puke — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”

Dermalogica vs Simple routines for dry skin

Buy Dermalogica routine · $424.99 · 87% fitBuy Simple routine · $128.28 · 83% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit

Dermalogica vs Simple routines for oily skin

Buy Dermalogica routine · $501.02 · 92% fitBuy Simple routine · $280.29 · 88% fitSee multi-brand routine · 98% fit

Dermalogica vs Simple routines for combination skin

Buy Dermalogica routine · $560.50 · 91% fitBuy Simple routine · $259.77 · 87% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit

Questions and answers

Dermalogica or Simple: which is better?

Dermalogica is better for deep hydration and smooth texture, while Simple is better for gentle, value-friendly makeup removal. The products on this page from Dermalogica achieve a Superior fit for oily, combination, and oily acne-prone skin types.

What is the difference between Dermalogica and Simple?

Dermalogica generally offers superior deep hydration and smoothness, whereas Simple provides more lightweight and value-friendly hydration across the products on this page. For sensitive skin and acne-prone skin, both brands show an equal fit level.

Dermalogica or Simple for dry skin?

Both Dermalogica and Simple offer a high routine fit for dry skin. The products on this page help deliver intense hydration and soothing moisturizers for dry skin.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Dermalogica or Simple: which cleanser is better?

Dermalogica is better for cleansers on this page, as Lovi rates its cleansers like Daily Glycolic Cleanser and Special Cleansing Gel as High or Superior for most skin types. Simple cleansers on this page are generally rated lower, with Refreshing Facial Wash receiving Low fit ratings for dry skin.

Which is more affordable, Dermalogica or Simple?

Simple is the more affordable option, while the products on this page for Dermalogica have a high price point.

Which brand has better options for hydration, Dermalogica or Simple?

Dermalogica has better options for hydration, as reviewers mostly mention its intense hydration and soothing moisturizers. Topical hyaluronic acid, found in Dermalogica products, helps improve skin quality and signs of skin aging.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

How do the founding years and corporate ownership of Dermalogica and Simple compare?

Dermalogica was founded in 1986 in the United States, whereas Simple was founded in 1960 in the United Kingdom. Both brands are currently owned by Unilever, with Simple acquired in 2011 and Dermalogica acquired in 2015.

Dermalogica or Simple for oily skin?

Dermalogica is a Superior fit for oily skin, whereas Simple is a High fit. Dermalogica features specialized cleansers and treatments that help manage excess oil.

Dermalogica or Simple: which moisturizer is better?

Dermalogica is better for deep hydration and advanced moisture care, offering superior options like the Stabilizing Repair Cream, while Simple provides lightweight, value-friendly moisturizers such as the Hydrating Light Moisturiser. Both brands ensure that every product on this page lists no fragrance in its ingredients.

Dermalogica or Simple for sensitive skin?

Dermalogica and Simple both offer a High routine fit for sensitive skin. The products on this page for both brands list no fragrance in their ingredients, and Simple is noted for being gentle on sensitive skin.

Dermalogica or Simple for acne-prone skin?

For acne-prone skin, Dermalogica has a Superior Lovi fit level for oily acne-prone skin and a High fit level for acne-prone skin, while Simple has a High fit level for both. Review themes note that Dermalogica does better for deep hydration and smooth skin texture, whereas Simple does better for being gentle on sensitive skin and providing effective cleansing.

Dermalogica or Simple for mature skin?

Dermalogica is the better fit for mature skin, offering superior options like Precleanse and Phyto Nature Lifting Eye Cream. The products on this page help provide deep hydration and improve skin texture, though reviewers note a high price point.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Research behind their key ingredients

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

    Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Co-founder, Medical Director

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer

  • Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    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

    Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Medical Board

    Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine

  • Aishani Shah, MD

    Aishani Shah, MD

    Medical Board

    Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD

  • Asya Zubkova, MS

    Asya Zubkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member

  • Hanna Kurets, MD

    Hanna Kurets, MD

    Medical Board, Medical Advisor

    Dermatology MD

  • Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Medical Board

    Dermatology and diagnostic consultant

  • Victoria Derkova, MS

    Victoria Derkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist

How does it fit your skin?

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