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Galderma vs Dr. Barbara Sturm

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

Galderma and Dr. Barbara Sturm are distinct skincare brands founded in Switzerland and Germany respectively. The Swiss brand offers targeted serums that suit oily and acne-prone skin best, featuring options like Epiduo Gel and Benzac AC. Conversely, the German brand is deeply loved for its gentle moisturizers, clarifying exfoliants, and nourishing serums built on scientifically advanced formulas, which suit sensitive, dry, and balanced skin best through deep hydration and barrier support. While both brands address similar concerns with standout products, they differ fundamentally in their ingredient focus and ideal skin types.

Galderma is a Swiss skincare brand founded in 1981 and owned by Galderma Group AG.

en.wikipedia.org

Dr. Barbara Sturm is a German skincare brand founded in 2014 and owned by Puig since 2024.

uploads.puig.combeautymatter.compitchbook.com

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

Popular Galderma vs Dr. Barbara Sturm products

People Say

GaldermaDr. Barbara Sturm
  • Gentle on Sensitive Skin Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
    • “doesn't irritate my sensitive skin — Dr. Barbara Sturm The Good C Vitamin C Serum”
    • “deep yet gentle cleanse — Dr. Barbara Sturm Enzyme Cleanser”
    • “reduced redness — Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum”
    • “didn't burn my face — Galderma Benzac AC Mild Strength 2.5% Acne Gel”
  • Acne Clearance and Prevention Mostly MentionedNot noted
    • “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”
  • Deep Hydration Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “skin drank it up — Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum”
    • “skin feels softer — Dr. Barbara Sturm The Good C Vitamin C Serum”
  • Lightweight Absorption Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “sinks in immediately — Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum”
    • “sinks in quickly — Dr. Barbara Sturm The Good C Vitamin C Serum”
  • Glow and Radiance Not notedOften Mentioned
    • “skin looks brighter — Dr. Barbara Sturm The Good C Vitamin C Serum”
    • “healthy glow — Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum”
  • Severe Dryness and Peeling Mostly MentionedNot noted
    • “skin flaking off — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
  • High Price and Cost Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “way too expensive — Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum”
  • Intense Burning and Stinging Mostly MentionedNot noted
    • “face on fire — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
  • Acne Purging Phase Mostly MentionedNot noted
    • “got worse first — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
  • Fabric Bleaching Mostly MentionedNot noted
    • “bleached my towel — Galderma Benzac AC 5”

Questions and answers

Galderma or Dr. Barbara Sturm: which is better?

Galderma is better for acne-prone and oily skin with its effective acne-clearing serums, whereas Dr. Barbara Sturm is better for gentle care on sensitive skin and deep hydration.

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

What is the difference between Galderma and Dr. Barbara Sturm?

Galderma focuses on acne clearance with High Lovi fit levels for oily and acne-prone skin, while Dr. Barbara Sturm offers gentle care for sensitive skin and deep hydration with a Superior Lovi fit level for dark spots. Galderma products on this page help clear acne, though users note they may cause severe dryness, peeling, and irritation.

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2018

Which is more affordable, Galderma or Dr. Barbara Sturm?

Galderma is more affordable, as Dr. Barbara Sturm faces review feedback noting a high price and cost.

Which causes fewer breakouts, Galderma or Dr. Barbara Sturm?

Galderma is better for acne clearance and prevention, with the products on this page achieving High Lovi fit levels for acne-prone skin, though they may cause severe dryness, peeling, and irritation. Dr. Barbara Sturm also has High Lovi fit levels for acne-prone skin with its vitamin C serum, but reviewers note an acne purging phase.

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2018

How do the founding years and home countries of Galderma and Dr. Barbara Sturm compare?

Galderma was founded in 1981 in Switzerland, whereas Dr. Barbara Sturm was established later in 2014 in Germany.

Which brand offers products with no fragrance listed in their ingredients, Galderma or Dr. Barbara Sturm?

Both brands offer products with no fragrance listed in their ingredients, as every product on the Galderma and Dr. Barbara Sturm pages lists no fragrance.

What specific evening routine is recommended for dry skin using Galderma products?

For dry skin using Galderma products, the recommended evening routine includes a pre-cleanser like Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream, a cleanser such as Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser, the serum or treatment Epiduo Gel, and a moisturizer like Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream.

American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2018Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 2021

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

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