# Galderma vs Shu Uemura

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/galderma-vs-shu-uemura

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

Galderma and Shu Uemura are established international skincare houses with distinct heritages, originating in Switzerland and Japan respectively. The Swiss brand offers targeted [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/serum) that suit oily and acne-prone skin best, featuring standout treatments like Epiduo Gel and Benzac AC variants, while the Japanese house is deeply loved for its transformative makeup removers and meticulously crafted formulas that suit all skin types. Users appreciate how these carefully balanced offerings maintain skin comfort, though the brands differ fundamentally in their product types, specific ingredient approaches, and optimal skin concerns.

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

[en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galderma)

Shu Uemura is a Japanese skincare brand founded in 1967 and owned by L'Oréal S.A. since 2003.

[loreal-finance.com](https://www.loreal-finance.com/eng/2024-universal-registration-document/en/article/12/) [pitchbook.com](https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/168869-71) [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shu_Uemura) [sec.gov](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/vprr/0303/03037595.pdf)

This page compares some of the most popular Galderma and Shu Uemura 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=pg58c4e19894).

### Popular Galderma vs Shu Uemura products

#### Galderma

- [Epiduo Gel](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/galderma/epiduo-gel/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit — [$34.97 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GSSCQ6J2?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Benzac AC 5](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/galderma/benzac-ac-5/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit
- [Benzac AC Mild Strength 2.5% Acne Gel](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/galderma/benzac-ac-mild-strength-2-5-acne-gel/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit

#### Shu Uemura

- [cleansing oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/shu-uemura/cleansing-oil/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Average fit — [$50.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DNJKPSB8?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

## Questions and answers

### Galderma or Shu Uemura: which is better?

Galderma is better for oily and acne-prone skin, as the products on this page have a High Lovi fit for those skin types. [Benzoyl peroxide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide) helps clear acne by decreasing bacteria, though users often report dryness and irritation.

[The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32175593/) [Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33545336/)

### What is the difference between Galderma and Shu Uemura?

Galderma has a High Lovi fit for oily and acne-prone skin with its fragrance-free acne [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/serum), whereas Shu Uemura offers only a makeup remover cleansing oil that fits those skin types poorly with a Low fit. Reviewers mention that Galderma products help clear acne effectively but may cause severe dryness and irritation.

[The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32175593/) [American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29549588/)

### Which is more affordable, Galderma or Shu Uemura?

The provided page and study facts do not contain pricing information to determine whether Galderma or Shu Uemura is more affordable.

### Which causes fewer breakouts, Galderma or Shu Uemura?

Galderma is much better for managing breakouts because the products on this page are effective acne-clearing serums that fit acne-prone skin best at a High level, whereas Shu Uemura only has a Low fit for acne-prone skin. Benzoyl peroxide helps treat acne by reducing bacteria.

[The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32175593/) [Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33545336/)

### Between Galderma and Shu Uemura, which brand was founded earlier and in which country?

Shu Uemura was founded earlier than Galderma, having started in Japan in 1967.

### How do the Lovi fit levels for oily skin compare between Galderma's Epiduo Gel and Shu Uemura's cleansing oil?

Galderma's Epiduo Gel has a High Lovi fit level for oily skin, whereas Shu Uemura's cleansing oil has a Low fit level.

### What do reviewers frequently mention as negative side effects of using Galderma products?

Reviewers frequently mention severe dryness and peeling as well as severe irritation and discomfort when using the products on this page by Galderma.

## Research behind their key ingredients

- [Peroxidated squalene induces the production of inflammatory mediators in HaCaT keratinocytes: a possible role in acne vulgaris](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16778793/) Squalane · The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2006
- [Topical benzoyl peroxide for acne](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32175593/) Benzoyl peroxide, Benzoyl peroxide 25mg g · The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020
- [Effect of Camellia japonica oil on human type I procollagen production and skin barrier function](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17386986/) Camellia japonica seed oil · Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2007
- [Prevention and Reduction of Atrophic Acne Scars with Adapalene 0.3%/Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% Gel in Subjects with Moderate or Severe Facial Acne: Results of a 6-Month Randomized, Vehicle-Controlled Trial Using Intra-Individual Comparison](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29549588/) Adapalene · American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2018
- [Benzoyl peroxide treatment decreases Cutibacterium acnes in shoulder surgery, from skin incision until wound closure](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33545336/) Benzoyl peroxide, Benzoyl peroxide 25mg g · Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 2021
- [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
- [Efficacy and Safety of a Fixed-Dose Clindamycin Phosphate 1.2%, Benzoyl Peroxide 3.1%, and Adapalene 0.15% Gel for Moderate-to-Severe Acne: A Randomized Phase II Study of the First Triple-Combination Drug](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34674160/) Benzoyl peroxide, Benzoyl peroxide 25mg g · American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2022
- [A topical gel of tea tree oil nanoemulsion containing adapalene versus adapalene marketed gel in patients with acne vulgaris: a randomized clinical trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34251536/) Adapalene · Archives of Dermatological Research, 2022
- [Development of Multifunctional Cosmetic Cream Using Bioactive Materials from Streptomyces sp. T65 with Synthesized Mesoporous Silica Particles SBA-15](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32224894/) Silicon dioxide · Antioxidants, 2020
- [Formulating octyl methoxycinnamate in hybrid lipid-silica nanoparticles: An innovative approach for UV skin protection](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32395645/) Silicon dioxide · Heliyon, 2020
- [Clindamycin phosphate 1.2%/adapalene 0.15%/benzoyl peroxide 3.1% gel for moderate-to-severe acne: Efficacy and safety results from two randomized phase 3 trials](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37656094/) Adapalene · Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2023
- [Efficacy and safety of microencapsulated benzoyl peroxide and microencapsulated tretinoin for the treatment of acne vulgaris: Results from two phase 3 double-blind, randomized, vehicle-controlled studies](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37356627/) Benzoyl peroxide, Benzoyl peroxide 25mg g · Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2023
- [Semi-Solid Dosage Forms Containing Pranoprofen-Loaded NLC as Topical Therapy for Local Inflammation: In Vitro, Ex Vivo and In Vivo Evaluation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37367119/) Carbomer 940 · Gels, 2023
- [Squalane as a Promising Agent Protecting UV-Induced Inhibition of Collagen Biosynthesis and Wound Healing in Human Dermal Fibroblast](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40363772/) Squalane · Molecules, 2025

## The brands

- Swiss skincare: [Galderma](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/galderma)
- Japanese skincare: [Shu Uemura](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/shu-uemura)

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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/galderma-vs-shu-uemura (this page)
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/galderma-vs-shu-uemura
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/compare/galderma-vs-shu-uemura
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