Neutrogena vs Galderma
Neutrogena and Galderma are skincare brands offering distinct approaches to daily wellness. The American brand is thoughtfully loved for its nourishing moisturizers, protective sunscreens, gentle cleansers, and refreshing toners formulated with glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and dimethicone, while the Swiss brand is known for its specialized serums. Both suit acne-prone skin best, though the former also suits sensitive skin while the latter suits oily skin. They differ primarily in their product types, ingredient focuses, and origins.
Neutrogena is an American skincare brand founded in 1930 and owned by Kimberly-Clark Corporation since 2026.
investor.kimberly-clark.comen.wikipedia.orginvestors.kenvue.com
Galderma is a Swiss skincare brand founded in 1981 and owned by Galderma Group AG.
This page compares some of the most popular Neutrogena and Galderma products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Neutrogena vs Galderma products
People Say
Acne Clearance & Prevention Not 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”
Lightweight & Hydrating Texture Mostly MentionedNot noted
- “Absorbs instantly without sticky residue — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel”
- “Skin looked plumper and radiant — Neutrogena HYDRO BOOST WATER CREAM”
- “It also hydrates my skin. This cream has been so easy to add to my routine. — Neutrogena Retinol Regenerating Cream”
Gentle & Sensitive Skin Care Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
- “leaves skin soft and balanced — Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser”
- “love that it has no scent — Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser”
- “calms my acne prone skin — Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser”
- “didn't burn my face — Galderma Benzac AC Mild Strength 2.5% Acne Gel”
Makeup Performance Often MentionedNot noted
- “dissolves stubborn waterproof mascara — Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover”
- “Foundation glides right over it — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel”
- “Concealer doesn't cake or get stuck in crevices — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Gel-Cream”
Insufficient Hydration or Dryness Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “Not moisturizing enough for winter months — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel”
- “Not rich enough for very dry mature skin — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Gel-Cream”
- “Texture is also very thick so will not recommend to oily skin or acne prone. — Neutrogena Retinol Regenerating Cream”
- “skin flaking off — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
Skin & Eye Irritation Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “burns my eyes terribly — Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen”
- “Made my face very red — Neutrogena HYDRO BOOST WATER CREAM”
- “Burning sensation — Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream”
- “face on fire — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
Breakouts & Skin Purging Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
- “Broke me out in cysts — Neutrogena HYDRO BOOST WATER CREAM”
- “Weird bumps aren't going away — Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream”
- “got worse first — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
Fabric Bleaching Not notedMostly Mentioned
- “bleached my towel — Galderma Benzac AC 5”
Neutrogena 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
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
$21.70
-
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
-
Cleanser
Hydro Boost Water Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$26.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Alcohol-Free Toner
Morning
$6.34
-
Moisturizer
Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$18.49
-
SPF
Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen
Morning
$12.48
-
Pre-Cleanser
HYDRO BOOST WATER CREAM
Evening · Once a week
$34.83
-
Serum or Treatment
Stubborn Marks PM Treatment
Evening · Once a week
$19.35
-
Nourishing Mask
Hydro Boost Hydrating Hydrogel Mask
Once a week
$2.97
Buy Galderma routine · $153.64 · 90% fit
Buy Neutrogena routine · $121.45 · 75% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
Neutrogena 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
Hydro Boost Water Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$26.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Alcohol-Free Toner
Morning · Once a week
$6.34
-
Moisturizer
Hydro Boost+ Niacinamide Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$14.99
-
SPF
Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen
Morning
$12.48
-
Pre-Cleanser
Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover
Evening · Once a week
$9.97
-
Cleansing Toner
Blackhead Eliminating Cleansing Toner
Evening
$25.36
-
Serum or Treatment
Stubborn Marks PM Treatment
Evening · Once a week
$19.35
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica 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 Neutrogena routine · $263.48 · 74% fitSee multi-brand routine · 98% fit
Neutrogena 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
Hydro Boost Water Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$26.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Alcohol-Free Toner
Morning · Once a week
$6.34
-
Moisturizer
Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$18.49
-
SPF
Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen
Morning
$9.88
-
Pre-Cleanser
Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover
Evening · Once a week
$9.97
-
Cleansing Toner
Blackhead Eliminating Cleansing Toner
Evening
$25.36
-
Serum or Treatment
Stubborn Marks PM Treatment
Evening · Once a week
$19.35
-
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
Buy Galderma routine · $318.51 · 94% fit
Buy Neutrogena routine · $243.38 · 77% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
Neutrogena or Galderma: which is better?
Neutrogena is better for general hydration, lightweight textures, and sensitive skin care across the products on this page. Galderma is superior for acne clearance and oily skin routines, although its serums may cause severe dryness and peeling.
What is the difference between Neutrogena and Galderma?
Neutrogena is best suited for sensitive, acne-prone, and combination skin with a focus on hydration and anti-aging using ingredients like hyaluronic acid and retinol, whereas Galderma specializes in effective acne-clearing serums that target oily and acne-prone skin types.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015
Neutrogena or Galderma for dry skin?
Galderma is a better fit for dry skin with a Superior routine fit, compared to Neutrogena which has a High routine fit on this page.
Which is more affordable, Neutrogena or Galderma?
The available page facts do not mention pricing details for either Neutrogena or Galderma, so it is not possible to determine which brand is more affordable.
Which brand performs better for acne clearance and prevention according to review themes?
Galderma performs better for acne clearance and prevention according to the review themes on this page.
How do the founding years and countries of origin compare between Neutrogena and Galderma?
Neutrogena was founded in 1930 in the United States, whereas Galderma was founded in 1981 in Switzerland.
Which brand has more fragrance-free products listed on the page?
Neutrogena has more fragrance-free products on the page, with 35 out of 39 options listing no fragrance, compared to Galderma where every product is fragrance-free.
Neutrogena or Galderma for oily skin?
Galderma is a better fit for oily skin, offering a Superior routine fit compared to Neutrogena's Average fit rating for this skin type.
Neutrogena or Galderma for sensitive skin?
Neutrogena and Galderma both fit sensitive skin at a High level based on the routine fit on this page. Neutrogena offers a wider variety of fragrance-free products on this page to help minimize irritation.
Neutrogena or Galderma for acne-prone skin?
Galderma is a better choice for acne-prone skin, as the products on this page achieve a superior routine fit compared to Neutrogena. Galderma delivers effective acne-clearing serums, though users may experience severe dryness and peeling.
Research behind their key ingredients
The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer
Final report on the safety assessment of Benzyl Alcohol, Benzoic Acid, and Sodium Benzoate
The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
Effects of ascorbic acid on gingival melanin pigmentation in vitro and in vivo
Apigenin inhibits UVA-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and prevents signs of skin aging in vivo
Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation by topical N-acetyl glucosamine
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
Anti-inflammatory activity of parthenolide-depleted Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)
Evaluation of moisturizing and irritation potential of sacha inchi oil
Solid lipid nanoparticles bearing oxybenzone: in-vitro and in-vivo evaluation
Nanostructured Lipid Carrier for Topical Application of N-Acetyl Glucosamine
Safety of a preservative system containing 1,2-hexanediol and caprylyl glycol
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens
Natural Moisturizing Factor-Enriched Formulations Compared to a Ceramide-Based Cream
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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