# NIVEA vs DHC

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/nivea-vs-dhc

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

NIVEA and DHC are established skincare brands offering nourishing moisturizers, targeted [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/serum), sunscreens, and effective makeup removers. The German brand features hydrating [glycerin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/glycerin), suiting oily and sensitive skin best, while the Japanese brand provides reliable daily care for dry, normal, combination, and oily skin. Both lines address specific concerns like dark spots and acne-prone skin through gentle formulations. Ultimately, they differ in their foundational ingredients, origins, and specialized target skin types.

NIVEA is a German skincare brand founded in 1911 and owned by maxingvest GmbH & Co. KGaA since 2004.

[beiersdorf.com](https://www.beiersdorf.com/about-us/our-history/founding-history) [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maxingvest_AG)

DHC is a Japanese skincare brand founded in 1980 and owned by ORIX Corporation since 2023.

[dhc-corporate.co.jp](https://dhc-corporate.co.jp/en/company/message/) [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DHC_Corporation)

This page compares some of the most popular NIVEA and DHC 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=pg9ebaf79c66).

### Popular NIVEA vs DHC products

#### DHC

- [Deep Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/dhc/deep-cleansing-oil/for/dry-skin) — High fit — [$29.99 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001UE60E0?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Pore Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/dhc/pore-cleansing-oil/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — [$28.42 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D7IA7KU?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

#### NIVEA

- [Creme](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/nivea/creme/for/dry-skin) — High fit — [$9.90 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DEG8N9W?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Soft](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/nivea/soft/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Average fit — [$10.99 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5YL9MZF?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [MEN](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/nivea/men/for/dark-spots) — Average fit
- [UV Deep Protect & Care Gel](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/nivea/uv-deep-protect-and-care-gel/for/combination-skin) — High fit
- [DERMA SKIN CLEAR](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/nivea/derma-skin-clear/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit — [$13.40 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C17Q9FGS?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Express Hydration](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/nivea/express-hydration/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Average fit
- [LUMINOUS630 ANTI-DARK SPOT SERUM](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/nivea/luminous630-anti-dark-spot-serum/for/sensitive-skin) — Average fit
- [Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/nivea/protect-and-moisture-sun-lotion-spf50/for/combination-skin) — High fit — [$18.90 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MTRSZVL?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

## Questions and answers

### NIVEA or DHC: which is better?

NIVEA is better for blemish-clearing and intense hydration with products on this page, while DHC fits sensitive and dry skin exceptionally well with fragrance-free options. [Glycerin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/glycerin) helps provide moisture across NIVEA formulations.

### What is the difference between NIVEA and DHC?

NIVEA offers a large variety of products on this page with key ingredients like glycerin, while DHC focuses on cleansing oils that lack fragrance.

### Which is more affordable, NIVEA or DHC?

This page does not contain pricing information, so it is not possible to determine whether NIVEA or DHC is more affordable.

### Which causes fewer breakouts, NIVEA or DHC?

DHC causes fewer breakouts because the products on this page leave out fragrance, whereas NIVEA reviewers sometimes note that it causes breakouts and acne.

### How do the founding years and current parent companies of NIVEA and DHC compare?

NIVEA was founded in 1911 in Germany and is owned by maxingvest GmbH & Co. KGaA, while DHC was founded in 1980 in Japan and is owned by ORIX Corporation.

### Which brand has more products that list no fragrance in their ingredients, NIVEA or DHC?

DHC has more products that list no fragrance in their ingredients, as every DHC product on this page lists no fragrance, whereas only 3 of 9 NIVEA products do.

### What are the specific Lovi fit levels of DHC's Pore Cleansing Oil compared to NIVEA's Creme across different skin types?

DHC's Pore Cleansing Oil has a Superior Lovi fit for sensitive skin, and a High fit for dry, oily, combination, acne-prone, mature, dry sensitive, and dark-spot skin. In comparison, NIVEA's Creme has a High fit for dry and dry sensitive skin, Average for mature skin, Low for dark spots, and Caution for sensitive, acne-prone, combination, and oily acne-prone skin, with a Warning for oily skin.

## Research behind their key ingredients

- [Hyaluronic acid and wound healing](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25877441/) Sodium hyaluronate · Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015
- [The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/) Niacinamide · The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002
- [Skin delivery of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and hyaluronic acid loaded nano-transfersomes for antioxidant and anti-aging effects in UV radiation induced skin damage](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28155509/) Hyaluronic acid · Drug Delivery, 2017
- [Mechanistic Basis and Clinical Evidence for the Applications of Nicotinamide (Niacinamide) to Control Skin Aging and Pigmentation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34439563/) Niacinamide · Antioxidants, 2021
- [Benefits of topical hyaluronic acid for skin quality and signs of skin aging: From literature review to clinical evidence](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36200921/) Sodium hyaluronate, Hyaluronic acid · Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
- [Topical use of dexpanthenol in skin disorders](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12113650/) Panthenol · American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002
- [Anti-aging and brightening effects of a topical treatment containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and raspberry leaf cell culture extract: A split-face, randomized controlled trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31975502/) Tocopherol · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020
- [Effects of glyceryl glucoside on AQP3 expression, barrier function and hydration of human skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22584263/) Glyceryl glucoside · Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2012
- [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
- [Randomized controlled study for the anti-aging effect of human adipocyte-derived mesenchymal stem cell media combined with niacinamide after laser therapy](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33103316/) Niacinamide · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021
- [Effective reduction of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation with the tyrosinase inhibitor isobutylamido-thiazolyl-resorcinol (Thiamidol)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33559186/) Isobutylamido thiazolyl resorcinol · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2021
- [A new topical panthenol-containing emollient: Results from two randomized controlled studies assessing its skin moisturization and barrier restoration potential, and the effect on skin microflora](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27425824/) Panthenol · The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017
- [A Double-Blinded, Randomized, Vehicle-Controlled Study of the Efficacy of Moisturizer Containing Licochalcone A, Decanediol, L-Carnitine, and Salicylic Acid for Prevention of Acne Relapse in Asian Population](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33150170/) Salicylic acid · BioMed Research International, 2020
- [Senomorphic activity of a combination of niacinamide and hyaluronic acid: correlation with clinical improvement of skin aging](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39009698/) Niacinamide · Scientific Reports, 2024
- [Treatment of xerosis with a topical formulation containing glyceryl glucoside, natural moisturizing factors, and ceramide](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22916312/) Glyceryl glucoside · The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2012
- [Fatty acids based α-Tocopherol loaded nanostructured lipid carrier gel: In vitro and in vivo evaluation for moisturizing and anti-aging effects](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32129554/) Vitamin e · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020
- [Efficacy of a multitargeted, salicylic acid-based dermocosmetic cream compared to benzoyl peroxide 5% in Acne vulgaris: Results from a randomized study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/) Salicylic acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024
- [Exotic Vegetable Oils for Cosmetic O/W Nanoemulsions: In Vivo Evaluation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26927034/) Lanolin alcohol eucerit · Molecules, 2016
- [Efficacy of a topical serum containing L-ascorbic acid, neohesperidin, pycnogenol, tocopherol, and hyaluronic acid in relation to skin aging signs](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35150043/) Vitamin e · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022
- [A Salicylic Acid-Based Dermocosmetic is Effective as an Adjunct to Benzoyl Peroxide for Mild to Moderate Acne and as Monotherapy in Maintenance Post Benzoyl Peroxide](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38051857/) Salicylic acid · Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023
- [Development of stable tocopherol succinate-loaded ethosomes to enhance transdermal permeation: In vitro and in vivo characterizations](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35274433/) Vitamin e · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022
- [Topical application of jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis L.) wax enhances the synthesis of pro-collagen III and hyaluronic acid and reduces inflammation in the ex-vivo human skin organ culture model](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38344180/) Jojoba seed oil · Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2024
- [Efficacy and Tolerability of Topical Nicotinamide Plus Antibacterial Adhesive Agents and Zinc-Pyrrolidone Carboxylic Acid Versus Placebo as an Adjuvant Treatment for Moderate Acne Vulgaris in Indonesia: A Multicenter, Double-blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32983333/) Zinc pca · The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020
- [Clinical evaluation of the efficacy of a facial serum containing dioic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, LHA, citric acid, and HEPES in treating post-inflammatory hyperchromia and controlling oily skin in patients with acne vulgaris](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33617668/) Citric acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021
- [In vivo and in vitro evaluation of octyl methoxycinnamate liposomes](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24376350/) Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate · International Journal of Nanomedicine, 2013
- [Formulation strategies to modulate the topical delivery of anti-inflammatory compounds](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24139433/) Stearyl glycyrrhetinate · Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2013
- [Clinical Development and Evaluation of a Multi-Component Dissolving Microneedle Patch for Skin Pigmentation Disorders](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37571190/) 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid · Polymers, 2023
- [Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3819071/) Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane · Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 1987
- [Enhancing Photoprotection and Mitigating Ex Vivo Stratum Corneum Oxidative Stress: A Multifunctional Strategy Combining Rosmarinic Acid with UVB Filters](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40227214/) Octocrylene · Antioxidants, 2025
- [Influence of vitamin E acetate on stratum corneum hydration](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9706379/) Tocopheryl acetate · Arzneimittel-Forschung, 1998
- [Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of a Panthenol-Enriched Mask for Skin Barrier Recovery After Facial Laser Treatment: Results of a Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40613435/) Panthenol · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025
- [Tocopherol succinate-loaded ethosomal gel synthesized by cold method technique: Deeper biophysical characterizations for translational application on human skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38268219/) Vitamin e · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024
- [Nanostructured Lipid Carrier Based Gel Containing α-Tocopherol and α-Tocopheryl Acetate for Synergistic Cutaneous Antiaging Efficacy](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41309687/) Tocopheryl acetate · Scientific Reports, 2025
- [Effect of an Emollient Emulsion Containing 15.0% of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride on the Urocanic Acid of the Stratum Corneum](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37109405/) Caprylic capric triglyceride · Life, 2023
- [Facial disbiosis and UV filters](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39499337/) Ethylhexyl salicylate, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate · Archives of Dermatological Research, 2024
- [Mitigation of ultraviolet-induced erythema and inflammation by para-hydroxycinnamic acid in human skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39138602/) Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2025
- [Safety assessment on comedogenicity of dermatological products containing d-alpha tocopheryl acetate in Asian subjects: A double-blind randomized controlled trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34471722/) Tocopheryl acetate · Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 2021
- [Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40911743/) Ethylhexyl salicylate · Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2025
- [Efficacy of a Topical Formulation on Skin Hydration and Barrier Function in Individuals With Xerosis: A 28-Day Randomized, Split-Leg, Untreated-Controlled Trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42108609/) Dipotassium glycyrrhizate · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2026

## The brands

- German skincare: [NIVEA](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/nivea)
- Japanese skincare: [DHC](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/dhc)

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- [The Ordinary vs NIVEA](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/the-ordinary-vs-nivea)
- [The Ordinary vs DHC](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/the-ordinary-vs-dhc)
- [Beauty of Joseon vs NIVEA](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/beauty-of-joseon-vs-nivea)
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- [COSRX vs DHC](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/cosrx-vs-dhc)
- [CeraVe vs NIVEA](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/cerave-vs-nivea)
- [CeraVe vs DHC](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/cerave-vs-dhc)
- [La Roche-Posay vs NIVEA](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-nivea)
- [La Roche-Posay vs DHC](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-dhc)
- [Dr. Althea vs NIVEA](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/dr-althea-vs-nivea)
- [Dr. Althea vs DHC](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/dr-althea-vs-dhc)
- [Some By Mi vs NIVEA](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/some-by-mi-vs-nivea)
- [Some By Mi vs DHC](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/some-by-mi-vs-dhc)

## 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/nivea-vs-dhc (this page)
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