# Sand & Sky vs Dr. Barbara Sturm

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/sand-and-sky-vs-dr-barbara-sturm

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

Sand & Sky and Dr. Barbara Sturm are distinct skincare lines offering targeted solutions for diverse complexions. The former is beloved for its purifying masks and targeted formulas using botanical ingredients that gently clarify and balance combination, oily, and acne-prone skin, highlighted by the [Australian Pink Clay](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/pink-clay) Porefining Face Mask. Meanwhile, the German brand founded in 2014 and owned by Puig since 2024 is deeply loved for its gentle moisturizers, clarifying exfoliants, and nourishing [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/serum) built on scientifically advanced formulas, such as the Enzyme Cleanser, Hyaluronic Serum, and The Good C [Vitamin C](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/vitamin-c) Serum. While the first brand suits combination, oily, and acne-prone skin best, the latter suits sensitive, dry, and balanced skin best because they focus on deep hydration and barrier support.

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

[uploads.puig.com](https://uploads.puig.com/uploads/Press_release_Puig_acquires_majority_stake_in_Dr_Barbara_Sturm_ENG_1_140422a900.pdf) [beautymatter.com](https://beautymatter.com/articles/puig-acquires-majority-stake-in-dr-barbara-sturm) [pitchbook.com](https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/289811-80)

This page compares some of the most popular Sand & Sky and Dr. Barbara Sturm 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=pg367d5f08a5).

### Popular Sand & Sky vs Dr. Barbara Sturm products

#### Sand & Sky

- [Australian Pink Clay Porefining Face Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/sand-and-sky/australian-pink-clay-porefining-face-mask/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit — [$39.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076Z6PVVQ?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

#### Dr. Barbara Sturm

- [Hyaluronic Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/dr-barbara-sturm/hyaluronic-serum/for/oily-skin) — High fit — [$800.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FRGHF5TY?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Enzyme Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/dr-barbara-sturm/enzyme-cleanser/for/dark-spots) — Superior fit — [$80.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FRMYK6D8?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [The Good C Vitamin C Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/dr-barbara-sturm/the-good-c-vitamin-c-serum/for/mature-skin) — High fit — [$160.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09WZWCKV3?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

## Questions and answers

### Sand & Sky or Dr. Barbara Sturm: which is better?

Dr. Barbara Sturm fits skin with dark spots at a Superior level with its Enzyme Cleanser, while the products on this page from Sand & Sky rate Low for dark spots. Dr. Barbara Sturm also offers fragrance-free options across its entire range.

### What is the difference between Sand & Sky and Dr. Barbara Sturm?

Dr. Barbara Sturm has fragrance-free products on this page, whereas the [Australian Pink Clay](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/pink-clay) Porefining Face Mask by Sand & Sky lists fragrance. For skin with dark spots, Dr. Barbara Sturm's Enzyme Cleanser has a Superior Lovi fit level.

### Which is more affordable, Sand & Sky or Dr. Barbara Sturm?

I cannot answer that question because the provided page facts do not include pricing information for Sand & Sky or Dr. Barbara Sturm.

### Which causes fewer breakouts, Sand & Sky or Dr. Barbara Sturm?

Dr. Barbara Sturm offers a wider range of fragrance-free products on this page for acne-prone skin with High or Average Lovi fit levels, whereas Sand & Sky features just one mask with fragrance that achieves a High Lovi fit level for acne-prone skin.

### When were Sand & Sky and Dr. Barbara Sturm founded and who owns them?

Sand & Sky was founded in 2017 and is owned by Excite Foundry Ltd, while Dr. Barbara Sturm was founded in 2014 in Germany and has been owned by Puig since 2024.

### Do products from Sand & Sky or Dr. Barbara Sturm contain fragrance?

The products on this page from Sand & Sky contain fragrance, while every product on this page from Dr. Barbara Sturm lists no fragrance in its ingredients.

### Which brand offers an enzyme cleanser and a face mask on this page?

Dr. Barbara Sturm offers an enzyme cleanser, while Sand & Sky features a face mask on this page. Dr. Barbara Sturm also includes no fragrance in any of its products on this page.

## Research behind their key ingredients

- [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 · Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
- [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/) Ascorbic acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020
- [Bacterial cellulose membranes as drug delivery systems: an in vivo skin compatibility study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23973717/) Cellulose · European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, 2014
- [Effects of ascorbic acid on gingival melanin pigmentation in vitro and in vivo](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19186973/) Ascorbyl glucoside · Journal of Periodontology, 2009
- [Bacterial cellulose skin masks-Properties and sensory tests](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28963772/) Cellulose · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2018
- [Treatment of acne with a combination of propolis, tea tree oil, and Aloe vera compared to erythromycin cream: two double-blind investigations](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30588129/) Aloe barbadensis leaf juice · Clinical Pharmacology, 2018
- [Effect of a topical antioxidant serum containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid after Q-switched 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser for treatment of environment-induced skin pigmentation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32052907/) Ascorbic acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020
- [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
- [Quaternized carboxymethyl chitosan/organic montmorillonite nanocomposite as a novel cosmetic ingredient against skin aging](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28732847/) Bentonite · Carbohydrate Polymers, 2017
- [High molecular compounds (polysaccharides and proanthocyanidins) from Hamamelis virginiana bark: influence on human skin keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation and influence on irritated skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11684194/) Witch hazel bark extract · Phytochemistry, 2001
- [Sunscreens and Cosmetic Formulations Containing Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate and Rice Peptides for the Improvement of Skin Photoaging: A Double-blind, Randomized Placebo-controlled Clinical Study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33529350/) Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate · Photochemistry and Photobiology, 2021
- [Clinical evidence of the efficacy and safety of a new 3-in-1 anti-aging topical night serum-in-oil containing melatonin, bakuchiol, and ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate: 103 females treated from 28 to 84 days](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30924254/) Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019
- [Antioxidant-based topical formulations influence on the inflammatory response of Japanese skin: A clinical study using non-invasive techniques](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28385617/) Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate · European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, 2017
- [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
- [Borage Oil Treated with Immobilized Lipase Inhibits Melanogenesis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33128473/) Lipase · Lipids, 2020
- [Prospective randomized double-blind comparative study of topical acetyl zingerone with tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate versus tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate alone on facial photoaging](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38525606/) Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024
- [A Double-Blind, 12-Week Study to Evaluate the Antiaging Efficacy of a Cream Containing the NFκB Inhibitor 4-Hexyl-1, 3-Phenylenediol and Ascorbic Acid-2 Glucoside in Adult Females](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27272084/) Ascorbyl glucoside · Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2016
- [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/) Vitamin e tocopheryl acetate · Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 2021
- [Portulaca oleracea extract relieves skin barrier damage induced by increased photosensitivity after GA peeling](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35920724/) Lactobacillus portulaca oleracea extract ferment · Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology, 2022
- [Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39769217/) Ascorbyl glucoside · International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024
- [The Therapeutic Effects of a Bentonite-Based Facial Mask With Alcea sulphurea Extract on Acne Severity and Patient Experience: Add-On Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41347526/) Bentonite · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025
- [Low-temperature extracted Portulaca oleracea L. as a functional ingredient in facial masks for photorejuvenation of sensitive skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41182319/) Lactobacillus portulaca oleracea extract ferment · Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology, 2025

## The brands

- Skincare: [Sand & Sky](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/sand-and-sky)
- German skincare: [Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/dr-barbara-sturm)

## More comparisons

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- [SKIN1004 vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/skin1004-vs-dr-barbara-sturm)
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- [Medicube vs Sand & Sky](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/medicube-vs-sand-and-sky)
- [Medicube vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/medicube-vs-dr-barbara-sturm)
- [The Ordinary vs Sand & Sky](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/the-ordinary-vs-sand-and-sky)
- [The Ordinary vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/the-ordinary-vs-dr-barbara-sturm)
- [Beauty of Joseon vs Sand & Sky](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/beauty-of-joseon-vs-sand-and-sky)
- [Beauty of Joseon vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/beauty-of-joseon-vs-dr-barbara-sturm)
- [COSRX vs Sand & Sky](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/cosrx-vs-sand-and-sky)
- [COSRX vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/cosrx-vs-dr-barbara-sturm)
- [CeraVe vs Sand & Sky](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/cerave-vs-sand-and-sky)
- [CeraVe vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/cerave-vs-dr-barbara-sturm)
- [La Roche-Posay vs Sand & Sky](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-sand-and-sky)
- [La Roche-Posay vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-dr-barbara-sturm)
- [Dr. Althea vs Sand & Sky](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/dr-althea-vs-sand-and-sky)
- [Dr. Althea vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/dr-althea-vs-dr-barbara-sturm)
- [Some By Mi vs Sand & Sky](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/some-by-mi-vs-sand-and-sky)
- [Some By Mi vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/some-by-mi-vs-dr-barbara-sturm)

## 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/sand-and-sky-vs-dr-barbara-sturm (this page)
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