# Shu Uemura vs Dr. Barbara Sturm

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

Shu Uemura and Dr. Barbara Sturm are distinct skincare lines, with the Japanese brand founded in 1967 and the German brand established in 2014. The former is deeply loved for its transformative makeup removers and meticulously crafted formulas, while the latter is deeply loved for its gentle moisturizers, clarifying exfoliants, and nourishing [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/serum), all built on scientifically advanced formulas. Shu Uemura suits all skin types best, featuring standout products like the cleansing oil that is ideal for acne-prone skin, whereas Dr. Barbara Sturm suits sensitive, dry, and balanced skin best, with standout offerings including The Good C [Vitamin C](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/vitamin-c) Serum for acne-prone skin, the Enzyme Cleanser for skin with dark spots, and the Hyaluronic Serum for mature skin. Both brands differ in their specific product types and key ingredients, yet users appreciate how these carefully balanced offerings maintain skin comfort or work harmoniously to keep the complexion calm, smooth, and radiant.

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)

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 Shu Uemura 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=pg2ea5af06fb).

### Popular Shu Uemura vs Dr. Barbara Sturm products

#### 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)

#### 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

### Shu Uemura or Dr. Barbara Sturm: which is better?

Dr. Barbara Sturm is a better choice on this page because its products achieve High to Superior Lovi fit levels across most skin types, whereas Shu Uemura's cleansing oil only reaches Average or lower fits. Both brands formulate the products on this page without added fragrance.

[Dermatologic Therapy, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36200921/)

### What is the difference between Shu Uemura and Dr. Barbara Sturm?

Dr. Barbara Sturm offers products on this page with High and Superior Lovi fit levels across multiple skin types, whereas Shu Uemura features a cleansing oil with Average and lower fits. Every product for both brands on this page lists no fragrance in its ingredients.

[Dermatologic Therapy, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36200921/) [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31975502/)

### Which is more affordable, Shu Uemura or Dr. Barbara Sturm?

This page does not provide pricing information to compare the affordability of Shu Uemura and Dr. Barbara Sturm.

### Which causes fewer breakouts, Shu Uemura or Dr. Barbara Sturm?

Dr. Barbara Sturm offers better choices for acne-prone skin, as Lovi rates its Enzyme Cleanser and The Good C [Vitamin C](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/vitamin-c) [Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/serum) as High fits, whereas Shu Uemura's cleansing oil is rated as a Low fit or Caution for acne-prone skin.

### Which brand offers a cleanser suitable for acne-prone skin with a high Lovi fit level?

Dr. Barbara Sturm offers a cleanser, the Enzyme Cleanser, which achieves a High Lovi fit level for acne-prone skin. The products on this page for Shu Uemura include a cleansing oil, but it only reaches a Low fit level for acne-prone skin.

### Do any of the products from Shu Uemura or Dr. Barbara Sturm contain fragrance?

Every product on this page from both Shu Uemura and Dr. Barbara Sturm lists no fragrance in its ingredients.

### How does the Lovi fit level of Dr. Barbara Sturm's Enzyme Cleanser compare for sensitive skin versus dry skin?

Lovi rates Dr. Barbara Sturm's Enzyme Cleanser as High for sensitive skin, but only Average for dry skin.

## 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
- [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
- [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 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
- [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
- [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
- [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
- [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
- [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
- [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

- Japanese skincare: [Shu Uemura](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/shu-uemura)
- German skincare: [Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/dr-barbara-sturm)

## More comparisons

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

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