# Simple vs BABOR

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/simple-vs-babor

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

Simple and BABOR are two distinct skincare lines established in the mid-twentieth century that offer thoughtful daily formulations. The British brand is known for gentle moisturizers, makeup removers, cleansers, and toners enriched with [niacinamide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/niacinamide) and [glycerin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/glycerin) that suit acne-prone and oily skin best, whereas the German brand is deeply loved for refined exfoliants and rich moisturizers that suit dry, normal, and combination skin best. While both brands elevate routines through balanced, skin-loving care, they differ in their specific ingredient strengths and ideal skin types.

Simple is a British skincare brand founded in 1960 and owned by Unilever PLC since 2011.

[en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simple_Skincare) [sec.gov](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1368457/000119312511134453/dex991.htm) [prnewswire.com](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alberto-culver-announces-that-unilever-has-received-approval-from-the-us-department-of-justice-to-complete-the-acquisition-of-the-company-121400884.html) [simple.co.uk](https://www.simple.co.uk/philosophy.html)

BABOR is a German skincare brand founded in 1956 and owned by BABOR BEAUTY GROUP since 1962.

[en.babor-beauty-group.com](https://en.babor-beauty-group.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/03/BABOR-BEAUTY-GROUP_Overview-_-eng2026-1.pdf) [de.wikipedia.org](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babor) [us.babor.com](https://us.babor.com/393/service/babor/about/about-babor)

This page compares some of the most popular Simple and BABOR 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=pg39248b264f).

### Popular Simple vs BABOR products

#### BABOR

- [Enzyme Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/babor/enzyme-cleanser/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — [$40.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BPSJ3LT4?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Hydra Plus](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/babor/hydra-plus/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit

#### Simple

- [Micellar Water](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/simple/micellar-water/for/mature-skin) — Average fit — [$19.50 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071XCT81N?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Micellar Cleansing Water](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/simple/micellar-cleansing-water/for/sensitive-skin) — High fit — [$20.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G4DWBM9V?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Hydrating Light Moisturiser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/simple/hydrating-light-moisturiser/for/dry-skin) — Average fit — [$6.24 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LQX6XG?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Refreshing Facial Wash](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/simple/refreshing-facial-wash/for/acne-prone-skin) — Average fit — [$7.90 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LQUA6M?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Replenishing Rich Moisturiser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/simple/replenishing-rich-moisturiser/for/dry-skin) — Average fit — [$6.40 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LNHB6M?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/simple/water-boost-hydrating-gel-cream/for/dry-skin) — Average fit — [$15.64 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076TBCFWR?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/simple/kind-to-skin-soothing-facial-toner/for/mature-skin) — Superior fit — [$6.67 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076V2D94Y?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

## Questions and answers

### Simple or BABOR: which is better?

Simple offers budget-friendly, gentle makeup removers and moisturizers that are fragrance-free, whereas BABOR provides high-fit exfoliating and hydrating formulas like its Enzyme Cleanser. Lovi gives BABOR's Enzyme Cleanser a Superior fit for all skin types, while Simple's products range from High to Average fits across various skin needs. [Glycerin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/glycerin), found in Simple products, helps maintain skin moisture.

### What is the difference between Simple and BABOR?

Simple offers budget-friendly, fragrance-free basics like micellar [waters](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/water) and moisturizers that Lovi rates as high for sensitive or oily skin, while BABOR provides targeted treatments such as its superior-rated enzyme cleanser. Glycerin in Simple products helps hydrate the skin.

### Simple or BABOR: which moisturizer is better?

BABOR has a superior fit for dry sensitive skin with Hydra Plus, whereas Simple offers moisturizers with an average fit for that skin type. Glycerin in Simple's moisturizers helps hydrate the skin.

### Which is more affordable, Simple or BABOR?

Simple is more affordable, offering lightweight, value-friendly moisturizers on this page. Glycerin helps provide hydration.

### Which causes fewer breakouts, Simple or BABOR?

Simple products on this page frequently cause breakouts or irritations according to reviewers, whereas BABOR has no such complaints reported here. Glycerin in Simple helps keep skin moisturized, while Enzyme Cleanser by BABOR achieves a Superior fit for acne-prone skin.

### Which brand has been around longer, Simple or BABOR?

BABOR has been around slightly longer, having been founded in Germany in 1956, while Simple started in the United Kingdom in 1960.

### Do any products from Simple contain fragrance?

No, every product on the Simple page lists no fragrance in its ingredients.

### Which product from BABOR is rated as a Superior fit for all listed skin types?

Enzyme Cleanser from BABOR is rated as a Superior fit by Lovi for all listed skin types on this page.

## Research behind their key ingredients

- [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
- [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 · Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
- [Topical use of dexpanthenol in skin disorders](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12113650/) Panthenol, Panthenol vitamin b5 · 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/) 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
- [Apigenin inhibits UVA-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and prevents signs of skin aging in vivo](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27279007/) Chamomilla recutita flower extract matricaria flower extract · International Journal of Molecular Medicine, 2016
- [Vitamin C mesotherapy versus topical application for gingival hyperpigmentation: a clinical and histopathological study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33966113/) Ascorbic acid · Clinical Oral Investigations, 2021
- [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
- [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
- [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, Panthenol vitamin b5 · The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017
- [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
- [Stable Ozonides with Vitamin E Acetate versus Corticosteroid in the Treatment of Lichen Sclerosus in Foreskin: Evaluation of Effects on Inflammation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30991399/) Tocopheryl acetate vitamin e, Tocopheryl acetate · Urologia Internationalis, 2019
- [Efficacy of a topical gel containing chitosan, chlorhexidine, allantoin and dexpanthenol for pain and inflammation control after third molar surgery: A randomized and placebo-controlled clinical trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32683390/) Panthenol, Panthenol vitamin b5, Allantoin · Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal, 2020
- [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 leaf water · Phytochemistry, 2001
- [Comparison of clinical efficacies of sodium ascorbyl phosphate, retinol and their combination in acne treatment](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19134126/) Sodium ascorbyl phosphate · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2009
- [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
- [Whitening effect of alpha-bisabolol in Asian women subjects](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20642768/) Bisabolol · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2010
- [Assessment of Combined Ascorbyl Palmitate (AP) and Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP) on Facial Skin Sebum Control in Female Healthy Volunteers](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27756097/) Sodium ascorbyl phosphate · Drug Research, 2017
- [Understanding Solar Skin Elastosis-Cause and Treatment](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30052192/) Witch hazel leaf water · Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2018
- [Borage Oil Treated with Immobilized Lipase Inhibits Melanogenesis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33128473/) Lipase · Lipids, 2020
- [Influence of vitamin E acetate on stratum corneum hydration](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9706379/) Tocopheryl acetate vitamin e, 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, Panthenol vitamin b5 · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025
- [Modulation of skin pigmentation by the tetrapeptide PKEK: in vitro and in vivo evidence for skin whitening effects](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22142309/) Sodium ascorbyl phosphate · Experimental Dermatology, 2012
- [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
- [Glycerol crosslinked vitamin E loaded xanthan gum and gellan gum nanoemulgels for topical management of dry skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41224059/) Xanthan gum · International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 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 vitamin e, Tocopheryl acetate · Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 2021
- [Impact of dermal emulsions containing diacyl phospholipids, mono acyl phospholipids, sodium lauryl ether sulfate and polysorbate 80 in combination with UVA irradiation on human skin physiology in vivo: A pilot study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42617898/) Sodium laureth sulfate · International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2026
- [A novel facial moisturizer containing Saccharide isomerate accelerates skin barrier restoration following intense pulsed light treatment: a randomized split-face study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41211697/) Saccharide isomerate · The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2025
- [Efficacy and safety of combination cream of stimu-tex AS™ (spent grain wax, Argania Spinosa Kernel oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (shea butter) extract), and saccharide isomerate after fractional CO2 laser procedure: split-face, double blinded, randomized controlled trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41134387/) Saccharide isomerate · Lasers in Medical Science, 2025
- [Saccharide isomerate ameliorates cosmetic scalp conditions in a Chinese study population](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35279940/) Saccharide isomerate · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023

## The brands

- British skincare: [Simple](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/simple)
- German skincare: [BABOR](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/babor)

## More comparisons

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

## 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/simple-vs-babor (this page)
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/simple-vs-babor
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/compare/simple-vs-babor
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