# Simple vs Bio-Oil

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

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 Bio-Oil are two distinct skincare lines known for gentle, targeted care and expertly blended formulas. Simple is lovingly chosen for its gentle moisturizers, makeup removers, cleansers, and toners enriched with [niacinamide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/niacinamide) and [glycerin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/glycerin), which suit acne-prone skin and oily skin best. Meanwhile, the second brand is beloved for its specialized product types that suit dry, mature, and uneven skin types best, offering balanced moisture without feeling heavy. They differ primarily in their core formulations and the specific skin types they prioritize most.

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)

This page compares some of the most popular Simple and Bio-Oil 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=pge586e32739).

### Popular Simple vs Bio-Oil products

#### 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)

#### Bio-Oil

- [Skincare Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/bio-oil/skincare-oil/for/dry-skin) — Average fit — [$15.15 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08XMKNLVJ?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

## Questions and answers

### Simple or Bio-Oil: which is better?

Simple is a better choice because all the products on this page list no fragrance and feature key ingredients like [niacinamide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/niacinamide) and [glycerin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/glycerin), which helps hydrate and brighten skin. Meanwhile, Bio-Oil contains fragrance and earns lower Lovi fit levels for several skin types.

[The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/) [Antioxidants, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34439563/)

### What is the difference between Simple and Bio-Oil?

Simple features fragrance-free formulas containing ingredients like glycerin that help hydrate the skin, whereas Bio-Oil offers scented products such as its Skincare Oil. Lovi gives Simple high to superior fit ratings for sensitive skin, while Bio-Oil receives lower ratings for those skin types.

[Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### Which is more affordable, Simple or Bio-Oil?

Simple features lightweight, value-friendly moisturizers among the products on this page, whereas Bio-Oil offers a single skincare oil.

### Which causes fewer breakouts, Simple or Bio-Oil?

Simple tends to cause fewer breakouts for acne-prone skin compared to Bio-Oil, which carries caution ratings for acne-prone skin and warnings for oily acne-prone skin. Reviewers often mention that Simple products can still cause breakouts or irritations, but the brand's formulas are fragrance-free and include glycerin, which helps maintain hydration.

[Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### How do the founding years and current parent companies of Simple and Bio-Oil compare?

Simple was founded in 1960 in the United Kingdom and has been owned by Unilever PLC since 2011, whereas Bio-Oil was founded in 1987 and is owned by Union-Swiss (Pty) Ltd.

### Which brand has more fragrance-free options among its listed products?

Simple has more fragrance-free options because every product on this page lists no fragrance in its ingredients, whereas Bio-Oil includes fragrance in its Skincare Oil.

### What are the specific skin types that Simple's Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner fits best according to its Lovi ratings?

Simple's Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner achieves a Superior Lovi fit for mature skin. It also reaches a High Lovi fit for sensitive skin, skin with dark spots, combination skin, oily acne-prone skin, acne-prone skin, and dry sensitive skin.

## 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
- [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/) Tocopherol · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020
- [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
- [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
- [Comedogenicity in rabbit: some cosmetic ingredients/vehicles](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18058303/) Isopropyl myristate · Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology, 2007
- [Borage Oil Treated with Immobilized Lipase Inhibits Melanogenesis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33128473/) Borago officinalis seed oil · Lipids, 2020
- [Influence of vitamin E acetate on stratum corneum hydration](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9706379/) Tocopheryl acetate vitamin e · 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
- [The effect of a vitamin A palmitate and antioxidant-containing oil-based moisturizer on photodamaged skin of several body sites](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23438139/) Retinyl palmitate vitamin a · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2013
- [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
- [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)
- Skincare: [Bio-Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/bio-oil)

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- [La Roche-Posay vs Bio-Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-bio-oil)
- [Dr. Althea vs Simple](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/dr-althea-vs-simple)
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- [Some By Mi vs Simple](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/some-by-mi-vs-simple)
- [Some By Mi vs Bio-Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/some-by-mi-vs-bio-oil)

## 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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