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Simple vs Galderma

Rated by Lovi · Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes · How the Fit score works

Simple and Galderma are skincare brands that offer distinct approaches to daily wellness, with the British brand established in 1960 and the Swiss brand founded in 1981. The former is known for gentle moisturizers, makeup removers, cleansers, and toners enriched with niacinamide and glycerin, while the latter is known for targeted serums. Both suits oily skin and acne-prone skin best, yet they differ in their core formats and specialized formulations for concerns like dark spots and aging.

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

en.wikipedia.orgsec.govprnewswire.comsimple.co.uk

Galderma is a Swiss skincare brand founded in 1981 and owned by Galderma Group AG.

en.wikipedia.org

This page compares some of the most popular Simple and Galderma products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.

Popular Simple vs Galderma products

People Say

SimpleGalderma
  • Gentle on sensitive skin Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “Does not cause any form of irritation on the skin which I love. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
    • “The only cleanser that doesn't turn my face red. — Simple Micellar Water”
    • “no artificial perfume — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
    • “didn't burn my face — Galderma Benzac AC Mild Strength 2.5% Acne Gel”
  • Clears acne and prevents breakouts Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “cleared up my skin — Galderma Benzac AC Mild Strength 2.5% Acne Gel”
    • “cystic acne gone — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
    • “stops new pimples — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
  • Hydration and non-drying Mostly MentionedNot noted
    • “banished dryness within days — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
    • “Instantly boosts skin's hydration... face doesn't feel dry and tight. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
    • “Leaves my face feeling soft, not tight. — Simple Micellar Water”
  • No residue or lightweight absorption Often MentionedNot noted
    • “sinks in instantly — Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream”
    • “absorbs very quickly — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
    • “absorbs really well — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
  • Affordable value Often MentionedNot noted
    • “great value for money — Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner”
    • “super affordable — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
    • “Can't beat the price for the quality. — Simple Micellar Water”
  • Effective cleansing Often MentionedNot noted
    • “Takes off any makeup residue and makes my face feel refreshed. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
    • “Best morning cleanser — Simple Refreshing Facial Wash”
    • “removes last traces of makeup — Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner”
  • Intense burning and dryness Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “face on fire — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
  • Acne purge and irritation Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “got worse first — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
  • Bleaches fabrics Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “bleached my towel — Galderma Benzac AC 5”
  • Formula and packaging issues Often MentionedNot noted
    • “New bottle ingredients do not match... lower amounts of beneficial ingredients. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”

Simple vs Galderma routines for dry skin

Buy Galderma routine · $153.64 · 90% fitBuy Simple routine · $128.28 · 83% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit

Simple vs Galderma routines for oily skin

Buy Galderma routine · $326.92 · 96% fitBuy Simple routine · $280.29 · 88% fitSee multi-brand routine · 98% fit

Simple vs Galderma routines for combination skin

Buy Galderma routine · $318.51 · 94% fitBuy Simple routine · $259.77 · 87% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit

Questions and answers

Simple or Galderma: which is better?

Both Simple and Galderma fit oily, acne-prone, and oily acne-prone skin best, while Simple is known for gentle hydration and Galderma excels at clearing acne with effective serums. Reviewers note that Simple helps deliver lightweight, value-friendly moisture, whereas Galderma may cause severe dryness and peeling.

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2018

What is the difference between Simple and Galderma?

Simple features fragrance-free cleansers, moisturizers, and makeup removers with Niacinamide and Glycerin that help hydrate and soothe sensitive skin, while Galderma provides targeted acne-clearing serums that may cause dryness and peeling.

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020

Simple or Galderma for dry skin?

For dry skin, Lovi rates Galderma as a Superior routine fit and Simple as High. Simple features key ingredients like glycerin, which helps hydrate the skin barrier, while Galderma provides potent acne-clearing serums that may cause severe dryness.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

Which is more affordable, Simple or Galderma?

Simple offers more affordable value compared to Galderma.

Where and when were Simple and Galderma founded?

Simple was founded in 1960 in the United Kingdom, while Galderma was founded in 1981 in Switzerland.

Do Simple and Galderma products contain fragrance?

Every product on this page from both Simple and Galderma lists no fragrance in its ingredients.

Which brand performs better for hydration and non-drying according to review themes?

Simple performs better for hydration and non-drying according to review themes. Glycerin is a key ingredient across the products on this page that helps provide hydration.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

Simple or Galderma for oily skin?

For oily skin, both Simple and Galderma fit well, with Lovi rating Simple at High and Galderma at Superior. Galderma features effective acne-clearing serums, while Simple offers gentle, lightweight, and value-friendly moisturizers.

Simple or Galderma for sensitive skin?

Both Simple and Galderma achieve a High Lovi fit for sensitive skin. Simple features fragrance-free products on this page and is noted by reviewers for being gentle on sensitive skin, whereas Galderma serums may cause severe dryness, peeling, and irritation.

Simple or Galderma for acne-prone skin?

For acne-prone skin, both Simple and Galderma achieve a High fit with Lovi, while Galderma's targeted serums help clear breakouts effectively. Niacinamide in Simple supports the skin barrier, and benzoyl peroxide in Galderma targets acne.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020

Research behind their key ingredients

Behind this comparison

Lovi compares products by their fit scores, calculated from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our 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.

  • Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Co-founder, Medical Director

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer

  • Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Co-founder, CEO and CTO

    PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex

  • Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Medical Board

    Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine

  • Aishani Shah, MD

    Aishani Shah, MD

    Medical Board

    Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD

  • Asya Zubkova, MS

    Asya Zubkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member

  • Hanna Kurets, MD

    Hanna Kurets, MD

    Medical Board, Medical Advisor

    Dermatology MD

  • Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Medical Board

    Dermatology and diagnostic consultant

  • Victoria Derkova, MS

    Victoria Derkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist

How does it fit your skin?

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