Clarins vs Galderma
Clarins and Galderma are established European skincare houses that offer distinct approaches to complexion care, with the French company specializing in botanical nourishment and the Swiss enterprise focusing on targeted dermatological treatments. Clarins provides luxurious moisturizers, potent serums, soothing eye products, and gentle toners enriched with shea and squalane, whereas Galderma features specialized serums for targeted concerns. The former suits sensitive and dry sensitive skin best, while the latter fits oily and acne-prone skin best. These two differ fundamentally because the French brand relies on botanical ingredients like shea to reduce redness and squalane to increase collagen, while the Swiss brand utilizes clinical formulations such as Epiduo Gel and Benzac AC to address acne and dark spots.
Clarins is a French skincare brand founded in 1954 and owned by Famille C (Groupe Clarins).
groupeclarins.comen.wikipedia.orghappi.com
Galderma is a Swiss skincare brand founded in 1981 and owned by Galderma Group AG.
This page compares some of the most popular Clarins and Galderma products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Clarins vs Galderma products
People Say
Hydration and glow Mostly MentionedNot noted
- “skin drinks it up — Clarins Double Serum”
- “absorbs immediately — Clarins Double Serum Eye”
- “insane how cooling it is — Clarins Cryo-Flash Cream-Mask”
Acne clearance and prevention 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”
Pleasant scent Rarely NotedNot noted
- “smells luxurious — Clarins Extra-Firming Neck & Décolleté Cream”
- “smells luxurious — Clarins Double Serum Light Texture”
Skin irritation and breakouts Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “caused cystic acne — Clarins Double Serum”
- “caused redness — Clarins Double Serum Eye”
- “made my face burn — Clarins Cryo-Flash Cream-Mask”
- “face on fire — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
Purging and side effects Not notedMostly Mentioned
- “got worse first — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
High price point Mostly MentionedNot noted
- “way too expensive — Clarins Double Serum”
Clarins vs Galderma routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€19.75
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Hydrating Toner
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Morning
€12.59
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Moisturizer
d'Alba First Spray Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€16.99
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SPF
Australian Gold Botanical Lotion SPF 30
Morning
€21.04
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Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
€10.97
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Serum or Treatment
Benzac AC 5
Evening · Once a week
€16.64
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Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
€19.00
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Cleanser
Gentle Foaming Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€22.90
-
Hydrating Toner
Hydrating Toning Lotion
Morning
€34.88
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Moisturizer
Hydra-Essentiel Silky Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€32.50
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SPF
Australian Gold Botanical Lotion SPF 30
Morning
€21.04
-
Pre-Cleanser
Total Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€21.50
- Serum or Treatment BRIGHT PLUS Evening · Once a week
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Nourishing Mask
Cryo-Flash Cream-Mask
Once a week
€64.99
Clarins vs Galderma routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€11.75
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Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
€16.59
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Moisturizer
CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€38.99
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SPF
make p:rem UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Cream
Morning
€32.80
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Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€104.00
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Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
€16.90
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Serum or Treatment
Benzac AC 5
Evening · Once a week
€16.64
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Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€48.55
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Cleansing Mask
Dr. Sebagh Deep Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
€81.80
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Cleanser
Gentle Foaming Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€22.90
-
Hydrating Toner
Hydrating Toning Lotion
Morning · Once a week
€34.88
-
Moisturizer
Double Serum Light Texture
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€77.90
-
SPF
make p:rem UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Cream
Morning
€32.80
-
Pre-Cleanser
Total Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€21.50
-
Cleansing Toner
Purifying Toning Lotion
Evening
€33.90
- Serum or Treatment BRIGHT PLUS Evening · Once a week
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€48.55
-
Cleansing Mask
Dr. Sebagh Deep Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
€81.80
Clarins vs Galderma routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€39.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
€36.00
-
Moisturizer
Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€13.67
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€104.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
€16.98
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Serum or Treatment
Benzac AC 5
Evening · Once a week
€16.64
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€48.55
-
Cleansing Mask
Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay
Once a week
€28.50
-
Cleanser
Gentle Foaming Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€22.90
-
Hydrating Toner
Hydrating Toning Lotion
Morning · Once a week
€34.88
-
Moisturizer
Double Serum Light Texture
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€77.90
-
Pre-Cleanser
Total Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€21.50
-
Cleansing Toner
Purifying Toning Lotion
Evening
€33.90
- Serum or Treatment BRIGHT PLUS Evening · Once a week
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€48.55
-
Cleansing Mask
Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay
Once a week
€28.50
Questions and answers
Clarins or Galderma: which is better?
Clarins is better for hydration, glow, and mature or dry skin, while Galderma is superior for acne clearance and oily or combination skin. Reviewers note that Clarins offers luxurious textures and hydrating moisturizers, whereas Galderma provides effective acne-clearing serums.
What is the difference between Clarins and Galderma?
Clarins focuses on hydrating and glowing products with pleasant scents that fit sensitive, dry sensitive, and mature skin well, whereas Galderma specializes in effective acne-clearing serums that fit oily, acne-prone, and oily acne-prone skin best. Clarins products on this page frequently include fragrance and feature ingredients like vitamin E, which helps provide anti-aging and brightening effects. Galderma products on this page list no fragrance, but reviewers note that they may cause severe dryness, peeling, and irritation.
Clarins or Galderma for dry skin?
Clarins and Galderma are both a High fit for dry skin on this page, but Clarins stands out for its hydrating and smoothing moisturizers while Galderma focuses on acne clearance. Topically applied hyaluronic acid helps improve skin quality and signs of skin aging.
Which is more affordable, Clarins or Galderma?
Galderma is more affordable, whereas Clarins is noted for a high price point among the products on this page.
Which brand uses fragrance in its skincare products?
Clarins uses fragrance in almost all of the products on this page, whereas every product from Galderma lists no fragrance.
Clarins or Galderma for oily skin?
Galderma is a better choice for oily skin, as Lovi rates its routine fit as Superior while Clarins is rated Average. Galderma features effective acne-clearing serums on this page, though users may experience severe dryness and peeling.
Clarins or Galderma for sensitive skin?
Both Clarins and Galderma fit sensitive skin well, as Lovi rates both brands High for this skin type. However, Clarins products on this page often feature hydrating and smoothing moisturizers, whereas Galderma is focused on acne clearance and prevention.
Clarins or Galderma for acne-prone skin?
Galderma is a better choice for acne-prone skin, as Lovi rates its routine fit as Superior while Clarins is High. Galderma products on this page focus on effective acne-clearing serums, though reviewers note they may cause severe dryness and peeling.
Clarins or Galderma for skin with dark spots?
Clarins fits skin with dark spots well, while Galderma achieves a Superior level of Lovi fit for it. The products on this page from Clarins offer hydrating and glowing serums, whereas Galderma specializes in effective acne-clearing serums.
Clarins or Galderma for mature skin?
Clarins is a great choice for mature skin, achieving a High Lovi fit level across the products on this page. Galderma also reaches a Superior fit level for mature skin, though reviewers note that its acne-clearing serums may cause severe dryness and irritation.
Research behind their key ingredients
The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review
Effects of ascorbic acid on gingival melanin pigmentation in vitro and in vivo
Apigenin inhibits UVA-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and prevents signs of skin aging in vivo
Vitamin C-squalene bioconjugate promotes epidermal thickening and collagen production in human skin
Mechanism of action and clinical benefits of colloidal oatmeal for dermatologic practice
Colloidal Oatmeal <em>(Avena Sativa)</em> Improves Skin Barrier Through Multi-Therapy Activity
Skin improvement and stability of Echinacea purpurea dermatological formulations
The impacts of sodium lauroyl sarcosinate in facial cleanser on facial skin microbiome and lipidome
Modulating effects of oatmeal extracts in the sodium lauryl sulfate skin irritancy model
Moisturizing effect of stable cream containing Crocus sativus extracts
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
Microcirculation-Promoting Effect of Escin on Cutaneous Tissue via Gsk3β Down-Regulation
Saccharide isomerate ameliorates cosmetic scalp conditions in a Chinese study population
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.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
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Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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