Dermalogica vs Galderma
Dermalogica and Galderma are skincare brands founded in the 1980s that offer distinct solutions for various complexion needs. The American brand is known for targeted serums, nourishing moisturizers, gentle cleansers, and purifying masks formulated with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and salicylic acid, while the Swiss brand focuses specifically on serums. Both brands suit oily skin and acne-prone skin best, though they differ because Dermalogica also serves combination skin through active formulations that balance excess oil and moisture.
Dermalogica is an American skincare brand founded in 1986 and owned by Unilever since 2015.
en.wikipedia.orgcosmeticsbusiness.com
Galderma is a Swiss skincare brand founded in 1981 and owned by Galderma Group AG.
This page compares some of the most popular Dermalogica and Galderma products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Dermalogica vs Galderma products
People Say
Acne and Breakout Prevention Sometimes 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”
- “Brings out all the gunk — Dermalogica Blackhead Clearing Fizz Mask”
Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedNot noted
- “Saved my dry skin — Dermalogica Super Rich Repair”
- “blends seamlessly — Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50”
- “Absorbs quickly... not greasy — Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream”
Skin Texture and Smoothing Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “gentle enough for daily use — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
- “skin feels smooth as silk — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
- “skin feels smooth — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
- “angry redness tones down — Galderma Benzac AC 5”
Dryness, Peeling and Burning Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
- “A bit drying — Dermalogica Blackhead Clearing Fizz Mask”
- “burns immediately — Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque”
- “face on fire — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
Acne and Skin Reactions Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “Cystic acne flare-ups — Dermalogica Precleanse”
- “Caused cystic acne — Dermalogica Super Rich Repair”
- “gave me acne — Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel”
- “got worse first — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
High Price Point Mostly MentionedNot noted
- “hefty price tag — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
Fabric Bleaching Not notedMostly Mentioned
- “bleached my towel — Galderma Benzac AC 5”
Dermalogica 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
Special Cleansing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€76.99
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Hydrating Toner
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Morning
€12.59
-
Moisturizer
Stabilizing Repair Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€77.00
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SPF
Invisible Physical Defense SPF30
Morning
€58.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Precleanse
Evening · Once a week
€56.00
-
Serum or Treatment
BioLumin-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
€113.00
-
Nourishing Mask
Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque
Once a week
€19.00
Dermalogica vs Galderma routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€11.75
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
€16.59
-
Moisturizer
CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€38.99
-
SPF
make p:rem UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Cream
Morning
€32.80
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€104.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
€16.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Benzac AC 5
Evening · Once a week
€16.64
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€48.55
-
Cleansing Mask
Dr. Sebagh Deep Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
€81.80
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Cleanser
Daily Glycolic Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€45.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
€16.59
-
Moisturizer
Active Moist
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€70.99
-
SPF
Invisible Physical Defense SPF30
Morning
€58.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Precleanse
Evening · Once a week
€56.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
€16.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Retinol Clearing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€99.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€48.55
-
Cleansing Mask
Dr. Sebagh Deep Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
€81.80
Dermalogica 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
-
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
Daily Glycolic Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€45.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
€36.00
-
Moisturizer
Active Moist
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€70.99
-
SPF
Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50
Morning
€84.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Precleanse
Evening · Once a week
€56.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
€16.98
-
Serum or Treatment
Retinol Clearing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€99.00
-
Enzyme Powder
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
Dermalogica or Galderma: which is better?
Both Dermalogica and Galderma fit oily, combination, and dry sensitive skin equally well. Galderma does better for acne-prone skin, mature skin, and skin with dark spots, while Dermalogica is better for hydration and moisture.
What is the difference between Dermalogica and Galderma?
Dermalogica is an American brand that focuses more on gentle hydration and smoothing, while Galderma is a Swiss brand that does better for acne prevention. For acne-prone and mature skin, Galderma has a superior fit, whereas both brands offer an equal level of fit for dry and oily skin types.
Dermalogica or Galderma for dry skin?
Both Dermalogica and Galderma provide a High routine fit for dry skin. Shoppers often mention Dermalogica for intense hydration and soothing moisturizers, while Galderma serums may cause severe dryness and peeling.
Which is more affordable, Dermalogica or Galderma?
Galderma is more affordable, whereas Dermalogica has a high price point.
Which brand performs better for hydration and moisture?
Dermalogica performs better for hydration and moisture, featuring ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin that help provide intense hydration and soothing moisturizers.
How do the founding years and countries of origin compare between Dermalogica and Galderma?
Dermalogica was founded in 1986 in the United States, whereas Galderma was founded in 1981 in Switzerland.
Dermalogica or Galderma for oily skin?
Both Dermalogica and Galderma fit oily skin at a Superior level based on their brand-focused routines. Reviewers mention that Dermalogica products on this page provide intense hydration and soothing moisturizers, while Galderma offers effective acne-clearing serums.
Dermalogica or Galderma for sensitive skin?
Both Dermalogica and Galderma fit sensitive skin at a High level. Reviewers mention that Dermalogica helps with intense hydration and soothing moisturizers, while Galderma serums may cause severe dryness, peeling, and irritation.
Dermalogica or Galderma for acne-prone skin?
Galderma is a better fit for acne-prone skin, offering superior results compared to Dermalogica's high level of fit. Both brands feature fragrance-free ingredients across the products on this page.
Dermalogica or Galderma for mature skin?
Galderma has a Superior routine fit for mature skin, while Dermalogica has a High routine fit for mature skin. Reviewers note that Galderma delivers effective acne-clearing serums, whereas Dermalogica products on this page often feature intense hydration and soothing moisturizers.
Research behind their key ingredients
The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review
Bacterial cellulose membranes as drug delivery systems: an in vivo skin compatibility study
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
Topical anti-inflammatory effects of isorhamnetin glycosides isolated from Opuntia ficus-indica
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
Antioxidant properties evaluation of topical astaxanthin formulations as anti-aging products
Microneedling by dermapen and glycolic acid peel for the treatment of acne scars: Comparative study
Topical beta-carotene protects against infra-red-light-induced free radicals
Efficacy of Oxybrasion in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris: A Preliminary Report
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
Chemical peels for acne vulgaris: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials
Colloidal Oatmeal <em>(Avena Sativa)</em> Improves Skin Barrier Through Multi-Therapy Activity
Well-aging: A new strategy for skin homeostasis under multi-stressed conditions
In vivo and in vitro evaluation of octyl methoxycinnamate liposomes
The synergistic effect of retinyl propionate and hydroxypinacolone retinoate on skin aging
The impacts of sodium lauroyl sarcosinate in facial cleanser on facial skin microbiome and lipidome
Supramolecular collagen nanoparticles for anti-wrinkle, skin whitening, and moisturizing effects
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
Skin recovery by Lavandula angustifolia leaf callus extract: Redox control of Nrf2 signaling
Algae extract protection effect on oxidized protein level in human stratum corneum
Starch- and carboxymethyl cellulose-based films as active beauty masks with papain incorporation
Semi-solid functionalized nanostructured lipid carriers loading thymol for skin disorders
Modulating effects of oatmeal extracts in the sodium lauryl sulfate skin irritancy model
Moisturizing Effects of Diglycerol Combined with Glycerol on Human Stratum Corneum
The effect of Zanthoxylum bungeanum maxim extract on crow's feet: A double-blind, split-face trial
Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Skin barrier repair efficacy and safety evaluation of an extract from Gardenia jasminoides J.Ellis
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
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
-

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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