🇩🇪Germany

Dr. Althea vs Simple

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

Dr. Althea and Simple are two distinct skincare lines known for gentle cleansers, moisturizers, and makeup removers formulated with key ingredients like niacinamide and glycerin. The Korean brand suits dry and acne-prone skin best with soothing formulas, while the British brand suits oily and acne-prone skin best through thoughtful hydration. They differ in their specific heritage and targeted benefits, yet both offer reliable paths to healthier skin.

Dr. Althea is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2014 and owned by The Pure Lab Co., Ltd..

doctoraltheaglobal.comdoctoralthea.co.kr

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

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

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

Popular Dr. Althea vs Simple products

People Say

Dr. AltheaSimple
  • Gentle Formula for Sensitive Skin Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “doesn't dry out my face — Dr. Althea Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser”
    • “skin doesn't feel stripped — Dr. Althea Amino Gel Cleanser”
    • “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”
  • Hydration and Moisture Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “hydrating but light — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
    • “consistently hydrated mornings — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”
    • “banished dryness within days — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
    • “Instantly boosts skin's hydration... face doesn't feel dry and tight. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
  • Soothing and Calming Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “calms redness — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
    • “instantly calms irritated skin — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”
    • “perfect for sensitive skin — Dr. Althea Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser”
    • “doesn't sting my eyes — Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner”
  • Lightweight and Fast Absorbing Often MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “sinks in instantly — Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream”
    • “absorbs very quickly — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
    • “absorbs really well — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
    • “absorbs beautifully — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
  • Skin Texture and Tone Mostly MentionedNot noted
    • “rich but non-greasy — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”
    • “Melts instantly — Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm”
    • “faded dark spots — Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum”
  • Affordable Price Point Not notedOften Mentioned
    • “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”
  • Weak Makeup Removal Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “Struggles with waterproof mascara — Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm”
    • “won't remove mascara — Dr. Althea Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser”
    • “Did not remove my mascara very well at all. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
  • Causes Breakouts and Reactions Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
    • “broke me out — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
    • “gave me cystic acne — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”
    • “Gave me tiny bumps on my forehead. — Simple Micellar Water”
    • “caused major breakouts — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
  • Insufficient Hydration or Moisture Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
    • “not enough for dry skin — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
    • “not moisturizing enough — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”

Dr. Althea vs Simple routines for dry skin

See multi-brand routine · 99% fit

Dr. Althea vs Simple routines for oily skin

See multi-brand routine · 96% fit

Dr. Althea vs Simple routines for combination skin

See multi-brand routine · 96% fit

Questions and answers

Dr. Althea or Simple: which is better?

Dr. Althea is better for dry and acne-prone skin, where Lovi rates its routine fit as Superior compared to Simple's High level. Simple offers advantages in affordability and lightweight hydration, while both brands list no fragrance across the products on this page.

What is the difference between Dr. Althea and Simple?

Dr. Althea achieves a Superior routine fit for dry and acne-prone skin, whereas Simple achieves a High fit for those same skin types. Reviewers find that Simple offers more lightweight and value-friendly moisturizers, while Dr. Althea provides better soothing and calming benefits.

Dr. Althea or Simple for dry skin?

For dry skin, Dr. Althea has a Superior routine fit while Simple has a High routine fit on Lovi. Every product on this page for both brands lists no fragrance in its ingredients.

Dr. Althea or Simple: which cleanser is better?

Dr. Althea achieves a Superior Lovi fit level for cleansers like the Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser across multiple skin types including dry, oily, and acne-prone skin, whereas Simple cleansers like the Refreshing Facial Wash generally reach an Average fit level. Reviewers mostly mention that Dr. Althea provides gentle and soothing cleansers with fragrance-free ingredients.

Which is more affordable, Dr. Althea or Simple?

Simple is more affordable, as the products on this page offer a more affordable price point compared to Dr. Althea.

When were Dr. Althea and Simple founded and who owns them?

Dr. Althea was founded in South Korea in 2014 and is owned by The Pure Lab Co., Ltd., while Simple was founded in the United Kingdom in 1960 and has been owned by Unilever PLC since 2011.

Do any of the products from Dr. Althea or Simple contain fragrance?

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

Which brand performs better for soothing and calming according to reviewers?

Dr. Althea performs better for soothing and calming according to reviewers. Every product on this page for both brands lists no fragrance in its ingredients.

Dr. Althea or Simple for oily skin?

For oily skin, Dr. Althea has a High Lovi fit level and Simple has a High Lovi fit level, making them equal in their overall routine fit. Reviewers note that Simple offers lightweight and fast-absorbing products, while Dr. Althea provides gentle cleansers and soothing moisturizers.

Dr. Althea or Simple: which moisturizer is better?

Dr. Althea offers a superior routine fit for dry and acne-prone skin compared to Simple, featuring highly rated moisturizers like the 345 Relief Cream. Meanwhile, Simple provides value-friendly options such as the Hydrating Light Moisturiser and Replenishing Rich Moisturiser that achieve an average fit across those same skin types.

Dr. Althea or Simple for sensitive skin?

Dr. Althea and Simple are both a good choice for sensitive skin, as Lovi rates both brands as having a High routine fit for this skin type. Reviewers note that both brands offer gentle, fragrance-free products on this page.

Dr. Althea or Simple for acne-prone skin?

Dr. Althea provides a Superior routine fit for acne-prone skin, whereas Simple offers an Average to High fit depending on the product. Reviewers note that Dr. Althea delivers soothing and hydrating moisturizers, while Simple features lightweight, value-friendly moisturizers.

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

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