# Garnier SkinActive vs MAËLYS

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/compare/garnier-skinactive-vs-maelys

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for Germany.

Garnier SkinActive and MAËLYS are distinct beauty lines, with the former being a French skincare brand founded in 1904 and owned by L'Oréal since 1965. The first brand is known for nourishing makeup removers, moisturizers, exfoliants, and sunscreens formulated with [glycerin](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/glycerin), suiting oily skin and combination skin best by significantly increasing hydration and reducing [water](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/water) loss. Conversely, MAËLYS is loved for targeted [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/serum) and advanced formulas that suit all skin types best and deliver thoughtful care through specialized solutions. While both offer standout products for acne-prone skin and dark spots, they differ fundamentally in their core ingredient focus, product variety, and target skin types.

Garnier SkinActive is a French skincare brand founded in 1904 and owned by L'Oréal since 1965.

[prnewswire.com](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/garnier-becomes-first-mass-market-skin-care-brand-to-achieve-cradle-to-cradle-certification-for-five-products-in-its-skinactive-line-300660764.html) [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garnier) [garnier.co.uk](https://www.garnier.co.uk/within-garnier/our-heritage) [garnier.in](https://www.garnier.in/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/garnier/apac/in/green-beauty-lp/garnier_progress_report_2024.pdf?rev=580de873bc6448e0a8a40f12e712919e)

This page compares some of the most popular Garnier SkinActive and MAËLYS 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=pg5162928115).

### Popular Garnier SkinActive vs MAËLYS products

#### Garnier SkinActive

- [Micellar Cleansing Water](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/garnier-skinactive/micellar-cleansing-water/for/sensitive-skin) — High fit — [€5.59 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0B6G45NTC?tag=lovi-care-web-product05-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel-Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/garnier-skinactive/moisture-rescue-refreshing-gel-cream/for/dry-skin) — Warning fit — [€11.50 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0CJ9PNN1V?tag=lovi-care-web-product05-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/garnier-skinactive/micellar-cleansing-water-all-in-1/for/oily-skin) — High fit — [€5.59 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0B6G45NTC?tag=lovi-care-web-product05-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Blackhead Eliminating Scrub](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/garnier-skinactive/blackhead-eliminating-scrub/for/oily-skin) — Low fit
- [Micellar Cleansing Water with Rose Water](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/garnier-skinactive/micellar-cleansing-water-with-rose-water/for/dark-spots) — Average fit — [€37.88 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.de/dp/B07TB2MKJJ?tag=lovi-care-web-product05-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Micellar Cleansing Water in Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/garnier-skinactive/micellar-cleansing-water-in-oil/for/sensitive-skin) — Average fit — [€10.90 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.de/dp/B01KLMIAQC?tag=lovi-care-web-product05-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Vitamin C 2in1 Brightening Serum Cream SPF 25](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/garnier-skinactive/vitamin-c-2in1-brightening-serum-cream-spf-25/for/dry-skin) — High fit — [€6.36 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.de/dp/B09P28X3VR?tag=lovi-care-web-product05-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

#### MAËLYS

- [TOO-FINE](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/maelys/too-fine/for/sensitive-skin) — Low fit
- [RE-LURE Tight & Tone Body Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/maelys/re-lure-tight-and-tone-body-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Average fit

## Questions and answers

### Garnier SkinActive or MAËLYS: which is better?

Garnier SkinActive is the better choice on this page, as its products achieve High Lovi fit levels for several skin types and include popular options like Micellar Cleansing [Water](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/water), whereas MAËLYS products generally receive Low or Average fit levels. [Glycerin](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/glycerin) helps maintain skin hydration across Garnier SkinActive products.

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

### What is the difference between Garnier SkinActive and MAËLYS?

Garnier SkinActive offers a wide range of everyday cleansers, scrubs, and moisturizers that fit oily, combination, and sensitive skin best, whereas MAËLYS features targeted body and face [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/serum). Reviewers often note that Garnier's products are gentle and effective makeup removers, though some report product irritation and strong fragrance.

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

### Which is more affordable, Garnier SkinActive or MAËLYS?

Garnier SkinActive stands out for value for money, whereas MAËLYS does not offer budget-focused products on this page.

### Which causes fewer breakouts, Garnier SkinActive or MAËLYS?

Garnier SkinActive generally fits acne-prone skin better than MAËLYS, as products on this page like Micellar Cleansing Water earn High or Average fit levels for acne-prone skin, while MAËLYS products on this page are rated Low.

### How does the founding year and parent company of Garnier SkinActive compare to MAËLYS?

Garnier SkinActive was founded in France in 1904 and has been owned by L'Oréal since 1965, while MAËLYS was founded in 2017 and is owned by the Barinboim Group.

### Which brand has more fragrance-free products listed on the page, Garnier SkinActive or MAËLYS?

Garnier SkinActive has more fragrance-free products on this page, with 3 out of 7 products listing no fragrance, compared to 1 out of 2 for MAËLYS.

### What specific skin types do Garnier SkinActive's brand-focused routines fit best compared to MAËLYS?

Garnier SkinActive's brand-focused routines fit oily, combination, and sensitive skin best, whereas MAËLYS has no skin types listed for its best fit.

## Research behind their key ingredients

- [Cosmetic benefits of astaxanthin on humans subjects](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22428137/) Astaxanthin extract · Acta Biochimica Polonica, 2012
- [Benefits of topical hyaluronic acid for skin quality and signs of skin aging: From literature review to clinical evidence](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36200921/) Sodium hyaluronate · Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
- [Regulatory effects of Lactobacillus plantarum-GMNL6 on human skin health by improving skin microbiome](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33526970/) Lactobacillus · International Journal of Medical Sciences, 2021
- [Effects of ascorbic acid on gingival melanin pigmentation in vitro and in vivo](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19186973/) Ascorbyl glucoside · Journal of Periodontology, 2009
- [Treatment of acne with a combination of propolis, tea tree oil, and Aloe vera compared to erythromycin cream: two double-blind investigations](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30588129/) Aloe barbadensis leaf juice · Clinical Pharmacology, 2018
- [Antioxidant properties evaluation of topical astaxanthin formulations as anti-aging products](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29745467/) Astaxanthin extract · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019
- [Efficacy of probiotic-derived lotion from Lactobacillus paracasei MSMC 39-1 in mild to moderate acne vulgaris, randomized controlled trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35384257/) Lactobacillus · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022
- [Design, characterization, and clinical evaluation of argan oil nanostructured lipid carriers to improve skin hydration](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25143733/) Argania spinosa kernel oil · International Journal of Nanomedicine, 2014
- [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
- [A Double-Blinded, Randomized, Vehicle-Controlled Study of the Efficacy of Moisturizer Containing Licochalcone A, Decanediol, L-Carnitine, and Salicylic Acid for Prevention of Acne Relapse in Asian Population](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33150170/) Salicylic acid · BioMed Research International, 2020
- [Efficacy of a multitargeted, salicylic acid-based dermocosmetic cream compared to benzoyl peroxide 5% in Acne vulgaris: Results from a randomized study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/) Salicylic acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024
- [A Salicylic Acid-Based Dermocosmetic is Effective as an Adjunct to Benzoyl Peroxide for Mild to Moderate Acne and as Monotherapy in Maintenance Post Benzoyl Peroxide](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38051857/) Salicylic acid · Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023
- [Effects of 1,3-propanediol associated, or not, with butylene glycol and/or glycerol on skin hydration and skin barrier function](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37699769/) Propanediol · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2024
- [Subclinical, non-erythematous irritation with an open assay model (washing): sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) versus sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11278060/) Sodium laureth sulfate · Food and Chemical Toxicology, 2001
- [Botulinum toxin injection as a single or combined treatment with non-cross-linked high molecular weight and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid gel for neck rejuvenation: A randomized clinical trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35775872/) Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid · Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
- [Safety assessment of cyclomethicone, cyclotetrasiloxane, cyclopentasiloxane, cyclohexasiloxane, and cycloheptasiloxane](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22247236/) Cyclopentasiloxane · International Journal of Toxicology, 2011
- [Clinical evaluation of the efficacy of a facial serum containing dioic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, LHA, citric acid, and HEPES in treating post-inflammatory hyperchromia and controlling oily skin in patients with acne vulgaris](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33617668/) Capryloyl salicylic acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021
- [Clinical tolerance and efficacy of capryloyl salicylic acid peel compared to a glycolic acid peel in subjects with fine lines/wrinkles and hyperpigmented skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19146601/) Capryloyl salicylic acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2008
- [Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3819071/) Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane · Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 1987
- [Efficacy and Tolerability of Stable Hybrid Cooperative Complexes of High- and Low-Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid in Asian Patients: An Open-Label Study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40921777/) Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid · Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 2026
- [Evaulation of irritation potential of surfactant mixtures](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18503452/) Sodium laureth sulfate · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 1999
- [Comparison of clindamycin 1% and benzoyl peroxide 5% gel to a novel composition containing salicylic acid, capryloyl salicylic acid, HEPES, glycolic acid, citric acid, and dioic acid in the treatment of acne vulgaris](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23545907/) Capryloyl salicylic acid · Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2013
- [A Double-Blind, 12-Week Study to Evaluate the Antiaging Efficacy of a Cream Containing the NFκB Inhibitor 4-Hexyl-1, 3-Phenylenediol and Ascorbic Acid-2 Glucoside in Adult Females](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27272084/) Ascorbyl glucoside · Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2016
- [Evaluation of a retinol containing topical treatment to improve signs of neck aging](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37461826/) Glaucine · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023
- [Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36279763/) Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid · Colloids and Surfaces. B, Biointerfaces, 2022
- [Facial disbiosis and UV filters](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39499337/) Ethylhexyl salicylate · Archives of Dermatological Research, 2024
- [Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39769217/) Ascorbyl glucoside · International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024
- [Clinical and histologic findings after use of a novel combined retinol, tripeptide, and glaucine containing cream in the treatment of photo-aged skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37584260/) Glaucine · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023
- [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
- [Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40911743/) Ethylhexyl salicylate · Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2025

## The brands

- French skincare: [Garnier SkinActive](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/brands/garnier-skinactive)
- Skincare: [MAËLYS](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/brands/maelys)

## More comparisons

- [SKIN1004 vs Garnier SkinActive](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/compare/skin1004-vs-garnier-skinactive)
- [SKIN1004 vs MAËLYS](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/compare/skin1004-vs-maelys)
- [Anua vs Garnier SkinActive](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/compare/anua-vs-garnier-skinactive)
- [Anua vs MAËLYS](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/compare/anua-vs-maelys)
- [Medicube vs Garnier SkinActive](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/compare/medicube-vs-garnier-skinactive)
- [Medicube vs MAËLYS](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/compare/medicube-vs-maelys)
- [The Ordinary vs Garnier SkinActive](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/compare/the-ordinary-vs-garnier-skinactive)
- [The Ordinary vs MAËLYS](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/compare/the-ordinary-vs-maelys)
- [Beauty of Joseon vs Garnier SkinActive](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/compare/beauty-of-joseon-vs-garnier-skinactive)
- [Beauty of Joseon vs MAËLYS](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/compare/beauty-of-joseon-vs-maelys)
- [COSRX vs Garnier SkinActive](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/compare/cosrx-vs-garnier-skinactive)
- [COSRX vs MAËLYS](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/compare/cosrx-vs-maelys)
- [CeraVe vs Garnier SkinActive](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/compare/cerave-vs-garnier-skinactive)
- [CeraVe vs MAËLYS](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/compare/cerave-vs-maelys)
- [La Roche-Posay vs Garnier SkinActive](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-garnier-skinactive)
- [La Roche-Posay vs MAËLYS](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-maelys)
- [Dr. Althea vs Garnier SkinActive](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/compare/dr-althea-vs-garnier-skinactive)
- [Dr. Althea vs MAËLYS](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/compare/dr-althea-vs-maelys)
- [Some By Mi vs Garnier SkinActive](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/compare/some-by-mi-vs-garnier-skinactive)
- [Some By Mi vs MAËLYS](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/compare/some-by-mi-vs-maelys)

## 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

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/garnier-skinactive-vs-maelys
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/garnier-skinactive-vs-maelys
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/compare/garnier-skinactive-vs-maelys
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/compare/garnier-skinactive-vs-maelys (this page)
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/compare/garnier-skinactive-vs-maelys
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/garnier-skinactive-vs-maelys
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/garnier-skinactive-vs-maelys
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/garnier-skinactive-vs-maelys
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/garnier-skinactive-vs-maelys
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/garnier-skinactive-vs-maelys
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/compare/garnier-skinactive-vs-maelys
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/garnier-skinactive-vs-maelys
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/compare/garnier-skinactive-vs-maelys