# Principia vs Dr. Barbara Sturm

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/compare/principia-vs-dr-barbara-sturm

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

Principia and Dr. Barbara Sturm are skincare lines known, respectively, for thoughtful cleansers and precise formulas, and for gentle moisturizers, clarifying exfoliants, and nourishing [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/serum) built on scientifically advanced formulas. Principia suits balanced to oily skin best, while the German brand suits sensitive, dry, and balanced skin best because its products focus on deep hydration and barrier support. Both brands help maintain a healthy, balanced complexion, yet they differ in their standout products and key ingredients tailored for specific skin types and concerns.

Dr. Barbara Sturm is a German skincare brand founded in 2014 and owned by Puig since 2024.

[uploads.puig.com](https://uploads.puig.com/uploads/Press_release_Puig_acquires_majority_stake_in_Dr_Barbara_Sturm_ENG_1_140422a900.pdf) [beautymatter.com](https://beautymatter.com/articles/puig-acquires-majority-stake-in-dr-barbara-sturm) [pitchbook.com](https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/289811-80)

This page compares some of the most popular Principia and Dr. Barbara Sturm 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=pg9bbce0782c).

### Popular Principia vs Dr. Barbara Sturm products

#### Dr. Barbara Sturm

- [Hyaluronic Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/dr-barbara-sturm/hyaluronic-serum/for/oily-skin) — High fit
- [Enzyme Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/dr-barbara-sturm/enzyme-cleanser/for/dark-spots) — Superior fit
- [The Good C Vitamin C Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/dr-barbara-sturm/the-good-c-vitamin-c-serum/for/mature-skin) — High fit

#### Principia

- [Gel de Limpeza GL-01](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/principia/gel-de-limpeza-gl-01/for/oily-skin) — Average fit

## Questions and answers

### Principia or Dr. Barbara Sturm: which is better?

Dr. Barbara Sturm is generally better for targeted skincare on this page, as its products achieve High or Superior Lovi fit levels across multiple skin types. Meanwhile, the products on this page from Principia mostly show Average fits and are unlikely to suit dry skin types well.

### What is the difference between Principia and Dr. Barbara Sturm?

Dr. Barbara Sturm has a wider range of products on this page, including [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/serum) and exfoliants that achieve high or superior Lovi fit levels across most skin types, whereas Principia features only a cleanser with average fit levels. Both brands offer products with no fragrance listed in their ingredients.

### Which is more affordable, Principia or Dr. Barbara Sturm?

The page facts do not mention the prices of the products on this page for either Principia or Dr. Barbara Sturm, so affordability cannot be compared here.

### Which causes fewer breakouts, Principia or Dr. Barbara Sturm?

Dr. Barbara Sturm fits acne-prone skin with High or Average Lovi fit levels across the products on this page, whereas Principia's cleanser has a Low fit for acne-prone skin. Therefore, Dr. Barbara Sturm is less likely to cause breakouts.

### When were Principia and Dr. Barbara Sturm founded?

Dr. Barbara Sturm was founded in 2014 in Germany, while Principia was founded in 2020.

### How does the Lovi fit level for dry skin compare between Principia's Gel de Limpeza GL-01 and Dr. Barbara Sturm's Enzyme Cleanser?

For dry skin, Lovi rates Principia's Gel de Limpeza GL-01 at a Caution fit level, whereas Dr. Barbara Sturm's Enzyme Cleanser achieves a higher Average fit level.

### Do products from Principia and Dr. Barbara Sturm contain fragrance?

Every product from both Principia and Dr. Barbara Sturm lists no fragrance in its ingredients on this page.

## Research behind their key ingredients

- [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
- [Anti-aging and brightening effects of a topical treatment containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and raspberry leaf cell culture extract: A split-face, randomized controlled trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31975502/) Ascorbic acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020
- [Bacterial cellulose membranes as drug delivery systems: an in vivo skin compatibility study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23973717/) Cellulose · European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, 2014
- [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
- [Bacterial cellulose skin masks-Properties and sensory tests](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28963772/) Cellulose · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2018
- [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
- [Effect of a topical antioxidant serum containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid after Q-switched 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser for treatment of environment-induced skin pigmentation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32052907/) Ascorbic acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020
- [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
- [Sunscreens and Cosmetic Formulations Containing Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate and Rice Peptides for the Improvement of Skin Photoaging: A Double-blind, Randomized Placebo-controlled Clinical Study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33529350/) Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate · Photochemistry and Photobiology, 2021
- [Clinical evidence of the efficacy and safety of a new 3-in-1 anti-aging topical night serum-in-oil containing melatonin, bakuchiol, and ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate: 103 females treated from 28 to 84 days](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30924254/) Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019
- [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
- [Antioxidant-based topical formulations influence on the inflammatory response of Japanese skin: A clinical study using non-invasive techniques](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28385617/) Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate · European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, 2017
- [Efficacy and Tolerability of Topical Nicotinamide Plus Antibacterial Adhesive Agents and Zinc-Pyrrolidone Carboxylic Acid Versus Placebo as an Adjuvant Treatment for Moderate Acne Vulgaris in Indonesia: A Multicenter, Double-blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32983333/) Zinc pca · The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020
- [Borage Oil Treated with Immobilized Lipase Inhibits Melanogenesis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33128473/) Lipase · Lipids, 2020
- [Prospective randomized double-blind comparative study of topical acetyl zingerone with tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate versus tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate alone on facial photoaging](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38525606/) Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024
- [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
- [Portulaca oleracea extract relieves skin barrier damage induced by increased photosensitivity after GA peeling](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35920724/) Lactobacillus portulaca oleracea extract ferment · Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology, 2022
- [Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39769217/) Ascorbyl glucoside · International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024
- [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
- [Low-temperature extracted Portulaca oleracea L. as a functional ingredient in facial masks for photorejuvenation of sensitive skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41182319/) Lactobacillus portulaca oleracea extract ferment · Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology, 2025

## The brands

- Skincare: [Principia](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/brands/principia)
- German skincare: [Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/brands/dr-barbara-sturm)

## More comparisons

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

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