# Simple vs Carotone

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/compare/simple-vs-carotone

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

Simple and Carotone are distinct skincare options, with the former being a British brand founded in 1960 and owned by Unilever PLC since 2011, and the latter known for targeted [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/serum) and carefully crafted formulas. The first brand offers gentle moisturizers, makeup removers, cleansers, and toners featuring [niacinamide](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/niacinamide) and [glycerin](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/glycerin), which suit oily and acne-prone skin best by reducing hyperpigmentation, improving aging signs, enhancing hydration, and supporting barrier function through items like its Soothing Facial Toner, Micellar Cleansing [Water](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/water), and standard Micellar Water. Meanwhile, the second brand suits dry, normal, and combination skin best, offering standout options like the Brightening Cream for acne-prone skin that supports a radiant and even complexion upon regular use. Ultimately, both options differ in their specific ingredient profiles, product types, and targeted skin types.

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

[en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simple_Skincare) [sec.gov](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1368457/000119312511134453/dex991.htm) [prnewswire.com](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alberto-culver-announces-that-unilever-has-received-approval-from-the-us-department-of-justice-to-complete-the-acquisition-of-the-company-121400884.html) [simple.co.uk](https://www.simple.co.uk/philosophy.html)

This page compares some of the most popular Simple and Carotone 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=pg96786eccde).

### Popular Simple vs Carotone products

#### Simple

- [Micellar Water](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/simple/micellar-water/for/mature-skin) — Average fit — [€9.87 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.de/dp/B00X3OQ6N0?tag=lovi-care-web-product05-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Micellar Cleansing Water](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/simple/micellar-cleansing-water/for/sensitive-skin) — High fit — [€9.87 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.de/dp/B00X3OQ6N0?tag=lovi-care-web-product05-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Hydrating Light Moisturiser](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/simple/hydrating-light-moisturiser/for/dry-skin) — Average fit — [€9.99 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.de/dp/B000LQX6XG?tag=lovi-care-web-product05-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Refreshing Facial Wash](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/simple/refreshing-facial-wash/for/acne-prone-skin) — Average fit — [€14.98 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.de/dp/B000LQUA6M?tag=lovi-care-web-product05-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Replenishing Rich Moisturiser](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/simple/replenishing-rich-moisturiser/for/dry-skin) — Average fit — [€9.87 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.de/dp/B014G4ZW1M?tag=lovi-care-web-product05-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/simple/water-boost-hydrating-gel-cream/for/dry-skin) — Average fit — [€27.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.de/dp/B076TBCFWR?tag=lovi-care-web-product05-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/simple/kind-to-skin-soothing-facial-toner/for/mature-skin) — Superior fit — [€9.93 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.de/dp/B076V2D94Y?tag=lovi-care-web-product05-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

#### Carotone

- [Brightening Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/carotone/brightening-cream/for/mature-skin) — Average fit

## Questions and answers

### Simple or Carotone: which is better?

Simple is the better choice because the products on this page offer reliable daily options with high fit levels for sensitive and acne-prone skin, whereas Carotone lists only a single brightening cream with average fit levels. [Glycerin](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/glycerin) helps provide moisture, and [niacinamide](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/niacinamide) helps reduce cutaneous pigmentation.

[The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/)

### What is the difference between Simple and Carotone?

Simple features a wide range of products with fit levels reaching High and Superior for sensitive and acne-prone skin, whereas Carotone offers only a Brightening Cream with Average fit levels across skin types. Simple products contain niacinamide and glycerin, which helps hydrate the skin and reduce pigmentation.

[The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/) [Antioxidants, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34439563/)

### Which is more affordable, Simple or Carotone?

Simple features value-friendly moisturizers, while Carotone has no pricing information provided on this page.

### Which causes fewer breakouts, Simple or Carotone?

Simple features products on this page that are well-liked for being gentle makeup removers, though some users note they may occasionally cause breakouts or irritations.

### Which brand offers a wider variety of product types like cleansers, toners, and moisturizers?

Simple offers a wider variety of product types on this page, including cleansers, toners, and moisturizers, whereas Carotone lists only a brightening cream.

### How do the founding years and parent companies of Simple and Carotone compare?

Simple was founded in 1960 in the United Kingdom and has been owned by Unilever PLC since 2011, whereas Carotone was founded in 2009 and is owned by Nouvelle Parfumerie Gandour.

### Which brand has specific skin types it fits best according to its brand-focused routines?

Simple has specific skin types it fits best according to its routines, including oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin, whereas Carotone does not list any best-fit skin types on this page.

## Research behind their key ingredients

- [The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/) Niacinamide · The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002
- [Mechanistic Basis and Clinical Evidence for the Applications of Nicotinamide (Niacinamide) to Control Skin Aging and Pigmentation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34439563/) Niacinamide · Antioxidants, 2021
- [Topical use of dexpanthenol in skin disorders](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12113650/) Panthenol, Panthenol vitamin b5 · American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002
- [Improvement of naturally aged skin with vitamin A (retinol)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17515510/) Retinol vitamin a · Archives of Dermatology, 2007
- [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
- [Prospective, randomized, double-blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageing](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/) Retinol vitamin a · The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019
- [Skin barrier disruption by sodium lauryl sulfate-exposure alters the expressions of involucrin, transglutaminase 1, profilaggrin, and kallikreins during the repair phase in human skin in vivo](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18007579/) Sodium lauryl sulfate · The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2008
- [Apigenin inhibits UVA-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and prevents signs of skin aging in vivo](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27279007/) Chamomilla recutita flower extract matricaria flower extract · International Journal of Molecular Medicine, 2016
- [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
- [Randomized controlled study for the anti-aging effect of human adipocyte-derived mesenchymal stem cell media combined with niacinamide after laser therapy](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33103316/) Niacinamide · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021
- [A new topical panthenol-containing emollient: Results from two randomized controlled studies assessing its skin moisturization and barrier restoration potential, and the effect on skin microflora](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27425824/) Panthenol, Panthenol vitamin b5 · The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017
- [Senomorphic activity of a combination of niacinamide and hyaluronic acid: correlation with clinical improvement of skin aging](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39009698/) Niacinamide · Scientific Reports, 2024
- [Stable Ozonides with Vitamin E Acetate versus Corticosteroid in the Treatment of Lichen Sclerosus in Foreskin: Evaluation of Effects on Inflammation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30991399/) Tocopheryl acetate vitamin e, Tocopheryl acetate · Urologia Internationalis, 2019
- [Efficacy of a topical gel containing chitosan, chlorhexidine, allantoin and dexpanthenol for pain and inflammation control after third molar surgery: A randomized and placebo-controlled clinical trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32683390/) Panthenol, Panthenol vitamin b5, Allantoin · Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal, 2020
- [High molecular compounds (polysaccharides and proanthocyanidins) from Hamamelis virginiana bark: influence on human skin keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation and influence on irritated skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11684194/) Witch hazel leaf water · Phytochemistry, 2001
- [Comparison of clinical efficacies of sodium ascorbyl phosphate, retinol and their combination in acne treatment](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19134126/) Sodium ascorbyl phosphate · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2009
- [Changes in Skin Barrier Function after Repeated Exposition to Phospholipid-Based Surfactants and Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate In Vivo and Corneocyte Surface Analysis by Atomic Force Microscopy](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33804924/) Sodium lauryl sulfate · Pharmaceutics, 2021
- [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
- [A novel model of inflammatory pain in human skin involving topical application of sodium lauryl sulfate](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20358390/) Sodium lauryl sulfate · Inflammation Research, 2010
- [Whitening effect of alpha-bisabolol in Asian women subjects](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20642768/) Bisabolol · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2010
- [Assessment of Combined Ascorbyl Palmitate (AP) and Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP) on Facial Skin Sebum Control in Female Healthy Volunteers](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27756097/) Sodium ascorbyl phosphate · Drug Research, 2017
- [Understanding Solar Skin Elastosis-Cause and Treatment](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30052192/) Witch hazel leaf water · Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2018
- [Borage Oil Treated with Immobilized Lipase Inhibits Melanogenesis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33128473/) Borago officinalis seed oil · Lipids, 2020
- [Influence of vitamin E acetate on stratum corneum hydration](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9706379/) Tocopheryl acetate vitamin e, Tocopheryl acetate · Arzneimittel-Forschung, 1998
- [Anatomical site differences of sodium lauryl sulfate-induced irritation: randomized controlled trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30637727/) Sodium lauryl sulfate · The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019
- [Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of a Panthenol-Enriched Mask for Skin Barrier Recovery After Facial Laser Treatment: Results of a Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40613435/) Panthenol, Panthenol vitamin b5 · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025
- [Modulation of skin pigmentation by the tetrapeptide PKEK: in vitro and in vivo evidence for skin whitening effects](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22142309/) Sodium ascorbyl phosphate · Experimental Dermatology, 2012
- [Nanostructured Lipid Carrier Based Gel Containing α-Tocopherol and α-Tocopheryl Acetate for Synergistic Cutaneous Antiaging Efficacy](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41309687/) Tocopheryl acetate · Scientific Reports, 2025
- [Safety assessment on comedogenicity of dermatological products containing d-alpha tocopheryl acetate in Asian subjects: A double-blind randomized controlled trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34471722/) Tocopheryl acetate vitamin e, Tocopheryl acetate · Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 2021
- [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
- [A novel facial moisturizer containing Saccharide isomerate accelerates skin barrier restoration following intense pulsed light treatment: a randomized split-face study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41211697/) Saccharide isomerate · The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2025
- [Efficacy and safety of combination cream of stimu-tex AS™ (spent grain wax, Argania Spinosa Kernel oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (shea butter) extract), and saccharide isomerate after fractional CO2 laser procedure: split-face, double blinded, randomized controlled trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41134387/) Saccharide isomerate · Lasers in Medical Science, 2025
- [Saccharide isomerate ameliorates cosmetic scalp conditions in a Chinese study population](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35279940/) Saccharide isomerate · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023

## The brands

- British skincare: [Simple](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/brands/simple)
- Skincare: [Carotone](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/brands/carotone)

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- [Some By Mi vs Carotone](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/compare/some-by-mi-vs-carotone)

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