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Cetaphil vs Simple

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

Cetaphil and Simple are trusted skincare brands that offer gentle cleansers, moisturizers, and other essentials enriched with nourishing ingredients like glycerin, niacinamide, and panthenol. Both suit combination skin, oily skin, and acne-prone skin best, helping to balance moisture without causing congestion. Cetaphil is an American brand founded in 1947, while the British brand was founded in 1960 and is owned by Unilever PLC.

Cetaphil is an American skincare brand founded in 1947 and owned by Galderma Group AG.

en.wikipedia.orgcetaphil.co.uk

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 Cetaphil and Simple products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.

Popular Cetaphil vs Simple products

People Say

CetaphilSimple
  • Gentle on sensitive skin Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “The only thing my reactive skin tolerates. — Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser”
    • “No breakouts since switching to this. — Cetaphil Gentle Skin 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 Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “cleared up flaky skin — Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream”
    • “healed my dry patches — Cetaphil Moisturising 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”
  • Texture and weight Often MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “absorbs instantly — Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion”
    • “Absorbs quickly into skin without residue — Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion”
    • “sinks in instantly — Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream”
    • “absorbs very quickly — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
  • Dermatologist and value praise Rarely 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”
    • “recommended by my derm — Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser”
  • Versatile use and application Often MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “great for face and body — Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream”
    • “removes excess oil — Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser”
    • “Takes off any makeup residue and makes my face feel refreshed. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
    • “Best morning cleanser — Simple Refreshing Facial Wash”
  • Fragrance-free and scent issues Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “Love that it has absolutely no scent. — Simple Micellar Water”
    • “love that it's alcohol-free — Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner”
    • “No strong smell — Simple Refreshing Facial Wash”
    • “truly no smell — Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion”
  • Makeup removal difficulties Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “Doesn't take off mascara at all. — Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser”
    • “doesn't remove mascara — Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser”
    • “Struggles with mascara. — Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser”
    • “Did not remove my mascara very well at all. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
  • Dryness and lack of moisture Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
    • “Felt a little stripping on sensitive areas. — Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser”
    • “Skin felt dehydrated after 30 minutes — Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion”
    • “not moisturizing enough — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
    • “skin felt tight after an hour — Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream”
  • Formula changes and irritation Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
    • “New bottle ingredients do not match... lower amounts of beneficial ingredients. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
    • “new formula stings — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
    • “burned upon application — Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream”
    • “New version burns my face. — Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser”

Cetaphil vs Simple routines for dry skin

See multi-brand routine · 97% fit

Cetaphil vs Simple routines for oily skin

See multi-brand routine · 95% fit

Cetaphil vs Simple routines for combination skin

See multi-brand routine · 96% fit

Questions and answers

Cetaphil or Simple: which is better?

Both brands offer an equal routine fit across all skin types, with Lovi rating them High for dry, oily, combination, sensitive, and acne-prone skin. Cetaphil features a broader range of products with key ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, while Simple provides budget-friendly options featuring niacinamide and glycerin.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

What is the difference between Cetaphil and Simple?

Cetaphil features a broader product range with targeted options like specialized serums and sunscreens, while Simple focuses on straightforward essentials such as micellar waters and basic moisturizers. Both brands offer fragrance-free options and share equal routine fit levels across all skin types.

Cetaphil or Simple for dry skin?

Both Cetaphil and Simple offer products that achieve a High routine fit level for dry skin. Reviewers note that Cetaphil provides hydrating, non-greasy moisturizers, while Simple features value-friendly options and gentle, sensitive-skin-friendly makeup removers.

Cetaphil or Simple: which cleanser is better?

Both brands offer gentle cleansers that reviewers say are mostly non-stripping. Cetaphil features specialized cleansers like the Gentle Foaming Cleanser with a Superior Lovi fit for sensitive skin, while Simple provides gentle options like the Micellar Cleansing Water.

Which is more affordable, Cetaphil or Simple?

Simple stands out for dermatologist and value praise compared to Cetaphil, making it the more affordable option on this page.

Which brand has more fragrance-free products, Cetaphil or Simple?

Simple features a higher proportion of fragrance-free products on this page, as every listed Simple product is completely free of added fragrance, whereas Cetaphil includes one fragranced option among its range.

Which brand is owned by Unilever, Cetaphil or Simple?

Simple is owned by Unilever PLC, while Cetaphil is owned by Galderma Group AG.

Which brand performs better for dermatologist and value praise?

Simple performs better for dermatologist and value praise on this page. Reviewers often note its value-friendly moisturizers and dermatologist praise.

Cetaphil or Simple for oily skin?

Both Cetaphil and Simple offer an equal High routine fit for oily skin. The products on this page for both brands feature niacinamide and glycerin to help hydrate and care for the skin without heavy oils.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Antioxidants, 2021

Cetaphil or Simple: which moisturizer is better?

Both brands offer moisturizers that fit dry skin at an average level. Cetaphil features key ingredients like niacinamide, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid, which help improve skin hydration and reduce pigmentation.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Cetaphil or Simple for sensitive skin?

Both Cetaphil and Simple offer products that fit sensitive skin well. Lovi rates the routine fit for sensitive skin as High for both brands.

Cetaphil or Simple for acne-prone skin?

Both brands offer an equal routine fit of High for acne-prone skin. The products on this page from both Cetaphil and Simple help address acne-prone skin using key ingredients like niacinamide and glycerin.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Antioxidants, 2021

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

How does it fit your skin?

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