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Elemis vs Galderma

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

Elemis and Galderma are established skincare houses originating from Britain and Switzerland, respectively, offering distinct formulations tailored to varied complexions. Elemis is celebrated for its nourishing serums, rich moisturizers, gentle cleansers, and refreshing toners anchored by hydrating glycerin and softening shea, whereas the Swiss brand specializes in targeted serums such as the Epiduo Gel and Benzac AC treatments. The British offerings suit mature and dry skin best through suppleness-restoring formulas, while both houses address specific concerns like acne-prone skin and dark spots. Ultimately, the two diverge in their core ingredient profiles and origins, with the former emphasizing botanical-backed hydration and the latter providing specialized acne management.

Elemis is a British skincare brand founded in 1989 and owned by L'Occitane Group since 2019.

elemis.comau.elemis.comen.wikipedia.org

Galderma is a Swiss skincare brand founded in 1981 and owned by Galderma Group AG.

en.wikipedia.org

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

Popular Elemis vs Galderma products

People Say

ElemisGalderma
  • Texture and Absorption Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “Absorbs almost immediately, and my skin feels well hydrated all day. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
    • “baby soft — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads”
    • “skin feels baby soft — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
    • “skin feels smooth — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
  • Acne Clearing and Prevention Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
    • “cleared up my skin — Galderma Benzac AC Mild Strength 2.5% Acne Gel”
    • “cystic acne gone — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
    • “stops new pimples — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
    • “faded dark spots — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads”
  • Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedNot noted
    • “The cream really hydrates and my face looks amazing. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Night Cream”
    • “Quenches thirsty skin... immediate improvement. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
    • “skin feels baby soft — Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm”
  • Scent and Fragrance Often MentionedNot noted
    • “smells like a spa — Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm”
    • “smells like a holiday — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
    • “smells like a tropical cocktail — Elemis Superfood Midnight Facial”
  • Makeup Compatibility and Application Often MentionedNot noted
    • “melts waterproof mascara — Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm”
    • “Sits nicely under make up... perfect base. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
    • “pre-soaked — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads”
  • Exfoliation and Skin Renewal Often MentionedNot noted
    • “non-stripping formula — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash”
    • “healthy glow — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads”
    • “non-irritating — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads”
  • Skin Irritation and Sensitivity Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
    • “blurry vision — Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm”
    • “Developed milia and closed comedones. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
    • “dryness — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads”
    • “face on fire — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
  • Packaging and Product Issues Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
    • “jar looks half empty — Elemis Superfood Midnight Facial”
    • “tends to flake off — Elemis Pro-Collagen Eye Revive Mask”
    • “tube feels half empty — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
    • “bleached my towel — Galderma Benzac AC 5”
  • Price and Value Mostly MentionedNot noted
    • “Complete waste of money for me. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
  • Breakouts and Purging Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
    • “It peels horribly no matter how I apply it. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
    • “caused cystic acne — Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm”
    • “terrible spots — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads”
    • “got worse first — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
  • Strong or Unpleasant Fragrance Often MentionedNot noted
    • “The smell is very strong... could not handle for long. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”

Elemis vs Galderma serums and treatments

Questions and answers

Elemis or Galderma: which is better?

Elemis is better for hydration and texture, offering luxurious moisturizers and cleansers that fit mature, dry, and dry sensitive skin best, while Galderma does better for acne clearing with effective fragrance-free serums. Elemis products on this page often feature a strong fragrance and a high price point, whereas Galderma may cause severe dryness and irritation.

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020

What is the difference between Elemis and Galderma?

Elemis is best known for hydration and anti-aging care with ingredients like glycerin, while Galderma focuses on effective acne-clearing serums that may cause severe dryness.

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020

Which is more affordable, Elemis or Galderma?

Galderma is more affordable, as price and value is an area where Galderma does better than Elemis.

Which causes fewer breakouts, Elemis or Galderma?

Galderma does better for acne clearing and prevention, whereas reviewers note that Elemis sometimes causes breakouts and purging.

Which brand has more products containing fragrance, Elemis or Galderma?

Elemis has more products containing fragrance, with 18 out of 22 products listing fragrance on this page. In contrast, Galderma lists no fragrance in any of the products on this page.

Which skin types does Elemis fit best according to its brand-focused routines?

According to its brand-focused routines, Elemis fits mature skin, dry skin, and dry sensitive skin best.

What are the main negative reviews reported by users for Elemis compared to Galderma?

Users report that Elemis has a high price point, strong fragrance, skin irritation, packaging and product issues, breakouts and purging, and sometimes unpleasant fragrance compared to Galderma.

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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