Neutrogena vs Elemis
Neutrogena and Elemis are established skincare brands offering distinct approaches to daily hydration and barrier support. The American brand, founded in 1930, is widely loved for moisturizers, sunscreens, cleansers, and toners relying on glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and dimethicone, which suit dry and mature skin best. Meanwhile, the British brand, founded in 1989, is celebrated for nourishing serums, rich moisturizers, gentle cleansers, and refreshing toners anchored by glycerin and shea butter, catering similarly to mature and dry complexions. While both brands support moisture retention, they differ through their specific formulations, with Neutrogena emphasizing barrier protection and Elemis focusing on restoring suppleness.
Neutrogena is an American skincare brand founded in 1930 and owned by Kimberly-Clark Corporation since 2026.
investor.kimberly-clark.comen.wikipedia.orginvestors.kenvue.com
Elemis is a British skincare brand founded in 1989 and owned by L'Occitane Group since 2019.
elemis.comau.elemis.comen.wikipedia.org
This page compares some of the most popular Neutrogena and Elemis products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Neutrogena vs Elemis products
People Say
Deep Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Skin looked plumper and radiant — Neutrogena HYDRO BOOST WATER CREAM”
- “It also hydrates my skin. This cream has been so easy to add to my routine. — Neutrogena Retinol Regenerating Cream”
- “The cream really hydrates and my face looks amazing. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Night Cream”
- “Quenches thirsty skin... immediate improvement. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
Lightweight and Non-Greasy Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Absorbs instantly without sticky residue — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel”
- “absorbs instantly — Neutrogena COLLAGEN BANK Moisturizer”
- “Absorbs into skin without residue. — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum”
- “Absorbs almost immediately, and my skin feels well hydrated all day. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
Gentle and Sensitive Skin Friendly Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
- “leaves skin soft and balanced — Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser”
- “love that it has no scent — Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser”
- “calms my acne prone skin — Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser”
- “no stinging or redness — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
Skin Texture and Anti-Aging Benefits Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “baby soft — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads”
- “skin feels baby soft — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
- “skin feels baby-soft — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash”
- “Skin is looking smoother — Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream”
Luxurious Spa-Like Scents and Textures Not notedOften Mentioned
- “whipped silk feel — Elemis Superfood Midnight Facial”
- “smells like a spa — Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm”
- “smells like a holiday — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
Radiant Glow and Soft Skin Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “healthy glow — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads”
- “instantly fresh glow — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash”
- “Once I started using Elemis Superfood facial oil... my skin began to glow. — Elemis Superfood Facial Oil”
- “Face felt baby soft afterwards — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Hydrogel Mask”
High Price Point and Value Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
- “Jar is too small for the price — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel”
- “Runs out quickly — Neutrogena HYDRO BOOST WATER CREAM”
- “Complete waste of money for me. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
Strong Fragrance and Scents Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Smell is too overpowering and lingering — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel”
- “Scent is so off-putting — Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream”
- “The smell is very strong... could not handle for long. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
- “smell is too strong — Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm”
Packaging and Design Issues Sometimes NotedRarely Noted
- “jar looks half empty — Elemis Superfood Midnight Facial”
- “tube feels half empty — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
- “pump broke quickly — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash”
- “Eye holes are too small — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Hydrogel Mask”
Neutrogena vs Elemis routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€35.90
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Advanced Replenishing Toner
Morning
€34.00
-
Moisturizer
Pro-Collagen Night Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€89.95
-
SPF
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning
€120.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
€41.95
-
Serum or Treatment
Pro-Collagen Glow Boost Exfoliator
Evening · Once a week
€52.45
-
Nourishing Mask
Abib Rice Probiotics Overnight Mask
Once a week
€15.30
-
Cleanser
Hydro Boost Water Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€8.61
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Advanced Replenishing Toner
Morning
€34.00
-
Moisturizer
Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€8.83
-
SPF
Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen
Morning
€12.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
HYDRO BOOST WATER CREAM
Evening · Once a week
€7.99
-
Serum or Treatment
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Fresh Ampoule
Evening · Once a week
€14.98
-
Nourishing Mask
Abib Rice Probiotics Overnight Mask
Once a week
€15.30
Neutrogena vs Elemis routines for oily skin
-
Cleanser
Hydro Boost Water Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€8.61
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
€36.00
-
Moisturizer
Hydro Boost+ Niacinamide Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€10.49
-
SPF
Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen
Morning
€12.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
HYDRO BOOST WATER CREAM
Evening · Once a week
€7.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Blackhead Eliminating Cleansing Toner
Evening
€3.95
-
Serum or Treatment
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Evening · Once a week
€5.20
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€48.55
-
Cleansing Mask
Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask
Once a week
€3.95
-
Cleanser
Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€35.90
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
€36.00
-
Moisturizer
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€120.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
€41.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Balancing Lavender Toner
Evening
€26.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Papaya Enzyme Peel
Evening · Once a week
€30.90
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€48.55
-
Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
€16.79
Neutrogena vs Elemis routines for combination skin
-
Cleanser
Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€35.90
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
€36.00
-
Moisturizer
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€120.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
€41.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Balancing Lavender Toner
Evening
€26.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Papaya Enzyme Peel
Evening · Once a week
€30.90
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€48.55
-
Cleansing Mask
Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay
Once a week
€28.50
-
Cleanser
Hydro Boost Water Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€8.61
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
€36.00
-
Moisturizer
Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€8.83
-
SPF
Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen
Morning
€12.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
HYDRO BOOST WATER CREAM
Evening · Once a week
€7.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Blackhead Eliminating Cleansing Toner
Evening
€3.95
-
Serum or Treatment
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Spot Cream
Evening · Once a week
€18.49
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€48.55
-
Cleansing Mask
Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask
Once a week
€3.95
Questions and answers
Neutrogena or Elemis: which is better?
Neutrogena is better for budget-friendly hydration and sensitive skin, while Elemis is better for anti-aging results and luxurious textures. For dry sensitive skin, Elemis has a High Lovi fit level compared to Neutrogena's Average level.
What is the difference between Neutrogena and Elemis?
Neutrogena is a United States brand founded in 1930 that focuses on gentle, fragrance-free basics with a High fit for dry sensitive skin, whereas Elemis is a United Kingdom brand founded in 1989 that offers luxurious textures and targeted anti-aging care with a Superior fit for dry sensitive skin.
Neutrogena or Elemis for dry skin?
Neutrogena and Elemis both fit dry skin well, with Lovi fit levels for the routine at High for both brands. Elemis features mostly fragrance products, whereas the products on this page for Neutrogena mostly list no fragrance.
Neutrogena or Elemis: which cleanser is better?
Neutrogena is better for sensitive and acne-prone skin, with cleansers like the Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser rated as Superior for sensitive, acne-prone, and mature skin. Elemis also offers effective options such as the Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash, which is rated High for mature, sensitive, and acne-prone skin.
Which is more affordable, Neutrogena or Elemis?
Neutrogena is more affordable, whereas Elemis has a high price point across the products on this page.
How do the founding years and current parent companies of Neutrogena and Elemis compare?
Neutrogena was founded in the United States in 1930 and has been owned by Kimberly-Clark Corporation since 2026. In comparison, Elemis was founded in the United Kingdom in 1989 and has been owned by L'Occitane Group since 2019.
Which brand offers more fragrance-free products, Neutrogena or Elemis?
Neutrogena offers far more fragrance-free products than Elemis, with thirty-five of its thirty-nine products on this page listing no fragrance. By comparison, Elemis has only four fragrance-free products among its twenty-two items.
What are the main skin types that Elemis is designed to fit best according to its routines?
Elemis is designed to fit mature skin, dry skin, and dry sensitive skin best according to its brand-focused routines.
Neutrogena or Elemis for oily skin?
Neutrogena and Elemis offer an equal High routine fit for oily skin. Neutrogena is noted for lightweight and non-greasy moisturizers, while Elemis provides hydrating moisturizers and smoother skin texture.
Neutrogena or Elemis: which moisturizer is better?
Neutrogena is better for budget-friendly hydration, offering mostly fragrance-free moisturizers, while Elemis provides a more luxurious, spa-like experience with richer textures and potent anti-aging formulas.
Neutrogena or Elemis for sensitive skin?
Neutrogena is a better fit for sensitive skin, as Lovi rates the routine fit for sensitive skin as High for Neutrogena compared to Elemis. The products on this page for Neutrogena also feature mostly fragrance-free options, which helps reduce the risk of skin irritation.
Neutrogena or Elemis for acne-prone skin?
Neutrogena is a better fit for acne-prone skin, as the products on this page are generally formulated to be acne-safe and gentle. Elemis leans more toward luxury textures and anti-aging benefits, whereas Neutrogena focuses heavily on lightweight, non-greasy, and clear-skin solutions.
Research behind their key ingredients
The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer
Final report on the safety assessment of Benzyl Alcohol, Benzoic Acid, and Sodium Benzoate
The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review
Bacterial cellulose membranes as drug delivery systems: an in vivo skin compatibility study
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
Effects of ascorbic acid on gingival melanin pigmentation in vitro and in vivo
Apigenin inhibits UVA-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and prevents signs of skin aging in vivo
Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation by topical N-acetyl glucosamine
Microneedling by dermapen and glycolic acid peel for the treatment of acne scars: Comparative study
Topical beta-carotene protects against infra-red-light-induced free radicals
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
Anti-inflammatory activity of parthenolide-depleted Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)
A Rose Extract Protects the Skin against Stress Mediators: A Potential Role of Olfactory Receptors
Evaluation of moisturizing and irritation potential of sacha inchi oil
Solid lipid nanoparticles bearing oxybenzone: in-vitro and in-vivo evaluation
Nanostructured Lipid Carrier for Topical Application of N-Acetyl Glucosamine
Comparative measurement of hydration effects of herbal moisturizers
Topical Almond Oil for Prevention of Pressure Injuries: A Single-Blinded Comparison Study
Skin recovery by Lavandula angustifolia leaf callus extract: Redox control of Nrf2 signaling
Safety of a preservative system containing 1,2-hexanediol and caprylyl glycol
Formulation and evaluation of exotic fat based cosmeceuticals for skin repair
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
Effects of fermented tea seed oil on the skin lipid barrier and microbiome of sensitive skin
Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens
Natural Moisturizing Factor-Enriched Formulations Compared to a Ceramide-Based Cream
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.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
-

Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
-

Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
-

Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
-

Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
-

Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
-

Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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