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Simple vs Galderma

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

Simple and Galderma are established skincare brands offering distinct approaches to daily wellness. The British label, founded in 1960, is celebrated for its gentle moisturizers, makeup removers, cleansers, and toners enriched with niacinamide and glycerin, which suit oily and acne-prone skin best. Meanwhile, the Swiss company, founded in 1981, features targeted serums such as Epiduo Gel and Benzac treatments for specialized needs. While both brands address acne and aging concerns, they differ in their heritage, core formulations, and product range.

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

en.wikipedia.orgsec.govprnewswire.comsimple.co.uk

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

Popular Simple vs Galderma products

People Say

SimpleGalderma
  • Gentle on sensitive skin Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “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”
    • “no artificial perfume — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
    • “didn't burn my face — Galderma Benzac AC Mild Strength 2.5% Acne Gel”
  • Clears acne and prevents breakouts Not 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”
  • Hydration and non-drying Mostly MentionedNot noted
    • “banished dryness within days — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
    • “Instantly boosts skin's hydration... face doesn't feel dry and tight. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
    • “Leaves my face feeling soft, not tight. — Simple Micellar Water”
  • No residue or lightweight absorption Often MentionedNot noted
    • “sinks in instantly — Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream”
    • “absorbs very quickly — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
    • “absorbs really well — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
  • Affordable value Often MentionedNot noted
    • “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”
  • Effective cleansing Often MentionedNot noted
    • “Takes off any makeup residue and makes my face feel refreshed. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
    • “Best morning cleanser — Simple Refreshing Facial Wash”
    • “removes last traces of makeup — Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner”
  • Intense burning and dryness Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “face on fire — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
  • Acne purge and irritation Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “got worse first — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
  • Bleaches fabrics Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “bleached my towel — Galderma Benzac AC 5”
  • Formula and packaging issues Often MentionedNot noted
    • “New bottle ingredients do not match... lower amounts of beneficial ingredients. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”

Questions and answers

Simple or Galderma: which is better?

Simple is better for gentle hydration and sensitive skin, whereas Galderma does better at clearing acne with its serums. Glycerin helps the products on this page provide moisture, while ingredients like benzoyl peroxide help target breakouts.

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020

What is the difference between Simple and Galderma?

Simple stands out for its lightweight, value-friendly moisturizers and gentle makeup removers that fit sensitive skin well, whereas Galderma offers effective acne-clearing serums that may cause severe dryness and peeling. Simple products on this page list no fragrance, help maintain hydration, and feature key ingredients like niacinamide and glycerin.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002

Which is more affordable, Simple or Galderma?

Simple is more affordable, as reviewers mostly mention the brand's affordable value.

Which causes fewer breakouts, Simple or Galderma?

Galderma does better at clearing acne and preventing breakouts, as the products on this page feature effective acne-clearing serums.

How do the origins and ownership of Simple and Galderma differ?

Simple was founded in 1960 in the United Kingdom and has been owned by Unilever PLC since 2011, whereas Galderma was founded in 1981 in Switzerland and is owned by Galderma Group AG.

Which brand is considered better for sensitive skin according to reviewer themes, Simple or Galderma?

Simple is considered better for sensitive skin because the reviewer themes show that it is gentle on sensitive skin.

What key ingredients are found across Simple's product line?

Simple features Niacinamide and Glycerin as key ingredients across the products on this page. Niacinamide helps reduce skin pigmentation, and glycerin helps provide hydration and support the skin barrier.

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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