Dermalogica vs Shiseido
Dermalogica and Shiseido are well-regarded skincare brands that offer thoughtful arrays of cleansers, moisturizers, serums, and more. Dermalogica is formulated with key ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and salicylic acid to suit oily skin and combination skin best, while the Japanese brand features glycerin to suit sensitive skin and mature skin best. Both brands differ in their founding origins, parent companies, and targeted active formulations, with the American brand addressing excess oil and acne, and the latter providing gentle daily care.
Dermalogica is an American skincare brand founded in 1986 and owned by Unilever since 2015.
en.wikipedia.orgcosmeticsbusiness.com
Shiseido is a Japanese skincare brand founded in 1872 and owned by Shiseido Company, Limited.
corp.shiseido.comen.wikipedia.orgmarketscreener.com
This page compares some of the most popular Dermalogica and Shiseido products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Dermalogica vs Shiseido products
People Say
Deep hydration and moisturization Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Immediate sensation of comfort — Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream”
- “skin feels plump, soft and nourished, eliminates dryness, bouncy feel — Shiseido VITAL PERFECTION”
- “Skin feels more hydrated — Shiseido Activating Essence”
- “Saved my dry skin — Dermalogica Super Rich Repair”
Luxurious and smooth texture Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “silky smooth, rich but non-greasy, absorbs quickly, melts into skin — Shiseido VITAL PERFECTION”
- “Airy-soft texture — Shiseido Essential Energy Hydrating Cream”
- “absorbs quickly — Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Gel Cream”
- “skin feels smooth as silk — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
Brightening and radiance Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Skin looks brighter, more radiant, and "glowy." — Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate”
- “faded pimple marks — Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Gel Cream”
- “Eyes look more awake — Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream”
- “immediately brighter looking — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
Anti-aging and wrinkle reduction Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “Smoothed out crow's feet — Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream”
- “tighter jawline, lifted appearance, improved elasticity, less sagging — Shiseido VITAL PERFECTION”
- “wrinkles look softer — Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Cream Enriched”
- “fine lines have visibly softened — Dermalogica Phyto Nature Lifting Eye Cream”
Gentle exfoliation and cleansing Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “gentle enough for daily use — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
- “doesn't strip skin — Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel”
- “removes all makeup — Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel”
- “face feels squeaky clean — Shiseido Clarifying Cleansing Foam”
Soothing and calming skin Sometimes NotedRarely Noted
- “helps calm and nourish my skin — Dermalogica Stabilizing Repair Cream”
- “The redness is better — Dermalogica Stabilizing Repair Cream”
- “Calms redness — Dermalogica Super Rich Repair”
- “No irritation — Shiseido Essential Energy Hydrating Cream”
High price point Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “hefty price tag — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
- “Expensive for cleanser — Dermalogica Precleanse”
- “Very expensive for the size — Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream”
- “Expensive, pricey, high cost for the amount. — Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate”
Strong fragrance and scent issues Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “smells like puke — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
- “smells like medicine — Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50”
- “Overpowering scent — Dermalogica Precleanse”
- “old lady smell — Shiseido Eudermine Revitalizing Essence”
Skin irritation and reactions Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “Caused some irritation — Shiseido Bio-Performance Advanced Super Revitalizing Cream”
- “Caused burning and redness — Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream”
- “Caused breakouts, redness, or exacerbated oiliness for some. — Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate”
- “Stings eyes — Dermalogica Precleanse”
Greasy or heavy feel Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “Too thick for day — Dermalogica Super Rich Repair”
- “skin felt tight — Dermalogica Active Moist”
- “Stays tacky and shiny — Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream”
- “Not enough for winter — Shiseido Essential Energy Hydrating Cream”
Dermalogica vs Shiseido routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Special Cleansing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€48.00
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Hydrating Toner
COSRX Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning
€18.55
-
Moisturizer
Stabilizing Repair Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€27.00
-
SPF
Invisible Physical Defense SPF30
Morning
€58.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Precleanse
Evening · Once a week
€56.00
-
Serum or Treatment
BioLumin-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
€45.00
-
Nourishing Mask
Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque
Once a week
€19.00
-
Cleanser
Clarifying Cleansing Foam
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€39.64
-
Hydrating Toner
Eudermine Revitalizing Essence
Morning
€39.90
-
Moisturizer
Essential Energy Hydrating Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€33.50
-
SPF
Purito Daily Soft Touch Sunscreen
Morning
€12.98
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
€16.10
-
Serum or Treatment
Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate
Evening · Once a week
€77.05
-
Nourishing Mask
Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Sheet Mask
Once a week
€19.90
Dermalogica vs Shiseido routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
Daily Glycolic Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€45.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
€19.99
-
Moisturizer
Active Moist
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€87.94
-
SPF
Invisible Physical Defense SPF30
Morning
€58.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Precleanse
Evening · Once a week
€56.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
€29.29
-
Serum or Treatment
Retinol Clearing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€99.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€49.00
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
€79.97
-
Cleanser
Deep Cleansing Foam
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€35.50
-
Hydrating Toner
Eudermine Revitalizing Essence
Morning · Once a week
€39.90
-
Moisturizer
Essential Energy Hydrating Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€33.50
-
SPF
make p:rem UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Cream
Morning
€34.30
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€40.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
€29.29
-
Serum or Treatment
Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate
Evening · Once a week
€77.05
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€49.00
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
€79.97
Dermalogica vs Shiseido routines for combination skin
-
Cleanser
Daily Glycolic Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€45.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
€36.00
-
Moisturizer
Active Moist
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€87.94
-
SPF
Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50
Morning
€89.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Precleanse
Evening · Once a week
€56.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
€17.15
-
Serum or Treatment
Retinol Clearing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€99.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€49.00
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
€79.97
-
Cleanser
Deep Cleansing Foam
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€35.50
-
Hydrating Toner
Eudermine Revitalizing Essence
Morning · Once a week
€39.90
-
Moisturizer
Essential Energy Hydrating Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€33.50
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€40.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
€17.15
-
Serum or Treatment
Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate
Evening · Once a week
€77.05
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€49.00
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
€79.97
Questions and answers
Dermalogica or Shiseido: which is better?
Dermalogica is better for oily and combination skin with a Superior routine fit, while Shiseido offers deeper hydration and luxurious textures. Reviewers note that Dermalogica has fewer fragrance issues, whereas Shiseido has stronger scents across its products on this page.
What is the difference between Dermalogica and Shiseido?
Dermalogica fits oily, combination, and oily acne-prone skin with a Superior level, whereas Shiseido achieves a High fit level for those skin types. Dermalogica focuses on gentle cleansers and soothing moisturizers, while Shiseido is noted for deep hydration, luxurious textures, and anti-aging benefits.
Dermalogica or Shiseido for dry skin?
Dermalogica is the better fit for dry skin, offering a High routine fit compared to Shiseido's Average fit. The products on this page for Dermalogica feature key ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which help provide deep hydration and support the skin barrier.
Dermalogica or Shiseido: which cleanser is better?
Dermalogica is better for gentle exfoliation and cleansing, as its cleansers provide a High fit for dry, combination, sensitive, and acne-prone skin while every product on the page lists no fragrance. Shiseido cleansers offer deep cleansing and efficient results, though review themes indicate they can cause skin irritation.
Which is more affordable, Dermalogica or Shiseido?
Both Dermalogica and Shiseido are similar in price, as high price points are noted for the products on this page for each brand.
Dermalogica or Shiseido: which has a stronger fragrance?
Shiseido has a stronger fragrance, as 15 of its 20 products on this page list fragrance in their ingredients, whereas every product on the Dermalogica page lists no fragrance.
Dermalogica or Shiseido: which is better for anti-aging and wrinkle reduction?
Shiseido is better for anti-aging and wrinkle reduction, as reviewers frequently highlight its firming and line-reducing moisturizers and note that it performs better in this area than Dermalogica.
Dermalogica or Shiseido: which is better for combination skin?
Dermalogica is better for combination skin, as the routine fit for combination skin is Superior compared to High for Shiseido.
Dermalogica or Shiseido for oily skin?
Dermalogica is the better choice for oily skin, offering a Superior routine fit compared to Shiseido's High fit. The products on this page for Dermalogica also feature zero added fragrance, helping reduce the likelihood of skin irritation.
Dermalogica or Shiseido: which moisturizer is better?
Dermalogica is generally better for moisturizers if you want fragrance-free options, as every product on its page lists no added fragrance compared to Shiseido where many contain fragrance. Reviewers note that Shiseido moisturizers offer luxurious textures and deep hydration, while Dermalogica focuses on non-greasy and soothing formulas. For routine fit, Dermalogica offers High or Superior levels depending on your skin type.
Dermalogica or Shiseido for sensitive skin?
Both Dermalogica and Shiseido offer a High routine fit for sensitive skin. Dermalogica helps provide soothing moisturizers and every product on this page lists no fragrance in its ingredients, whereas Shiseido often features a strong fragrance.
Dermalogica or Shiseido: which sunscreen is better?
Dermalogica is better for sun protection because the products on this page have a High fit for dry skin, whereas Shiseido has a Warning fit for dry skin.
Dermalogica or Shiseido for acne-prone skin?
Both Dermalogica and Shiseido fit acne-prone skin at a High level, though Dermalogica's products on this page also achieve a Superior fit for oily acne-prone skin. Reviewers indicate that Dermalogica does better for gentle exfoliation and cleansing, while Shiseido does better for deep hydration and moisturization.
Research behind their key ingredients
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
Psychophysical study of the effects of topical application of menthol in healthy volunteers
Topical anti-inflammatory effects of isorhamnetin glycosides isolated from Opuntia ficus-indica
Apigenin inhibits UVA-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and prevents signs of skin aging in vivo
Panax ginseng induces human Type I collagen synthesis through activation of Smad signaling
Vitamin C-squalene bioconjugate promotes epidermal thickening and collagen production in human skin
Antioxidant properties evaluation of topical astaxanthin formulations as anti-aging products
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
Another Reason for Using Caffeine in Dermocosmetics: Sunscreen Adjuvant
Efficacy of Oxybrasion in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris: A Preliminary Report
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
Chemical peels for acne vulgaris: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials
Colloidal Oatmeal <em>(Avena Sativa)</em> Improves Skin Barrier Through Multi-Therapy Activity
Well-aging: A new strategy for skin homeostasis under multi-stressed conditions
In vivo and in vitro evaluation of octyl methoxycinnamate liposomes
The synergistic effect of retinyl propionate and hydroxypinacolone retinoate on skin aging
The impacts of sodium lauroyl sarcosinate in facial cleanser on facial skin microbiome and lipidome
Supramolecular collagen nanoparticles for anti-wrinkle, skin whitening, and moisturizing effects
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
Skin recovery by Lavandula angustifolia leaf callus extract: Redox control of Nrf2 signaling
Algae extract protection effect on oxidized protein level in human stratum corneum
Starch- and carboxymethyl cellulose-based films as active beauty masks with papain incorporation
Semi-solid functionalized nanostructured lipid carriers loading thymol for skin disorders
Anatomical site differences of sodium lauryl sulfate-induced irritation: randomized controlled trial
Modulating effects of oatmeal extracts in the sodium lauryl sulfate skin irritancy model
Moisturizing Effects of Diglycerol Combined with Glycerol on Human Stratum Corneum
The effect of Zanthoxylum bungeanum maxim extract on crow's feet: A double-blind, split-face trial
Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Transdermal Delivery of Baicalin Based on Bio-Vesicles and Its Efficacy in Antiaging of the Skin
Liposomal formulation of a vitamin C derivative: a promising strategy to increase skin permeability
Skin barrier repair efficacy and safety evaluation of an extract from Gardenia jasminoides J.Ellis
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
New Chalcone-Derived Molecule for the Topical Regulation of Hyperpigmentation and Skin Aging
Targeting Circadian Rhythm for the Regulation of Skin Collagen Metabolism
Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens
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
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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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
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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