# Dr. Barbara Sturm vs MAËLYS

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/compare/dr-barbara-sturm-vs-maelys

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for France.

Dr. Barbara Sturm and MAËLYS are distinct skincare lines offering advanced formulas for various complexions. The German brand, founded in 2014 and owned by Puig since 2024, is deeply loved for its gentle moisturizers, clarifying exfoliants, and nourishing [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/ingredients/serum) that suit sensitive, dry, and balanced skin best through deep hydration and barrier support. Conversely, MAËLYS is loved for targeted serums and advanced formulas that suit all skin types best with specialized solutions. Ultimately, both brands differ as the first focuses on calming, smoothing, and radiating the complexion while the second delivers thoughtful care through targeted products.

Dr. Barbara Sturm is a German skincare brand founded in 2014 and owned by Puig since 2024.

[uploads.puig.com](https://uploads.puig.com/uploads/Press_release_Puig_acquires_majority_stake_in_Dr_Barbara_Sturm_ENG_1_140422a900.pdf) [beautymatter.com](https://beautymatter.com/articles/puig-acquires-majority-stake-in-dr-barbara-sturm) [pitchbook.com](https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/289811-80)

This page compares some of the most popular Dr. Barbara Sturm and MAËLYS products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, [use the Lovi app](https://app.pora.ai/vqqJ/j1xj2b6o?af_sub2=compare&af_sub3=selection_note&af_sub4=pg1937a85769).

### Popular Dr. Barbara Sturm vs MAËLYS products

#### Dr. Barbara Sturm

- [Hyaluronic Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/dr-barbara-sturm/hyaluronic-serum/for/oily-skin) — High fit — [€228.56 at Lookfantastic](https://www.lookfantastic.fr/p/dr.-barbara-sturm-darker-skin-tones-hyaluronic-serum-30ml/13310109/)
- [Enzyme Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/dr-barbara-sturm/enzyme-cleanser/for/dark-spots) — Superior fit — [€58.50 at Notino](https://www.notino.fr/dr-barbara-sturm/enzyme-cleanser-darker-skin-tones-mousse-demaquillante-purifiante/p-16241237/)
- [The Good C Vitamin C Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/dr-barbara-sturm/the-good-c-vitamin-c-serum/for/mature-skin) — High fit — [€143.75 at Lookfantastic](https://www.lookfantastic.fr/p/dr.-barbara-sturm-the-good-c-vitamin-c-serum-30ml/13310139/)

#### MAËLYS

- [TOO-FINE](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/maelys/too-fine/for/sensitive-skin) — Low fit
- [RE-LURE Tight & Tone Body Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/maelys/re-lure-tight-and-tone-body-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Average fit

## Questions and answers

### Dr. Barbara Sturm or MAËLYS: which is better?

Dr. Barbara Sturm is the better choice on this page because its products achieve higher Lovi fit levels across various skin types, whereas MAËLYS products generally score low or caution. Additionally, every product on the Dr. Barbara Sturm page lists no fragrance, unlike MAËLYS where some products contain fragrance.

### What is the difference between Dr. Barbara Sturm and MAËLYS?

Dr. Barbara Sturm offers a better fit for most skin types across the products on this page compared to MAËLYS, which receives low fit levels for many skin concerns. Additionally, every Dr. Barbara Sturm product on this page lists no fragrance, whereas RE-LURE Tight & Tone Body [Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/ingredients/serum) from MAËLYS includes fragrance.

### Which is more affordable, Dr. Barbara Sturm or MAËLYS?

This page does not contain pricing information, so a comparison of affordability between Dr. Barbara Sturm and MAËLYS cannot be made.

### Which causes fewer breakouts, Dr. Barbara Sturm or MAËLYS?

Dr. Barbara Sturm is the better choice for avoiding breakouts, as the products on this page achieve High fits for acne-prone skin, whereas MAËLYS products on this page receive Low fits for that skin type.

### When were Dr. Barbara Sturm and MAËLYS founded and who owns them?

Dr. Barbara Sturm was founded in Germany in 2014 and is owned by Puig. MAËLYS was founded in 2017 and is owned by the Barinboim Group.

### How does the fragrance content differ between Dr. Barbara Sturm and MAËLYS products on this page?

Dr. Barbara Sturm products on this page list no fragrance in their ingredients, whereas MAËLYS includes fragrance in RE-LURE Tight & Tone Body Serum while keeping it out of TOO-FINE.

### Which brand has products with a High Lovi fit level for mature skin?

Dr. Barbara Sturm features products on this page with a High Lovi fit level for mature skin, such as the Enzyme Cleanser and The Good C [Vitamin C](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/ingredients/vitamin-c) Serum. MAËLYS is unlikely to fit mature skin well, as its products on this page receive Low or Caution fit levels for mature skin.

[Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31975502/) [Dermatologic Therapy, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36200921/)

## Research behind their key ingredients

- [Benefits of topical hyaluronic acid for skin quality and signs of skin aging: From literature review to clinical evidence](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36200921/) Sodium hyaluronate · Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
- [Regulatory effects of Lactobacillus plantarum-GMNL6 on human skin health by improving skin microbiome](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33526970/) Lactobacillus · International Journal of Medical Sciences, 2021
- [Anti-aging and brightening effects of a topical treatment containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and raspberry leaf cell culture extract: A split-face, randomized controlled trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31975502/) Ascorbic acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020
- [Bacterial cellulose membranes as drug delivery systems: an in vivo skin compatibility study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23973717/) Cellulose · European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, 2014
- [Effects of ascorbic acid on gingival melanin pigmentation in vitro and in vivo](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19186973/) Ascorbyl glucoside · Journal of Periodontology, 2009
- [Bacterial cellulose skin masks-Properties and sensory tests](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28963772/) Cellulose · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2018
- [Treatment of acne with a combination of propolis, tea tree oil, and Aloe vera compared to erythromycin cream: two double-blind investigations](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30588129/) Aloe barbadensis leaf juice · Clinical Pharmacology, 2018
- [Effect of a topical antioxidant serum containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid after Q-switched 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser for treatment of environment-induced skin pigmentation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32052907/) Ascorbic acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020
- [Efficacy of probiotic-derived lotion from Lactobacillus paracasei MSMC 39-1 in mild to moderate acne vulgaris, randomized controlled trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35384257/) Lactobacillus · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022
- [The 24-hour skin hydration and barrier function effects of a hyaluronic 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract moisturizing fluid: an intra-subject, randomized, assessor-blinded study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/) Glycerin · Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
- [Sunscreens and Cosmetic Formulations Containing Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate and Rice Peptides for the Improvement of Skin Photoaging: A Double-blind, Randomized Placebo-controlled Clinical Study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33529350/) Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate · Photochemistry and Photobiology, 2021
- [Clinical evidence of the efficacy and safety of a new 3-in-1 anti-aging topical night serum-in-oil containing melatonin, bakuchiol, and ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate: 103 females treated from 28 to 84 days](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30924254/) Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019
- [Antioxidant-based topical formulations influence on the inflammatory response of Japanese skin: A clinical study using non-invasive techniques](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28385617/) Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate · European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, 2017
- [Efficacy and Tolerability of Topical Nicotinamide Plus Antibacterial Adhesive Agents and Zinc-Pyrrolidone Carboxylic Acid Versus Placebo as an Adjuvant Treatment for Moderate Acne Vulgaris in Indonesia: A Multicenter, Double-blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32983333/) Zinc pca · The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020
- [Botulinum toxin injection as a single or combined treatment with non-cross-linked high molecular weight and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid gel for neck rejuvenation: A randomized clinical trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35775872/) Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid · Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
- [Borage Oil Treated with Immobilized Lipase Inhibits Melanogenesis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33128473/) Lipase · Lipids, 2020
- [Efficacy and Tolerability of Stable Hybrid Cooperative Complexes of High- and Low-Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid in Asian Patients: An Open-Label Study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40921777/) Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid · Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 2026
- [Prospective randomized double-blind comparative study of topical acetyl zingerone with tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate versus tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate alone on facial photoaging](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38525606/) Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024
- [A Double-Blind, 12-Week Study to Evaluate the Antiaging Efficacy of a Cream Containing the NFκB Inhibitor 4-Hexyl-1, 3-Phenylenediol and Ascorbic Acid-2 Glucoside in Adult Females](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27272084/) Ascorbyl glucoside · Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2016
- [Evaluation of a retinol containing topical treatment to improve signs of neck aging](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37461826/) Glaucine · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023
- [Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36279763/) Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid · Colloids and Surfaces. B, Biointerfaces, 2022
- [Portulaca oleracea extract relieves skin barrier damage induced by increased photosensitivity after GA peeling](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35920724/) Lactobacillus portulaca oleracea extract ferment · Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology, 2022
- [Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39769217/) Ascorbyl glucoside · International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024
- [Clinical and histologic findings after use of a novel combined retinol, tripeptide, and glaucine containing cream in the treatment of photo-aged skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37584260/) Glaucine · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023
- [Low-temperature extracted Portulaca oleracea L. as a functional ingredient in facial masks for photorejuvenation of sensitive skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41182319/) Lactobacillus portulaca oleracea extract ferment · Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology, 2025

## The brands

- German skincare: [Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/brands/dr-barbara-sturm)
- Skincare: [MAËLYS](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/brands/maelys)

## More comparisons

- [SKIN1004 vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/compare/skin1004-vs-dr-barbara-sturm)
- [SKIN1004 vs MAËLYS](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/compare/skin1004-vs-maelys)
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- [Medicube vs MAËLYS](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/compare/medicube-vs-maelys)
- [The Ordinary vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/compare/the-ordinary-vs-dr-barbara-sturm)
- [The Ordinary vs MAËLYS](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/compare/the-ordinary-vs-maelys)
- [Beauty of Joseon vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/compare/beauty-of-joseon-vs-dr-barbara-sturm)
- [Beauty of Joseon vs MAËLYS](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/compare/beauty-of-joseon-vs-maelys)
- [COSRX vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/compare/cosrx-vs-dr-barbara-sturm)
- [COSRX vs MAËLYS](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/compare/cosrx-vs-maelys)
- [CeraVe vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/compare/cerave-vs-dr-barbara-sturm)
- [CeraVe vs MAËLYS](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/compare/cerave-vs-maelys)
- [La Roche-Posay vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-dr-barbara-sturm)
- [La Roche-Posay vs MAËLYS](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-maelys)
- [Dr. Althea vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/compare/dr-althea-vs-dr-barbara-sturm)
- [Dr. Althea vs MAËLYS](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/compare/dr-althea-vs-maelys)
- [Some By Mi vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/compare/some-by-mi-vs-dr-barbara-sturm)
- [Some By Mi vs MAËLYS](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/compare/some-by-mi-vs-maelys)

## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi compares products by their fit scores, calculated from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its 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. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this comparison: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

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