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
€53.00
-
Hydrating Toner
COSRX Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning
€18.55
-
Moisturizer
Pro-Collagen Night Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€97.95
-
SPF
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning
€87.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
€45.45
-
Serum or Treatment
Pro-Collagen Glow Boost Exfoliator
Evening · Once a week
€48.95
-
Nourishing Mask
Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Sheet Mask
Once a week
€19.90
-
Cleanser
Hydro Boost Water Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€10.49
-
Hydrating Toner
COSRX Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning
€18.55
-
Moisturizer
Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€19.99
-
SPF
Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen
Morning
€29.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
HYDRO BOOST WATER CREAM
Evening · Once a week
€10.95
-
Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
€86.15
-
Nourishing Mask
Hydro Boost Hydrating Hydrogel Mask
Once a week
€21.90
Neutrogena vs Elemis routines for oily skin
-
Cleanser
Hydro Boost Water Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€10.49
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
€19.99
-
Moisturizer
Hydro Boost+ Niacinamide Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€15.89
-
SPF
Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen
Morning
€29.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover
Evening · Once a week
€26.52
-
Cleansing Toner
Blackhead Eliminating Cleansing Toner
Evening
€12.67
-
Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
€86.15
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€49.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask
Once a week
€17.12
-
Cleanser
Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€53.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
€19.99
-
Moisturizer
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€87.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
€45.45
-
Cleansing Toner
Balancing Lavender Toner
Evening
€26.68
-
Serum or Treatment
Papaya Enzyme Peel
Evening · Once a week
€50.00
-
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
Neutrogena vs Elemis routines for combination skin
-
Cleanser
Hydro Boost Water Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€10.49
-
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
€19.99
-
SPF
Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen
Morning
€29.20
-
Pre-Cleanser
Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover
Evening · Once a week
€26.52
-
Cleansing Toner
Blackhead Eliminating Cleansing Toner
Evening
€12.67
-
Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
€86.15
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€49.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask
Once a week
€17.12
-
Cleanser
Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€53.00
-
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
€87.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
€45.45
-
Cleansing Toner
Balancing Lavender Toner
Evening
€26.68
-
Serum or Treatment
Papaya Enzyme Peel
Evening · Once a week
€50.00
-
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
Neutrogena or Elemis: which is better?
Both brands are great choices, as Neutrogena fits best for dry, mature, and acne-prone skin while Elemis excels for mature, dry, and dry sensitive skin. Neutrogena tends to be more affordable and fragrance-free across most of its products, whereas Elemis offers luxurious textures and targeted anti-aging benefits.
What is the difference between Neutrogena and Elemis?
Neutrogena and Elemis both offer high routine fit levels across most skin types, but Neutrogena tends to be more gentle and fragrance-free with a lower price point, whereas Elemis focuses on luxury textures and anti-aging benefits.
Neutrogena or Elemis for dry skin?
Both Neutrogena and Elemis have a High routine fit for dry skin. The products on this page for Neutrogena feature hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which helps improve skin moisture, while Elemis products like the Pro-Collagen Marine Cream offer rich textures for dry skin.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
Neutrogena or Elemis: which cleanser is better?
Neutrogena is better for gentle and sensitive skin, while Elemis provides a more luxurious, spa-like cleansing experience.
Which is more affordable, Neutrogena or Elemis?
Neutrogena is more affordable, whereas Elemis has a high price point.
Between Neutrogena and Elemis, which brand offers better anti-aging benefits and skin texture improvement?
Elemis offers better skin texture and anti-aging benefits among the products on this page, whereas Neutrogena is better for lightweight, non-greasy, and sensitive-skin-friendly care. Retinol helps reduce signs of aging and improves skin quality.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000Archives of Dermatology, 2007
How do the fragrance options compare between Neutrogena and Elemis products?
Neutrogena offers far more fragrance-free choices, with 35 of 39 products on this page listing no fragrance compared to only 4 of 22 products for Elemis. Both brands do include scented options in certain lines, such as specific cleansers and toners for Neutrogena and various popular creams and treatments for Elemis.
Which brand performs better for dry sensitive skin according to the routine fit ratings?
Elemis performs better for dry sensitive skin, as Lovi rates its routine fit as High compared to Neutrogena's Average.
Neutrogena or Elemis for oily skin?
Both brands fit oily skin well with an equal High routine fit on this page. Neutrogena tends to offer more lightweight and non-greasy options, while Elemis provides products focused on a radiant glow and softer skin.
Neutrogena or Elemis: which moisturizer is better?
Both Neutrogena and Elemis offer moisturizers that fit dry, oily, combination, sensitive, acne-prone, and mature skin at a High level, with Neutrogena standing out for being lightweight and gentle, while Elemis is noted for its luxurious textures and anti-aging benefits.
Neutrogena or Elemis for sensitive skin?
Neutrogena is the better choice for sensitive skin because the products on this page are gentler and less likely to cause irritation.
Neutrogena or Elemis for acne-prone skin?
Both Neutrogena and Elemis achieve a High routine fit for acne-prone skin on the products on this page. Neutrogena stands out for being gentle and sensitive-skin friendly, whereas Elemis is noted for improving skin texture.
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.
-

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
-

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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