# Simple vs FRE

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/compare/simple-vs-fre

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

Simple and FRE are two distinctive skincare options catering thoughtfully to discerning routines. The British brand Simple, owned by Unilever PLC since 2011, offers gentle moisturizers, makeup removers, cleansers, and toners crafted with [niacinamide](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/ingredients/niacinamide) and [glycerin](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/ingredients/glycerin) to reduce hyperpigmentation, improve aging signs, boost hydration, and support the skin barrier, with standouts like the Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner, Micellar Cleansing [Water](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/ingredients/water), and Micellar Water suiting acne-prone skin, dark spots, and mature skin best. Meanwhile, FRE is widely loved for targeted product types and nourishing formulas, such as its [Argan Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/ingredients/argan-oil), which works to gently balance and support the complexion. While both brands suit acne-prone skin best through their gentle compositions, they differ in their specific heritage, ingredient profiles, and broader targeted concerns.

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

[en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simple_Skincare) [sec.gov](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1368457/000119312511134453/dex991.htm) [prnewswire.com](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alberto-culver-announces-that-unilever-has-received-approval-from-the-us-department-of-justice-to-complete-the-acquisition-of-the-company-121400884.html) [simple.co.uk](https://www.simple.co.uk/philosophy.html)

This page compares some of the most popular Simple and FRE 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=pg3104b96604).

### Popular Simple vs FRE products

#### Simple

- [Micellar Water](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/simple/micellar-water/for/mature-skin) — Average fit — [€9.92 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B00X3OQ6N0?tag=lovi-care-web-product06-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Micellar Cleansing Water](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/simple/micellar-cleansing-water/for/sensitive-skin) — High fit — [€9.92 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B00X3OQ6N0?tag=lovi-care-web-product06-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Hydrating Light Moisturiser](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/simple/hydrating-light-moisturiser/for/dry-skin) — Average fit — [€12.48 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B000LQX6XG?tag=lovi-care-web-product06-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Refreshing Facial Wash](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/simple/refreshing-facial-wash/for/acne-prone-skin) — Average fit — [€14.25 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B000LQUA6M?tag=lovi-care-web-product06-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Replenishing Rich Moisturiser](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/simple/replenishing-rich-moisturiser/for/dry-skin) — Average fit — [€16.97 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B000LNHB6M?tag=lovi-care-web-product06-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/simple/water-boost-hydrating-gel-cream/for/dry-skin) — Average fit — [€11.99 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B07CZR7ST1?tag=lovi-care-web-product06-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/simple/kind-to-skin-soothing-facial-toner/for/mature-skin) — Superior fit — [€12.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B076V2D94Y?tag=lovi-care-web-product06-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

#### FRE

- [Argan Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/fre/argan-oil/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — High fit

## Questions and answers

### Simple or FRE: which is better?

Simple is the better choice on this page because its products achieve High Lovi fit levels for several skin types and feature key ingredients like [niacinamide](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/ingredients/niacinamide) and [glycerin](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/ingredients/glycerin). Glycerin helps maintain skin hydration, and niacinamide helps reduce cutaneous pigmentation.

[The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/)

### What is the difference between Simple and FRE?

Simple features a wide range of products including micellar [waters](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/ingredients/water), cleansers, and moisturizers featuring niacinamide and glycerin, with Lovi fit levels reaching High for sensitive skin. FRE offers a single [argan oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/ingredients/argan-oil) product with Lovi fit levels of High for dry sensitive skin.

[The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/) [International Journal of Nanomedicine, 2014](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25143733/)

### Which is more affordable, Simple or FRE?

Simple offers more affordable options than FRE, as reviewers on the page note its value-friendly moisturizers and budget-conscious range of products.

### Which causes fewer breakouts, Simple or FRE?

Simple offers products on this page with a High Lovi fit for acne-prone skin, whereas FRE only features Argan Oil, which has an Average fit for this skin type. Niacinamide in Simple helps brighten skin and control pigmentation.

[The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/) [Antioxidants, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34439563/)

### How do the founding years and company ownership of Simple and FRE compare?

Simple was founded in the United Kingdom in 1960 and has been owned by Unilever PLC since 2011. In contrast, FRE was founded in 2016 as an independent brand.

### Which brand offers a wider variety of skincare products such as cleansers, toners, and moisturizers on this page?

Simple offers a much wider variety of skincare products on this page, including micellar waters, cleansers, toners, and lightweight moisturizers. In contrast, FRE features only a single argan oil product.

### How do the fit levels for dry and sensitive skin differ between Simple and FRE products?

Simple products on this page show a High fit for sensitive skin and an Average fit for dry skin, whereas FRE's Argan Oil shows a High fit for dry sensitive skin and an Average fit for dry and sensitive skin individually.

[International Journal of Nanomedicine, 2014](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25143733/)

## Research behind their key ingredients

- [The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/) Niacinamide · The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002
- [Mechanistic Basis and Clinical Evidence for the Applications of Nicotinamide (Niacinamide) to Control Skin Aging and Pigmentation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34439563/) Niacinamide · Antioxidants, 2021
- [Topical use of dexpanthenol in skin disorders](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12113650/) Panthenol, Panthenol vitamin b5 · American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002
- [Apigenin inhibits UVA-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and prevents signs of skin aging in vivo](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27279007/) Chamomilla recutita flower extract matricaria flower extract · International Journal of Molecular Medicine, 2016
- [Design, characterization, and clinical evaluation of argan oil nanostructured lipid carriers to improve skin hydration](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25143733/) Argania spinosa kernel oil argan kernel oil · International Journal of Nanomedicine, 2014
- [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
- [Randomized controlled study for the anti-aging effect of human adipocyte-derived mesenchymal stem cell media combined with niacinamide after laser therapy](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33103316/) Niacinamide · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021
- [A new topical panthenol-containing emollient: Results from two randomized controlled studies assessing its skin moisturization and barrier restoration potential, and the effect on skin microflora](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27425824/) Panthenol, Panthenol vitamin b5 · The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017
- [Senomorphic activity of a combination of niacinamide and hyaluronic acid: correlation with clinical improvement of skin aging](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39009698/) Niacinamide · Scientific Reports, 2024
- [Stable Ozonides with Vitamin E Acetate versus Corticosteroid in the Treatment of Lichen Sclerosus in Foreskin: Evaluation of Effects on Inflammation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30991399/) Tocopheryl acetate vitamin e, Tocopheryl acetate · Urologia Internationalis, 2019
- [Efficacy of a topical gel containing chitosan, chlorhexidine, allantoin and dexpanthenol for pain and inflammation control after third molar surgery: A randomized and placebo-controlled clinical trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32683390/) Panthenol, Panthenol vitamin b5, Allantoin · Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal, 2020
- [High molecular compounds (polysaccharides and proanthocyanidins) from Hamamelis virginiana bark: influence on human skin keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation and influence on irritated skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11684194/) Witch hazel leaf water · Phytochemistry, 2001
- [Comparison of clinical efficacies of sodium ascorbyl phosphate, retinol and their combination in acne treatment](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19134126/) Sodium ascorbyl phosphate · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2009
- [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
- [Whitening effect of alpha-bisabolol in Asian women subjects](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20642768/) Bisabolol · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2010
- [Assessment of Combined Ascorbyl Palmitate (AP) and Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP) on Facial Skin Sebum Control in Female Healthy Volunteers](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27756097/) Sodium ascorbyl phosphate · Drug Research, 2017
- [Understanding Solar Skin Elastosis-Cause and Treatment](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30052192/) Witch hazel leaf water · Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2018
- [Borage Oil Treated with Immobilized Lipase Inhibits Melanogenesis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33128473/) Borago officinalis seed oil · Lipids, 2020
- [Influence of vitamin E acetate on stratum corneum hydration](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9706379/) Tocopheryl acetate vitamin e, Tocopheryl acetate · Arzneimittel-Forschung, 1998
- [Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of a Panthenol-Enriched Mask for Skin Barrier Recovery After Facial Laser Treatment: Results of a Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40613435/) Panthenol, Panthenol vitamin b5 · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025
- [Modulation of skin pigmentation by the tetrapeptide PKEK: in vitro and in vivo evidence for skin whitening effects](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22142309/) Sodium ascorbyl phosphate · Experimental Dermatology, 2012
- [Nanostructured Lipid Carrier Based Gel Containing α-Tocopherol and α-Tocopheryl Acetate for Synergistic Cutaneous Antiaging Efficacy](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41309687/) Tocopheryl acetate · Scientific Reports, 2025
- [Safety assessment on comedogenicity of dermatological products containing d-alpha tocopheryl acetate in Asian subjects: A double-blind randomized controlled trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34471722/) Tocopheryl acetate vitamin e, Tocopheryl acetate · Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 2021
- [Impact of dermal emulsions containing diacyl phospholipids, mono acyl phospholipids, sodium lauryl ether sulfate and polysorbate 80 in combination with UVA irradiation on human skin physiology in vivo: A pilot study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42617898/) Sodium laureth sulfate · International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2026
- [A novel facial moisturizer containing Saccharide isomerate accelerates skin barrier restoration following intense pulsed light treatment: a randomized split-face study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41211697/) Saccharide isomerate · The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2025
- [Efficacy and safety of combination cream of stimu-tex AS™ (spent grain wax, Argania Spinosa Kernel oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (shea butter) extract), and saccharide isomerate after fractional CO2 laser procedure: split-face, double blinded, randomized controlled trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41134387/) Saccharide isomerate · Lasers in Medical Science, 2025
- [Saccharide isomerate ameliorates cosmetic scalp conditions in a Chinese study population](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35279940/) Saccharide isomerate · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023

## The brands

- British skincare: [Simple](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/brands/simple)
- Skincare: [FRE](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/brands/fre)

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- [La Roche-Posay vs Simple](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-simple)
- [La Roche-Posay vs FRE](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-fre)
- [Dr. Althea vs Simple](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/compare/dr-althea-vs-simple)
- [Dr. Althea vs FRE](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/compare/dr-althea-vs-fre)
- [Some By Mi vs Simple](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/compare/some-by-mi-vs-simple)
- [Some By Mi vs FRE](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/compare/some-by-mi-vs-fre)

## 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

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/simple-vs-fre
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/simple-vs-fre
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/compare/simple-vs-fre
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/compare/simple-vs-fre
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/compare/simple-vs-fre (this page)
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/simple-vs-fre
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/simple-vs-fre
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/simple-vs-fre
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/simple-vs-fre
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/simple-vs-fre
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/compare/simple-vs-fre
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/simple-vs-fre
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/compare/simple-vs-fre