# Grown Alchemist vs Dr. Barbara Sturm

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/compare/grown-alchemist-vs-dr-barbara-sturm

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

Grown Alchemist and Dr. Barbara Sturm are distinct skincare lines, with the former loved for its cleansers and [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/ingredients/serum), and the latter, a German brand founded in 2014 and owned by Puig since 2024, deeply loved for its gentle moisturizers, clarifying exfoliants, and nourishing serums built on scientifically advanced formulas. Grown Alchemist suits sensitive, dry, and combination skin best, featuring standout products like the Hydra-Restore Cream Cleanser for acne-prone skin, the Instant Smoothing Serum for skin with dark spots, and the Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser for mature skin, while the second brand suits sensitive, dry, and balanced skin best because its products focus on deep hydration and barrier support, with standout products like The Good C [Vitamin C](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/ingredients/vitamin-c) Serum for acne-prone skin, the Enzyme Cleanser for skin with dark spots, and the Hyaluronic Serum for mature skin. These carefully balanced components work harmoniously to keep the complexion calm, smooth, and radiant, allowing both to offer refined daily care.

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 Grown Alchemist and Dr. Barbara Sturm 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=pgaca80709b6).

### Popular Grown Alchemist vs Dr. Barbara Sturm products

#### Dr. Barbara Sturm

- [Hyaluronic Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/dr-barbara-sturm/hyaluronic-serum/for/oily-skin) — High fit — [€330.32 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ie/dp/B08BJ73C5Q?tag=lovi-care-web-product02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Enzyme Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/dr-barbara-sturm/enzyme-cleanser/for/dark-spots) — Superior fit — [€66.90 at Notino](https://www.notino.ie/dr-barbara-sturm/enzyme-cleanser-darker-skin-tones-cleansing-makeup-removing-foam/p-16241237/)
- [The Good C Vitamin C Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/dr-barbara-sturm/the-good-c-vitamin-c-serum/for/mature-skin) — High fit — [€169.00 at Notino](https://www.notino.ie/dr-barbara-sturm/the-good-c-facial-serum-with-vitamine-c/p-16127418/)

#### Grown Alchemist

- [Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/grown-alchemist/gentle-gel-facial-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Average fit
- [Hydra-Restore Cream Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/grown-alchemist/hydra-restore-cream-cleanser/for/sensitive-skin) — High fit — [€44.35 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ie/dp/B00G3J8ISI?tag=lovi-care-web-product02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Instant Smoothing Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/grown-alchemist/instant-smoothing-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Average fit

## People Say

Grown Alchemist

Dr. Barbara Sturm

- Hydration and non-stripping formulas Mostly Mentioned Mostly Mentioned “Doesn't dry out my skin — Grown Alchemist Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser” “Skin version of chugging water — Grown Alchemist Instant Smoothing Serum” “doesn't strip at all — Grown Alchemist Hydra-Restore Cream Cleanser” “skin drank it up — Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum”
- Texture and finish Mostly Mentioned Mostly Mentioned “skin texture is immediately more even — Dr. Barbara Sturm Enzyme Cleanser” “sinks in immediately — Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum” “sinks in quickly — Dr. Barbara Sturm The Good C Vitamin C Serum” “silkiest cleanser — Grown Alchemist Hydra-Restore Cream Cleanser”
- Gentle and soothing on skin Mostly Mentioned Mostly Mentioned “Perfect for sensitive skin — Grown Alchemist Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser” “calms my skin down — Grown Alchemist Hydra-Restore Cream Cleanser” “doesn't irritate my sensitive skin — Dr. Barbara Sturm The Good C Vitamin C Serum” “reduced redness — Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum”
- Glow and complexion brightening Not noted Mostly Mentioned “skin looks brighter — Dr. Barbara Sturm The Good C Vitamin C Serum” “healthy glow — Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum” “great for combination skin — Dr. Barbara Sturm Enzyme Cleanser”
- Cleansing effectiveness Often Mentioned Often Mentioned “Gets everything nice and clean — Grown Alchemist Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser” “deep yet gentle cleanse — Dr. Barbara Sturm Enzyme Cleanser”
- Scent and fragrance Mostly Mentioned Not noted “Smells amazing — Grown Alchemist Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser” “smell is divine — Grown Alchemist Hydra-Restore Cream Cleanser”
- High price and value concerns Often Mentioned Mostly Mentioned “expensive for what it is — Grown Alchemist Hydra-Restore Cream Cleanser” “A bit pricey — Grown Alchemist Instant Smoothing Serum” “way too expensive — Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum”
- Packaging and bottle size issues Often Mentioned Not noted “tube cracks easily — Grown Alchemist Hydra-Restore Cream Cleanser”
- Subtle or minimal visible results Rarely Noted Often Mentioned “Nothing to brag about — Grown Alchemist Instant Smoothing Serum” “did nothing — Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum”

## Questions and answers

### Grown Alchemist or Dr. Barbara Sturm: which is better?

Dr. Barbara Sturm is better for texture and brightening, while Grown Alchemist does better with hydration and non-stripping formulas. Reviewers note that Grown Alchemist often has cleansing performance and packaging issues, whereas Dr. Barbara Sturm tends to have packaging and bottle size issues.

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

Grown Alchemist is better for hydration and gentle, non-stripping formulas, whereas Dr. Barbara Sturm stands out for texture, finish, and complexion brightening. Both brands offer products with no added fragrance. Reviewers note that Grown Alchemist can face performance and packaging issues, while Dr. Barbara Sturm often receives complaints about high prices and bottle sizes.

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

Grown Alchemist tends to have high price and value concerns among reviewers on this page.

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

Neither brand has a proven edge in causing fewer breakouts, but the products on this page for both Grown Alchemist and Dr. Barbara Sturm generally achieve high or average Lovi fit levels for acne-prone skin.

### Which brand has more issues with cleanser performance and packaging, Grown Alchemist or Dr. Barbara Sturm?

Grown Alchemist has more issues with cleanser performance and packaging, as reviewers often mention cleanser performance and packaging problems for its products. Dr. Barbara Sturm has packaging and bottle size issues instead.

### Which brand's products list no fragrance in their ingredients, Grown Alchemist or Dr. Barbara Sturm?

Both Grown Alchemist and Dr. Barbara Sturm list no fragrance in the ingredients of every product on this page.

### When were Grown Alchemist and Dr. Barbara Sturm founded and who owns them now?

Grown Alchemist was founded in 2008 and is owned by independent since 2024, while Dr. Barbara Sturm was founded in 2014 in Germany and is owned by Puig since 2024.

## 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
- [Final report on the safety assessment of Benzyl Alcohol, Benzoic Acid, and Sodium Benzoate](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11766131/) Benzyl alcohol · International Journal of Toxicology, 2001
- [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
- [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
- [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
- [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
- [Efficacy of olive leaf extract-containing cream for facial rejuvenation: A pilot study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32333467/) Olive leaf extract · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020
- [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
- [A Rose Extract Protects the Skin against Stress Mediators: A Potential Role of Olfactory Receptors](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33081083/) Rose bud · Molecules, 2020
- [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
- [Is benzyl alcohol a significant contact sensitizer?](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35080274/) Benzyl alcohol · Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2022
- [Effect of a botanical cleansing lotion on skin sebum and erythema of the face: A randomized controlled blinded half-side comparison](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30022595/) Willow bark extract · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019
- [Anti-Inflammatory Effect of a Novel Topical Herbal Composition (VEL-091604) Consisting of Gentian Root, Licorice Root and Willow Bark Extract](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30690691/) Willow bark extract · Planta Medica, 2019
- [Noninvasive evaluation of the influence of aucubin-containing cosmetic macroemulsion on selected skin parameters](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32750209/) Plantago extract · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021
- [Borage Oil Treated with Immobilized Lipase Inhibits Melanogenesis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33128473/) Lipase · Lipids, 2020
- [Rosa gallica and its active compound, cyanidin-3,5-O-diglucoside, improve skin hydration via the GLK signaling pathway](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36573713/) Rose bud · BioFactors, 2023
- [Clinical efficacy of herbal extract cream on the skin hydration, elasticity, thickness, and dermis density for aged skin: A randomized controlled double-blind study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30636339/) Botanical extracts · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019
- [Influence of the emulsifier on nanostructure and clinical application of liquid crystalline emulsions](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36918671/) Camellia seed oil · Scientific Reports, 2023
- [Development and efficacy assessments of tea seed oil makeup remover](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27988044/) Camellia seed oil · Annales Pharmaceutiques Francaises, 2017
- [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
- [Effects of fermented tea seed oil on the skin lipid barrier and microbiome of sensitive skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41319188/) Camellia seed oil · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2026
- [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
- [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

- Skincare: [Grown Alchemist](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/brands/grown-alchemist)
- German skincare: [Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/brands/dr-barbara-sturm)

## More comparisons

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

## 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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- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/compare/grown-alchemist-vs-dr-barbara-sturm (this page)
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