# Simple vs Bayer

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/compare/simple-vs-bayer

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

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)

Bayer is a German skincare brand founded in 1863 and owned by Bayer AG.

[en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bayer) [de.wikipedia.org](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bayer_AG) [forbes.com](https://www.forbes.com/companies/bayer/) [prnewswire.com](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wellspring-consumer-healthcare-acquires-iconic-otc-skin-care-brands-from-bayer-301789173.html)

This page compares some of the most popular Simple and Bayer 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=pg232b18e99a).

### Popular Simple vs Bayer products

#### Bayer

- [Skinoren Cream 20%](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/bayer/skinoren-cream-20/for/oily-skin) — High fit

#### Simple

- [Micellar Water](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/simple/micellar-water/for/mature-skin) — Average fit — [€12.99 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ie/dp/B0793Z5XZB?tag=lovi-care-web-product02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Micellar Cleansing Water](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/simple/micellar-cleansing-water/for/sensitive-skin) — High fit — [€11.99 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ie/dp/B00X3OQ6N0?tag=lovi-care-web-product02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Hydrating Light Moisturiser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/simple/hydrating-light-moisturiser/for/dry-skin) — Average fit — [€7.75 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ie/dp/B000LQX6XG?tag=lovi-care-web-product02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Refreshing Facial Wash](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/simple/refreshing-facial-wash/for/acne-prone-skin) — Average fit — [€7.24 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ie/dp/B00CHHK2B6?tag=lovi-care-web-product02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Replenishing Rich Moisturiser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/simple/replenishing-rich-moisturiser/for/dry-skin) — Average fit — [€6.04 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ie/dp/B014G4ZW1M?tag=lovi-care-web-product02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/simple/water-boost-hydrating-gel-cream/for/dry-skin) — Average fit — [€15.68 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ie/dp/B07CZR7ST1?tag=lovi-care-web-product02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/simple/kind-to-skin-soothing-facial-toner/for/mature-skin) — Superior fit — [€8.88 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ie/dp/B014G4Z42O?tag=lovi-care-web-product02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

## Questions and answers

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

Simple offers a wide range of affordable skincare products, whereas Bayer features just one specialized cream on this page. Reviewers frequently mention that Simple provides value-friendly moisturizers.

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

Simple features lightweight moisturizers and gentle makeup removers that reviewers frequently mention, although the products on this page may sometimes cause breakouts or irritations.

### What are the key ingredients used across Simple products?

Simple features key ingredients such as [niacinamide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/ingredients/niacinamide) and [glycerin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/ingredients/glycerin) across the products on this page. Niacinamide helps reduce cutaneous pigmentation, while glycerin provides skin hydration.

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

### How does the fit level of Simple's Refreshing Facial Wash compare for dry skin versus oily skin?

Simple's Refreshing Facial Wash has a Low Lovi fit level for dry skin, while it has an Average Lovi fit level for oily skin.

### Which brand has been established longer, Simple or Bayer?

Bayer has been established longer, having been founded in Germany in 1863, whereas Simple was founded in the United Kingdom in 1960.

## 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
- [Efficacy and Safety of Azelaic Acid Nanocrystal-Loaded In Situ Hydrogel in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33923739/) Azelaic acid · Pharmaceutics, 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
- [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
- [Effects of 15% Azelaic Acid Gel in the Management of Post-Inflammatory Erythema and Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation in Acne Vulgaris](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38734843/) Azelaic acid · Dermatology and Therapy, 2024
- [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
- [The usefulness of a dermocosmetic containing Myrtus communis extract and azelaic acid for maintenance phase of adult female acne: Results from a randomized exploratory investigator-blinded comparative study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36729399/) Azelaic acid · Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2023
- [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/ie/brands/simple)
- German skincare: [Bayer](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/brands/bayer)

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

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