# Simple vs Menarini

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

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

Simple and Menarini are distinct skincare lines offering reliable care for diverse complexions. The British brand founded in 1960 features gentle moisturizers, makeup removers, cleansers, and toners with [niacinamide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/ingredients/niacinamide) and [glycerin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/ingredients/glycerin) that suit oily skin and acne-prone skin best. Meanwhile, the second option is beloved for advanced [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/ingredients/serum) with thoughtful formulas that suit sensitive, dry, and combination skin best. Ultimately, they differ through their core compositions, as the former utilizes barrier-supporting ingredients while the latter provides targeted solutions like the A-Ret Gel.

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 Menarini 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=pg975693b55c).

### Popular Simple vs Menarini products

#### Menarini

- [A-Ret Gel](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/menarini/a-ret-gel/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

### Simple or Menarini: which is better?

Simple features a broader range of products on this page that generally achieve High to Average Lovi fit levels for most skin types, whereas Menarini's single product offers High fit only for oily and oily acne-prone skin while carrying a Caution rating for dry skin. [Niacinamide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/ingredients/niacinamide) in Simple products helps reduce cutaneous pigmentation and control skin aging.

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

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

Simple offers a broad range of fragrance-free daily skincare products like cleansers, moisturizers, and makeup removers that fit sensitive and oily skin well, while Menarini features just one specialized gel on this page, A-Ret Gel, which has a High fit for oily skin. Niacinamide in Simple products helps reduce cutaneous pigmentation.

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

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

Simple offers budget-friendly moisturizers that shoppers frequently mention as affordable value options, whereas the single Menarini product on this page is not noted for pricing or value.

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

Simple may cause fewer breakouts than Menarini for most shoppers, as reviews note that Menarini's A-Ret Gel is designed for acne-prone skin while Simple products on this page are sometimes reported to cause breakouts or irritations.

### Which brand has been around longer, Simple or Menarini?

Menarini has been around longer, having been founded in 1886 compared to Simple, which was founded in 1960.

### Do any products from either Simple or Menarini contain fragrance?

Every product on this page from both Simple and Menarini lists no fragrance in its ingredients.

### How does the Lovi fit level for oily skin compare between Simple's Micellar Cleansing Water and Menarini's A-Ret Gel?

Simple's Micellar Cleansing [Water](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/ingredients/water) has a High Lovi fit level for oily skin, matching the High fit level of Menarini's A-Ret Gel.

## 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
- [Restoration of collagen formation in photodamaged human skin by tretinoin (retinoic acid)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8336752/) Tretinoin · The New England Journal of Medicine, 1993
- [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
- [Clinical Assessment of New Topical Cream Containing Two Essential Oils Combined with Tretinoin in the Treatment of Acne](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32210603/) Tretinoin · Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2020
- [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
- [Efficacy assessments of tretinoin-loaded nano lipid carriers in acne vulgaris: a double blind, split-face randomized clinical study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34146120/) Tretinoin · Archives of Dermatological Research, 2022
- [Topical tretinoin for treating photoaging: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35620028/) Tretinoin · International Journal of Women's Dermatology, 2022
- [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/ie/brands/simple)
- Skincare: [Menarini](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/brands/menarini)

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## 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-menarini
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/simple-vs-menarini
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/compare/simple-vs-menarini (this page)
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/compare/simple-vs-menarini
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