🇮🇪Ireland

Simple vs RoC

Rated by Lovi · Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes · How the Fit score works

Simple and RoC are established European skincare brands founded in the mid-twentieth century that offer thoughtfully crafted cleansers, moisturizers, and targeted treatments for diverse skin needs. Simple is known for gentle moisturizers, makeup removers, cleansers, and toners featuring niacinamide and glycerin that suit oily and acne-prone skin best, while RoC is known for expertly formulated serums, eye products, moisturizers, and cleansers enriched with glycerin and retinol that suit mature and dry skin best. Both brands harness glycerin to improve hydration and barrier function, yet the former relies on niacinamide to reduce hyperpigmentation and aging signs, whereas the latter utilizes retinol to diminish fine wrinkles and increase collagen. Ultimately, they differ in their primary active ingredients and ideal skin types, allowing individuals to choose between calming hydration or intensive anti-aging care.

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

en.wikipedia.orgsec.govprnewswire.comsimple.co.uk

RoC is a French skincare brand founded in 1957 and owned by Bridgepoint Group plc since 2024.

en.wikipedia.orgprnewswire.combeautymatter.com

This page compares some of the most popular Simple and RoC products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.

Popular Simple vs RoC products

People Say

SimpleRoC
  • Gentle on sensitive skin Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “Does not cause any form of irritation on the skin which I love. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
    • “The only cleanser that doesn't turn my face red. — Simple Micellar Water”
    • “no artificial perfume — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
    • “No irritation for me — RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream”
  • Hydrating and moisturizing Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “banished dryness within days — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
    • “Instantly boosts skin's hydration... face doesn't feel dry and tight. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
    • “Leaves my face feeling soft, not tight. — Simple Micellar Water”
    • “skin is no longer dry — RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Max Hydration Cream”
  • Lightweight and non-greasy texture Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “sinks in instantly — Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream”
    • “absorbs very quickly — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
    • “absorbs nicely — RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream”
    • “Absorbs easily and quickly — RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream”
  • Affordable price and good value Often MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “great value for money — Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner”
    • “super affordable — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
    • “Can't beat the price for the quality. — Simple Micellar Water”
    • “Worth the price — RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream”
  • Anti-aging and wrinkle reduction Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “wrinkles look less deep — RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream”
    • “Fine lines definitely softer — RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream”
    • “diminished my forehead lines — RoC Derm Correxion Fill + Treat Serum”
  • Effective cleansing Often MentionedRarely Noted
    • “Takes off any makeup residue and makes my face feel refreshed. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
    • “Best morning cleanser — Simple Refreshing Facial Wash”
    • “removes last traces of makeup — Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner”
    • “lathers a lot — RoC Daily Resurfacing Disks”
  • Other product complaints Often MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “I have to use 4-5 cotton pads to get clean. — Simple Micellar Water”
    • “need to apply multiple layers — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
    • “don't expect Botox results — RoC Derm Correxion Fill + Treat Serum”
    • “took 4 weeks to see change — RoC Derm Correxion Fill + Treat Serum”
  • Skin dryness or tightness Sometimes NotedRarely Noted
    • “Skin became dry/flaky — RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream”
    • “My skin is drier and more saggy than ever. — RoC Derm Correxion Contour Cream”
    • “may feel drying for some — RoC BARRIER RENEW® GEL-TO-FOAM CLEANSER”
    • “not moisturizing enough — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
  • Waterproof makeup struggles Often MentionedNot noted
    • “Did not remove my mascara very well at all. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”

Simple vs RoC routines for dry skin

See multi-brand routine · 98% fit

Simple vs RoC routines for oily skin

See multi-brand routine · 96% fit

Simple vs RoC routines for combination skin

See multi-brand routine · 95% fit

Questions and answers

Simple or RoC: which is better?

Simple is better for gentle, affordable daily care and sensitive skin, while RoC is better for anti-aging and wrinkle reduction. Both brands provide good value, but Simple helps avoid the fragrance and irritation that may sometimes occur with RoC.

The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000Archives of Dermatology, 2007

What is the difference between Simple and RoC?

Simple helps provide gentle, affordable, and fragrance-free care that is well-suited for sensitive skin, whereas RoC specializes in anti-aging and wrinkle reduction using key ingredients like retinol. Reviewers note that Simple products are lightweight and value-friendly moisturizers, while RoC offers noticeable wrinkle and fine line reduction despite potential skin irritation and burning. For routines on this page, RoC has a Superior fit for mature skin and dry skin, while Simple has a High fit across multiple skin types.

The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000Archives of Dermatology, 2007

Simple or RoC for dry skin?

For dry skin, RoC has a superior routine fit compared to Simple, which has an average fit. RoC helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles while providing hydration, although it may cause skin irritation.

The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000Archives of Dermatology, 2007

Simple or RoC: which cleanser is better?

Simple offers better and more affordable cleansers that are exceptionally gentle on sensitive skin. Meanwhile, RoC provides cleansers like the BARRIER RENEW GEL-TO-FOAM CLEANSER that feature barrier-repairing benefits.

Which is more affordable, Simple or RoC?

Simple is more affordable, as reviewers find the products on this page offer good value and budget-friendly pricing.

Simple or RoC: which brand is better for reducing wrinkles and fine lines?

RoC is better for reducing wrinkles and fine lines, as the products on this page focus heavily on anti-aging ingredients like retinol. Retinol helps stimulate collagen accumulation and improve naturally aged skin.

The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000Archives of Dermatology, 2007

Simple or RoC: which brand has a better routine fit for mature skin?

RoC has a superior routine fit for mature skin compared to Simple, which has an average fit for its products in that category. RoC helps reduce wrinkles and fine lines using ingredients like retinol.

The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000Archives of Dermatology, 2007

Do Simple products contain fragrance compared to RoC skincare?

Simple products on this page list no fragrance in their ingredients, whereas 2 of 12 RoC products contain fragrance.

Simple or RoC for oily skin?

For oily skin, Lovi finds that Simple has a High fit and RoC has a High fit. Both brands offer products that help with oily skin, but reviewers note that Simple is especially gentle, while RoC provides non-greasy serums.

Simple or RoC: which moisturizer is better?

Simple offers better moisturizers for lightweight hydration and value, while RoC excels with anti-aging moisturizers like its Retinol Correxion line that help reduce wrinkles. Retinol helps stimulate collagen accumulation in naturally aged skin.

The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000Archives of Dermatology, 2007

Simple or RoC for sensitive skin?

Simple is typically better for sensitive skin because the products on this page are rated as gentle and fragrance-free, whereas RoC reviewers often mention skin irritation and burning. Review themes also show that Simple does better on being gentle on sensitive skin.

Simple or RoC for acne-prone skin?

Both Simple and RoC achieve a High routine fit for acne-prone skin on the products on this page. Simple may be preferred by shoppers wanting gentle, fragrance-free products, while RoC focuses on anti-aging and firming ingredients.

Research behind their key ingredients

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.

  • Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Co-founder, Medical Director

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer

  • Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Co-founder, CEO and CTO

    PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex

  • Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Medical Board

    Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine

  • Aishani Shah, MD

    Aishani Shah, MD

    Medical Board

    Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD

  • Asya Zubkova, MS

    Asya Zubkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member

  • Hanna Kurets, MD

    Hanna Kurets, MD

    Medical Board, Medical Advisor

    Dermatology MD

  • Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Medical Board

    Dermatology and diagnostic consultant

  • Victoria Derkova, MS

    Victoria Derkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist

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