# DHC vs Dr. Barbara Sturm Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/dhc-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 Italy. DHC and Dr. Barbara Sturm are distinct skincare lines, with the Japanese brand celebrated for reliable daily care, makeup removers, and nourishing formulas best suited for dry, normal, combination, and oily skin, while the German brand is known for scientifically advanced moisturizers, clarifying exfoliants, and nourishing [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/serum) tailored for sensitive, dry, and balanced skin. The former relies on standout items like the Pore Cleansing Oil for acne-prone skin and the Deep Cleansing Oil for dark spots, whereas the latter utilizes the The Good C [Vitamin C](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/vitamin-c) Serum for acne-prone skin, the Enzyme Cleanser for dark spots, and the Hyaluronic Serum for mature skin to provide deep hydration and barrier support. Ultimately, both offer carefully balanced components that keep the complexion calm, smooth, and radiant, though they differ in their foundational approaches. DHC is a Japanese skincare brand founded in 1980 and owned by ORIX Corporation since 2023. [dhc-corporate.co.jp](https://dhc-corporate.co.jp/en/company/message/) [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DHC_Corporation) 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 DHC 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=pg7dad6e606b). ### Popular DHC vs Dr. Barbara Sturm products #### Dr. Barbara Sturm - [Hyaluronic Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/dr-barbara-sturm/hyaluronic-serum/for/oily-skin) — High fit — [€243.80 at Lookfantastic](https://www.lookfantastic.it/p/dr.-barbara-sturm-darker-skin-tones-hyaluronic-serum-30ml/13310109/) - [Enzyme Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/dr-barbara-sturm/enzyme-cleanser/for/dark-spots) — Superior fit - [The Good C Vitamin C Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/dr-barbara-sturm/the-good-c-vitamin-c-serum/for/mature-skin) — High fit — [€115.00 at Lookfantastic](https://www.lookfantastic.it/p/dr.-barbara-sturm-the-good-c-vitamin-c-serum-30ml/13310139/) #### DHC - [Deep Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/dhc/deep-cleansing-oil/for/dry-skin) — High fit — [€32.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.it/dp/B001UE60E0?tag=lovi-care-web-product09-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) - [Pore Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/dhc/pore-cleansing-oil/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — [€32.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.it/dp/B001UE60E0?tag=lovi-care-web-product09-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) ## Questions and answers ### DHC or Dr. Barbara Sturm: which is better? Both DHC and Dr. Barbara Sturm offer fragrance-free products on this page, but DHC achieves a Superior Lovi fit for sensitive skin with its Pore Cleansing Oil, while Dr. Barbara Sturm reaches a Superior Lovi fit for skin with dark spots using its Enzyme Cleanser. ### What is the difference between DHC and Dr. Barbara Sturm? DHC was founded in Japan in 1980 and offers fragrance-free cleansers like Deep Cleansing Oil and Pore Cleansing Oil, while Dr. Barbara Sturm was founded in Germany in 2014 and features fragrance-free products such as Hyaluronic [Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/serum), Enzyme Cleanser, and The Good C [Vitamin C](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/vitamin-c) Serum. Lovi shows that DHC Pore Cleansing Oil achieves a Superior fit for sensitive skin, whereas Dr. Barbara Sturm Enzyme Cleanser achieves a Superior fit for skin with dark spots. [Dermatologic Therapy, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36200921/) [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31975502/) ### Which is more affordable, DHC or Dr. Barbara Sturm? The provided page and study facts do not contain pricing information, so it is not possible to determine whether DHC or Dr. Barbara Sturm is more affordable. ### Which causes fewer breakouts, DHC or Dr. Barbara Sturm? DHC's Pore Cleansing Oil has a High Lovi fit for acne-prone skin, while Dr. Barbara Sturm's Hyaluronic Serum only has an Average fit. Both brands' products on this page list no fragrance. ### Which brand is older, DHC or Dr. Barbara Sturm, and where were they founded? DHC is the older brand, having been founded in Japan in 1980, whereas Dr. Barbara Sturm was founded in Germany in 2014. ### Do any products from DHC or Dr. Barbara Sturm contain fragrance? Every product on this page from both DHC and Dr. Barbara Sturm lists no fragrance in its ingredients. ### Which products are offered by DHC and Dr. Barbara Sturm on this page? DHC offers the Deep Cleansing Oil and Pore Cleansing Oil on this page. Dr. Barbara Sturm offers the Hyaluronic Serum, Enzyme Cleanser, and The Good C Vitamin C Serum. ## Research behind their key ingredients - [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 - [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 - [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 - [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 - [Formulation strategies to modulate the topical delivery of anti-inflammatory compounds](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24139433/) Stearyl glycyrrhetinate · Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2013 - [Clinical Development and Evaluation of a Multi-Component Dissolving Microneedle Patch for Skin Pigmentation Disorders](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37571190/) 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid · Polymers, 2023 - [Borage Oil Treated with Immobilized Lipase Inhibits Melanogenesis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33128473/) Lipase · Lipids, 2020 - [Effect of an Emollient Emulsion Containing 15.0% of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride on the Urocanic Acid of the Stratum Corneum](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37109405/) Caprylic capric triglyceride · Life, 2023 - [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 - [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 - [Efficacy of a Topical Formulation on Skin Hydration and Barrier Function in Individuals With Xerosis: A 28-Day Randomized, Split-Leg, Untreated-Controlled Trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42108609/) Dipotassium glycyrrhizate · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2026 - [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 - Japanese skincare: [DHC](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/brands/dhc) - German skincare: [Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/brands/dr-barbara-sturm) ## More comparisons - [SKIN1004 vs DHC](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/skin1004-vs-dhc) - [SKIN1004 vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/skin1004-vs-dr-barbara-sturm) - [Anua vs DHC](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/anua-vs-dhc) - [Anua vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/anua-vs-dr-barbara-sturm) - [Medicube vs DHC](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/medicube-vs-dhc) - [Medicube vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/medicube-vs-dr-barbara-sturm) - [The Ordinary vs DHC](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/the-ordinary-vs-dhc) - [The Ordinary vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/the-ordinary-vs-dr-barbara-sturm) - [Beauty of Joseon vs DHC](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/beauty-of-joseon-vs-dhc) - [Beauty of Joseon vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/beauty-of-joseon-vs-dr-barbara-sturm) - [COSRX vs DHC](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/cosrx-vs-dhc) - [COSRX vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/cosrx-vs-dr-barbara-sturm) - [CeraVe vs DHC](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/cerave-vs-dhc) - [CeraVe vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/cerave-vs-dr-barbara-sturm) - [La Roche-Posay vs DHC](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-dhc) - [La Roche-Posay vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-dr-barbara-sturm) - [Dr. Althea vs DHC](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/dr-althea-vs-dhc) - [Dr. Althea vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/dr-althea-vs-dr-barbara-sturm) - [Some By Mi vs DHC](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/some-by-mi-vs-dhc) - [Some By Mi vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/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 ## This page in other countries - United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/dhc-vs-dr-barbara-sturm - United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/dhc-vs-dr-barbara-sturm - Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/compare/dhc-vs-dr-barbara-sturm - Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/compare/dhc-vs-dr-barbara-sturm - France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/compare/dhc-vs-dr-barbara-sturm - Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/dhc-vs-dr-barbara-sturm (this page) - Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/dhc-vs-dr-barbara-sturm - Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/dhc-vs-dr-barbara-sturm - Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/dhc-vs-dr-barbara-sturm - Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/dhc-vs-dr-barbara-sturm - Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/compare/dhc-vs-dr-barbara-sturm - Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/dhc-vs-dr-barbara-sturm - United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/compare/dhc-vs-dr-barbara-sturm