NIVEA vs Elemis
NIVEA and Elemis are established skincare brands offering distinct approaches to daily care. NIVEA, founded in Germany in 1911, is known for sunscreens, serums, and moisturizers featuring skin-softening glycerin, suiting sensitive and mature skin best. Elemis, established in Britain in 1989, provides serums, moisturizers, cleansers, and toners enriched with glycerin and shea butter, tailoring its restorative qualities primarily to dry and mature skin. While both brands support barrier function and hydration, they differ in their heritage, specific ingredient profiles, and targeted formulations.
NIVEA is a German skincare brand founded in 1911 and owned by maxingvest GmbH & Co. KGaA since 2004.
beiersdorf.comen.wikipedia.org
Elemis is a British skincare brand founded in 1989 and owned by L'Occitane Group since 2019.
elemis.comau.elemis.comen.wikipedia.org
This page compares some of the most popular NIVEA and Elemis products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular NIVEA vs Elemis products
People Say
Texture and Absorption Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “It's lightweight on the skin and leaves a bit of subtle sheen. — NIVEA Soft”
- “Makes my face feel smooth and soft. — NIVEA Soft”
- “Absorbs almost immediately, and my skin feels well hydrated all day. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
- “skin feels baby soft — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
Hydration and Moisture Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “The cream really hydrates and my face looks amazing. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Night Cream”
- “Quenches thirsty skin... immediate improvement. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
- “skin feels baby soft — Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm”
- “Smoothed out dry flaky scales on my cheeks overnight — NIVEA Creme”
Fragrance and Scent Praise Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “smells like holiday — NIVEA Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+”
- “Smell brings me back to childhood — NIVEA Creme”
- “smells like a spa — Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm”
- “smells like a holiday — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
Exfoliation and Blemish Reduction Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “cleared my complexion in 7 days — NIVEA DERMA SKIN CLEAR”
- “unclogs pores — NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub”
- “reduces blackheads — NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub”
- “non-stripping formula — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash”
Gentle Care Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “doesn't dry out skin — NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub”
- “doesn't leave skin dry or stretched — NIVEA DERMA SKIN CLEAR”
- “no stinging or redness — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
- “Feels incredibly gentle and instantly rebalances my skin's pH. — Elemis Balancing Lavender Toner”
Value and Affordability Often MentionedNot noted
- “Works better than expensive luxury creams — NIVEA Creme”
- “Best affordable vegan moisturizer. — NIVEA Soft”
- “absolute steal for the price — NIVEA DERMA SKIN CLEAR”
Product Ineffectiveness or Minor Issues Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
- “didn't see a difference — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
- “tends to flake off — Elemis Pro-Collagen Eye Revive Mask”
- “It peels horribly no matter how I apply it. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
- “not super gritty — NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub”
Value and Pricing Not notedMostly Mentioned
- “Complete waste of money for me. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
Fragrance and Scent Complaints Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Scent is too overpowering for sensitive noses — NIVEA Creme”
- “Has a heavy, baby powder smell. — NIVEA Soft”
- “smell is too strong — NIVEA Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+”
- “The smell is very strong... could not handle for long. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
NIVEA vs Elemis routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€37.90
-
Hydrating Toner
Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner
Morning
€15.16
-
Moisturizer
Pro-Collagen Night Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€82.90
-
SPF
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning
€71.60
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
€41.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Pro-Collagen Glow Boost Exfoliator
Evening · Once a week
€55.99
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
€31.93
-
Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€9.19
-
Hydrating Toner
Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner
Morning
€15.16
-
Moisturizer
Creme
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€5.28
-
SPF
Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+
Morning
€15.67
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
€15.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub
Evening · Once a week
€5.95
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
€31.93
NIVEA vs Elemis routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€24.75
-
Hydrating Toner
La Mer The Tonic
Morning · Once a week
€103.91
-
Moisturizer
Soft
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€8.27
-
SPF
Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+
Morning
€15.67
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€40.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
€19.50
-
Serum or Treatment
Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub
Evening · Once a week
€5.95
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€49.00
-
Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
€19.79
-
Cleanser
Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€37.90
-
Hydrating Toner
La Mer The Tonic
Morning · Once a week
€103.91
-
Moisturizer
Pro-Collagen Night Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€82.90
-
SPF
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning
€71.60
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
€41.90
-
Cleansing Toner
Balancing Lavender Toner
Evening
€27.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Papaya Enzyme Peel
Evening · Once a week
€34.90
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€49.00
-
Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
€19.79
NIVEA vs Elemis routines for combination skin
-
Cleanser
Dr. Althea Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€13.50
-
Hydrating Toner
La Mer The Tonic
Morning · Once a week
€103.91
-
Moisturizer
Soft
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€8.27
-
SPF
Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+
Morning
€15.67
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€40.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
€17.15
-
Serum or Treatment
Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub
Evening · Once a week
€5.95
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€49.00
-
Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
€19.79
-
Cleanser
Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€37.90
-
Hydrating Toner
La Mer The Tonic
Morning · Once a week
€103.91
-
Moisturizer
Pro-Collagen Night Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€82.90
-
SPF
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning
€71.60
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
€41.90
-
Cleansing Toner
Balancing Lavender Toner
Evening
€27.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Papaya Enzyme Peel
Evening · Once a week
€34.90
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€49.00
-
Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
€19.79
Questions and answers
NIVEA or Elemis: which is better?
Both NIVEA and Elemis perform well, with NIVEA offering better value and blemish-clearing results while Elemis provides superior hydration and a radiant glow among the products on this page.
What is the difference between NIVEA and Elemis?
NIVEA is more affordable with better blemish-clearing and exfoliation options, while Elemis offers luxurious, highly rated hydrating moisturizers. Both brands achieve equal Lovi fit levels across most skin types, though reviewers note that Elemis products come with a much higher price point.
NIVEA or Elemis for dry skin?
Both NIVEA and Elemis are great options for dry skin since Lovi rates the routine fit for both brands as High. Elemis is especially praised by reviewers for its hydrating moisturizers, while NIVEA offers better value and affordability.
NIVEA or Elemis: which moisturizer is better?
Both NIVEA and Elemis offer moisturizers with a High routine fit for dry skin, though Elemis stands out for hydration and moisture while NIVEA provides better value and affordability.
Which is more affordable, NIVEA or Elemis?
NIVEA is more affordable, as Elemis has reviewers mostly mentioning a high price point.
Between NIVEA and Elemis, which brand is better for exfoliation and blemish reduction?
NIVEA does better for exfoliation and blemish reduction among the products on this page. Lovi rates NIVEA with a High fit for acne-prone skin, supported by popular blemish-clearing serums.
Which brand has been around longer, NIVEA or Elemis?
NIVEA has been around longer, having been founded in Germany in 1911, whereas Elemis was founded in the United Kingdom in 1989.
Do both NIVEA and Elemis products contain glycerin as a key ingredient?
Yes, both NIVEA and Elemis feature glycerin as a key ingredient across the products on this page.
NIVEA or Elemis for oily skin?
NIVEA is a better fit for oily skin, as Lovi rates its routine as High while Elemis is rated as Average. The products on this page for NIVEA also include options known for blemish-clearing serums.
NIVEA or Elemis for sensitive skin?
Both NIVEA and Elemis are great options, as Lovi rates both brands as having a High routine fit for sensitive skin. Reviewers note that both brands offer gentle care, though shoppers looking for more affordable options may prefer NIVEA.
NIVEA or Elemis for acne-prone skin?
Both NIVEA and Elemis achieve a High routine fit for acne-prone skin on the products on this page. NIVEA stands out for exfoliation and blemish reduction, while Elemis offers hydrating moisturizers.
Research behind their key ingredients
Bacterial cellulose membranes as drug delivery systems: an in vivo skin compatibility study
Effects of glyceryl glucoside on AQP3 expression, barrier function and hydration of human skin
Microneedling by dermapen and glycolic acid peel for the treatment of acne scars: Comparative study
Topical beta-carotene protects against infra-red-light-induced free radicals
Exotic Vegetable Oils for Cosmetic O/W Nanoemulsions: In Vivo Evaluation
A Rose Extract Protects the Skin against Stress Mediators: A Potential Role of Olfactory Receptors
In vivo and in vitro evaluation of octyl methoxycinnamate liposomes
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
Comparative measurement of hydration effects of herbal moisturizers
Topical Almond Oil for Prevention of Pressure Injuries: A Single-Blinded Comparison Study
Skin recovery by Lavandula angustifolia leaf callus extract: Redox control of Nrf2 signaling
Formulation and evaluation of exotic fat based cosmeceuticals for skin repair
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Effects of fermented tea seed oil on the skin lipid barrier and microbiome of sensitive skin
Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens
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.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
-

Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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