# Simple vs FRE

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/simple-vs-fre

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

Simple and FRE are skincare lines that offer gentle, nourishing formulas. Simple is a British brand founded in 1960 and owned by Unilever PLC since 2011, and both feature products that suit acne-prone skin best. The first brand is beloved for its moisturizers, makeup removers, cleansers, and toners with [niacinamide](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/niacinamide) and [glycerin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/glycerin), while the second is widely loved for its targeted [argan oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/argan-oil) and other formulations. They differ because the first also suits mature skin and includes options like the Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner, the Micellar Cleansing [Water](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/water), and the Micellar Water.

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 FRE 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=pgb451e42d76).

### Popular Simple vs FRE products

#### Simple

- [Micellar Water](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/simple/micellar-water/for/mature-skin) — Average fit — [€8.67 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.it/dp/B00X3OQ6N0?tag=lovi-care-web-product09-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Micellar Cleansing Water](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/simple/micellar-cleansing-water/for/sensitive-skin) — High fit
- [Hydrating Light Moisturiser](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/simple/hydrating-light-moisturiser/for/dry-skin) — Average fit — [€9.90 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.it/dp/B000LQX6XG?tag=lovi-care-web-product09-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Refreshing Facial Wash](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/simple/refreshing-facial-wash/for/acne-prone-skin) — Average fit — [€37.56 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.it/dp/B07QFYSBZQ?tag=lovi-care-web-product09-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Replenishing Rich Moisturiser](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/simple/replenishing-rich-moisturiser/for/dry-skin) — Average fit — [€17.05 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.it/dp/B014G4ZW1M?tag=lovi-care-web-product09-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/simple/water-boost-hydrating-gel-cream/for/dry-skin) — Average fit — [€19.99 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.it/dp/B0787G22XC?tag=lovi-care-web-product09-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/simple/kind-to-skin-soothing-facial-toner/for/mature-skin) — Superior fit — [€7.99 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.it/dp/B076V2D94Y?tag=lovi-care-web-product09-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

#### FRE

- [Argan Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/fre/argan-oil/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — High fit

## Questions and answers

### Simple or FRE: which is better?

Simple is the better choice on this page because it offers a wide variety of products, including gentle makeup removers and moisturizers, whereas FRE features only a single [argan oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/argan-oil) product with lower fit levels for oily and combination skin. Simple features [niacinamide](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/niacinamide) and [glycerin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/glycerin) across the products on this page, which helps support skin hydration and barrier function.

[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 FRE?

Simple offers a broad variety of fragrance-free products on this page, achieving a Superior Lovi fit for mature skin with its toner and High fits for sensitive skin across multiple items, while FRE lists only an argan oil product with Average and High fits for dry skin types. Simple features key ingredients like niacinamide and glycerin to help improve pigmentation and hydration.

[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 FRE?

Simple features lightweight, value-friendly moisturizers on the products on this page, whereas FRE does not list similar budget-focused pricing details here.

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

Simple offers products with average fit levels for acne-prone skin, whereas the FRE product on this page has not established a fit level for acne-prone skin. Simple reviewers sometimes note that the products on this page may cause breakouts or irritations.

### Which brand offers a wider variety of product types like cleansers, moisturizers, and toners compared to the other?

Simple offers a much wider variety of product types on this page, including cleansers, makeup removers, moisturizers, and toners, whereas FRE is represented by just one product. Glycerin, found in Simple products, helps maintain skin hydration.

[Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### How do the founding years and corporate ownership of Simple and FRE compare?

Simple was founded in 1960 in the United Kingdom and has been owned by Unilever PLC since 2011, whereas FRE was founded in 2016 and is independently owned.

### What are the common key ingredients found across Simple products?

Niacinamide and glycerin are the common key ingredients found across the products on this page for Simple. Glycerin helps improve skin hydration and barrier function.

[Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/) [Antioxidants, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34439563/)

## 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
- [Design, characterization, and clinical evaluation of argan oil nanostructured lipid carriers to improve skin hydration](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25143733/) Argania spinosa kernel oil argan kernel oil · International Journal of Nanomedicine, 2014
- [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
- [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/it/brands/simple)
- Skincare: [FRE](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/brands/fre)

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

## 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-fre
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/simple-vs-fre
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/compare/simple-vs-fre
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/compare/simple-vs-fre
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/compare/simple-vs-fre
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/simple-vs-fre (this page)
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/simple-vs-fre
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/simple-vs-fre
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/simple-vs-fre
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