# Simple vs VR

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

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

Simple and VR are skincare brands designed to meet evolving daily needs. Simple is a British skincare brand founded in 1960 and owned by Unilever PLC since 2011, beloved for its gentle moisturizers, makeup removers, cleansers, and toners that thoughtfully incorporate [niacinamide](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/niacinamide) and [glycerin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/glycerin), while the latter is deeply appreciated for the sensory pleasure of its moisturizers and the considered design of its formulas. The former suits acne-prone skin and mature skin best, whereas both the Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner and the [PDRN](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/pdrn) CREAM target acne-prone skin, the Micellar Cleansing [Water](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/water) addresses skin with dark spots, and the Micellar Water caters to mature skin, with the latter brand also suiting combination, sensitive, and dry skin best. They differ because niacinamide reduces hyperpigmentation and improves aging signs and glycerin improves skin hydration and barrier function, while the second brand continually refines its offerings to meet evolving daily needs.

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 VR 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=pg59701d3228).

### Popular Simple vs VR products

#### VR

- [PDRN CREAM](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/vr/pdrn-cream/for/sensitive-skin) — High fit

#### 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)

## Questions and answers

### Simple or VR: which is better?

Simple is the better choice on this page because it offers a wide variety of well-reviewed makeup removers and moisturizers, whereas VR only features a single [PDRN](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/pdrn) cream. Furthermore, the products on this page for Simple include key ingredients like [niacinamide](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/niacinamide) and [glycerin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/glycerin), which help support skin health and hydration.

[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 VR?

Simple offers a broad range of everyday cleansers, makeup removers, and moisturizers featuring glycerin and niacinamide that fit various skin types well, whereas VR is a smaller independent brand represented on this page by just a single PDRN cream with a high fit for sensitive skin.

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

### Simple or VR: which moisturizer is better?

Simple offers more moisturizer options on the products on this page, featuring lightweight and value-friendly formulas that reviewers often mention, whereas VR provides just one moisturizer, PDRN Cream. Lovi rates both brands with an Average fit for dry skin, though Simple's options contain glycerin to help maintain skin hydration.

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

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

Simple offers lightweight, value-friendly moisturizers on this page, whereas pricing details for VR are not available here.

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

Simple features products on this page with a Lovi fit level of Average for acne-prone skin, while reviews note that some of its items may cause breakouts or irritations. VR does not have enough reported breakout data on this page to compare.

### Between Simple and VR, which brand offers more fragrance-free skincare options?

Both Simple and VR offer products on this page that list no fragrance in their ingredients, but Simple provides a much wider selection across various categories like cleansers, moisturizers, and makeup removers.

### How do the Lovi fit levels for dry skin compare between Simple's moisturizers and VR's PDRN Cream?

Simple's moisturizers and VR's PDRN Cream both hold an Average Lovi fit level for dry skin. Glycerin helps provide hydration across Simple's products on this page.

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

### Which brand has been established longer, Simple or VR?

Simple has been established longer, having been founded in the United Kingdom in 1960, whereas VR was founded more recently in 2018.

## 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
- [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/) Hyaluronic acid · Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
- [Topical use of dexpanthenol in skin disorders](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12113650/) Panthenol · 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
- [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 · 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
- [A Lipid Mixture Enriched by Ceramide NP with Fatty Acids of Diverse Chain Lengths Contributes to Restore the Skin Barrier Function Impaired by Topical Corticosteroid](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34348350/) 5-ceramide complex · Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2022
- [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
- [Effects of Moringa oleifera Seed Oil on Cultured Human Sebocytes In Vitro and Comparison with Other Oil Types](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37373478/) Moringa oleifera seed oil · International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2023
- [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 · 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
- [Monocentric, Vehicle-Controlled, Double-Blind Study to Assess the Short- and Long-Term Effects of a Ceramide NP C15-Containing Emollient on the Skin Microbiome and the Skin Barrier Function in Sensitive Skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41758783/) 5-ceramide complex · Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2026

## The brands

- British skincare: [Simple](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/brands/simple)
- Skincare: [VR](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/brands/vr)

## More comparisons

- [SKIN1004 vs Simple](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/skin1004-vs-simple)
- [SKIN1004 vs VR](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/skin1004-vs-vr)
- [Anua vs Simple](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/anua-vs-simple)
- [Anua vs VR](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/anua-vs-vr)
- [Medicube vs Simple](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/medicube-vs-simple)
- [Medicube vs VR](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/medicube-vs-vr)
- [The Ordinary vs Simple](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/the-ordinary-vs-simple)
- [The Ordinary vs VR](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/the-ordinary-vs-vr)
- [Beauty of Joseon vs Simple](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/beauty-of-joseon-vs-simple)
- [Beauty of Joseon vs VR](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/beauty-of-joseon-vs-vr)
- [COSRX vs Simple](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/cosrx-vs-simple)
- [COSRX vs VR](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/cosrx-vs-vr)
- [CeraVe vs Simple](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/cerave-vs-simple)
- [CeraVe vs VR](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/cerave-vs-vr)
- [La Roche-Posay vs Simple](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-simple)
- [La Roche-Posay vs VR](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-vr)
- [Dr. Althea vs Simple](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/dr-althea-vs-simple)
- [Dr. Althea vs VR](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/dr-althea-vs-vr)
- [Some By Mi vs Simple](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/some-by-mi-vs-simple)
- [Some By Mi vs VR](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/some-by-mi-vs-vr)

## 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-vr
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/simple-vs-vr
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/compare/simple-vs-vr
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/compare/simple-vs-vr
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/compare/simple-vs-vr
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/simple-vs-vr (this page)
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/simple-vs-vr
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/simple-vs-vr
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/simple-vs-vr
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/simple-vs-vr
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/compare/simple-vs-vr
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/simple-vs-vr
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/compare/simple-vs-vr