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CeraVe vs Simple

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

CeraVe and Simple are, respectively, an American skincare brand founded in 2005 and a British skincare brand founded in 1960. The former is known for moisturizers, cleansers, serums, and sunscreens utilizing hyaluronic acid and glycerin, while the latter offers gentle moisturizers, makeup removers, cleansers, and toners crafted with niacinamide and glycerin. Both brands suit acne-prone skin, though the American brand excels for dry skin and the British brand addresses dark spots. Ultimately, they differ through their active ingredients and targeted formulations, such as the former featuring the Foaming Facial Cleanser and Skin Renewing Night Cream, and the latter offering the Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner and Micellar Cleansing Water.

CeraVe is an American skincare brand founded in 2005 and owned by L'Oréal since 2017.

en.wikipedia.orghappi.comloreal-finance.comcerave.com

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

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

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

Popular CeraVe vs Simple products

People Say

CeraVeSimple
  • Fragrance-Free and Gentle Formula Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “doesn't leave face tight — CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser”
    • “no burning sensation — CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum”
    • “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”
  • Texture and Absorption Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “Absorbs into skin without residue — CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion”
    • “Sinks right into your skin — CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion”
    • “difference in my skin's texture is noticeable — CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser”
    • “sinks in instantly — Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream”
  • Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “Saved my dry winter skin — CeraVe Moisturising Cream”
    • “woke up with plump skin — CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream”
    • “banished dryness within days — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
    • “Instantly boosts skin's hydration... face doesn't feel dry and tight. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
  • Value and Affordability Often MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “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”
    • “reasonably priced — CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser”
  • Causes Breakouts Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
    • “Gave me cystic acne — CeraVe Moisturising Cream”
    • “gave me closed comedones — CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser”
    • “Gave me tiny bumps on my forehead. — Simple Micellar Water”
    • “caused major breakouts — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
  • Makeup Removal Difficulties Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
    • “doesn't take off mascara — CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser”
    • “doesn't remove mascara — CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser”
    • “Did not remove my mascara very well at all. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
  • Packaging Issues Often MentionedRarely Noted
    • “Worried about the snap top bottle leaking when travelling. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
    • “The cap broke off immediately. — Simple Micellar Water”
    • “hard to get last bit out — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
    • “no safety seal included — CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream”

CeraVe vs Simple routines for dry skin

See multi-brand routine · 98% fit

CeraVe vs Simple routines for oily skin

See multi-brand routine · 95% fit

CeraVe vs Simple routines for combination skin

See multi-brand routine · 94% fit

Questions and answers

CeraVe or Simple: which is better?

CeraVe achieves a Superior fit level for acne-prone skin while Simple reaches a High level, and both brands share equal routine fits for most other skin types. CeraVe features a broader selection of key ingredients across the products on this page, including ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide.

Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015

What is the difference between CeraVe and Simple?

CeraVe and Simple both offer fragrance-free products, but CeraVe achieves a superior routine fit for acne-prone skin while Simple provides better value and affordability. CeraVe features a wider range of key ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid, whereas Simple is more focused on gentle, lightweight options.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

CeraVe or Simple for dry skin?

Both CeraVe and Simple offer a high routine fit for dry skin among the products on this page. Reviewers note that CeraVe provides superior texture and deep hydration using barrier-repairing ingredients like ceramides, while Simple is known for lightweight, value-friendly moisturizers.

CeraVe or Simple: which cleanser is better?

CeraVe has a superior routine fit for acne-prone skin compared to Simple, and the products on this page offer a wider range of cleansers tailored to specific concerns like oil control and blemish management.

Which is more affordable, CeraVe or Simple?

Simple is more affordable than CeraVe as Simple is noted for value and affordability.

Which brand has better texture and absorption, CeraVe or Simple?

CeraVe has better texture and absorption compared to Simple. Reviewers mostly note CeraVe for its lightweight, non-greasy moisturizers and superior healing and texture in moisturizers.

CeraVe or Simple for oily skin?

CeraVe and Simple offer an equal routine fit of High for oily skin, but the products on this page show that CeraVe provides a broader range with Superior fit levels for specific oily skin products. Reviewers mention that CeraVe delivers better texture and absorption, while Simple is noted for value and affordability.

CeraVe or Simple: which moisturizer is better?

CeraVe offers better moisturizers than Simple because CeraVe features a Superior fit for several skin types and includes barrier-repairing ingredients like ceramides. The products on this page help provide deep hydration and improve skin texture.

CeraVe or Simple for sensitive skin?

CeraVe and Simple both achieve a High routine fit for sensitive skin among the products on this page. CeraVe tends to provide superior texture and absorption, while Simple offers value and affordability.

CeraVe or Simple for acne-prone skin?

CeraVe has a Superior fit for acne-prone skin, while Simple has a High fit. Reviewers note that the products on this page for CeraVe help with acne and oil control, whereas Simple products are sometimes noted to cause breakouts.

CeraVe or Simple for mature skin?

CeraVe has a High Lovi fit level for mature skin, while Simple also has a High Lovi fit level for mature skin. Reviewers note that CeraVe does better for texture and absorption.

CeraVe or Simple for skin with dark spots?

CeraVe has a High Lovi fit for skin with dark spots, while Simple also has a High Lovi fit for this skin type. Niacinamide may help reduce cutaneous pigmentation and suppress melanosome transfer.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002

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

How does it fit your skin?

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