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Cetaphil vs Simple

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

Cetaphil and Simple are two trusted skincare brands known for creating gentle, thoughtfully formulated products that support healthy skin. The American line from 1947 offers cleansers, moisturizers, serums, and sunscreens enriched with glycerin, niacinamide, and panthenol to suit acne-prone and combination skin best, while the British brand founded in 1960 provides moisturizers, makeup removers, cleansers, and toners crafted with niacinamide and glycerin for acne-prone skin and skin with dark spots. Both lines utilize nourishing ingredients like glycerin to increase hydration and restore barrier function, and niacinamide to decrease hyperpigmentation and improve aging signs. They differ primarily in their heritage, ownership, and the specific composition of their standout treatments for mature skin, dark spots, and acne.

Cetaphil is an American skincare brand founded in 1947 and owned by Galderma Group AG.

en.wikipedia.orgcetaphil.co.uk

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 Cetaphil and Simple products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.

Popular Cetaphil vs Simple products

People Say

CetaphilSimple
  • Gentle on sensitive skin Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “The only thing my reactive skin tolerates. — Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser”
    • “No breakouts since switching to this. — Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser”
    • “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”
  • Hydration and moisture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “cleared up flaky skin — Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream”
    • “healed my dry patches — Cetaphil Moisturising 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”
  • Texture and weight Often MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “absorbs instantly — Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion”
    • “Absorbs quickly into skin without residue — Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion”
    • “sinks in instantly — Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream”
    • “absorbs very quickly — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
  • Dermatologist and value praise Rarely NotedOften 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”
    • “recommended by my derm — Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser”
  • Versatile use and application Often MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “great for face and body — Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream”
    • “removes excess oil — Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser”
    • “Takes off any makeup residue and makes my face feel refreshed. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
    • “Best morning cleanser — Simple Refreshing Facial Wash”
  • Fragrance-free and scent issues Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “Love that it has absolutely no scent. — Simple Micellar Water”
    • “love that it's alcohol-free — Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner”
    • “No strong smell — Simple Refreshing Facial Wash”
    • “truly no smell — Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion”
  • Makeup removal difficulties Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “Doesn't take off mascara at all. — Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser”
    • “doesn't remove mascara — Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser”
    • “Struggles with mascara. — Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser”
    • “Did not remove my mascara very well at all. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
  • Dryness and lack of moisture Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
    • “Felt a little stripping on sensitive areas. — Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser”
    • “Skin felt dehydrated after 30 minutes — Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion”
    • “not moisturizing enough — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
    • “skin felt tight after an hour — Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream”
  • Formula changes and irritation Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
    • “New bottle ingredients do not match... lower amounts of beneficial ingredients. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
    • “new formula stings — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
    • “burned upon application — Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream”
    • “New version burns my face. — Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser”

Cetaphil vs Simple routines for dry skin

See multi-brand routine · 98% fit

Cetaphil vs Simple routines for oily skin

See multi-brand routine · 95% fit

Cetaphil vs Simple routines for combination skin

See multi-brand routine · 94% fit

Questions and answers

Cetaphil or Simple: which is better?

Both Cetaphil and Simple have equal routine fit levels for dry, oily, combination, sensitive, mature, and dark spot skin types, though Cetaphil is superior for acne-prone skin. Both brands offer fragrance-free options and focus on key ingredients like niacinamide and glycerin to help nourish the skin.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Antioxidants, 2021

What is the difference between Cetaphil and Simple?

Cetaphil is owned by Galderma Group AG while Simple is owned by Unilever PLC. Cetaphil features a broader product range with Superior fit levels for acne-prone skin, whereas the products on this page for Simple are completely fragrance-free.

Cetaphil or Simple for dry skin?

Both Cetaphil and Simple are well suited for dry skin, achieving an equal High routine fit level on the products on this page. Cetaphil features key ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin that help maintain skin hydration.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Cetaphil or Simple: which cleanser is better?

Both brands offer cleansers suited for various skin needs, but Cetaphil provides more options with higher Lovi fit levels across multiple skin types, including Superior ratings for sensitive and acne-prone skin. Simple also features gentle cleansers, with its products on this page being completely fragrance-free.

Which is more affordable, Cetaphil or Simple?

Simple is the more budget-friendly option, as reviewers frequently praise its value-friendly moisturizers.

Cetaphil or Simple for oily skin?

Both Cetaphil and Simple are well suited for oily skin, with Lovi giving the products on this page a High routine fit for both brands. Niacinamide, a key ingredient featured in the products on this page, helps control skin aging and pigmentation.

Antioxidants, 2021The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002

Cetaphil or Simple: which moisturizer is better?

Both brands offer moisturizers, but Cetaphil achieves a Superior fit level for dry skin with its Rich Hydrating Night Cream, whereas Simple products on this page provide an Average fit level for dry skin. Topical hyaluronic acid helps improve skin quality and signs of skin aging.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Cetaphil or Simple for sensitive skin?

Both Cetaphil and Simple are great for sensitive skin, as the products on this page for both brands achieve a High Lovi fit level for sensitive skin.

Cetaphil or Simple for acne-prone skin?

Cetaphil is the better choice for acne-prone skin because the products on this page achieve a Superior routine fit compared to Simple's High fit level. Niacinamide, featured across the products on this page, helps control skin aging and pigmentation.

Antioxidants, 2021

Cetaphil or Simple for mature skin?

Both brands achieve a High Lovi fit for mature skin, offering gentle cleansers and moisturizers. Cetaphil features key ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid that help support skin aging and hydration.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Antioxidants, 2021

Cetaphil or Simple for skin with dark spots?

Both Cetaphil and Simple are well suited for skin with dark spots, as the products on this page for both brands achieve a High Lovi fit level for this skin type. Niacinamide, an ingredient found across the products on this page for both brands, helps reduce cutaneous pigmentation.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Antioxidants, 2021

Cetaphil or Simple for dry sensitive skin?

Both brands achieve a High routine fit for dry sensitive skin. The products on this page for both Cetaphil and Simple are completely fragrance-free.

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

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