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Dermalogica vs Simple

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

Dermalogica and Simple are popular skincare brands owned by Unilever, with the former founded in America in 1986 and the latter established in Britain in 1960. Dermalogica is known for targeted serums, nourishing moisturizers, gentle cleansers, purifying masks, and more utilizing hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and salicylic acid, while Simple is beloved for its gentle moisturizers, makeup removers, cleansers, and toners crafted with niacinamide and glycerin. Both brands suit acne-prone skin best, though the American line also suits dry skin and the British line suits skin with dark spots. They differ in their specific formulations and star ingredients, as the former relies on hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and salicylic acid to balance skin and reduce acne, while the latter uses niacinamide and glycerin to reduce hyperpigmentation, improve aging signs, and enhance hydration.

Dermalogica is an American skincare brand founded in 1986 and owned by Unilever since 2015.

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

Popular Dermalogica vs Simple products

People Say

DermalogicaSimple
  • Gentle on sensitive skin Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
    • “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”
    • “no artificial perfume — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
    • “helps calm and nourish my skin — Dermalogica Stabilizing Repair Cream”
  • Deep hydration and moisture Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “Saved my dry skin — Dermalogica Super Rich Repair”
    • “super hydrating — Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque”
    • “skin feels hydrated — Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance”
    • “banished dryness within days — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
  • Lightweight and non-greasy absorption Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “sinks in instantly — Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream”
    • “absorbs very quickly — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
    • “absorbs really well — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
    • “blends seamlessly — Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50”
  • Effective cleansing and makeup removal Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “Takes off any makeup residue and makes my face feel refreshed. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
    • “Best morning cleanser — Simple Refreshing Facial Wash”
    • “removes last traces of makeup — Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner”
    • “Removes stubborn mascara — Dermalogica Precleanse”
  • Smooth and improved skin texture Often MentionedNot noted
    • “gentle enough for daily use — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
    • “skin feels smooth as silk — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
    • “fine lines have visibly softened — Dermalogica Phyto Nature Lifting Eye Cream”
  • High price point Mostly MentionedNot noted
    • “hefty price tag — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
  • Caused breakouts and skin reactions Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
    • “Cystic acne flare-ups — Dermalogica Precleanse”
    • “Caused cystic acne — Dermalogica Super Rich Repair”
    • “Gave me tiny bumps on my forehead. — Simple Micellar Water”
    • “caused major breakouts — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
  • Unpleasant or strong scent Often MentionedRarely Noted
    • “Smells like chemicals — Simple Refreshing Facial Wash”
    • “smells like puke — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”

Dermalogica vs Simple routines for dry skin

See multi-brand routine · 98% fit

Dermalogica vs Simple routines for oily skin

See multi-brand routine · 95% fit

Dermalogica vs Simple routines for combination skin

See multi-brand routine · 94% fit

Questions and answers

Dermalogica or Simple: which is better?

Dermalogica is better for deep hydration and skin texture, while Simple is better and more value-friendly for gentle makeup removal on sensitive skin. Topical hyaluronic acid helps improve skin quality and signs of skin aging.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

What is the difference between Dermalogica and Simple?

Dermalogica provides deeper hydration and better wrinkle care with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, while Simple focuses on gentle, budget-friendly makeup removal. Lovi finds that Dermalogica has a superior fit for dry skin and oily acne-prone skin, whereas Simple tends to fit best for acne-prone skin, skin with dark spots, and oily skin.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Dermalogica or Simple for dry skin?

Dermalogica is the better choice for dry skin, where Lovi rates its routine as Superior compared to Simple's High level. Hyaluronic acid helps provide deep hydration and moisture.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Dermalogica or Simple: which cleanser is better?

Dermalogica features cleansers that Lovi rates as High for sensitive skin, whereas Simple cleansers are rated as Average. The products on this page from Dermalogica are gentle and non-stripping according to reviewer feedback.

Which is more affordable, Dermalogica or Simple?

Simple is more affordable, whereas Dermalogica has a high price point. Review themes indicate that a high price point is a downside specifically associated with Simple, though Dermalogica's reviewers also frequently mention high prices as a negative factor.

Which brand has more fragrance-free products, Dermalogica or Simple?

Both Dermalogica and Simple offer fragrance-free options, as every product on this page lists no fragrance in its ingredients.

Dermalogica or Simple for addressing skin with dark spots?

Dermalogica and Simple both offer a high routine fit for skin with dark spots. Simple features niacinamide, which reduces cutaneous pigmentation.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Antioxidants, 2021

Dermalogica or Simple for oily skin?

For oily skin, Dermalogica offers a superior routine fit compared to Simple, which has a high fit. Hyaluronic acid helps maintain skin hydration without adding weight.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Dermalogica or Simple: which moisturizer is better?

Dermalogica provides superior moisturization and deep hydration compared to Simple, which is known for lightweight and value-friendly moisturizers. Hyaluronic acid helps improve skin quality and signs of skin aging.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Dermalogica or Simple for sensitive skin?

Dermalogica and Simple both offer products that are well-tolerated on sensitive skin, with reviewers noting that Simple tends to feel particularly gentle while Dermalogica provides stronger deep hydration and moisture. Lovi rates the routine fit for sensitive skin as High for both brands.

Dermalogica or Simple for acne-prone skin?

Dermalogica is the better fit for acne-prone skin, achieving a Superior routine fit compared to Simple's High level. Dermalogica offers specialized targeted treatments like the Breakout Clearing Booster, which helps manage blemishes effectively.

Dermalogica or Simple for dry sensitive skin?

For dry sensitive skin, Dermalogica achieves a High Lovi fit level, whereas Simple achieves an Average Lovi fit level. Dermalogica helps provide deep hydration, utilizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid to support skin quality.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

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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