# Dr. Barbara Sturm vs NIVEA MEN

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/dr-barbara-sturm-vs-nivea-men

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

Dr. Barbara Sturm and NIVEA MEN are two distinct German skincare options designed to support daily routines. The former is a science-backed line known for nourishing [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/serum) and gentle moisturizers that suit sensitive and dry skin, while the latter is a heritage brand celebrated for reliable cleansers and skin-friendly formulas that work well for normal and dry complexions. Each brand differs in its ownership, founding year, and active ingredients, offering targeted solutions for specific needs like acne-prone or mature skin. Selecting between them depends on whether one prefers advanced botanical science or traditional, balanced hydration.

Dr. Barbara Sturm is a German skincare brand founded in 2014 and owned by Puig since 2024.

[uploads.puig.com](https://uploads.puig.com/uploads/Press_release_Puig_acquires_majority_stake_in_Dr_Barbara_Sturm_ENG_1_140422a900.pdf) [beautymatter.com](https://beautymatter.com/articles/puig-acquires-majority-stake-in-dr-barbara-sturm) [pitchbook.com](https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/289811-80)

NIVEA MEN is a German skincare brand founded in 1922 and owned by maxingvest GmbH & Co. KGaA since 2004.

[en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nivea) [beiersdorf.com](https://www.beiersdorf.com/~/media/Beiersdorf/investors/financial-reports/2009/Beiersdorf-Annual-Report-2009.pdf) [nivea.co.uk](https://www.nivea.co.uk/articles/brand/our-story/nivea-history)

This page compares some of the most popular Dr. Barbara Sturm and NIVEA MEN 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=pgaaa1b8850f).

### Popular Dr. Barbara Sturm vs NIVEA MEN products

#### Dr. Barbara Sturm

- [Hyaluronic Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/dr-barbara-sturm/hyaluronic-serum/for/oily-skin) — High fit — [€207.00 at Notino](https://www.notino.nl/dr-barbara-sturm/hyaluronic-serum-anti-rimpel-serum-met-hyaluronzuur/p-16241245/)
- [Enzyme Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/dr-barbara-sturm/enzyme-cleanser/for/dark-spots) — Superior fit — [€53.90 at Notino](https://www.notino.nl/dr-barbara-sturm/enzyme-cleanser-darker-skin-tones-reinigende-en-make-up-removing-schuim/p-16241237/)
- [The Good C Vitamin C Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/dr-barbara-sturm/the-good-c-vitamin-c-serum/for/mature-skin) — High fit — [€143.75 at Lookfantastic](https://www.lookfantastic.nl/p/dr.-barbara-sturm-the-good-c-vitamin-c-serum-30ml/13310139/)

#### NIVEA MEN

- [Sensitive Post Shave Balm](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/nivea-men/sensitive-post-shave-balm/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit
- [Maximum Hydration Moisturizing Face Wash](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/nivea-men/maximum-hydration-moisturizing-face-wash/for/oily-skin) — Average fit

## Questions and answers

### Dr. Barbara Sturm or NIVEA MEN: which is better?

Dr. Barbara Sturm offers higher fit levels for several skin types on this page, such as a Superior fit for dark spots with its Enzyme Cleanser, while NIVEA MEN has a Superior fit specifically for sensitive skin with its Sensitive Post Shave Balm. Every product on this page for both brands lists no fragrance in its ingredients.

[Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31975502/) [Dermatologic Therapy, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36200921/)

### What is the difference between Dr. Barbara Sturm and NIVEA MEN?

Dr. Barbara Sturm features a high Lovi fit for oily skin with its Hyaluronic [Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/serum), while NIVEA MEN achieves a superior Lovi fit for sensitive skin with its Sensitive Post Shave Balm. Every product across the page for both brands lists no fragrance in its ingredients.

[Dermatologic Therapy, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36200921/)

### Dr. Barbara Sturm or NIVEA MEN: which moisturizer is better?

For moisturizers on these pages, Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum achieves a High fit for oily skin and an Average fit for dry skin, while NIVEA MEN Sensitive Post Shave Balm achieves a Superior fit for sensitive skin and a High fit for dry and dry sensitive skin. Both brands list no fragrance in their products on this page.

[Dermatologic Therapy, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36200921/)

### Which is more affordable, Dr. Barbara Sturm or NIVEA MEN?

Price information is not available for either Dr. Barbara Sturm or NIVEA MEN on this page.

### Which causes fewer breakouts, Dr. Barbara Sturm or NIVEA MEN?

For acne-prone skin, Dr. Barbara Sturm achieves a High Lovi fit with its Enzyme Cleanser and The Good C [Vitamin C](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/vitamin-c) Serum, while NIVEA MEN reaches only an Average fit across its products on this page.

### Between Dr. Barbara Sturm and NIVEA MEN, which brand's products have no fragrance listed in their ingredients?

Both Dr. Barbara Sturm and NIVEA MEN have no fragrance listed in the ingredients for every product on this page.

### How does the founding year and parent company ownership compare between Dr. Barbara Sturm and NIVEA MEN?

Dr. Barbara Sturm was founded in Germany in 2014 and is owned by Puig since 2024, whereas NIVEA MEN was founded in Germany earlier in 1922 and has been owned by maxingvest GmbH & Co. KGaA since 2004.

### For mature skin, how do the Lovi fit levels compare between Dr. Barbara Sturm's Enzyme Cleanser and NIVEA MEN's Sensitive Post Shave Balm?

For mature skin, Lovi gives Dr. Barbara Sturm's Enzyme Cleanser a High fit level, while NIVEA MEN's Sensitive Post Shave Balm receives an Average fit level.

## Research behind their key ingredients

- [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/) Sodium hyaluronate · Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
- [Topical use of dexpanthenol in skin disorders](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12113650/) Panthenol · American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002
- [Anti-aging and brightening effects of a topical treatment containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and raspberry leaf cell culture extract: A split-face, randomized controlled trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31975502/) Ascorbic acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020
- [Bacterial cellulose membranes as drug delivery systems: an in vivo skin compatibility study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23973717/) Cellulose · European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, 2014
- [Effects of ascorbic acid on gingival melanin pigmentation in vitro and in vivo](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19186973/) Ascorbyl glucoside · Journal of Periodontology, 2009
- [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, Chamomilla recutita flower extract · International Journal of Molecular Medicine, 2016
- [Bacterial cellulose skin masks-Properties and sensory tests](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28963772/) Cellulose · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2018
- [Treatment of acne with a combination of propolis, tea tree oil, and Aloe vera compared to erythromycin cream: two double-blind investigations](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30588129/) Aloe barbadensis leaf juice · Clinical Pharmacology, 2018
- [Effect of a topical antioxidant serum containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid after Q-switched 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser for treatment of environment-induced skin pigmentation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32052907/) Ascorbic acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020
- [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
- [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
- [Sunscreens and Cosmetic Formulations Containing Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate and Rice Peptides for the Improvement of Skin Photoaging: A Double-blind, Randomized Placebo-controlled Clinical Study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33529350/) Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate · Photochemistry and Photobiology, 2021
- [Clinical evidence of the efficacy and safety of a new 3-in-1 anti-aging topical night serum-in-oil containing melatonin, bakuchiol, and ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate: 103 females treated from 28 to 84 days](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30924254/) Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019
- [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 extract bark · Phytochemistry, 2001
- [Antioxidant-based topical formulations influence on the inflammatory response of Japanese skin: A clinical study using non-invasive techniques](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28385617/) Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate · European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, 2017
- [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
- [Borage Oil Treated with Immobilized Lipase Inhibits Melanogenesis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33128473/) Lipase · Lipids, 2020
- [Influence of vitamin E acetate on stratum corneum hydration](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9706379/) Tocopheryl acetate, Tocopheryl acetate vitamin e · 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
- [Prospective randomized double-blind comparative study of topical acetyl zingerone with tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate versus tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate alone on facial photoaging](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38525606/) Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024
- [A Double-Blind, 12-Week Study to Evaluate the Antiaging Efficacy of a Cream Containing the NFκB Inhibitor 4-Hexyl-1, 3-Phenylenediol and Ascorbic Acid-2 Glucoside in Adult Females](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27272084/) Ascorbyl glucoside · Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2016
- [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
- [Effect of an Emollient Emulsion Containing 15.0% of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride on the Urocanic Acid of the Stratum Corneum](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37109405/) Caprylic capric triglyceride · Life, 2023
- [Portulaca oleracea extract relieves skin barrier damage induced by increased photosensitivity after GA peeling](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35920724/) Lactobacillus portulaca oleracea extract ferment · Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology, 2022
- [Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39769217/) Ascorbyl glucoside · International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024
- [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, Tocopheryl acetate vitamin e · Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 2021
- [Low-temperature extracted Portulaca oleracea L. as a functional ingredient in facial masks for photorejuvenation of sensitive skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41182319/) Lactobacillus portulaca oleracea extract ferment · Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology, 2025

## The brands

- German skincare: [Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/brands/dr-barbara-sturm)
- German skincare: [NIVEA MEN](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/brands/nivea-men)

## More comparisons

- [SKIN1004 vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/skin1004-vs-dr-barbara-sturm)
- [SKIN1004 vs NIVEA MEN](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/skin1004-vs-nivea-men)
- [Anua vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/anua-vs-dr-barbara-sturm)
- [Anua vs NIVEA MEN](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/anua-vs-nivea-men)
- [Medicube vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/medicube-vs-dr-barbara-sturm)
- [Medicube vs NIVEA MEN](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/medicube-vs-nivea-men)
- [The Ordinary vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/the-ordinary-vs-dr-barbara-sturm)
- [The Ordinary vs NIVEA MEN](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/the-ordinary-vs-nivea-men)
- [Beauty of Joseon vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/beauty-of-joseon-vs-dr-barbara-sturm)
- [Beauty of Joseon vs NIVEA MEN](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/beauty-of-joseon-vs-nivea-men)
- [COSRX vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/cosrx-vs-dr-barbara-sturm)
- [COSRX vs NIVEA MEN](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/cosrx-vs-nivea-men)
- [CeraVe vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/cerave-vs-dr-barbara-sturm)
- [CeraVe vs NIVEA MEN](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/cerave-vs-nivea-men)
- [La Roche-Posay vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-dr-barbara-sturm)
- [La Roche-Posay vs NIVEA MEN](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-nivea-men)
- [Dr. Althea vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/dr-althea-vs-dr-barbara-sturm)
- [Dr. Althea vs NIVEA MEN](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/dr-althea-vs-nivea-men)
- [Some By Mi vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/some-by-mi-vs-dr-barbara-sturm)
- [Some By Mi vs NIVEA MEN](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/some-by-mi-vs-nivea-men)

## 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

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