🇳🇱Netherlands

Simple vs Galderma

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

Simple and Galderma are skincare brands with distinct offerings for various skin needs. The British brand is known for gentle moisturizers, makeup removers, cleansers, and toners featuring niacinamide and glycerin, while the Swiss brand is known for targeted serums like Epiduo Gel and Benzac AC. Both brands suit acne-prone skin and skin with dark spots best, with the first brand relying on niacinamide and glycerin for hydration and hyperpigmentation, and the second brand relying on specialized acne gels.

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

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

Galderma is a Swiss skincare brand founded in 1981 and owned by Galderma Group AG.

en.wikipedia.org

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

Popular Simple vs Galderma products

People Say

SimpleGalderma
  • Gentle on sensitive skin Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “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”
    • “didn't burn my face — Galderma Benzac AC Mild Strength 2.5% Acne Gel”
  • Clears acne and prevents breakouts Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “cleared up my skin — Galderma Benzac AC Mild Strength 2.5% Acne Gel”
    • “cystic acne gone — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
    • “stops new pimples — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
  • Hydration and non-drying Mostly MentionedNot noted
    • “banished dryness within days — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
    • “Instantly boosts skin's hydration... face doesn't feel dry and tight. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
    • “Leaves my face feeling soft, not tight. — Simple Micellar Water”
  • No residue or lightweight absorption Often MentionedNot noted
    • “sinks in instantly — Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream”
    • “absorbs very quickly — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
    • “absorbs really well — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
  • Affordable value Often MentionedNot noted
    • “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”
  • Effective cleansing Often MentionedNot noted
    • “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”
  • Intense burning and dryness Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “face on fire — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
  • Acne purge and irritation Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “got worse first — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
  • Bleaches fabrics Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “bleached my towel — Galderma Benzac AC 5”
  • Formula and packaging issues Often MentionedNot noted
    • “New bottle ingredients do not match... lower amounts of beneficial ingredients. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”

Questions and answers

Simple or Galderma: which is better?

Simple is better for gentle, budget-friendly hydration and sensitive skin, while Galderma does better at clearing acne with its serums. Glycerin helps maintain skin hydration, and niacinamide may help reduce skin pigmentation and aging signs.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

What is the difference between Simple and Galderma?

Simple stands out for being gentle and hydrating, with Lovi rating its toner High for sensitive skin, while Galderma focuses on effective acne-clearing serums that may cause dryness.

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020

Which is more affordable, Simple or Galderma?

Simple is more affordable, as reviewers on the page mostly mention its affordable value. The products on this page help provide budget-friendly skincare options.

Which causes fewer breakouts, Simple or Galderma?

Galderma is better at clearing acne and preventing breakouts with its effective serums, whereas Simple reviewers often mention that it causes breakouts or irritations.

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 2021

How do the origins and ownership of Simple and Galderma differ?

Simple was founded in the United Kingdom in 1960 and has been owned by Unilever PLC since 2011, whereas Galderma was founded in Switzerland in 1981 and is owned by Galderma Group AG.

Which brand has products that are better suited for mature skin, Simple or Galderma?

Simple features products on this page that are better suited for mature skin, achieving a Superior fit with items like its Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner. In contrast, Galderma's products on this page receive caution ratings for mature skin.

What are the key ingredients shared across Simple products?

The key ingredients shared across the products on this page for Simple are Niacinamide and Glycerin.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Antioxidants, 2021

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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