# Simple vs Taro

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/simple-vs-taro

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

Simple and Taro are distinct skincare choices that offer reliable daily care for modern routines. The British brand founded in 1960 and owned by Unilever PLC since 2011 is beloved for its gentle moisturizers, makeup removers, cleansers, and toners crafted with [niacinamide](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/niacinamide) and [glycerin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/glycerin), which suit acne-prone skin and skin with dark spots best. Meanwhile, the other option is warmly embraced for its targeted [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/serum) and carefully crafted formulas that suit sensitive, dry, and combination skin best, including standout products like the [Tretinoin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/tretinoin) Cream for acne-prone skin. Both differ as the former relies on niacinamide to reduce hyperpigmentation and improve aging signs and glycerin to improve hydration and barrier function, whereas their product types, ingredient focuses, and ideal skin types vary.

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

[en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simple_Skincare) [sec.gov](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1368457/000119312511134453/dex991.htm) [prnewswire.com](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alberto-culver-announces-that-unilever-has-received-approval-from-the-us-department-of-justice-to-complete-the-acquisition-of-the-company-121400884.html) [simple.co.uk](https://www.simple.co.uk/philosophy.html)

This page compares some of the most popular Simple and Taro 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=pg51efeda9d8).

### Popular Simple vs Taro products

#### Taro

- [Tretinoin Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/taro/tretinoin-cream/for/combination-skin) — High fit

#### Simple

- [Micellar Water](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/simple/micellar-water/for/mature-skin) — Average fit — [€12.27 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B00X3OQ6N0?tag=lovi-care-web-product085-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Micellar Cleansing Water](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/simple/micellar-cleansing-water/for/sensitive-skin) — High fit — [€12.27 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B00X3OQ6N0?tag=lovi-care-web-product085-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Hydrating Light Moisturiser](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/simple/hydrating-light-moisturiser/for/dry-skin) — Average fit — [€15.31 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B000LQX6XG?tag=lovi-care-web-product085-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Refreshing Facial Wash](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/simple/refreshing-facial-wash/for/acne-prone-skin) — Average fit — [€11.17 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B000LQUA6M?tag=lovi-care-web-product085-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Replenishing Rich Moisturiser](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/simple/replenishing-rich-moisturiser/for/dry-skin) — Average fit — [€15.31 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B000LQX6XG?tag=lovi-care-web-product085-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/simple/water-boost-hydrating-gel-cream/for/dry-skin) — Average fit — [€15.31 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B000LQX6XG?tag=lovi-care-web-product085-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/simple/kind-to-skin-soothing-facial-toner/for/mature-skin) — Superior fit — [€7.44 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B014G4Z42O?tag=lovi-care-web-product085-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

## Questions and answers

### Simple or Taro: which is better?

Simple offers more versatile daily hydration with products like its lightweight moisturizers, while Taro provides targeted care through its [Tretinoin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/tretinoin) Cream for specific concerns like acne-prone skin. [Niacinamide](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/niacinamide) helps reduce skin pigmentation and melanosome transfer, and tretinoin helps restore [collagen](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/collagen) formation in photodamaged skin.

[The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/) [The New England Journal of Medicine, 1993](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8336752/)

### What is the difference between Simple and Taro?

Simple offers a wide range of gentle daily skincare products like cleansers and moisturizers featuring [glycerin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/glycerin) and niacinamide, while Taro provides a specialized tretinoin cream for acne and combination skin.

[The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/) [The New England Journal of Medicine, 1993](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8336752/)

### Which is more affordable, Simple or Taro?

Simple offers budget-friendly moisturizers, while Taro features specialized prescription treatments like Tretinoin Cream.

### Which causes fewer breakouts, Simple or Taro?

Simple may cause fewer breakouts because reviewers often mention breakouts or irritations with Simple while Taro features Tretinoin, which helps treat acne for acne-prone skin.

[The New England Journal of Medicine, 1993](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8336752/) [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32210603/)

### Which brand has been around longer, Simple or Taro?

Taro has been around longer, having been founded in 1950, while Simple was founded later in 1960.

### Do any products from Simple or Taro contain fragrance?

Every product on this page from Simple and Taro lists no fragrance in its ingredients.

### Which skin types does Simple fit best according to its brand-focused routines?

Simple fits best for acne-prone skin, skin with dark spots, and oily skin.

## Research behind their key ingredients

- [The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/) Niacinamide · The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002
- [Restoration of collagen formation in photodamaged human skin by tretinoin (retinoic acid)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8336752/) Tretinoin · The New England Journal of Medicine, 1993
- [Mechanistic Basis and Clinical Evidence for the Applications of Nicotinamide (Niacinamide) to Control Skin Aging and Pigmentation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34439563/) Niacinamide · Antioxidants, 2021
- [Topical use of dexpanthenol in skin disorders](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12113650/) Panthenol, Panthenol vitamin b5 · American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002
- [Final report on the safety assessment of BHT(1)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12396675/) Butylated hydroxytoluene · International Journal of Toxicology, 2002
- [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 · International Journal of Molecular Medicine, 2016
- [Clinical Assessment of New Topical Cream Containing Two Essential Oils Combined with Tretinoin in the Treatment of Acne](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32210603/) Tretinoin · Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational 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
- [Randomized controlled study for the anti-aging effect of human adipocyte-derived mesenchymal stem cell media combined with niacinamide after laser therapy](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33103316/) Niacinamide · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021
- [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, Panthenol vitamin b5 · The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017
- [Senomorphic activity of a combination of niacinamide and hyaluronic acid: correlation with clinical improvement of skin aging](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39009698/) Niacinamide · Scientific Reports, 2024
- [Stable Ozonides with Vitamin E Acetate versus Corticosteroid in the Treatment of Lichen Sclerosus in Foreskin: Evaluation of Effects on Inflammation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30991399/) Tocopheryl acetate vitamin e, Tocopheryl acetate · Urologia Internationalis, 2019
- [Efficacy of a topical gel containing chitosan, chlorhexidine, allantoin and dexpanthenol for pain and inflammation control after third molar surgery: A randomized and placebo-controlled clinical trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32683390/) Panthenol, Panthenol vitamin b5, Allantoin · Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal, 2020
- [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 water · Phytochemistry, 2001
- [Efficacy assessments of tretinoin-loaded nano lipid carriers in acne vulgaris: a double blind, split-face randomized clinical study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34146120/) Tretinoin · Archives of Dermatological Research, 2022
- [Topical tretinoin for treating photoaging: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35620028/) Tretinoin · International Journal of Women's Dermatology, 2022
- [Comparison of clinical efficacies of sodium ascorbyl phosphate, retinol and their combination in acne treatment](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19134126/) Sodium ascorbyl phosphate · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2009
- [Nanogel Containing Gamma-Oryzanol-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers and TiO2/MBBT: A Synergistic Nanotechnological Approach of Potent Natural Antioxidants and Nanosized UV Filters for Skin Protection](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37242453/) Xanthan gum · Pharmaceuticals, 2023
- [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
- [Whitening effect of alpha-bisabolol in Asian women subjects](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20642768/) Bisabolol · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2010
- [Assessment of Combined Ascorbyl Palmitate (AP) and Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP) on Facial Skin Sebum Control in Female Healthy Volunteers](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27756097/) Sodium ascorbyl phosphate · Drug Research, 2017
- [Understanding Solar Skin Elastosis-Cause and Treatment](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30052192/) Witch hazel leaf water · Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2018
- [Borage Oil Treated with Immobilized Lipase Inhibits Melanogenesis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33128473/) Borago officinalis seed oil · Lipids, 2020
- [Topical application of highly concentrated water-in-oil emulsions: Physiological skin parameters and skin penetration in vivo - A pilot study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31525444/) Isopropyl myristate · International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2019
- [Influence of vitamin E acetate on stratum corneum hydration](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9706379/) Tocopheryl acetate vitamin e, Tocopheryl acetate · 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, Panthenol vitamin b5 · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025
- [Modulation of skin pigmentation by the tetrapeptide PKEK: in vitro and in vivo evidence for skin whitening effects](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22142309/) Sodium ascorbyl phosphate · Experimental Dermatology, 2012
- [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
- [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 vitamin e, Tocopheryl acetate · Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 2021
- [Impact of dermal emulsions containing diacyl phospholipids, mono acyl phospholipids, sodium lauryl ether sulfate and polysorbate 80 in combination with UVA irradiation on human skin physiology in vivo: A pilot study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42617898/) Sodium laureth sulfate · International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2026
- [A novel facial moisturizer containing Saccharide isomerate accelerates skin barrier restoration following intense pulsed light treatment: a randomized split-face study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41211697/) Saccharide isomerate · The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2025
- [Efficacy and safety of combination cream of stimu-tex AS™ (spent grain wax, Argania Spinosa Kernel oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (shea butter) extract), and saccharide isomerate after fractional CO2 laser procedure: split-face, double blinded, randomized controlled trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41134387/) Saccharide isomerate · Lasers in Medical Science, 2025
- [Saccharide isomerate ameliorates cosmetic scalp conditions in a Chinese study population](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35279940/) Saccharide isomerate · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023

## The brands

- British skincare: [Simple](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/brands/simple)
- Skincare: [Taro](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/brands/taro)

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- [Dr. Althea vs Simple](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/dr-althea-vs-simple)
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## 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

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/simple-vs-taro
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/simple-vs-taro
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/compare/simple-vs-taro
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/compare/simple-vs-taro
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/compare/simple-vs-taro
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/simple-vs-taro
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/simple-vs-taro (this page)
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/simple-vs-taro
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/simple-vs-taro
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