# Taro vs Dr. Barbara Sturm

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

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

Taro and Dr. Barbara Sturm are skincare lines offering targeted [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/serum), moisturizers, and exfoliants. Taro is warmly embraced for its targeted serums and carefully crafted formulas, featuring the [Tretinoin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/tretinoin) Cream for acne-prone skin, while Dr. Barbara Sturm is deeply loved for its gentle moisturizers, clarifying exfoliants, and nourishing serums built on scientifically advanced formulas, including the The Good C [Vitamin C](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/vitamin-c) Serum, Enzyme Cleanser, and Hyaluronic Serum. The former suits sensitive, dry, and combination skin best, whereas the latter suits sensitive, dry, and balanced skin best through deep hydration and barrier support. They differ in their specific formulations and standout treatments, yet both provide reliable daily care for modern routines.

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)

This page compares some of the most popular Taro and Dr. Barbara Sturm 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=pg75f10eba4c).

### Popular Taro vs Dr. Barbara Sturm 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/)

#### Taro

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

## Questions and answers

### Taro or Dr. Barbara Sturm: which is better?

Dr. Barbara Sturm fits more skin types better on this page, offering Superior to High fits across options like Enzyme Cleanser and The Good C [Vitamin C](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/vitamin-c) [Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/serum). Taro features [Tretinoin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/tretinoin) Cream, which helps restore [collagen](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/collagen) in photodamaged skin.

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

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

Taro offers Tretinoin Cream, which Lovi rates as a High fit for acne-prone and combination skin, while Dr. Barbara Sturm provides products like Enzyme Cleanser and The Good C Vitamin C Serum, where Enzyme Cleanser achieves a Superior fit for skin with dark spots. Every product on this page from both brands lists no fragrance in its ingredients.

[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 is more affordable, Taro or Dr. Barbara Sturm?

Neither Taro nor Dr. Barbara Sturm is listed with pricing details on this page, so affordability cannot be compared here.

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

Taro gets a High fit for acne-prone skin with Tretinoin Cream, while Dr. Barbara Sturm's Enzyme Cleanser and The Good C Vitamin C Serum also achieve High fits for acne-prone skin.

[The New England Journal of Medicine, 1993](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8336752/) [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31975502/)

### Which brand has been around longer, Taro or Dr. Barbara Sturm?

Taro has been around much longer, having been founded in 1950, whereas Dr. Barbara Sturm was founded more recently in 2014.

### Do any products from Taro or Dr. Barbara Sturm contain fragrance?

Every product from Taro and Dr. Barbara Sturm on this page lists no fragrance in its ingredients.

### Which brand offers a serum suitable for skin with dark spots that has a high Lovi fit level?

Dr. Barbara Sturm offers The Good C Vitamin C Serum, which gives a High Lovi fit level for skin with dark spots, whereas Taro provides no serum with a high fit for dark spots.

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

## Research behind their key ingredients

- [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
- [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
- [Final report on the safety assessment of BHT(1)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12396675/) Butylated hydroxytoluene · International Journal of Toxicology, 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
- [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
- [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
- [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
- [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
- [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
- [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
- [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
- [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
- [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
- [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
- [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

- Skincare: [Taro](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/brands/taro)
- German skincare: [Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/brands/dr-barbara-sturm)

## More comparisons

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

## 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/taro-vs-dr-barbara-sturm
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- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/compare/taro-vs-dr-barbara-sturm
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- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/taro-vs-dr-barbara-sturm (this page)
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/taro-vs-dr-barbara-sturm
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