# A+ vs Dr. Barbara Sturm

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/a-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 Saudi Arabia.

A+ and Dr. Barbara Sturm are established skincare lines founded respectively in India in 1990 and Germany in 2014. The Indian brand is widely beloved for its gentle moisturizers and thoughtfully calibrated formulas, while the German brand is deeply loved for its gentle moisturizers, clarifying exfoliants, and nourishing [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/serum), all built on scientifically advanced formulas. Both suit sensitive skin best because of their mild composition and focus on deep hydration, though Dr. Barbara Sturm also suits dry and balanced skin. They differ primarily in their origins, founding years, and the broader range of targeted serums and exfoliants offered by the latter compared to the former.

A+ is an Indian skincare brand founded in 1990.

[pitchbook.com](https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/554388-85)

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 A+ 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=pg69e8a1bea1).

### Popular A+ vs Dr. Barbara Sturm products

#### Dr. Barbara Sturm

- [Hyaluronic Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/dr-barbara-sturm/hyaluronic-serum/for/oily-skin) — High fit — [SAR 1,081.78 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B08BJ73C5Q?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Enzyme Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/dr-barbara-sturm/enzyme-cleanser/for/dark-spots) — Superior fit — [SAR 658.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B07JQQX4D8?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [The Good C Vitamin C Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/dr-barbara-sturm/the-good-c-vitamin-c-serum/for/mature-skin) — High fit — [SAR 749.10 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B09WZWCKV3?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

#### A+

- [345 Relief Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/a/345-relief-cream/for/sensitive-skin) — Average fit

## Questions and answers

### A+ or Dr. Barbara Sturm: which is better?

Dr. Barbara Sturm is generally better because its products on this page achieve High and Superior Lovi fit levels across multiple skin types, whereas A+ products reach only Average fits. Additionally, Dr. Barbara Sturm includes specialized formulas like Enzyme Cleanser and The Good C [Vitamin C](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/vitamin-c) [Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/serum) that target concerns like dark spots and aging.

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

Dr. Barbara Sturm has higher fit levels than A+ across many skin types, with products like Enzyme Cleanser reaching a Superior fit for dark spots. Both brands offer fragrance-free products on this page, but A+ is an older, independent Indian brand while Dr. Barbara Sturm is a German brand founded in 2014.

### A+ or Dr. Barbara Sturm: which moisturizer is better?

Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum is a better moisturizer for oily skin with its High Lovi fit, whereas A+ 345 Relief Cream only has a Low fit for oily skin.

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

### Which is more affordable, A+ or Dr. Barbara Sturm?

Neither brand lists prices or affordability details on the products on this page.

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

Dr. Barbara Sturm fits acne-prone skin with High or Average Lovi ratings across the products on this page, whereas A+ products on this page only have an Average fit for acne-prone skin.

### When and where were A+ and Dr. Barbara Sturm founded?

A+ was founded in 1990 in India, while Dr. Barbara Sturm was founded in 2014 in Germany.

### Which brand's parent company owns Dr. Barbara Sturm since 2024?

Puig has owned Dr. Barbara Sturm since 2024.

### Do any of the products from A+ or Dr. Barbara Sturm contain fragrance?

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

## 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
- [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
- [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
- [Ceramide 1 and ceramide 3 act synergistically on skin hydration and the transepidermal water loss of sodium lauryl sulfate-irritated skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18717861/) Ceramide np · International Journal of Dermatology, 2008
- [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
- [Clinical, biometric and structural evaluation of the long-term effects of a topical treatment with ascorbic acid and madecassoside in photoaged human skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18503551/) Centella asiatica leaf extract · Experimental Dermatology, 2008
- [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 · 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
- [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
- [Systematic Study of Paeonol/Madecassoside Co-Delivery Nanoemulsion Transdermal Delivery System for Enhancing Barrier Repair and Anti-Inflammatory Efficacy](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37446936/) Centella asiatica leaf extract · Molecules, 2023
- [A Lipid Mixture Enriched by Ceramide NP with Fatty Acids of Diverse Chain Lengths Contributes to Restore the Skin Barrier Function Impaired by Topical Corticosteroid](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34348350/) Ceramide np · Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2022
- [Efficacy and safety of moisturizer containing 5% panthenol, madecassoside, and copper-zinc-manganese versus 0.02% triamcinolone acetonide cream in decreasing adverse reaction and downtime after ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing: A split-face, double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30945430/) Centella asiatica leaf extract · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019
- [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
- [Development of solid lipid microparticles (SLMs) containing asiatic acid for topical treatment of acne: Characterization, stability, in vitro and in vivo anti-acne assessment](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38460769/) Centella asiatica leaf extract · International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2024
- [Borage Oil Treated with Immobilized Lipase Inhibits Melanogenesis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33128473/) Lipase · Lipids, 2020
- [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
- [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

- Indian skincare: [A+](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/brands/a)
- German skincare: [Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/brands/dr-barbara-sturm)

## More comparisons

- [SKIN1004 vs A+](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/skin1004-vs-a)
- [SKIN1004 vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/skin1004-vs-dr-barbara-sturm)
- [Anua vs A+](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/anua-vs-a)
- [Anua vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/anua-vs-dr-barbara-sturm)
- [Medicube vs A+](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/medicube-vs-a)
- [Medicube vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/medicube-vs-dr-barbara-sturm)
- [The Ordinary vs A+](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/the-ordinary-vs-a)
- [The Ordinary vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/the-ordinary-vs-dr-barbara-sturm)
- [Beauty of Joseon vs A+](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/beauty-of-joseon-vs-a)
- [Beauty of Joseon vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/beauty-of-joseon-vs-dr-barbara-sturm)
- [COSRX vs A+](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/cosrx-vs-a)
- [COSRX vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/cosrx-vs-dr-barbara-sturm)
- [CeraVe vs A+](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/cerave-vs-a)
- [CeraVe vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/cerave-vs-dr-barbara-sturm)
- [La Roche-Posay vs A+](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-a)
- [La Roche-Posay vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-dr-barbara-sturm)
- [Dr. Althea vs A+](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/dr-althea-vs-a)
- [Dr. Althea vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/dr-althea-vs-dr-barbara-sturm)
- [Some By Mi vs A+](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/some-by-mi-vs-a)
- [Some By Mi vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/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/a-vs-dr-barbara-sturm
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/a-vs-dr-barbara-sturm
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/compare/a-vs-dr-barbara-sturm
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/compare/a-vs-dr-barbara-sturm
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- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/a-vs-dr-barbara-sturm
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/a-vs-dr-barbara-sturm
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/a-vs-dr-barbara-sturm
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/a-vs-dr-barbara-sturm
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/a-vs-dr-barbara-sturm
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/compare/a-vs-dr-barbara-sturm
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/a-vs-dr-barbara-sturm (this page)
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/compare/a-vs-dr-barbara-sturm