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Cetaphil vs Simple

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

Cetaphil and Simple are trusted American and British skincare brands offering thoughtful cleansers, moisturizers, and other essentials formulated with ingredients like glycerin, niacinamide, and panthenol. The former suits combination and acne-prone skin best with hydrating glycerin and barrier-restoring properties, while the latter favors acne-prone and oily skin types with soothing toners and micellar waters. Ultimately, the two differ in their specific targeted concerns and heritage, yet both deliver proven benefits for skin health.

Cetaphil is an American skincare brand founded in 1947 and owned by Galderma Group AG.

en.wikipedia.orgcetaphil.co.uk

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

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

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

Popular Cetaphil vs Simple products

People Say

CetaphilSimple
  • Gentle on sensitive skin Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “The only thing my reactive skin tolerates. — Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser”
    • “No breakouts since switching to this. — Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser”
    • “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”
  • Hydration and moisture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “cleared up flaky skin — Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream”
    • “healed my dry patches — Cetaphil Moisturising Cream”
    • “banished dryness within days — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
    • “Instantly boosts skin's hydration... face doesn't feel dry and tight. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
  • Texture and weight Often MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “absorbs instantly — Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion”
    • “Absorbs quickly into skin without residue — Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion”
    • “sinks in instantly — Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream”
    • “absorbs very quickly — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
  • Dermatologist and value praise Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
    • “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”
    • “recommended by my derm — Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser”
  • Versatile use and application Often MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “great for face and body — Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream”
    • “removes excess oil — Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser”
    • “Takes off any makeup residue and makes my face feel refreshed. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
    • “Best morning cleanser — Simple Refreshing Facial Wash”
  • Fragrance-free and scent issues Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “Love that it has absolutely no scent. — Simple Micellar Water”
    • “love that it's alcohol-free — Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner”
    • “No strong smell — Simple Refreshing Facial Wash”
    • “truly no smell — Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion”
  • Makeup removal difficulties Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “Doesn't take off mascara at all. — Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser”
    • “doesn't remove mascara — Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser”
    • “Struggles with mascara. — Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser”
    • “Did not remove my mascara very well at all. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
  • Dryness and lack of moisture Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
    • “Felt a little stripping on sensitive areas. — Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser”
    • “Skin felt dehydrated after 30 minutes — Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion”
    • “not moisturizing enough — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
    • “skin felt tight after an hour — Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream”
  • Formula changes and irritation Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
    • “New bottle ingredients do not match... lower amounts of beneficial ingredients. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
    • “new formula stings — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
    • “burned upon application — Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream”
    • “New version burns my face. — Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser”

Cetaphil vs Simple routines for dry skin

Buy Cetaphil routine · SAR 1,005.89 · 84% fitBuy Simple routine · SAR 891.11 · 83% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit

Cetaphil vs Simple routines for oily skin

Buy Simple routine · SAR 1,151.23 · 88% fitBuy Cetaphil routine · SAR 1,557.81 · 85% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit

Cetaphil vs Simple routines for combination skin

Buy Cetaphil routine · SAR 1,277.09 · 89% fitBuy Simple routine · SAR 983.37 · 87% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit

Questions and answers

Cetaphil or Simple: which is better?

Both brands offer an equal routine fit for all skin types, including sensitive and dry skin. Cetaphil features a larger product range with key ingredients like glycerin and niacinamide, while Simple is noted by reviewers for its dermatologist and value praise.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Antioxidants, 2021

What is the difference between Cetaphil and Simple?

Both brands offer fragrance-free products on this page and share an equal routine fit across all skin types, including sensitive and dry skin. However, Cetaphil features a much larger product range including several sunscreens and specialized serums, while Simple focuses on basic daily cleansers, moisturizers, and makeup removers.

Cetaphil or Simple for dry skin?

Both Cetaphil and Simple offer a High routine fit for dry skin. The products on this page help deliver hydration through key ingredients like glycerin and niacinamide.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Antioxidants, 2021

Cetaphil or Simple: which cleanser is better?

Both brands offer gentle cleansers on this page that fit sensitive skin well. Cetaphil features more options with a Superior fit for specific skin types, such as Gentle Skin Cleanser for dry sensitive skin and Gentle Foaming Cleanser for sensitive skin.

Which is more affordable, Cetaphil or Simple?

Simple stands out for dermatologist and value praise among the products on this page, making it the more affordable option compared to Cetaphil.

Which brand has been around longer, Cetaphil or Simple?

Cetaphil has been around longer than Simple, as Cetaphil was founded in the United States in 1947 while Simple was founded in the United Kingdom in 1960.

Do Cetaphil products contain fragrance?

Most of the products on this page list no fragrance, except for the Oily Skin Cleanser, which does.

Which brand performs better for dermatologist and value praise according to reviewers?

Simple performs better for dermatologist and value praise according to reviewers. Review themes show that Simple gets more praise for dermatologist backing and product value than Cetaphil does.

Cetaphil or Simple for oily skin?

Both brands fit oily skin well with a High routine fit level on this page. Reviewers note that Simple offers lightweight, value-friendly moisturizers and gentle makeup removers, while Cetaphil provides gentle, non-stripping cleansers and hydrating, non-greasy moisturizers.

Cetaphil or Simple: which moisturizer is better?

Both brands offer moisturizers with equal routine fits across skin types, though Cetaphil features a wider range of specialty moisturizers. For hydration benefits, topical hyaluronic acid helps improve skin quality and signs of skin aging.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Cetaphil or Simple for sensitive skin?

Both brands offer an equal routine fit level of High for sensitive skin. The products on this page for both Cetaphil and Simple are completely fragrance-free, and reviewers find both brands gentle on sensitive skin.

Cetaphil or Simple for acne-prone skin?

Both brands offer an equal routine fit for acne-prone skin on Lovi. Cetaphil features products like the Ceramide Serum with a Superior fit for acne-prone skin, while Simple provides lightweight, value-friendly moisturizers.

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

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