Estée Lauder vs NIVEA
Estée Lauder and NIVEA are distinguished skin care houses that offer distinct approaches to daily moisture and targeted repair. The American brand, founded in 1946, is beloved for its comprehensive range of moisturizers, serums, eye products, and cleansers formulated with hyaluronic acid and glycerin, suiting acne-prone skin and mature skin best. Meanwhile, the German brand, founded in 1911, is deeply loved for its versatile sunscreens, targeted serums, and nourishing moisturizers crafted with glycerin, which suit sensitive skin and acne-prone skin best. While both brands rely on hydrating glycerin to support barrier function, they differ in their heritage, ingredient combinations, and primary skin type compatibilities.
Estée Lauder is an American skincare brand founded in 1946 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc..
en.wikipedia.orgelcompanies.com
NIVEA is a German skincare brand founded in 1911 and owned by maxingvest GmbH & Co. KGaA since 2004.
beiersdorf.comen.wikipedia.org
This page compares some of the most popular Estée Lauder and NIVEA products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Estée Lauder vs NIVEA products
People Say
Deep Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “skin drinks it up immediately — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair”
- “The formula is incredibly hydrating and leaves my skin feeling smooth. — Estée Lauder Re-Nutriv”
- “texture is dreamy — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Gel-Creme”
- “Smoothed out dry flaky scales on my cheeks overnight — NIVEA Creme”
Skin Texture and Smoothness Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Absorbs quickly into the skin — Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+”
- “gives me that glass skin look — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair”
- “Makes my face feel smooth and soft. — NIVEA Soft”
- “skin feels squeaky clean and soft — NIVEA DERMA SKIN CLEAR”
Product Value and Longevity Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Works better than expensive luxury creams — NIVEA Creme”
- “Best affordable vegan moisturizer. — NIVEA Soft”
- “absolute steal for the price — NIVEA DERMA SKIN CLEAR”
- “A little goes a long way — Estée Lauder Soft Clean Moisture Rich Foaming Cleanser”
Pleasant Scent Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “smells like holiday — NIVEA Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+”
- “Smell brings me back to childhood — NIVEA Creme”
- “smells really nice — NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub”
- “pleasant cucumber fragrance — Estée Lauder DayWear Moisturizer”
Gentle Cleansing and Makeup Removal Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “doesn't strip the skin — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Cleansing Gelée”
- “Lathers well — Estée Lauder Soft Clean Moisture Rich Foaming Cleanser”
- “removes all my makeup effortlessly — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Cleansing Gelée”
- “unclogs pores — NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub”
Versatile Multi-Purpose Use Not notedOften Mentioned
- “Use it on face, body, hands, and feet — NIVEA Creme”
- “Applying is easy, you can use on your face, hands, and body. — NIVEA Soft”
High Price Point and Cost Mostly MentionedNot noted
- “way too expensive for the size — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair”
Fragrance and Scent Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “Scent is too overpowering for sensitive noses — NIVEA Creme”
- “Has a heavy, baby powder smell. — NIVEA Soft”
- “smells like men's hairspray — NIVEA DERMA SKIN CLEAR”
- “Scent is too overpowering — Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+”
Sticky or Heavy Residue Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “tacky film — Estée Lauder Micro Essence Treatment Lotion”
- “Leaves a greasy film behind — Estée Lauder Take It Away Makeup Remover Lotion”
- “Leaves a shiny grease layer that doesn't go away — NIVEA Creme”
Estée Lauder vs NIVEA routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 297.00
-
Moisturizer
Creme
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 17.86
-
SPF
Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+
Morning
SAR 75.20
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
SAR 65.11
-
Cleansing Toner
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water
Evening
SAR 72.64
-
Serum or Treatment
Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub
Evening · Once a week
SAR 81.25
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
SAR 130.30
-
Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
SAR 234.73
-
Cleanser
Advanced Night Cleansing Gelée
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 232.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Micro Essence Treatment Lotion
Morning
SAR 244.35
-
Moisturizer
Revitalizing Supreme+
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 770.00
- SPF DayWear Moisturizer Morning
-
Pre-Cleanser
Take It Away Makeup Remover Lotion
Evening · Once a week
SAR 439.00
-
Cleansing Toner
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water
Evening
SAR 72.64
- Serum or Treatment Perfectionist Pro Evening · Once a week
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
SAR 130.30
-
Nourishing Mask
Nutritious Melting Soft Creme/Mask
Once a week
SAR 297.00
Buy NIVEA routine · SAR 974.09 · 82% fit
Buy Estée Lauder routine · SAR 2,185.29 · 77% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Estée Lauder vs NIVEA routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 36.33
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 53.04
-
Moisturizer
Soft
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 14.39
-
SPF
Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+
Morning
SAR 75.20
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 245.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
SAR 187.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub
Evening · Once a week
SAR 81.25
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
Goldfaden MD Facial Detox Mask
Once a week
SAR 328.29
-
Cleanser
Advanced Night Cleansing Gelée
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 232.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Micro Essence Treatment Lotion
Morning · Once a week
SAR 244.35
-
Moisturizer
Revitalizing Supreme+
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 770.00
- SPF DayWear Moisturizer Morning
-
Pre-Cleanser
Take It Away Makeup Remover Lotion
Evening · Once a week
SAR 439.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
SAR 187.00
- Serum or Treatment Perfectionist Pro Evening · Once a week
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
Goldfaden MD Facial Detox Mask
Once a week
SAR 328.29
Buy NIVEA routine · SAR 1,178.96 · 87% fit
Buy Estée Lauder routine · SAR 2,358.15 · 75% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Estée Lauder vs NIVEA routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 191.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 166.90
-
Moisturizer
Soft
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 14.39
-
SPF
Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+
Morning
SAR 75.20
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 245.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
SAR 64.80
-
Serum or Treatment
Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub
Evening · Once a week
SAR 81.25
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
SAR 168.77
-
Cleanser
Advanced Night Cleansing Gelée
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 232.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Micro Essence Treatment Lotion
Morning · Once a week
SAR 244.35
-
Moisturizer
Revitalizing Supreme+
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 770.00
- SPF DayWear Moisturizer Morning
-
Pre-Cleanser
Take It Away Makeup Remover Lotion
Evening · Once a week
SAR 439.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
SAR 64.80
-
Serum or Treatment
Advanced Night Repair
Evening · Once a week
SAR 259.20
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
SAR 168.77
Buy NIVEA routine · SAR 1,165.77 · 87% fit
Buy Estée Lauder routine · SAR 2,335.63 · 77% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
Estée Lauder or NIVEA: which is better?
Both Estée Lauder and NIVEA offer high routine fit levels for dry, oily, combination, sensitive, acne-prone, mature, and dry sensitive skin types on the products on this page. Estée Lauder tends to do better for deep hydration and gentle cleansing, while NIVEA does better for product value, versatile multi-purpose use, and skin with dark spots.
What is the difference between Estée Lauder and NIVEA?
Estée Lauder and NIVEA both offer products on this page with High routine fit levels across most skin types, but they differ in formulation and review feedback. Estée Lauder products on this page frequently feature hyaluronic acid and glycerin alongside deep hydration, while NIVEA products on this page are often noted for blemish-clearing serums and versatile multi-use moisturizers.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
Estée Lauder or NIVEA for dry skin?
Both Estée Lauder and NIVEA offer a High routine fit for dry skin among the products on this page. Estée Lauder features key ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin and is noted for deep hydration, while NIVEA provides versatile multi-use moisturizers.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Drug Delivery, 2017
Estée Lauder or NIVEA: which moisturizer is better?
Both Estee Lauder and NIVEA offer moisturizers with a High routine fit for dry, oily, combination, sensitive, acne-prone, and mature skin on the products on this page. Estee Lauder does better for deep hydration and moisture, while NIVEA provides more versatile multi-purpose use and better product value.
Which is more affordable, Estée Lauder or NIVEA?
NIVEA is more affordable, whereas Estée Lauder has a high price point as a mostly mentioned negative review theme. NIVEA also does better for product value and longevity according to the review themes on the products on this page.
Which brand has more fragrance-free products, Estée Lauder or NIVEA?
Estée Lauder has more fragrance-free products than NIVEA, as 12 of its 14 products on this page list no fragrance compared to only 3 of the 9 products for NIVEA.
Estée Lauder or NIVEA for oily skin?
Both Estée Lauder and NIVEA offer a high routine fit for oily skin. Reviewers note that Estée Lauder provides deep hydration, while NIVEA offers blemish-clearing serums.
Estée Lauder or NIVEA: which sunscreen is better?
For sunscreens on this page, both Estée Lauder and NIVEA offer options that achieve a High Lovi fit level for various skin types. Estée Lauder provides options like DayWear Moisturizer, while NIVEA includes UV Deep Protect & Care Gel and Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+.
Estée Lauder or NIVEA for sensitive skin?
Both Estée Lauder and NIVEA are good options for sensitive skin, as the products on this page for both brands achieve a High routine fit for this skin type. Estée Lauder features key ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which helps with skin hydration, and most of its products on this page list no fragrance.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
Estée Lauder or NIVEA for acne-prone skin?
Both Estée Lauder and NIVEA are good for acne-prone skin, with the products on this page achieving a High routine fit level for this skin type. Estée Lauder fits best with acne-prone skin, and NIVEA also fits sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, and oily skin best through its brand-focused routines.
Estée Lauder or NIVEA for skin with dark spots?
For skin with dark spots, NIVEA does better with a High routine fit compared to Estée Lauder which has an Average routine fit. Reviewers often note that NIVEA offers blemish-clearing serums and smoother skin texture serums.
Estée Lauder or NIVEA for mature skin?
Both Estée Lauder and NIVEA offer a High routine fit for mature skin among the products on this page. Estée Lauder features mature skin as one of the skin types the brand fits best, while NIVEA provides versatile multi-use moisturizers and blemish-clearing serums.
Research behind their key ingredients
Chrysin protects epidermal keratinocytes from UVA- and UVB-induced damage
Vitamin C-squalene bioconjugate promotes epidermal thickening and collagen production in human skin
Effects of glyceryl glucoside on AQP3 expression, barrier function and hydration of human skin
Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation by topical N-acetyl glucosamine
Another Reason for Using Caffeine in Dermocosmetics: Sunscreen Adjuvant
Exotic Vegetable Oils for Cosmetic O/W Nanoemulsions: In Vivo Evaluation
In vivo and in vitro evaluation of octyl methoxycinnamate liposomes
Nanostructured Lipid Carrier for Topical Application of N-Acetyl Glucosamine
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
Skin recovery by Lavandula angustifolia leaf callus extract: Redox control of Nrf2 signaling
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate
Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens
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.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
-

Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
-

Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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