NIVEA vs Elemis
NIVEA and Elemis are skincare brands known for versatile sunscreens, targeted serums, and nourishing moisturizers formulated with hydrating glycerin and shea butter. The former suits sensitive and acne-prone skin best, while the latter is ideal for mature and dry sensitive skin. Both brands use glycerin to improve stratum corneum hydration and barrier function, but Elemis also includes shea butter to reduce inflammation and relieve skin pruritus. Ultimately, NIVEA relies on gentle ingredients to maintain balance, whereas the British brand offers deeply conditioning components for targeted concerns.
NIVEA is a German skincare brand founded in 1911 and owned by maxingvest GmbH & Co. KGaA since 2004.
beiersdorf.comen.wikipedia.org
Elemis is a British skincare brand founded in 1989 and owned by L'Occitane Group since 2019.
elemis.comau.elemis.comen.wikipedia.org
This page compares some of the most popular NIVEA and Elemis products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular NIVEA vs Elemis products
People Say
Texture and Absorption Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “It's lightweight on the skin and leaves a bit of subtle sheen. — NIVEA Soft”
- “Makes my face feel smooth and soft. — NIVEA Soft”
- “Absorbs almost immediately, and my skin feels well hydrated all day. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
- “skin feels baby soft — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
Hydration and Moisture Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “The cream really hydrates and my face looks amazing. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Night Cream”
- “Quenches thirsty skin... immediate improvement. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
- “skin feels baby soft — Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm”
- “Smoothed out dry flaky scales on my cheeks overnight — NIVEA Creme”
Fragrance and Scent Praise Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “smells like holiday — NIVEA Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+”
- “Smell brings me back to childhood — NIVEA Creme”
- “smells like a spa — Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm”
- “smells like a holiday — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
Exfoliation and Blemish Reduction Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “cleared my complexion in 7 days — NIVEA DERMA SKIN CLEAR”
- “unclogs pores — NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub”
- “reduces blackheads — NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub”
- “non-stripping formula — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash”
Gentle Care Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “doesn't dry out skin — NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub”
- “doesn't leave skin dry or stretched — NIVEA DERMA SKIN CLEAR”
- “no stinging or redness — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
- “Feels incredibly gentle and instantly rebalances my skin's pH. — Elemis Balancing Lavender Toner”
Value and Affordability Often MentionedNot noted
- “Works better than expensive luxury creams — NIVEA Creme”
- “Best affordable vegan moisturizer. — NIVEA Soft”
- “absolute steal for the price — NIVEA DERMA SKIN CLEAR”
Product Ineffectiveness or Minor Issues Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
- “didn't see a difference — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
- “tends to flake off — Elemis Pro-Collagen Eye Revive Mask”
- “It peels horribly no matter how I apply it. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
- “not super gritty — NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub”
Value and Pricing Not notedMostly Mentioned
- “Complete waste of money for me. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
Fragrance and Scent Complaints Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Scent is too overpowering for sensitive noses — NIVEA Creme”
- “Has a heavy, baby powder smell. — NIVEA Soft”
- “smell is too strong — NIVEA Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+”
- “The smell is very strong... could not handle for long. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
NIVEA vs Elemis routines for dry skin
-
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
Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 188.68
-
Moisturizer
Pro-Collagen Night Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 1,247.00
-
SPF
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning
SAR 563.68
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
SAR 368.47
-
Cleansing Toner
Balancing Lavender Toner
Evening
SAR 432.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Pro-Collagen Glow Boost Exfoliator
Evening · Once a week
SAR 477.00
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
SAR 130.30
-
Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
SAR 234.73
Buy NIVEA routine · SAR 974.09 · 82% fit
Buy Elemis routine · SAR 3,641.86 · 82% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
NIVEA vs Elemis routines for oily skin
-
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
Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 188.68
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 53.04
-
Moisturizer
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 563.68
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
SAR 368.47
-
Cleansing Toner
Balancing Lavender Toner
Evening
SAR 432.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Papaya Enzyme Peel
Evening · Once a week
SAR 291.00
-
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 Elemis routine · SAR 2,382.67 · 77% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
NIVEA vs Elemis routines for combination skin
-
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
Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 188.68
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 166.90
-
Moisturizer
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 563.68
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
SAR 368.47
-
Cleansing Toner
Balancing Lavender Toner
Evening
SAR 432.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Papaya Enzyme Peel
Evening · Once a week
SAR 291.00
-
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 Elemis routine · SAR 2,337.01 · 79% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
NIVEA or Elemis: which is better?
Both brands offer a High routine fit across all skin types, so neither is objectively better overall. NIVEA excels in value and blemish reduction, whereas Elemis stands out for hydration and moisture.
What is the difference between NIVEA and Elemis?
NIVEA is an affordable brand founded in Germany in 1911, while Elemis is a higher-priced brand founded in the United Kingdom in 1989. Both brands offer products on this page that achieve High fit levels across various skin types.
NIVEA or Elemis for dry skin?
Both NIVEA and Elemis have a High routine fit for dry skin. NIVEA offers versatile multi-use moisturizers and intense deep hydration, while Elemis provides hydrating and luxurious moisturizers.
NIVEA or Elemis: which moisturizer is better?
Both NIVEA and Elemis offer moisturizers with a High routine fit for dry skin, though Elemis stands out for its hydrating moisturizers with a luxurious texture while NIVEA is known for its versatile multi-use options.
Which is more affordable, NIVEA or Elemis?
NIVEA is more affordable than Elemis, which is known for its high price point. Reviewers note that NIVEA offers better value and pricing across the products on this page.
Between NIVEA and Elemis, which brand is better for exfoliation and blemish reduction?
NIVEA is better for exfoliation and blemish reduction. The products on this page help with blemish-clearing and smoother skin texture.
How do the founding years and corporate ownership of NIVEA and Elemis compare?
NIVEA was founded in 1911 in Germany and is owned by maxingvest GmbH & Co. KGaA, while Elemis was founded in 1989 in the United Kingdom and is owned by the L'Occitane Group.
Which brand's products are more frequently noted by reviewers for having a high price point?
Elemis is more frequently noted by reviewers for having a high price point.
NIVEA or Elemis for oily skin?
Both NIVEA and Elemis have a High routine fit for oily skin. Reviewers note that NIVEA does better for exfoliation and blemish reduction, while Elemis provides better hydration and moisture.
NIVEA or Elemis for sensitive skin?
Both NIVEA and Elemis have an equal High routine fit for sensitive skin. NIVEA focuses its brand routines on sensitive skin, while Elemis offers products like Superfood Glow Priming Moisturiser with a High fit level for sensitive skin.
NIVEA or Elemis for acne-prone skin?
Both NIVEA and Elemis have routines that offer a High fit for acne-prone skin. NIVEA stands out on the products on this page for exfoliation and blemish reduction.
Research behind their key ingredients
Bacterial cellulose membranes as drug delivery systems: an in vivo skin compatibility study
Effects of glyceryl glucoside on AQP3 expression, barrier function and hydration of human skin
Microneedling by dermapen and glycolic acid peel for the treatment of acne scars: Comparative study
Topical beta-carotene protects against infra-red-light-induced free radicals
Exotic Vegetable Oils for Cosmetic O/W Nanoemulsions: In Vivo Evaluation
A Rose Extract Protects the Skin against Stress Mediators: A Potential Role of Olfactory Receptors
In vivo and in vitro evaluation of octyl methoxycinnamate liposomes
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
Comparative measurement of hydration effects of herbal moisturizers
Topical Almond Oil for Prevention of Pressure Injuries: A Single-Blinded Comparison Study
Skin recovery by Lavandula angustifolia leaf callus extract: Redox control of Nrf2 signaling
Formulation and evaluation of exotic fat based cosmeceuticals for skin repair
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Effects of fermented tea seed oil on the skin lipid barrier and microbiome of sensitive skin
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.
-

Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
-

Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
-

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
-

Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
-

Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
-

Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
How does it fit your skin?
Scan your face, then any product: Lovi shows how well it fits you and what fits even better.






















































