NIVEA vs Shiseido
NIVEA and Shiseido are heritage skincare brands, with the German brand founded in 1911 and the Japanese brand established in 1872. Both brands are beloved for their versatile sunscreens, targeted serums, and nourishing moisturizers formulated with hydrating glycerin to support the skin barrier. While the first brand suits sensitive skin and acne-prone skin best with gentle balancing ingredients, the latter serves sensitive skin and mature skin with meticulous daily care. They differ in their specific standout offerings and corporate origins, yet both effectively improve stratum corneum hydration through careful formulations.
NIVEA is a German skincare brand founded in 1911 and owned by maxingvest GmbH & Co. KGaA since 2004.
beiersdorf.comen.wikipedia.org
Shiseido is a Japanese skincare brand founded in 1872 and owned by Shiseido Company, Limited.
corp.shiseido.comen.wikipedia.orgmarketscreener.com
This page compares some of the most popular NIVEA and Shiseido products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular NIVEA vs Shiseido products
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Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream
SAR 593.00
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Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate
SAR 657.78
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VITAL PERFECTION
SAR 466.72
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Clarifying Cleansing Foam
SAR 226.20
-
Essential Energy Hydrating Cream
SAR 282.50
- Activating Essence
- FUTURE SOLUTION LX
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Bio-Performance Advanced Super Revitalizing Cream
SAR 631.45
People Say
Deep hydration and moisture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Immediate sensation of comfort — Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream”
- “skin feels plump, soft and nourished, eliminates dryness, bouncy feel — Shiseido VITAL PERFECTION”
- “Skin feels more hydrated — Shiseido Activating Essence”
- “Smoothed out dry flaky scales on my cheeks overnight — NIVEA Creme”
Softens and smooths skin Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Makes my face feel smooth and soft. — NIVEA Soft”
- “skin feels squeaky clean and soft — NIVEA DERMA SKIN CLEAR”
- “skin feels smooth — NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub”
- “Velvety smooth — Shiseido FUTURE SOLUTION LX”
Unbeatable and good value 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”
Luxurious texture Not notedOften Mentioned
- “silky smooth, rich but non-greasy, absorbs quickly, melts into skin — Shiseido VITAL PERFECTION”
- “Velvety, rich cream texture — Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream”
- “Velvety texture — Shiseido FUTURE SOLUTION LX”
Pleasant scent and feel Rarely NotedSometimes Noted
- “Pleasant floral fragrance, relaxing, luxurious smell. — Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate”
- “spa-like scent, high-quality packaging, little goes a long way — Shiseido VITAL PERFECTION”
- “Fresh floral scent — Shiseido Essential Energy Hydrating Cream”
- “smells really nice — NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub”
Versatility and multi-purpose use Often MentionedNot noted
- “Use it on face, body, hands, and feet — NIVEA Creme”
- “Applying is easy, you can use on your face, hands, and body. — NIVEA Soft”
Strong fragrance and scent issues Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “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”
- “old lady smell — Shiseido Eudermine Revitalizing Essence”
High price point Not notedMostly Mentioned
- “Very expensive for the size — Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream”
Greasy or oily residue Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “Stays tacky and shiny — Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream”
- “A little too much (too greasy) — Shiseido Bio-Performance Advanced Super Revitalizing Cream”
- “feels a bit oily — Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Cream Enriched”
- “Leaves a shiny grease layer that doesn't go away — NIVEA Creme”
NIVEA vs Shiseido 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
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Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
SAR 234.73
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Cleanser
Extra Rich Cleansing Milk
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 307.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Eudermine Revitalizing Essence
Morning
SAR 386.76
-
Moisturizer
Essential Energy Hydrating Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 282.50
-
SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
SAR 75.00
-
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
Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate
Evening · Once a week
SAR 657.78
-
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 Shiseido routine · SAR 2,211.82 · 81% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
NIVEA vs Shiseido 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
Deep Cleansing Foam
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 202.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Eudermine Revitalizing Essence
Morning · Once a week
SAR 386.76
-
Moisturizer
Essential Energy Hydrating Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 282.50
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
SAR 46.95
-
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
Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate
Evening · Once a week
SAR 657.78
-
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 Shiseido routine · SAR 2,494.74 · 84% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
NIVEA vs Shiseido 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
Deep Cleansing Foam
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 202.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Eudermine Revitalizing Essence
Morning · Once a week
SAR 386.76
-
Moisturizer
Essential Energy Hydrating Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 282.50
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
SAR 46.95
-
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
Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate
Evening · Once a week
SAR 657.78
-
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 Shiseido routine · SAR 2,213.02 · 84% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
NIVEA or Shiseido: which is better?
Both NIVEA and Shiseido offer products on this page that achieve equal high fit levels across all skin types. Shoppers looking for value often choose NIVEA for its versatile moisturizers and softening effects, whereas Shiseido is favored for its luxurious textures and deep hydration.
What is the difference between NIVEA and Shiseido?
NIVEA tends to provide versatile and budget-friendly products with a strong focus on soothing and blemish care, whereas Shiseido is known for its luxurious textures and deep-cleansing formulations. Hyaluronic acid helps provide deep hydration across the products on this page for both brands.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
NIVEA or Shiseido for dry skin?
Both NIVEA and Shiseido offer products on this page that provide a High routine fit for dry skin. Shiseido features deep hydration and luxurious textures, while NIVEA provides good value and versatile multi-use moisturizers.
NIVEA or Shiseido: which moisturizer is better?
Both NIVEA and Shiseido offer moisturizers with High fit levels for dry skin on this page, but NIVEA is better known for versatile multi-use formulas while Shiseido is favored for deep hydration and luxurious textures.
Which is more affordable, NIVEA or Shiseido?
NIVEA is more affordable, as Shiseido has a high price point among the products on this page.
Between NIVEA and Shiseido, which brand is older and when were they founded?
Shiseido is the older brand, having been founded in Japan in 1872, whereas NIVEA was founded in Germany in 1911.
How do the key active ingredients compare between NIVEA and Shiseido products on this page?
NIVEA products on this page feature glycerin as a key ingredient, whereas Shiseido products on this page include both glycerin and hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid helps provide deep hydration and improve signs of skin aging.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Drug Delivery, 2017
Which brand has more fragrance-free options among its products?
NIVEA has more fragrance-free options among the products on this page, with 3 out of 9 products listing no fragrance, compared to Shiseido where 5 out of 20 products are fragrance-free.
NIVEA or Shiseido for oily skin?
Both NIVEA and Shiseido offer products on this page that achieve a High Lovi fit level for oily skin. Reviewers note that NIVEA helps with soft and smooth skin and good value, while Shiseido provides deep hydration and luxurious textures.
NIVEA or Shiseido: which sunscreen is better?
Both NIVEA and Shiseido offer sunscreens with High fit levels for various skin types on the products on this page. Shiseido provides options like Essential Energy Hydrating Day Cream that achieve Superior fit levels for mature skin, while NIVEA offers well-tolerated formulas featuring glycerin.
NIVEA or Shiseido for sensitive skin?
Both NIVEA and Shiseido achieve a High routine fit level for sensitive skin based on the products on this page.
NIVEA or Shiseido for acne-prone skin?
Both NIVEA and Shiseido provide high routine fit for acne-prone skin on the products on this page. Reviewers note that NIVEA offers blemish-clearing serums.
Research behind their key ingredients
Psychophysical study of the effects of topical application of menthol in healthy volunteers
Panax ginseng induces human Type I collagen synthesis through activation of Smad signaling
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
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
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
Anatomical site differences of sodium lauryl sulfate-induced irritation: randomized controlled trial
Skin recovery by Lavandula angustifolia leaf callus extract: Redox control of Nrf2 signaling
Moisturizing Effects of Diglycerol Combined with Glycerol on Human Stratum Corneum
Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate
Transdermal Delivery of Baicalin Based on Bio-Vesicles and Its Efficacy in Antiaging of the Skin
Liposomal formulation of a vitamin C derivative: a promising strategy to increase skin permeability
New Chalcone-Derived Molecule for the Topical Regulation of Hyperpigmentation and Skin Aging
Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens
Targeting Circadian Rhythm for the Regulation of Skin Collagen Metabolism
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
-

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
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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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