Simple vs Galderma
Simple and Galderma are established skincare brands offering distinct approaches to daily care. Simple is a British brand known for gentle moisturizers, makeup removers, cleansers, and toners featuring niacinamide and glycerin, which suit acne-prone and oily skin best by balancing hydration and reducing hyperpigmentation. Meanwhile, the Swiss brand focuses on specialized serums such as Epiduo Gel and Benzac AC treatments for specific concerns. Both options address varied skin types differently, allowing individuals to choose formulations based on their specific needs.
Simple is a British skincare brand founded in 1960 and owned by Unilever PLC since 2011.
en.wikipedia.orgsec.govprnewswire.comsimple.co.uk
Galderma is a Swiss skincare brand founded in 1981 and owned by Galderma Group AG.
This page compares some of the most popular Simple and Galderma products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Simple vs Galderma products
People Say
Gentle on sensitive skin Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
- “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”
- “no artificial perfume — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
- “didn't burn my face — Galderma Benzac AC Mild Strength 2.5% Acne Gel”
Clears acne and prevents breakouts Not notedMostly Mentioned
- “cleared up my skin — Galderma Benzac AC Mild Strength 2.5% Acne Gel”
- “cystic acne gone — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
- “stops new pimples — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
Hydration and non-drying Mostly MentionedNot noted
- “banished dryness within days — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
- “Instantly boosts skin's hydration... face doesn't feel dry and tight. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
- “Leaves my face feeling soft, not tight. — Simple Micellar Water”
No residue or lightweight absorption Often MentionedNot noted
- “sinks in instantly — Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream”
- “absorbs very quickly — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
- “absorbs really well — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
Affordable value Often MentionedNot noted
- “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”
Effective cleansing Often MentionedNot noted
- “Takes off any makeup residue and makes my face feel refreshed. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
- “Best morning cleanser — Simple Refreshing Facial Wash”
- “removes last traces of makeup — Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner”
Intense burning and dryness Not notedMostly Mentioned
- “face on fire — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
Acne purge and irritation Not notedMostly Mentioned
- “got worse first — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
Bleaches fabrics Not notedMostly Mentioned
- “bleached my towel — Galderma Benzac AC 5”
Formula and packaging issues Often MentionedNot noted
- “New bottle ingredients do not match... lower amounts of beneficial ingredients. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
Questions and answers
Simple or Galderma: which is better?
Simple is generally better for gentle, hydrating care and sensitive skin, while Galderma is better for clearing acne with its serums. Lovi rates Simple's Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner as Superior for mature skin and High for sensitive skin. Niacinamide may help reduce skin pigmentation and suppress melanosome transfer, while glycerin helps improve skin hydration.
What is the difference between Simple and Galderma?
Simple stands out for its gentle, hydrating, and affordable everyday cleansers, makeup removers, and moisturizers featuring glycerin and niacinamide, whereas Galderma focuses on potent acne-clearing serums that may cause dryness and peeling.
Which is more affordable, Simple or Galderma?
Simple is more affordable, as affordable value is a review theme where Simple does better.
Which causes fewer breakouts, Simple or Galderma?
Galderma is better at clearing acne and preventing breakouts, whereas reviewers note that Simple sometimes causes breakouts or irritations.
Which brand is better suited for acne-prone skin, Simple or Galderma?
Galderma is better suited for acne-prone skin because its serums are effective at clearing acne, whereas Simple products on this page have an average or low Lovi fit for acne-prone skin.
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2018
Do Simple products contain fragrance, or are they fragrance-free like Galderma?
Simple products are fragrance-free, just like Galderma, because every product on this page for both brands lists no fragrance in its ingredients.
What are the key ingredients found across Simple skincare products?
Simple features niacinamide and glycerin as key ingredients across the products on this page. Niacinamide helps reduce skin pigmentation, and glycerin helps improve skin hydration.
The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
Research behind their key ingredients
The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer
Apigenin inhibits UVA-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and prevents signs of skin aging in vivo
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
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Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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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
How does it fit your skin?
Scan your face, then any product: Lovi shows how well it fits you and what fits even better.










