# Simple vs Menarini

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/simple-vs-menarini

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for Saudi Arabia.

Simple and Menarini are two trusted skincare collections designed to nurture different complexions with specialized care. The British brand is known for gentle moisturizers, makeup removers, cleansers, and toners featuring [niacinamide](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/niacinamide) and [glycerin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/glycerin), which suit acne-prone and oily skin best. Meanwhile, the second option offers advanced [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/serum) and thoughtful formulas like A-Ret Gel that ideally suit sensitive, dry, and combination skin. While both prioritize gentle compositions, they differ through their distinct ingredients and targeted solutions for unique dermatological needs.

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

[en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simple_Skincare) [sec.gov](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1368457/000119312511134453/dex991.htm) [prnewswire.com](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alberto-culver-announces-that-unilever-has-received-approval-from-the-us-department-of-justice-to-complete-the-acquisition-of-the-company-121400884.html) [simple.co.uk](https://www.simple.co.uk/philosophy.html)

This page compares some of the most popular Simple and Menarini products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, [use the Lovi app](https://app.pora.ai/vqqJ/j1xj2b6o?af_sub2=compare&af_sub3=selection_note&af_sub4=pg430ea8e4d7).

### Popular Simple vs Menarini products

#### Menarini

- [A-Ret Gel](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/menarini/a-ret-gel/for/oily-skin) — High fit

#### Simple

- [Micellar Water](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/simple/micellar-water/for/mature-skin) — Average fit — [SAR 68.45 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B00X3OQ6N0?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Micellar Cleansing Water](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/simple/micellar-cleansing-water/for/sensitive-skin) — High fit — [SAR 68.45 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B00X3OQ6N0?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Hydrating Light Moisturiser](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/simple/hydrating-light-moisturiser/for/dry-skin) — Average fit — [SAR 28.99 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B000LQX6XG?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Refreshing Facial Wash](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/simple/refreshing-facial-wash/for/acne-prone-skin) — Average fit — [SAR 24.99 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B000LQUA6M?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Replenishing Rich Moisturiser](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/simple/replenishing-rich-moisturiser/for/dry-skin) — Average fit — [SAR 63.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B000LNHB6M?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/simple/water-boost-hydrating-gel-cream/for/dry-skin) — Average fit — [SAR 78.18 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B0C3Z57B1M?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/simple/kind-to-skin-soothing-facial-toner/for/mature-skin) — Superior fit — [SAR 29.99 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B076V2D94Y?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

## Questions and answers

### Simple or Menarini: which is better?

Simple is better for gentle daily care, offering fragrance-free cleansers, makeup removers, and moisturizers that Lovi rates as High for sensitive and dry skin types. Menarini features targeted treatments like A-Ret Gel, which Lovi rates as High for oily skin but cautions against for dry and sensitive skin.

### What is the difference between Simple and Menarini?

Simple offers a broad variety of fragrance-free cleansers, moisturizers, and makeup removers that Lovi rates mostly average or high across multiple skin types, featuring ingredients like [niacinamide](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/niacinamide) and [glycerin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/glycerin). In contrast, Menarini provides a single A-Ret Gel on this page which contains [tretinoin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/tretinoin) and receives a caution or low fit for dry and sensitive skin.

[The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/) [The New England Journal of Medicine, 1993](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8336752/)

### Which is more affordable, Simple or Menarini?

Simple offers budget-friendly moisturizers, while Menarini has a limited selection on this page with no pricing or affordability details provided.

### Which causes fewer breakouts, Simple or Menarini?

Simple features fragrance-free products on this page that reviewers often mention can sometimes cause breakouts or irritations, while Menarini offers the A-Ret Gel which helps treat acne-prone and oily skin with High Lovi fit levels.

### Which brand has been around longer, Simple or Menarini?

Menarini has been around longer, having been founded in 1886 compared to Simple, which was founded in 1960.

### Do any products from either Simple or Menarini contain fragrance?

Every product on this page from both Simple and Menarini lists no fragrance in its ingredients.

### How does the Lovi fit level for oily skin compare between Simple's Micellar Cleansing Water and Menarini's A-Ret Gel?

Simple's Micellar Cleansing [Water](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/water) has a High Lovi fit level for oily skin, matching the High Lovi fit level of Menarini's A-Ret Gel.

## Research behind their key ingredients

- [The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/) Niacinamide · The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002
- [Restoration of collagen formation in photodamaged human skin by tretinoin (retinoic acid)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8336752/) Tretinoin · The New England Journal of Medicine, 1993
- [Mechanistic Basis and Clinical Evidence for the Applications of Nicotinamide (Niacinamide) to Control Skin Aging and Pigmentation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34439563/) Niacinamide · Antioxidants, 2021
- [Topical use of dexpanthenol in skin disorders](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12113650/) Panthenol, Panthenol vitamin b5 · American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002
- [Apigenin inhibits UVA-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and prevents signs of skin aging in vivo](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27279007/) Chamomilla recutita flower extract matricaria flower extract · International Journal of Molecular Medicine, 2016
- [Clinical Assessment of New Topical Cream Containing Two Essential Oils Combined with Tretinoin in the Treatment of Acne](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32210603/) Tretinoin · Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2020
- [The 24-hour skin hydration and barrier function effects of a hyaluronic 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract moisturizing fluid: an intra-subject, randomized, assessor-blinded study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/) Glycerin · Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
- [Randomized controlled study for the anti-aging effect of human adipocyte-derived mesenchymal stem cell media combined with niacinamide after laser therapy](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33103316/) Niacinamide · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021
- [A new topical panthenol-containing emollient: Results from two randomized controlled studies assessing its skin moisturization and barrier restoration potential, and the effect on skin microflora](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27425824/) Panthenol, Panthenol vitamin b5 · The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017
- [Senomorphic activity of a combination of niacinamide and hyaluronic acid: correlation with clinical improvement of skin aging](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39009698/) Niacinamide · Scientific Reports, 2024
- [Stable Ozonides with Vitamin E Acetate versus Corticosteroid in the Treatment of Lichen Sclerosus in Foreskin: Evaluation of Effects on Inflammation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30991399/) Tocopheryl acetate vitamin e, Tocopheryl acetate · Urologia Internationalis, 2019
- [Efficacy of a topical gel containing chitosan, chlorhexidine, allantoin and dexpanthenol for pain and inflammation control after third molar surgery: A randomized and placebo-controlled clinical trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32683390/) Panthenol, Panthenol vitamin b5, Allantoin · Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal, 2020
- [High molecular compounds (polysaccharides and proanthocyanidins) from Hamamelis virginiana bark: influence on human skin keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation and influence on irritated skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11684194/) Witch hazel leaf water · Phytochemistry, 2001
- [Efficacy assessments of tretinoin-loaded nano lipid carriers in acne vulgaris: a double blind, split-face randomized clinical study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34146120/) Tretinoin · Archives of Dermatological Research, 2022
- [Topical tretinoin for treating photoaging: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35620028/) Tretinoin · International Journal of Women's Dermatology, 2022
- [Comparison of clinical efficacies of sodium ascorbyl phosphate, retinol and their combination in acne treatment](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19134126/) Sodium ascorbyl phosphate · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2009
- [Efficacy and Tolerability of Topical Nicotinamide Plus Antibacterial Adhesive Agents and Zinc-Pyrrolidone Carboxylic Acid Versus Placebo as an Adjuvant Treatment for Moderate Acne Vulgaris in Indonesia: A Multicenter, Double-blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32983333/) Zinc pca · The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020
- [Whitening effect of alpha-bisabolol in Asian women subjects](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20642768/) Bisabolol · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2010
- [Assessment of Combined Ascorbyl Palmitate (AP) and Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP) on Facial Skin Sebum Control in Female Healthy Volunteers](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27756097/) Sodium ascorbyl phosphate · Drug Research, 2017
- [Understanding Solar Skin Elastosis-Cause and Treatment](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30052192/) Witch hazel leaf water · Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2018
- [Borage Oil Treated with Immobilized Lipase Inhibits Melanogenesis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33128473/) Borago officinalis seed oil · Lipids, 2020
- [Influence of vitamin E acetate on stratum corneum hydration](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9706379/) Tocopheryl acetate vitamin e, Tocopheryl acetate · Arzneimittel-Forschung, 1998
- [Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of a Panthenol-Enriched Mask for Skin Barrier Recovery After Facial Laser Treatment: Results of a Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40613435/) Panthenol, Panthenol vitamin b5 · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025
- [Modulation of skin pigmentation by the tetrapeptide PKEK: in vitro and in vivo evidence for skin whitening effects](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22142309/) Sodium ascorbyl phosphate · Experimental Dermatology, 2012
- [Nanostructured Lipid Carrier Based Gel Containing α-Tocopherol and α-Tocopheryl Acetate for Synergistic Cutaneous Antiaging Efficacy](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41309687/) Tocopheryl acetate · Scientific Reports, 2025
- [Safety assessment on comedogenicity of dermatological products containing d-alpha tocopheryl acetate in Asian subjects: A double-blind randomized controlled trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34471722/) Tocopheryl acetate vitamin e, Tocopheryl acetate · Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 2021
- [Impact of dermal emulsions containing diacyl phospholipids, mono acyl phospholipids, sodium lauryl ether sulfate and polysorbate 80 in combination with UVA irradiation on human skin physiology in vivo: A pilot study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42617898/) Sodium laureth sulfate · International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2026
- [A novel facial moisturizer containing Saccharide isomerate accelerates skin barrier restoration following intense pulsed light treatment: a randomized split-face study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41211697/) Saccharide isomerate · The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2025
- [Efficacy and safety of combination cream of stimu-tex AS™ (spent grain wax, Argania Spinosa Kernel oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (shea butter) extract), and saccharide isomerate after fractional CO2 laser procedure: split-face, double blinded, randomized controlled trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41134387/) Saccharide isomerate · Lasers in Medical Science, 2025
- [Saccharide isomerate ameliorates cosmetic scalp conditions in a Chinese study population](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35279940/) Saccharide isomerate · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023

## The brands

- British skincare: [Simple](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/brands/simple)
- Skincare: [Menarini](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/brands/menarini)

## More comparisons

- [SKIN1004 vs Simple](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/skin1004-vs-simple)
- [SKIN1004 vs Menarini](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/skin1004-vs-menarini)
- [Anua vs Simple](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/anua-vs-simple)
- [Anua vs Menarini](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/anua-vs-menarini)
- [Medicube vs Simple](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/medicube-vs-simple)
- [Medicube vs Menarini](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/medicube-vs-menarini)
- [The Ordinary vs Simple](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/the-ordinary-vs-simple)
- [The Ordinary vs Menarini](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/the-ordinary-vs-menarini)
- [Beauty of Joseon vs Simple](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/beauty-of-joseon-vs-simple)
- [Beauty of Joseon vs Menarini](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/beauty-of-joseon-vs-menarini)
- [COSRX vs Simple](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/cosrx-vs-simple)
- [COSRX vs Menarini](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/cosrx-vs-menarini)
- [CeraVe vs Simple](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/cerave-vs-simple)
- [CeraVe vs Menarini](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/cerave-vs-menarini)
- [La Roche-Posay vs Simple](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-simple)
- [La Roche-Posay vs Menarini](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-menarini)
- [Dr. Althea vs Simple](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/dr-althea-vs-simple)
- [Dr. Althea vs Menarini](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/dr-althea-vs-menarini)
- [Some By Mi vs Simple](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/some-by-mi-vs-simple)
- [Some By Mi vs Menarini](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/some-by-mi-vs-menarini)

## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi compares products by their fit scores, calculated from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its 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. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this comparison: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/simple-vs-menarini
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/simple-vs-menarini
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/compare/simple-vs-menarini
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/compare/simple-vs-menarini
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/compare/simple-vs-menarini
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/simple-vs-menarini
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/simple-vs-menarini
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/simple-vs-menarini
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/simple-vs-menarini
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/simple-vs-menarini
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/compare/simple-vs-menarini
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/simple-vs-menarini (this page)
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/compare/simple-vs-menarini