Anua vs Simple
Anua and Simple are respected skincare brands, with the Korean line known for heartleaf toners, serums, and cleansers, and the British collection celebrated for gentle moisturizers, makeup removers, and micellar waters. Both brands suit oily acne-prone skin best, though the former also targets dark spots while the latter protects sensitive barriers. The Korean range uses hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, whereas Simple relies on niacinamide and glycerin to support hydration and reduce hyperpigmentation. Ultimately, they differ in their heritage and specific ingredient profiles, giving users distinct ways to care for their complexions.
Anua is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2019 and owned by The Founders Inc..
prnewswire.comkedglobal.comtracxn.comv.daum.net
Simple is a British skincare brand founded in 1960 and owned by Unilever PLC since 2011.
en.wikipedia.orgsec.govprnewswire.comsimple.co.uk
This page compares some of the most popular Anua and Simple products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Anua vs Simple products
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Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
S$21.83
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Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner
S$26.97
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Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
S$19.06
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PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum
S$30.50
- Heartleaf Quercetin Pore Deep Cleansing Foam
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Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner
S$22.92
- PEACH 70% NIACINAMIDE SERUM
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Heartleaf 77% Clear Pad
S$14.13
People Say
Soothes Redness and Sensitive Skin Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “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”
- “Calms my redness instantly — Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner”
Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “complexion feels so plump — Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum”
- “leaves skin plump — Anua Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner”
- “banished dryness within days — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
- “Instantly boosts skin's hydration... face doesn't feel dry and tight. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
Lightweight and Fast-Absorbing Texture Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “melts into skin — Anua Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream”
- “Feels like water, not heavy oil — Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil”
- “sinks in instantly — Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream”
- “absorbs very quickly — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
Cleansing and Exfoliation Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Dissolved my sebaceous filaments immediately — Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil”
- “leaves my face soft, smooth, and fresh without dryness — Anua Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder”
- “Takes off any makeup residue and makes my face feel refreshed. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
- “Best morning cleanser — Simple Refreshing Facial Wash”
Miscellaneous Product Traits Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “zero white cast — Anua Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream”
- “no scent — Anua Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner”
- “Smells like fresh peaches — Anua PEACH 70% NIACINAMIDE SERUM”
- “love that it's alcohol-free — Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner”
Brightening and Dark Spot Fading Often MentionedNot noted
- “Significant reduction in hyperpigmentation from acne scarring. — Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum”
- “glass-like glow — Anua Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner”
- “Gives a nice healthy glow — Anua PEACH 70% NIACINAMIDE SERUM”
Breakouts and Acne Complaints Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “Gave me tiny bumps on my forehead. — Simple Micellar Water”
- “caused major breakouts — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
- “Gave me tiny red spots — Simple Refreshing Facial Wash”
- “Wrecked my skin barrier — Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil”
Anua vs Simple routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Gentle Foaming Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$17.98
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Hydrating Toner
Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner
Morning
S$22.92
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Moisturizer
Heartleaf 70% Intense Calming Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$19.26
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SPF
Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream
Morning
S$16.57
-
Pre-Cleanser
Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
S$21.83
-
Serum or Treatment
Green Lemon Vita C Blemish Serum
Evening · Once a week
S$28.55
-
Nourishing Mask
Heartleaf 77% Soothing Sheet Mask
Once a week
S$3.35
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Cleanser
Refreshing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$19.51
-
Hydrating Toner
COSRX Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning
S$41.07
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Moisturizer
Replenishing Rich Moisturiser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$18.19
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SPF
thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+
Morning
S$21.09
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Pre-Cleanser
Micellar Cleansing Water
Evening · Once a week
S$35.70
-
Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
S$63.44
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Collagen Essential Mask
Once a week
S$62.94
Buy Simple routine · S$261.94 · 83% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
Anua vs Simple routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
Refreshing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$19.51
-
Hydrating Toner
TROIAREUKE H+Cocktail Purifying Ampoule Toner
Morning · Once a week
S$168.51
-
Moisturizer
Replenishing Rich Moisturiser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$18.19
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
S$28.72
-
Pre-Cleanser
Micellar Cleansing Water
Evening · Once a week
S$35.70
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening · Once a week
S$36.48
-
Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
S$63.44
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
S$89.14
- Cleanser Heartleaf Quercetin Pore Deep Cleansing Foam Morning · Evening · Once a week
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Hydrating Toner
Peach 77 Niacin Essence Toner
Morning · Once a week
S$20.55
-
Moisturizer
Heartleaf 70% Intense Calming Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$19.26
-
SPF
Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream
Morning
S$16.57
-
Pre-Cleanser
Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
S$21.83
-
Cleansing Toner
BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner
Evening · Once a week
S$26.97
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
Evening · Once a week
S$19.06
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
S$89.14
Buy Simple routine · S$459.69 · 85% fit
Buy Anua routine · S$89.14 · 84% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Anua vs Simple routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Refreshing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$19.51
-
Hydrating Toner
Whamisa Organic Flowers Toner Deep Rich
Morning · Once a week
S$64.81
-
Moisturizer
Replenishing Rich Moisturiser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$18.19
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
S$28.72
-
Pre-Cleanser
Micellar Cleansing Water
Evening · Once a week
S$35.70
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening · Once a week
S$36.48
-
Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
S$63.44
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
S$89.14
- Cleanser Heartleaf Quercetin Pore Deep Cleansing Foam Morning · Evening · Once a week
-
Hydrating Toner
Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner
Morning · Once a week
S$22.92
-
Moisturizer
Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$21.23
-
SPF
Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream
Morning
S$16.57
-
Pre-Cleanser
Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
S$21.83
-
Cleansing Toner
BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner
Evening · Once a week
S$26.97
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
Evening · Once a week
S$19.06
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
S$89.14
Buy Simple routine · S$355.99 · 85% fit
Buy Anua routine · S$89.14 · 83% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
Anua or Simple: which is better?
Anua is generally better for brightening and dark spot fading, whereas Simple does better at soothing redness and sensitive skin. Reviewers note that Simple tends to cause more breakouts and acne complaints than Anua does.
What is the difference between Anua and Simple?
Anua does better for brightening and dark spot fading, while Simple does better for soothing redness and sensitive skin. Both brands offer products on this page that list no fragrance in their ingredients.
Anua or Simple for dry skin?
Both Anua and Simple are a High fit for dry skin on the products on this page. Anua helps provide extra brightening and dark spot fading benefits, while Simple features gentle, sensitive-skin-friendly makeup removers.
Anua or Simple: which cleanser is better?
Both Anua and Simple offer cleansers on this page, but Anua stands out with options that better suit diverse skin concerns like acne-prone and oily skin. Lovi rates Anua cleansers with High fits for oily and acne-prone skin types, while Simple cleansers generally show lower fit levels for those skin types.
Which is more affordable, Anua or Simple?
Simple is more affordable compared to Anua, as reviewers often mention its lightweight and value-friendly moisturizers.
Where and when were Anua and Simple founded, and who owns them?
Anua was founded in 2019 in South Korea and is owned by The Founders Inc., while Simple was founded in 1960 in the United Kingdom and has been owned by Unilever PLC since 2011.
Which brand performs better for soothing redness and sensitive skin?
Simple performs better for soothing redness and sensitive skin compared to Anua. Review themes show that Simple does better specifically for soothing redness and sensitive skin, while every product on this page for both brands lists no fragrance in its ingredients.
What are the key differences in key ingredients between Anua and Simple products?
Anua products on this page feature a wide variety of active ingredients like Hyaluronic acid, Heartleaf, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Ceramide, Panthenol, and Centella asiatica. In contrast, Simple products on this page rely on a more limited selection of key ingredients consisting only of Niacinamide and Glycerin.
Anua or Simple for oily skin?
Both Anua and Simple offer a High routine fit for oily skin on the products on this page. Anua helps with oily acne-prone skin, oily skin, and combination skin using key ingredients like niacinamide and heartleaf.
Anua or Simple: which moisturizer is better?
Anua is generally better for moisturizers because the products on this page offer superior results for dry and sensitive skin. Reviewers also frequently mention Anua for soothing and barrier support in its moisturizers.
Anua or Simple for sensitive skin?
Both Anua and Simple are a High fit for sensitive skin on the products on this page. Simple does better at soothing redness and sensitive skin, while Anua helps with brightening and dark spot fading.
Anua or Simple for acne-prone skin?
Both Anua and Simple are a High fit for acne-prone skin on the products on this page. Reviewers note that Simple has more complaints about breakouts, whereas Anua is noted for brightening serums and improving skin texture.
Research behind their key ingredients
The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer
Effects of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) on Skin Health: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Evidence
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
Apigenin inhibits UVA-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and prevents signs of skin aging in vivo
Effects of glyceryl glucoside on AQP3 expression, barrier function and hydration of human skin
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
Borage Oil Treated with Immobilized Lipase Inhibits Melanogenesis
Moisturizing Effects of Diglycerol Combined with Glycerol on Human Stratum Corneum
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Histometric assessment of the age-related skin response to 2-hydroxy-5-octanoyl benzoic acid
Emulgels powered by coco-glucoside: A stable and effective synbiotics delivery system for skin care
Saccharide isomerate ameliorates cosmetic scalp conditions in a Chinese study population
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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