Clarins vs NIVEA
Clarins and NIVEA are distinguished European skincare brands that offer thoughtfully formulated moisturizers and serums. The French house, founded in 1954 and owned by Famille C, relies on shea and squalane to suit sensitive skin and acne-prone skin best, whereas the German house, founded in 1911 and owned by maxingvest GmbH & Co. KGaA, utilizes glycerin to suit combination skin and sensitive skin best. While both cater to similar complexions through gentle care, they differ in their heritage, ownership, and signature ingredient profiles.
Clarins is a French skincare brand founded in 1954 and owned by Famille C (Groupe Clarins).
groupeclarins.comen.wikipedia.orghappi.com
NIVEA is a German skincare brand founded in 1911 and owned by maxingvest GmbH & Co. KGaA since 2004.
beiersdorf.comen.wikipedia.org
This page compares some of the most popular Clarins and NIVEA products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Clarins vs NIVEA products
People Say
Hydration and moisture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “skin drinks it up — Clarins Double Serum”
- “keeps skin moist — Clarins Multi-Active Jour”
- “woke up with baby soft skin — Clarins Multi-Active Nuit”
- “Smoothed out dry flaky scales on my cheeks overnight — NIVEA Creme”
Luxurious texture and fast absorption Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
- “absorbs immediately — Clarins Double Serum Eye”
- “sinks in immediately — Clarins Double Serum Light Texture”
- “melting non-oily texture — Clarins Extra-Firming Neck & Décolleté Cream”
- “It's lightweight on the skin and leaves a bit of subtle sheen. — NIVEA Soft”
Anti-aging and skin smoothing Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “neck feels smoother — Clarins Extra-Firming Neck & Décolleté Cream”
- “visibly tighter, lifted skin — Clarins Super Restorative Night Cream”
- “makes skin silky smooth — Clarins Hydrating Toning Lotion”
- “skin feels squeaky clean and soft — NIVEA DERMA SKIN CLEAR”
Pleasant scent Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “smells like holiday — NIVEA Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+”
- “Smell brings me back to childhood — NIVEA Creme”
- “smells really nice — NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub”
- “smells luxurious — Clarins Extra-Firming Neck & Décolleté Cream”
Versatility and value Not notedMostly Mentioned
- “Use it on face, body, hands, and feet — NIVEA Creme”
- “Applying is easy, you can use on your face, hands, and body. — NIVEA Soft”
- “Works better than expensive luxury creams — NIVEA Creme”
Blemish and skin clearing Not notedOften Mentioned
- “cleared my complexion in 7 days — NIVEA DERMA SKIN CLEAR”
- “reduces blackheads — NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub”
Strong fragrance and scent sensitivity Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “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”
- “smells like perfume — Clarins Multi-Active Jour”
High price point and value Mostly MentionedNot noted
- “way too expensive — Clarins Double Serum”
Greasy or heavy residue Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “sat on top of skin — Clarins Double Serum”
- “Described as having a sticky, gel-like texture. — Clarins Beauty Flash Balm”
- “Texture too thick and heavy — Clarins Extra-Firming Day Cream”
- “Leaves a shiny grease layer that doesn't go away — NIVEA Creme”
Texture and application issues Not notedOften Mentioned
- “not super gritty — NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub”
Clarins vs NIVEA routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$25.06
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Hydrating Toner
COSRX Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning
S$41.07
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Moisturizer
Creme
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$13.75
-
SPF
Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+
Morning
S$32.81
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
S$39.68
-
Serum or Treatment
DERMA SKIN CLEAR
Evening · Once a week
S$11.85
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Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Collagen Essential Mask
Once a week
S$62.94
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Cleanser
Gentle Foaming Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$39.39
-
Hydrating Toner
Hydrating Toning Lotion
Morning
S$42.13
-
Moisturizer
Hydra-Essentiel Silky Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$72.82
-
SPF
thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+
Morning
S$21.09
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Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
S$39.68
-
Serum or Treatment
Double Serum
Evening · Once a week
S$150.00
-
Nourishing Mask
Extra-Firming Mask
Once a week
S$105.32
Buy NIVEA routine · S$227.16 · 80% fit
Buy Clarins routine · S$247.61 · 75% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
Clarins vs NIVEA routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$30.40
-
Hydrating Toner
TROIAREUKE H+Cocktail Purifying Ampoule Toner
Morning · Once a week
S$168.51
-
Moisturizer
Soft
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$19.24
-
SPF
Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+
Morning
S$32.81
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
S$70.21
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening · Once a week
S$36.48
-
Serum or Treatment
DERMA SKIN CLEAR
Evening · Once a week
S$11.85
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
S$89.14
-
Cleanser
Gentle Foaming Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$39.39
-
Hydrating Toner
Hydrating Toning Lotion
Morning · Once a week
S$42.13
-
Moisturizer
Super Restorative Décolleté and Neck Concentrate
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$146.74
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
S$28.72
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
S$70.21
-
Cleansing Toner
Purifying Toning Lotion
Evening · Once a week
S$39.39
-
Serum or Treatment
Double Serum
Evening · Once a week
S$150.00
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
S$89.14
Buy NIVEA routine · S$458.64 · 84% fit
Buy Clarins routine · S$455.72 · 75% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Clarins vs NIVEA routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$30.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Whamisa Organic Flowers Toner Deep Rich
Morning · Once a week
S$64.81
-
Moisturizer
Soft
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$19.24
-
SPF
Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+
Morning
S$32.81
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
S$70.21
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening · Once a week
S$36.48
-
Serum or Treatment
DERMA SKIN CLEAR
Evening · Once a week
S$11.85
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
S$89.14
-
Cleanser
Gentle Foaming Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$39.39
-
Hydrating Toner
Hydrating Toning Lotion
Morning · Once a week
S$42.13
-
Moisturizer
Super Restorative Décolleté and Neck Concentrate
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$146.74
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
S$28.72
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
S$70.21
-
Cleansing Toner
Purifying Toning Lotion
Evening · Once a week
S$39.39
-
Serum or Treatment
Double Serum
Evening · Once a week
S$150.00
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
S$89.14
Buy NIVEA routine · S$354.54 · 86% fit
Buy Clarins routine · S$455.72 · 77% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
Clarins or NIVEA: which is better?
Both Clarins and NIVEA are good options, as they offer equal routine fit levels across all skin types on this page. Clarins is often praised for its hydrating moisturizers and anti-aging benefits, whereas NIVEA is frequently chosen for its blemish-clearing serums and better value.
What is the difference between Clarins and NIVEA?
Clarins, founded in 1954 in France and owned by Famille C, offers products on this page that are often praised for their luxurious textures and hydrating moisturizers, whereas NIVEA, founded in 1911 in Germany and owned by maxingvest GmbH & Co. KGaA, is better known for its versatile multi-use products and blemish-clearing serums.
Clarins or NIVEA for dry skin?
Both Clarins and NIVEA offer high routine fit for dry skin on this page. Reviewers report that Clarins products on this page provide hydrating and smoothing moisturizers, while NIVEA options deliver intense deep hydration.
Clarins or NIVEA: which moisturizer is better?
Clarins delivers better hydrating and smoothing moisturizers, while NIVEA offers great versatility and value in its moisturizers. Both brands achieve equal routine fit levels for dry skin.
Which is more affordable, Clarins or NIVEA?
NIVEA is more affordable than Clarins, as reviewers of Clarins frequently mention its high price point. NIVEA offers better value and versatility.
Between Clarins and NIVEA, which brand offers better anti-aging and skin-smoothing benefits?
Clarins offers better anti-aging and skin-smoothing benefits than NIVEA, as reviewers highlight its smoothing moisturizers and anti-aging strengths. Hyaluronic acid found in these formulations may help reduce signs of skin aging.
Which brand has more products that list no fragrance, Clarins or NIVEA?
NIVEA has more products on this page that list no fragrance, with three products compared to only one for Clarins.
How do the key ingredients compare between Clarins and NIVEA skincare products?
Clarins includes a broader variety of key ingredients across the products on this page, such as shea butter, squalane, oat, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and glycerin. In contrast, NIVEA relies primarily on glycerin as its key ingredient across its formulations.
Clarins or NIVEA for oily skin?
Both Clarins and NIVEA offer products that can fit oily skin well, as seen in the equal routine fit levels on this page. Clarins brings options like Double Serum Light Texture with a High fit, while NIVEA includes choices like UV Deep Protect and Care Gel with a High fit.
Clarins or NIVEA for sensitive skin?
Both Clarins and NIVEA achieve an equal High routine fit level for sensitive skin, with Clarins focusing on soothing plant extracts and NIVEA offering gentle everyday hydration. Hyaluronic acid helps retain moisture in sensitive skin.
Dermatologic Therapy, 2022Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015
Clarins or NIVEA for acne-prone skin?
Both Clarins and NIVEA offer products on this page that are suitable for acne-prone skin, with equal routine fit levels. Lovi rates the routine fit for acne-prone skin as High for both brands.
Research behind their key ingredients
The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review
Effects of ascorbic acid on gingival melanin pigmentation in vitro and in vivo
Apigenin inhibits UVA-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and prevents signs of skin aging in vivo
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
Mechanism of action and clinical benefits of colloidal oatmeal for dermatologic practice
Colloidal Oatmeal <em>(Avena Sativa)</em> Improves Skin Barrier Through Multi-Therapy Activity
Exotic Vegetable Oils for Cosmetic O/W Nanoemulsions: In Vivo Evaluation
Skin improvement and stability of Echinacea purpurea dermatological formulations
In vivo and in vitro evaluation of octyl methoxycinnamate liposomes
The impacts of sodium lauroyl sarcosinate in facial cleanser on facial skin microbiome and lipidome
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
Modulating effects of oatmeal extracts in the sodium lauryl sulfate skin irritancy model
Moisturizing effect of stable cream containing Crocus sativus extracts
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
Microcirculation-Promoting Effect of Escin on Cutaneous Tissue via Gsk3β Down-Regulation
Saccharide isomerate ameliorates cosmetic scalp conditions in a Chinese study population
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.
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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
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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
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