# darrow vs Dr. Barbara Sturm

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/compare/darrow-vs-dr-barbara-sturm

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

darrow and Dr. Barbara Sturm are skincare brands known for their scientifically advanced and rigorously tested formulas. The former is deeply loved for its gentle cleansers, while the latter is known for its gentle moisturizers, clarifying exfoliants, and nourishing [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/serum). darrow suits sensitive, oily, and acne-prone skin best, whereas the German brand suits sensitive, dry, and balanced skin best because of its focus on deep hydration and barrier support. Ultimately, the two brands differ in their standout products and targeted complexions, with the first relying on careful composition and the second utilizing components like [vitamin C](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/vitamin-c), enzymes, and [hyaluronic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/hyaluronic-acid).

Dr. Barbara Sturm is a German skincare brand founded in 2014 and owned by Puig since 2024.

[uploads.puig.com](https://uploads.puig.com/uploads/Press_release_Puig_acquires_majority_stake_in_Dr_Barbara_Sturm_ENG_1_140422a900.pdf) [beautymatter.com](https://beautymatter.com/articles/puig-acquires-majority-stake-in-dr-barbara-sturm) [pitchbook.com](https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/289811-80)

This page compares some of the most popular darrow and Dr. Barbara Sturm 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=pg80d2ea9822).

### Popular darrow vs Dr. Barbara Sturm products

#### Dr. Barbara Sturm

- [Hyaluronic Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/dr-barbara-sturm/hyaluronic-serum/for/oily-skin) — High fit
- [Enzyme Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/dr-barbara-sturm/enzyme-cleanser/for/dark-spots) — Superior fit
- [The Good C Vitamin C Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/dr-barbara-sturm/the-good-c-vitamin-c-serum/for/mature-skin) — High fit

#### darrow

- [Actine](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/darrow/actine/for/combination-skin) — Average fit

## Questions and answers

### darrow or Dr. Barbara Sturm: which is better?

Dr. Barbara Sturm is generally better for most skin types, as the products on this page achieve High and Superior Lovi fit levels across multiple categories.

### What is the difference between darrow and Dr. Barbara Sturm?

Dr. Barbara Sturm offers products on this page that achieve High and Superior Lovi fit levels for skin with dark spots and mature skin, whereas darrow's cleanser receives Caution fit levels for those skin types.

### Which is more affordable, darrow or Dr. Barbara Sturm?

I am sorry, but the provided page facts do not contain pricing or affordability information for either darrow or Dr. Barbara Sturm.

### Which causes fewer breakouts, darrow or Dr. Barbara Sturm?

Dr. Barbara Sturm offers better choices for acne-prone skin on this page, with the products on this page achieving High Lovi fit levels for acne-prone skin, whereas darrow products on this page have a Low fit for acne-prone skin.

### Which brand has been owned by its current parent company for a longer period of time, darrow or Dr. Barbara Sturm?

Darrow has been owned by its current parent company for a longer period, since 2006, whereas Dr. Barbara Sturm has been owned by Puig since 2024.

### Which brand offers a cleanser suitable for oily acne-prone skin with an Average Lovi fit level, darrow or Dr. Barbara Sturm?

Darrow offers a cleanser suitable for oily acne-prone skin with an Average Lovi fit level, whereas Dr. Barbara Sturm provides an exfoliant with a High fit level for that skin type.

### Do any products from either darrow or Dr. Barbara Sturm contain fragrance in their ingredients?

Every product on this page from both darrow and Dr. Barbara Sturm lists no fragrance in its ingredients.

## Research behind their key ingredients

- [Benefits of topical hyaluronic acid for skin quality and signs of skin aging: From literature review to clinical evidence](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36200921/) Sodium hyaluronate · Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
- [Topical use of dexpanthenol in skin disorders](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12113650/) Panthenol vitamin b5 · American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002
- [Anti-aging and brightening effects of a topical treatment containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and raspberry leaf cell culture extract: A split-face, randomized controlled trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31975502/) Ascorbic acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020
- [Bacterial cellulose membranes as drug delivery systems: an in vivo skin compatibility study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23973717/) Cellulose · European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, 2014
- [Effects of ascorbic acid on gingival melanin pigmentation in vitro and in vivo](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19186973/) Ascorbyl glucoside · Journal of Periodontology, 2009
- [Bacterial cellulose skin masks-Properties and sensory tests](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28963772/) Cellulose · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2018
- [Treatment of acne with a combination of propolis, tea tree oil, and Aloe vera compared to erythromycin cream: two double-blind investigations](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30588129/) Aloe barbadensis leaf juice · Clinical Pharmacology, 2018
- [Effect of a topical antioxidant serum containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid after Q-switched 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser for treatment of environment-induced skin pigmentation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32052907/) Ascorbic acid · Journal of Cosmetic 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
- [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 vitamin b5 · The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017
- [Sunscreens and Cosmetic Formulations Containing Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate and Rice Peptides for the Improvement of Skin Photoaging: A Double-blind, Randomized Placebo-controlled Clinical Study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33529350/) Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate · Photochemistry and Photobiology, 2021
- [Clinical evidence of the efficacy and safety of a new 3-in-1 anti-aging topical night serum-in-oil containing melatonin, bakuchiol, and ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate: 103 females treated from 28 to 84 days](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30924254/) Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019
- [Antioxidant-based topical formulations influence on the inflammatory response of Japanese skin: A clinical study using non-invasive techniques](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28385617/) Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate · European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, 2017
- [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
- [Borage Oil Treated with Immobilized Lipase Inhibits Melanogenesis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33128473/) Lipase · Lipids, 2020
- [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 vitamin b5 · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025
- [Evaulation of irritation potential of surfactant mixtures](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18503452/) Sodium laureth sulfate · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 1999
- [Prospective randomized double-blind comparative study of topical acetyl zingerone with tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate versus tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate alone on facial photoaging](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38525606/) Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024
- [A Double-Blind, 12-Week Study to Evaluate the Antiaging Efficacy of a Cream Containing the NFκB Inhibitor 4-Hexyl-1, 3-Phenylenediol and Ascorbic Acid-2 Glucoside in Adult Females](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27272084/) Ascorbyl glucoside · Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2016
- [Portulaca oleracea extract relieves skin barrier damage induced by increased photosensitivity after GA peeling](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35920724/) Lactobacillus portulaca oleracea extract ferment · Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology, 2022
- [Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39769217/) Ascorbyl glucoside · International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024
- [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
- [Low-temperature extracted Portulaca oleracea L. as a functional ingredient in facial masks for photorejuvenation of sensitive skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41182319/) Lactobacillus portulaca oleracea extract ferment · Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology, 2025

## The brands

- Skincare: [darrow](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/brands/darrow)
- German skincare: [Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/brands/dr-barbara-sturm)

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- [The Ordinary vs darrow](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/compare/the-ordinary-vs-darrow)
- [The Ordinary vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/compare/the-ordinary-vs-dr-barbara-sturm)
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- [COSRX vs darrow](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/compare/cosrx-vs-darrow)
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- [CeraVe vs darrow](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/compare/cerave-vs-darrow)
- [CeraVe vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/compare/cerave-vs-dr-barbara-sturm)
- [La Roche-Posay vs darrow](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-darrow)
- [La Roche-Posay vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-dr-barbara-sturm)
- [Dr. Althea vs darrow](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/compare/dr-althea-vs-darrow)
- [Dr. Althea vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/compare/dr-althea-vs-dr-barbara-sturm)
- [Some By Mi vs darrow](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/compare/some-by-mi-vs-darrow)
- [Some By Mi vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/compare/some-by-mi-vs-dr-barbara-sturm)

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