Estée Lauder vs NIVEA
Estée Lauder and NIVEA are distinguished skincare brands that offer comprehensive ranges of moisturizers, serums, cleansers, and sunscreens formulated with glycerin and hyaluronic acid. The American brand suits mature skin and oily acne-prone skin best with targeted solutions, while the German brand suits combination skin and sensitive skin best through formulas that respect natural balance. Both brands differ in their founding years, ownership, and specific standout products, yet their key ingredients work effectively to increase skin hydration and barrier function.
Estée Lauder is an American skincare brand founded in 1946 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc..
en.wikipedia.orgelcompanies.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 Estée Lauder and NIVEA products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Estée Lauder vs NIVEA products
People Say
Deep Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “skin drinks it up immediately — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair”
- “The formula is incredibly hydrating and leaves my skin feeling smooth. — Estée Lauder Re-Nutriv”
- “texture is dreamy — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Gel-Creme”
- “Smoothed out dry flaky scales on my cheeks overnight — NIVEA Creme”
Skin Texture and Smoothness Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Absorbs quickly into the skin — Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+”
- “gives me that glass skin look — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair”
- “Makes my face feel smooth and soft. — NIVEA Soft”
- “skin feels squeaky clean and soft — NIVEA DERMA SKIN CLEAR”
Product Value and Longevity Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Works better than expensive luxury creams — NIVEA Creme”
- “Best affordable vegan moisturizer. — NIVEA Soft”
- “absolute steal for the price — NIVEA DERMA SKIN CLEAR”
- “A little goes a long way — Estée Lauder Soft Clean Moisture Rich Foaming Cleanser”
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”
- “pleasant cucumber fragrance — Estée Lauder DayWear Moisturizer”
Gentle Cleansing and Makeup Removal Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “doesn't strip the skin — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Cleansing Gelée”
- “Lathers well — Estée Lauder Soft Clean Moisture Rich Foaming Cleanser”
- “removes all my makeup effortlessly — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Cleansing Gelée”
- “unclogs pores — NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub”
Versatile Multi-Purpose Use Not notedOften 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”
High Price Point and Cost Mostly MentionedNot noted
- “way too expensive for the size — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair”
Fragrance and Scent 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”
- “Scent is too overpowering — Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+”
Sticky or Heavy Residue Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “tacky film — Estée Lauder Micro Essence Treatment Lotion”
- “Leaves a greasy film behind — Estée Lauder Take It Away Makeup Remover Lotion”
- “Leaves a shiny grease layer that doesn't go away — NIVEA Creme”
Estée Lauder vs NIVEA routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$25.06
-
Hydrating Toner
COSRX Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning
S$41.07
-
Moisturizer
Revitalizing Supreme+
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$158.73
-
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
Advanced Night Repair
Evening · Once a week
S$13.55
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Collagen Essential Mask
Once a week
S$62.94
-
Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$25.06
-
Hydrating Toner
COSRX Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning
S$41.07
-
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
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Collagen Essential Mask
Once a week
S$62.94
Buy Estée Lauder routine · S$189.84 · 85% fit
Buy NIVEA routine · S$227.16 · 80% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
Estée Lauder 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
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
Revitalizing Supreme+
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$158.73
-
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
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening · Once a week
S$36.48
-
Serum or Treatment
Advanced Night Repair
Evening · Once a week
S$13.55
-
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 Estée Lauder routine · S$423.46 · 79% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Estée Lauder 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
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
Revitalizing Supreme+
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$158.73
-
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
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening · Once a week
S$36.48
-
Serum or Treatment
Advanced Night Repair
Evening · Once a week
S$13.55
-
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 Estée Lauder routine · S$319.36 · 82% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
Estée Lauder or NIVEA: which is better?
Both Estée Lauder and NIVEA are good choices, as both brands achieve a High routine fit across all skin types on this page. Reviewers report that Estée Lauder excels in deep hydration and gentle cleansing, whereas NIVEA offers better product value and versatile multi-purpose moisturizers.
Estée Lauder or NIVEA for dry skin?
Both Estée Lauder and NIVEA achieve a High routine fit level for dry skin among the products on this page. Reviewers note that Estée Lauder provides deep hydration, while NIVEA offers intense deep hydration and versatile multi-use moisturizers. Topical hyaluronic acid, found in Estée Lauder products, helps improve skin quality and signs of aging.
Estée Lauder or NIVEA: which moisturizer is better?
Both Estée Lauder and NIVEA offer moisturizers on this page that help deliver deep hydration, while key ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin help maintain skin moisture. Reviewers note that Estée Lauder products on this page provide deep hydration, whereas NIVEA moisturizers offer versatile multi-use benefits.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
Which is more affordable, Estée Lauder or NIVEA?
NIVEA is more affordable, as high price point and cost is a negative review theme for Estée Lauder while product value and longevity is a positive theme for NIVEA.
Estée Lauder or NIVEA: which brand has more fragrance-free products?
Estée Lauder has more fragrance-free products on this page, with 12 out of 14 items listing no fragrance. In comparison, NIVEA has only 3 out of 9 products without fragrance.
Which brand performs better for deep hydration and moisture according to reviewers?
Estée Lauder performs better for deep hydration and moisture according to reviewers. The products on this page feature key ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Drug Delivery, 2017
What are the founding years and countries of origin for Estée Lauder and NIVEA?
Estée Lauder was founded in 1946 in the United States, while NIVEA was founded in 1911 in Germany.
Estée Lauder or NIVEA for oily skin?
Both Estée Lauder and NIVEA offer high routine fit for oily skin based on the products on this page. Reviewers report that Estée Lauder provides deep hydration, while NIVEA offers versatile multi-use moisturizers.
Estée Lauder or NIVEA: which sunscreen is better?
Both Estée Lauder and NIVEA offer sunscreens on this page that achieve High fit levels for various skin types. Reviewers note that Estée Lauder provides a lightweight feel, while NIVEA sunscreens help deliver intense deep hydration and are often associated with a greasy or oily residue.
Estée Lauder or NIVEA for sensitive skin?
Both Estée Lauder and NIVEA provide a high routine fit for sensitive skin among the products on this page. Reviewers note that Estée Lauder offers gentle and non-drying cleansers, while NIVEA features non-drying serums and intense deep hydration.
Estée Lauder or NIVEA for acne-prone skin?
Both Estée Lauder and NIVEA offer high routine fit for acne-prone skin on this page, with Estée Lauder featuring products like Advanced Night Cleansing Gelée with High fit levels, while NIVEA includes DERMA SKIN CLEAR serum showing High fit.
Research behind their key ingredients
Chrysin protects epidermal keratinocytes from UVA- and UVB-induced damage
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
Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation by topical N-acetyl glucosamine
Another Reason for Using Caffeine in Dermocosmetics: Sunscreen Adjuvant
Exotic Vegetable Oils for Cosmetic O/W Nanoemulsions: In Vivo Evaluation
In vivo and in vitro evaluation of octyl methoxycinnamate liposomes
Nanostructured Lipid Carrier for Topical Application of N-Acetyl Glucosamine
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
Skin recovery by Lavandula angustifolia leaf callus extract: Redox control of Nrf2 signaling
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate
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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