Neutrogena vs Simple
Neutrogena and Simple are two beloved skincare brands offering thoughtful moisturizers, cleansers, toners, and sunscreens formulated with nourishing ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid. The American brand suits sensitive and mature skin best with its science-backed components, while the British brand focuses on oily acne-prone and sensitive skin through comforting formulations. Both lines differ in their specific targeted care and exact ingredient blends, providing distinct options for distinct complexions.
Neutrogena is an American skincare brand founded in 1930 and owned by Kimberly-Clark Corporation since 2026.
investor.kimberly-clark.comen.wikipedia.orginvestors.kenvue.com
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 Neutrogena and Simple products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Neutrogena vs Simple products
People Say
Acne-Safe and Gentle Formula Mostly 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”
- “leaves skin soft and balanced — Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser”
Deep and Intense Hydration Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Skin looked plumper and radiant — Neutrogena HYDRO BOOST WATER CREAM”
- “Quenches dry skin instantly — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Hydrogel Mask”
- “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 Non-Greasy Texture Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Absorbs instantly without sticky residue — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel”
- “absorbs instantly — Neutrogena COLLAGEN BANK Moisturizer”
- “Absorbs into skin without residue. — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum”
- “sinks in instantly — Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream”
Makeup Compatibility and Base Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “Foundation glides right over it — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel”
- “Concealer doesn't cake or get stuck in crevices — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Gel-Cream”
- “makeup lays well — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
- “works well under foundation — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
Affordable Price and Value Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “great value for money — Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner”
- “super affordable — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
- “Can't beat the price for the quality. — Simple Micellar Water”
- “great price point — Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover”
Fast Absorption Sometimes NotedRarely Noted
- “Absorbs quickly — Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream”
- “Absorbs really well into my skin without leaving a greasy residue behind. — Neutrogena Retinol Regenerating Cream”
- “Applies easily and quickly absorbs. — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum”
- “absorbs really well — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
Insufficient Hydration or Dryness Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Not moisturizing enough for winter months — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel”
- “Not rich enough for very dry mature skin — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Gel-Cream”
- “not rich enough — Neutrogena COLLAGEN BANK Moisturizer”
- “not moisturizing enough — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
Packaging and Design Issues Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “Worried about the snap top bottle leaking when travelling. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
- “The cap broke off immediately. — Simple Micellar Water”
- “hard to get last bit out — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
- “Formula change ruined it — Neutrogena HYDRO BOOST WATER CREAM”
Poor Makeup Removal and Waterproof Issues Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “doesn't remove mascara — Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser”
- “Did not remove my mascara very well at all. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
Neutrogena vs Simple routines for dry skin
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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
-
Moisturizer
Replenishing Rich Moisturiser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$18.19
-
SPF
thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+
Morning
S$21.09
-
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
-
Cleanser
Hydro Boost Water Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$28.51
-
Hydrating Toner
Alcohol-Free Toner
Morning
S$67.90
-
Moisturizer
Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$31.79
-
SPF
Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen
Morning
S$16.08
-
Pre-Cleanser
HYDRO BOOST WATER CREAM
Evening · Once a week
S$28.51
-
Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
S$63.44
-
Nourishing Mask
Hydro Boost Hydrating Hydrogel Mask
Once a week
S$57.28
Buy Simple routine · S$261.94 · 83% fit
Buy Neutrogena routine · S$265.00 · 82% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
Neutrogena 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
Hydro Boost Water Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$28.51
-
Hydrating Toner
Alcohol-Free Toner
Morning · Once a week
S$67.90
-
Moisturizer
Hydro Boost+ Niacinamide Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$26.64
-
SPF
Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen
Morning
S$16.08
-
Pre-Cleanser
Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover
Evening · Once a week
S$17.59
-
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
Buy Simple routine · S$459.69 · 85% fit
Buy Neutrogena routine · S$345.78 · 77% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Neutrogena 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
Hydro Boost Water Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$28.51
-
Hydrating Toner
Alcohol-Free Toner
Morning · Once a week
S$67.90
-
Moisturizer
Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$31.79
-
SPF
Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen
Morning
S$28.35
-
Pre-Cleanser
Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover
Evening · Once a week
S$17.59
-
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
Buy Simple routine · S$355.99 · 85% fit
Buy Neutrogena routine · S$363.20 · 82% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
Neutrogena or Simple: which is better?
Neutrogena is better for anti-aging and fast absorption with ingredients like retinol and hyaluronic acid, while Simple is better for value-friendly and fragrance-free sensitive skin care.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015
What is the difference between Neutrogena and Simple?
Neutrogena is an American brand founded in 1930 that offers a wide range of targeted treatments containing active ingredients like retinol and hyaluronic acid, while Simple is a British brand founded in 1960 featuring 100 percent fragrance-free products focused on sensitive skin. Neutrogena is often chosen for lightweight texture and fast absorption, whereas Simple is preferred for affordable value and gentle, acne-safe formulas.
Neutrogena or Simple for dry skin?
Both Neutrogena and Simple achieve a High routine fit for dry skin on this page. Neutrogena features deeply hydrating moisturizers containing hyaluronic acid, which helps improve skin quality and signs of aging.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
Neutrogena or Simple: which cleanser is better?
Neutrogena offers a wider variety of specialized cleansers that target acne and oil control, while Simple focuses on gentle, fragrance-free cleansing for sensitive skin. Lovi rates individual cleansers from both brands differently depending on your skin type.
Which is more affordable, Neutrogena or Simple?
Simple is more affordable than Neutrogena, as the products on this page frequently win on affordable price and value. Reviewers note that Simple offers lightweight, value-friendly moisturizers.
Between Neutrogena and Simple, which brand offers better fragrance-free options?
Simple offers better fragrance-free options because every product on its page lists no fragrance, whereas a few Neutrogena products include fragrance. Hyaluronic acid helps retain skin moisture.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
How do the founding years and corporate owners of Neutrogena and Simple compare?
Neutrogena was founded in 1930 in the United States and has been owned by Kimberly-Clark Corporation since 2026, whereas Simple was founded in 1960 in the United Kingdom and is owned by Unilever PLC since 2011.
Which brand performs better regarding lightweight and non-greasy textures?
Neutrogena performs better regarding lightweight and non-greasy textures compared to Simple. The products on this page help deliver lightweight and absorbent feel as noted by reviewers.
Neutrogena or Simple for oily skin?
Neutrogena is Lovi fit as High for oily skin, while Simple is also Lovi fit as High for oily skin. Both brands offer good options, though Neutrogena is often noted for a lighter and faster-absorbing texture.
Neutrogena or Simple: which moisturizer is better?
Neutrogena is better for moisturizers that offer deep hydration, fast absorption, and targeted anti-aging benefits, whereas Simple is better for lightweight, value-friendly, and sensitive-skin-friendly formulas. Lovi rates the routine fit for both brands as High across dry, sensitive, and mature skin types. Retinol helps stimulate collagen accumulation in naturally aged skin.
Neutrogena or Simple for sensitive skin?
Both Neutrogena and Simple achieve a High routine fit level for sensitive skin based on the products on this page. Simple features an entirely fragrance-free product range, while Neutrogena offers specialized options like Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser that help cleanse sensitive skin without irritation.
Neutrogena or Simple for acne-prone skin?
Simple does better for acne-prone skin, as it is noted for an acne-safe and gentle formula among the products on this page. Lovi rates Simple as having a High routine fit for acne-prone skin, matching Neutrogena.
Research behind their key ingredients
Final report on the safety assessment of Benzyl Alcohol, Benzoic Acid, and Sodium Benzoate
The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
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
Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation by topical N-acetyl glucosamine
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
Anti-inflammatory activity of parthenolide-depleted Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)
Evaluation of moisturizing and irritation potential of sacha inchi oil
Solid lipid nanoparticles bearing oxybenzone: in-vitro and in-vivo evaluation
Nanostructured Lipid Carrier for Topical Application of N-Acetyl Glucosamine
Borage Oil Treated with Immobilized Lipase Inhibits Melanogenesis
Safety of a preservative system containing 1,2-hexanediol and caprylyl glycol
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens
Natural Moisturizing Factor-Enriched Formulations Compared to a Ceramide-Based Cream
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
-

Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
-

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
-

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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