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Simple vs Elemis

Rated by Lovi · Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes · How the Fit score works

Simple and Elemis are British skincare brands known for gentle cleansers, moisturizers, toners, and more, which are formulated with nourishing ingredients like glycerin. The former suits oily acne-prone skin and sensitive skin best with soothing niacinamide, while the latter suits dry, balanced, and sensitive skin best with rich shea butter. These approaches differ primarily in their specific targeted formulations and parent companies, offering distinct yet comforting daily routines.

Simple is a British skincare brand founded in 1960 and owned by Unilever PLC since 2011.

en.wikipedia.orgsec.govprnewswire.comsimple.co.uk

Elemis is a British skincare brand founded in 1989 and owned by L'Occitane Group since 2019.

elemis.comau.elemis.comen.wikipedia.org

This page compares some of the most popular Simple and Elemis products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.

Popular Simple vs Elemis products

People Say

SimpleElemis
  • Gentle on sensitive skin Mostly MentionedRarely Noted
    • “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”
    • “no stinging or redness — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
  • Hydration and moisture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “banished dryness within days — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
    • “Instantly boosts skin's hydration... face doesn't feel dry and tight. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
    • “The cream really hydrates and my face looks amazing. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Night Cream”
    • “Quenches thirsty skin... immediate improvement. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
  • Lightweight and non-greasy texture Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “Absorbs almost immediately, and my skin feels well hydrated all day. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
    • “whipped silk feel — Elemis Superfood Midnight Facial”
    • “cloud-light gel formula — Elemis Pro-Collagen Eye Revive Mask”
    • “sinks in instantly — Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream”
  • Skin smoothing and radiance Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “baby soft — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads”
    • “skin feels baby soft — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
    • “healthy glow — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads”
  • Affordable price and value Often MentionedNot noted
    • “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”
  • Effective cleansing and makeup removal Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
    • “Takes off any makeup residue and makes my face feel refreshed. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
    • “Best morning cleanser — Simple Refreshing Facial Wash”
    • “melts waterproof mascara — Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm”
  • High price point Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “Complete waste of money for me. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
  • Caused breakouts or skin reactions Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
    • “caused cystic acne — Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm”
    • “terrible spots — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads”
    • “clogged my pores — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
    • “Gave me tiny bumps on my forehead. — Simple Micellar Water”
  • Insufficient hydration or richness Often MentionedRarely Noted
    • “not hydrating enough for winter — Elemis Superfood Midnight Facial”
    • “Great product, a bit heavy. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Night Cream”
    • “need more moisture — Elemis Peptide4 Eye Recovery Cream”
    • “not moisturizing enough — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”

Questions and answers

Simple or Elemis: which is better?

Simple tends to be better for those seeking gentle care at an affordable price, while Elemis is better for luxury textures, skin smoothing, and radiant glow. The products on this page from Simple are especially well-suited for sensitive and acne-prone skin, whereas Elemis products may come with a higher price point and a stronger fragrance.

What is the difference between Simple and Elemis?

Simple offers budget-friendly products that are gentle on sensitive skin, whereas Elemis provides luxurious formulas that help with skin smoothing and radiance. For the products on this page, Simple features fragrance-free options with niacinamide and glycerin, while most Elemis items include added fragrance alongside glycerin and shea butter.

Simple or Elemis: which cleanser is better?

Simple is better for sensitive skin, as the products on this page are rated High for sensitive skin and the brand is recognized for being gentle on sensitive skin.

Which is more affordable, Simple or Elemis?

Simple is more affordable, offering value-friendly moisturizers and budget-conscious prices for the products on this page.

Which causes fewer breakouts, Simple or Elemis?

Simple causes fewer breakouts than Elemis because Elemis is noted for causing skin reactions while Simple is known for being gentle on sensitive skin.

Between Simple and Elemis, which brand offers better options for sensitive skin?

Simple offers better options for sensitive skin because the products on this page are gentler on sensitive skin compared to Elemis.

How do the prices of Simple and Elemis skincare products compare?

Simple offers more affordable, value-friendly products, whereas Elemis has a high price point.

Which brand is better for achieving skin smoothing and a radiant glow, Simple or Elemis?

Elemis is better for achieving skin smoothing and a radiant glow. Reviewers on the products on this page frequently mention that Elemis delivers a radiant glow and smoother skin texture.

Simple or Elemis: which moisturizer is better?

Simple offers lightweight and value-friendly moisturizers that reviewers mostly mention for being budget-conscious, while Elemis provides luxurious texture moisturizers often noted for delivering a radiant glow. Lovi rates Simple moisturizers with an Average fit level across most skin types, and Elemis moisturizers range from Low to High depending on the specific product and skin type.

Research behind their key ingredients

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.

  • Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Co-founder, Medical Director

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer

  • Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Co-founder, CEO and CTO

    PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex

  • Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Medical Board

    Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine

  • Aishani Shah, MD

    Aishani Shah, MD

    Medical Board

    Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD

  • Asya Zubkova, MS

    Asya Zubkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member

  • Hanna Kurets, MD

    Hanna Kurets, MD

    Medical Board, Medical Advisor

    Dermatology MD

  • Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Medical Board

    Dermatology and diagnostic consultant

  • Victoria Derkova, MS

    Victoria Derkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist

How does it fit your skin?

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