Simple vs Galderma
Simple and Galderma are two distinct skincare names that offer specialized care for varying complexions. The British brand is known for its gentle moisturizers, makeup removers, cleansers, and toners formulated with niacinamide and glycerin, while the Swiss brand is recognized for its targeted acne serums. Both cater well to oily acne-prone skin and sensitive skin, yet they differ in their primary offerings and formulations, as the former focuses on barrier-respecting daily essentials and the latter centers on specialized treatment gels.
Simple is a British skincare brand founded in 1960 and owned by Unilever PLC since 2011.
en.wikipedia.orgsec.govprnewswire.comsimple.co.uk
Galderma is a Swiss skincare brand founded in 1981 and owned by Galderma Group AG.
This page compares some of the most popular Simple and Galderma products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Simple vs Galderma products
People Say
Gentle on sensitive skin Mostly MentionedSometimes 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”
- “didn't burn my face — Galderma Benzac AC Mild Strength 2.5% Acne Gel”
Clears acne and prevents breakouts Not notedMostly Mentioned
- “cleared up my skin — Galderma Benzac AC Mild Strength 2.5% Acne Gel”
- “cystic acne gone — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
- “stops new pimples — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
Hydration and non-drying Mostly MentionedNot noted
- “banished dryness within days — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
- “Instantly boosts skin's hydration... face doesn't feel dry and tight. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
- “Leaves my face feeling soft, not tight. — Simple Micellar Water”
No residue or lightweight absorption Often MentionedNot noted
- “sinks in instantly — Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream”
- “absorbs very quickly — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
- “absorbs really well — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
Affordable 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 Often MentionedNot noted
- “Takes off any makeup residue and makes my face feel refreshed. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
- “Best morning cleanser — Simple Refreshing Facial Wash”
- “removes last traces of makeup — Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner”
Intense burning and dryness Not notedMostly Mentioned
- “face on fire — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
Acne purge and irritation Not notedMostly Mentioned
- “got worse first — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
Bleaches fabrics Not notedMostly Mentioned
- “bleached my towel — Galderma Benzac AC 5”
Formula and packaging issues Often MentionedNot noted
- “New bottle ingredients do not match... lower amounts of beneficial ingredients. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
Questions and answers
Simple or Galderma: which is better?
Simple is better for gentle hydration and sensitive skin, featuring a Lovi fit level of High for products like Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner on sensitive skin, while Galderma focuses on effective acne-clearing serums that may cause severe dryness and peeling.
What is the difference between Simple and Galderma?
Simple focuses on gentle, hydrating skincare with products like cleansers and moisturizers that feature a High fit for sensitive skin, whereas Galderma specializes in effective acne-clearing serums that have a High fit for acne-prone skin. Reviewers note that Simple offers lightweight and value-friendly hydration, while Galderma treatments frequently cause severe dryness and peeling.
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2018
Which is more affordable, Simple or Galderma?
Simple is more affordable, as the products on this page offer value-friendly moisturizers compared to Galderma.
Which causes fewer breakouts, Simple or Galderma?
Galderma is better at clearing acne and preventing breakouts with its acne-clearing serums, whereas Simple reviewers often mention breakouts or irritations.
Where were Simple and Galderma founded and who currently owns them?
Simple was founded in 1960 in the United Kingdom and has been owned by Unilever PLC since 2011, while Galderma was founded in 1981 in Switzerland and is owned by Galderma Group AG.
Which brand's products are best suited for sensitive skin, and which is better for clearing acne?
Simple products are better suited for sensitive skin, while Galderma products are better for clearing acne. Lovi rates Simple as having a high fit for sensitive skin, whereas Galderma products may cause severe irritation and dryness.
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2018
What are the main drawbacks or negative feedback reviewers mention for each brand?
Reviewers of Simple often mention that the products on this page may cause breakouts or irritations, struggle with heavy makeup, and sometimes lack sufficient hydration. On the other hand, reviewers of Galderma mostly mention severe dryness, peeling, irritation, and discomfort.
Research behind their key ingredients
The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer
Apigenin inhibits UVA-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and prevents signs of skin aging in vivo
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
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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
How does it fit your skin?
Scan your face, then any product: Lovi shows how well it fits you and what fits even better.
