Some By Mi vs NIVEA
Some By Mi and NIVEA are established skincare brands offering distinct approaches to daily care, with the Korean line focusing on targeted serums, cleansers, toners, and moisturizers built around niacinamide, centella asiatica, and salicylic acid, while the German maker is deeply loved for reliable sunscreens, targeted serums, and nourishing moisturizers thoughtfully formulated with glycerin. The former brand suits dry skin and skin with dark spots best, whereas its counterpart suits combination skin and sensitive skin best through formulas that respect natural balance. Ultimately, they differ because the first relies on niacinamide to decrease hyperpigmentation and salicylic acid to reduce acne lesions, while the latter relies on glycerin to improve stratum corneum hydration and barrier function.
Some By Mi is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2016 and owned by JKL Partners since 2021.
kedglobal.compreqin.comtracxn.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 Some By Mi and NIVEA products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Some By Mi vs NIVEA products
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AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
S$22.54
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Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum
S$29.89
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AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Acne Clear Foam
S$17.71
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AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum
S$36.93
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Retinol Intense Advanced Triple Action Eye Cream
S$21.93
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Super Matcha Pore Clean Clay Mask
S$28.52
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Beta Panthenol Repair Cream
S$31.71
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Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream
S$16.59
People Say
Skin Texture and Smoothing Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Skin became smoother — Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner”
- “Surprisingly gentle — Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner”
- “Makes my face feel smooth and soft. — NIVEA Soft”
- “skin feels squeaky clean and soft — NIVEA DERMA SKIN CLEAR”
Hydration and Moisture Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Lasts 100 hours as claimed — Some By Mi Beta Panthenol Repair Cream”
- “Absorbs quickly — Some By Mi Galactomyces Pure Vitamin C Glow Serum”
- “Smoothed out dry flaky scales on my cheeks overnight — NIVEA Creme”
- “skin feels moisturized — NIVEA Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+”
Acne and Blemish Care Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Reduces pimples — Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner”
- “cleared my cystic acne — Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Acne Clear Foam”
- “cleared my complexion in 7 days — NIVEA DERMA SKIN CLEAR”
- “reduces blackheads — NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub”
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”
- “smells like fresh lemons — Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream”
Lightweight and Fast Absorbing Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “absorbs quickly — Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream”
- “absorbs quickly — Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Serum”
- “absorbs instantly — Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Anti Blemish Serum”
- “It's lightweight on the skin and leaves a bit of subtle sheen. — NIVEA Soft”
Gentle Formula Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “Zero irritation or redness — Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum”
- “doesn't strip dry my skin — Some By Mi Super Matcha Pore Clean Clay Mask”
- “didn't find this irritating — Some By Mi Retinol Intense Advanced Triple Action Eye Cream”
- “doesn't dry out skin — NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub”
Medicinal and Strong 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”
- “overwhelming citrus fragrance — Some By Mi V10 Hyal Air Fit Sunscreen”
Purging and Breakouts Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Zits appeared initially — Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner”
- “gave me cystic acne — Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum”
- “Clogged my pores and caused bad acne — NIVEA Creme”
- “I noticed some acne breakouts on my chin after using this crème for a while. — NIVEA Soft”
Greasy and Heavy Finish Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “leaves face really greasy — Some By Mi V10 Hyal Air Fit Sunscreen”
- “Leaves a shiny grease layer that doesn't go away — NIVEA Creme”
Some By Mi vs NIVEA routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Low pH Gel Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$18.34
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Hydrating Toner
Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning
S$15.51
-
Moisturizer
Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$16.59
-
SPF
V10 Hyal Air Fit Sunscreen
Morning
S$21.45
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
S$39.68
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Serum or Treatment
Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Serum
Evening · Once a week
S$26.58
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Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Collagen Essential Mask
Once a week
S$62.94
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Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$25.06
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Hydrating Toner
COSRX Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning
S$41.07
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Moisturizer
Creme
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$13.75
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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
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Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Collagen Essential Mask
Once a week
S$62.94
Buy Some By Mi routine · S$102.62 · 91% fit
Buy NIVEA routine · S$227.16 · 80% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
Some By Mi vs NIVEA routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Low pH Gel Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$18.34
-
Hydrating Toner
Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
S$15.51
-
Moisturizer
Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$16.59
-
SPF
V10 Hyal Air Fit Sunscreen
Morning
S$21.45
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
S$70.21
-
Cleansing Toner
AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
Evening · Once a week
S$22.54
-
Serum or Treatment
AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum
Evening · Once a week
S$36.93
-
Cleansing Mask
Super Matcha Pore Clean Clay Mask
Once a week
S$28.52
-
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
Buy Some By Mi routine · S$135.66 · 86% fit
Buy NIVEA routine · S$458.64 · 84% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Some By Mi vs NIVEA routines for combination skin
-
Cleanser
Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Low pH Gel Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$18.34
-
Hydrating Toner
Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
S$15.51
-
Moisturizer
Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$16.59
-
SPF
V10 Hyal Air Fit Sunscreen
Morning
S$21.45
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
S$70.21
-
Cleansing Toner
AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
Evening · Once a week
S$22.54
-
Serum or Treatment
AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum
Evening · Once a week
S$36.93
-
Cleansing Mask
Super Matcha Pore Clean Clay Mask
Once a week
S$28.52
-
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
Buy Some By Mi routine · S$135.66 · 87% fit
Buy NIVEA routine · S$354.54 · 86% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
Some By Mi or NIVEA: which is better?
Some By Mi is better for dry skin, skin with dark spots, and dry sensitive skin, offering a superior routine fit for these types, while NIVEA offers a high routine fit. Both brands deliver an equal routine fit for oily, combination, acne-prone, mature, and oily acne-prone skin.
What is the difference between Some By Mi and NIVEA?
Some By Mi is a South Korean brand founded in 2016 that focuses heavily on fragrance-free formulations containing key ingredients like niacinamide, centella asiatica, and salicylic acid. In contrast, NIVEA is a German brand founded in 1911 that relies on glycerin across its products and includes added fragrance in several of its formulas.
Some By Mi or NIVEA for dry skin?
For dry skin, Some By Mi offers a Superior routine fit while NIVEA provides a High fit. Every product in the Some By Mi range on this page lists no fragrance in its ingredients, whereas NIVEA includes fragrance in several of its formulas.
Some By Mi or NIVEA: which moisturizer is better?
Some By Mi is better for dry skin and dark spots, where Lovi rates its moisturizers as Superior, whereas NIVEA moisturizers rate as High or lower for those concerns. Reviewers mention that Some By Mi offers excellent texture moisturizers with no fragrance, while NIVEA moisturizers are noted for containing fragrance and sometimes causing a greasy residue.
Which is more affordable, Some By Mi or NIVEA?
This page compares Some By Mi and NIVEA, but it does not provide pricing details to determine which brand is more affordable.
Between Some By Mi and NIVEA, which brand offers a better routine fit for dry sensitive skin?
Some By Mi offers a Superior routine fit for dry sensitive skin, whereas NIVEA provides a High fit level for this skin type.
How do the fragrance ingredients and scent reviews compare between Some By Mi and NIVEA products?
Some By Mi products list no fragrance across the entire range, whereas half of the NIVEA products on this page include fragrance ingredients. Shoppers often mention a strong or medicinal scent for Some By Mi, while NIVEA reviews sometimes note a strong fragrance and a pleasant scent.
Which brand performs better regarding lightweight and fast-absorbing formulas according to reviewers?
Some By Mi performs better regarding lightweight and fast-absorbing formulas according to reviewers.
Some By Mi or NIVEA for oily skin?
Both Some By Mi and NIVEA offer a High Lovi routine fit for oily skin. Reviewers note that Some By Mi provides a lightweight and fast-absorbing feel, whereas NIVEA features blemish-clearing serums.
Some By Mi or NIVEA: which sunscreen is better?
Some By Mi and NIVEA both offer solid options, such as the V10 Hyal Air Fit Sunscreen from Some By Mi and the Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+ from NIVEA, which both achieve High fit levels for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin. However, every product on the Some By Mi page lists no fragrance, whereas several NIVEA sunscreens contain added fragrance.
Some By Mi or NIVEA for sensitive skin?
Some By Mi is better for sensitive skin because Lovi rates its routine as Superior, compared to High for NIVEA. Reviewers also frequently mention Some By Mi for its gentle formulas, whereas NIVEA products on this page often contain added fragrance.
Some By Mi or NIVEA for acne-prone skin?
Both Some By Mi and NIVEA offer high routine fit levels for acne-prone skin. Some By Mi relies on key ingredients like niacinamide and salicylic acid, while NIVEA features glycerin and blemish-clearing serums.
Research behind their key ingredients
The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer
Topical menthol--a human model for cold pain by activation and sensitization of C nociceptors
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
Topical palmitoyl pentapeptide provides improvement in photoaged human facial skin
HelixComplex snail mucus as a potential technology against O3 induced skin 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
Ethosomes of Phenylethyl Resorcinol as Vesicular Delivery System for Skin Lightening Applications
The use of green tea extract in cosmetic formulations: not only an antioxidant active ingredient
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
Allergy to oxidized limonene and linalool is frequent in the U.K
Exotic Vegetable Oils for Cosmetic O/W Nanoemulsions: In Vivo Evaluation
In vivo and in vitro evaluation of octyl methoxycinnamate liposomes
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
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
-

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
-

Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
-

Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
-

Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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