# Azclear vs Dr. Barbara Sturm

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/azclear-vs-dr-barbara-sturm

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for the United Kingdom.

Azclear and Dr. Barbara Sturm are two distinct skincare lines known for gentle, scientifically advanced formulations that nurture the complexion. The first brand is deeply appreciated for its soothing [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/serum) and Medicated Lotion, suiting sensitive, acne-prone, and reactive skin best with its gentle nature. Conversely, the German brand founded in 2014 is deeply loved for its gentle moisturizers, clarifying exfoliants, and nourishing serums like The Good C [Vitamin C](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/vitamin-c) Serum, Enzyme Cleanser, and Hyaluronic Serum, suiting sensitive, dry, balanced, and mature skin best. Ultimately, both differ as the former focuses on balancing acne-prone skin while the latter emphasizes deep hydration and barrier support.

Dr. Barbara Sturm is a German skincare brand founded in 2014 and owned by Puig since 2024.

[uploads.puig.com](https://uploads.puig.com/uploads/Press_release_Puig_acquires_majority_stake_in_Dr_Barbara_Sturm_ENG_1_140422a900.pdf) [beautymatter.com](https://beautymatter.com/articles/puig-acquires-majority-stake-in-dr-barbara-sturm) [pitchbook.com](https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/289811-80)

This page compares some of the most popular Azclear and Dr. Barbara Sturm products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, [use the Lovi app](https://app.pora.ai/vqqJ/j1xj2b6o?af_sub2=compare&af_sub3=selection_note&af_sub4=pg1dc6c54668).

### Popular Azclear vs Dr. Barbara Sturm products

#### Dr. Barbara Sturm

- [Hyaluronic Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/dr-barbara-sturm/hyaluronic-serum/for/oily-skin) — High fit — [£198.75 at Lookfantastic](https://www.lookfantastic.com/p/dr.-barbara-sturm-darker-skin-tones-hyaluronic-serum-30ml/13310109/)
- [Enzyme Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/dr-barbara-sturm/enzyme-cleanser/for/dark-spots) — Superior fit — [£55.00 at Lookfantastic](https://www.lookfantastic.com/p/dr.-barbara-sturm-cleanser-150ml/13310088/)
- [The Good C Vitamin C Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/dr-barbara-sturm/the-good-c-vitamin-c-serum/for/mature-skin) — High fit — [£100.00 at Lookfantastic](https://www.lookfantastic.com/p/dr.-barbara-sturm-the-good-c-vitamin-c-serum-30ml/13310139/)

#### Azclear

- [Medicated Lotion](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/azclear/medicated-lotion/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit

## Questions and answers

### Azclear or Dr. Barbara Sturm: which is better?

Dr. Barbara Sturm fits a broader range of skin types with a Superior rating for skin with dark spots, whereas Azclear achieves at best a High fit for oily acne-prone skin. Both brands formulate the products on this page without fragrance.

### What is the difference between Azclear and Dr. Barbara Sturm?

Azclear focuses on targeted medicated care with a High fit for oily acne-prone skin, while Dr. Barbara Sturm offers a broader range with products like its Enzyme Cleanser achieving a Superior fit for skin with dark spots. Every product on this page from both brands lists no fragrance in its ingredients.

[Pharmaceutics, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33923739/)

### Which is more affordable, Azclear or Dr. Barbara Sturm?

Neither brand is more affordable based on the information provided on this page, as pricing details are not included for either Azclear or Dr. Barbara Sturm.

### Which causes fewer breakouts, Azclear or Dr. Barbara Sturm?

Azclear has a High fit for oily acne-prone skin with its Medicated Lotion, while Dr. Barbara Sturm achieves a High fit for acne-prone skin across its Enzyme Cleanser and The Good C [Vitamin C](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/vitamin-c) [Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/serum). [Azelaic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/azelaic-acid) helps treat acne vulgaris.

[Pharmaceutics, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33923739/)

### Which brand has been on the market longer, Azclear or Dr. Barbara Sturm?

Azclear has been on the market longer, having been founded in 2010 compared to Dr. Barbara Sturm, which was founded in 2014.

### Which company owns Dr. Barbara Sturm, and when was it acquired?

Dr. Barbara Sturm is owned by Puig, and the acquisition took place in 2024.

### Do any of the products from Azclear or Dr. Barbara Sturm contain fragrance?

Every product on this page from both Azclear and Dr. Barbara Sturm lists no fragrance in its ingredients.

## Research behind their key ingredients

- [Benefits of topical hyaluronic acid for skin quality and signs of skin aging: From literature review to clinical evidence](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36200921/) Sodium hyaluronate · Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
- [Anti-aging and brightening effects of a topical treatment containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and raspberry leaf cell culture extract: A split-face, randomized controlled trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31975502/) Ascorbic acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020
- [Bacterial cellulose membranes as drug delivery systems: an in vivo skin compatibility study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23973717/) Cellulose · European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, 2014
- [Effects of ascorbic acid on gingival melanin pigmentation in vitro and in vivo](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19186973/) Ascorbyl glucoside · Journal of Periodontology, 2009
- [Bacterial cellulose skin masks-Properties and sensory tests](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28963772/) Cellulose · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2018
- [Treatment of acne with a combination of propolis, tea tree oil, and Aloe vera compared to erythromycin cream: two double-blind investigations](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30588129/) Aloe barbadensis leaf juice · Clinical Pharmacology, 2018
- [Effect of a topical antioxidant serum containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid after Q-switched 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser for treatment of environment-induced skin pigmentation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32052907/) Ascorbic acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020
- [Efficacy and Safety of Azelaic Acid Nanocrystal-Loaded In Situ Hydrogel in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33923739/) Azelaic acid · Pharmaceutics, 2021
- [The 24-hour skin hydration and barrier function effects of a hyaluronic 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract moisturizing fluid: an intra-subject, randomized, assessor-blinded study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/) Glycerin · Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
- [Sunscreens and Cosmetic Formulations Containing Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate and Rice Peptides for the Improvement of Skin Photoaging: A Double-blind, Randomized Placebo-controlled Clinical Study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33529350/) Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate · Photochemistry and Photobiology, 2021
- [Clinical evidence of the efficacy and safety of a new 3-in-1 anti-aging topical night serum-in-oil containing melatonin, bakuchiol, and ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate: 103 females treated from 28 to 84 days](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30924254/) Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019
- [Inhibition of TRPV1 prevented skin irritancy induced by phenoxyethanol. A preliminary in vitro and in vivo study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27168163/) Phenoxyethanol · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2017
- [Effects of 15% Azelaic Acid Gel in the Management of Post-Inflammatory Erythema and Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation in Acne Vulgaris](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38734843/) Azelaic acid · Dermatology and Therapy, 2024
- [Antioxidant-based topical formulations influence on the inflammatory response of Japanese skin: A clinical study using non-invasive techniques](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28385617/) Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate · European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, 2017
- [Efficacy and Tolerability of Topical Nicotinamide Plus Antibacterial Adhesive Agents and Zinc-Pyrrolidone Carboxylic Acid Versus Placebo as an Adjuvant Treatment for Moderate Acne Vulgaris in Indonesia: A Multicenter, Double-blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32983333/) Zinc pca · The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020
- [The usefulness of a dermocosmetic containing Myrtus communis extract and azelaic acid for maintenance phase of adult female acne: Results from a randomized exploratory investigator-blinded comparative study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36729399/) Azelaic acid · Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2023
- [Borage Oil Treated with Immobilized Lipase Inhibits Melanogenesis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33128473/) Lipase · Lipids, 2020
- [Prospective randomized double-blind comparative study of topical acetyl zingerone with tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate versus tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate alone on facial photoaging](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38525606/) Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024
- [A Double-Blind, 12-Week Study to Evaluate the Antiaging Efficacy of a Cream Containing the NFκB Inhibitor 4-Hexyl-1, 3-Phenylenediol and Ascorbic Acid-2 Glucoside in Adult Females](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27272084/) Ascorbyl glucoside · Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2016
- [Portulaca oleracea extract relieves skin barrier damage induced by increased photosensitivity after GA peeling](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35920724/) Lactobacillus portulaca oleracea extract ferment · Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology, 2022
- [Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39769217/) Ascorbyl glucoside · International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024
- [Low-temperature extracted Portulaca oleracea L. as a functional ingredient in facial masks for photorejuvenation of sensitive skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41182319/) Lactobacillus portulaca oleracea extract ferment · Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology, 2025

## The brands

- Skincare: [Azclear](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/brands/azclear)
- German skincare: [Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/brands/dr-barbara-sturm)

## More comparisons

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- [The Ordinary vs Azclear](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/the-ordinary-vs-azclear)
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- [La Roche-Posay vs Azclear](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-azclear)
- [La Roche-Posay vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-dr-barbara-sturm)
- [Dr. Althea vs Azclear](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/dr-althea-vs-azclear)
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- [Some By Mi vs Azclear](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/some-by-mi-vs-azclear)
- [Some By Mi vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/some-by-mi-vs-dr-barbara-sturm)

## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi compares products by their fit scores, calculated from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its 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. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this comparison: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

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