# Biore vs Grown Alchemist

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/biore-vs-grown-alchemist

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

Biore and Grown Alchemist are skincare brands offering thoughtful daily care. The Japanese brand founded in 1980 and owned by Kao Corporation features sunscreens, cleansers, masks, and makeup removers with effective formulas, while the latter is known for cleansers, [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/serum), and formulas. Both suit sensitive and combination skin, though Grown Alchemist also suits dry skin, and the two differ in their distinct ingredient approaches and origins.

Biore is a Japanese skincare brand founded in 1980 and owned by Kao Corporation.

[biore.com](https://www.biore.com/en-sa/about-us/our-story/) [kao.com](https://www.kao.com/global/en/newsroom/news/release/2024/20240214-001/)

This page compares some of the most popular Biore and Grown Alchemist 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=pg75fdaa89eb).

### Popular Biore vs Grown Alchemist products

#### Grown Alchemist

- [Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/grown-alchemist/gentle-gel-facial-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Average fit
- [Hydra-Restore Cream Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/grown-alchemist/hydra-restore-cream-cleanser/for/sensitive-skin) — High fit — [£37.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00G3J8ISI?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Instant Smoothing Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/grown-alchemist/instant-smoothing-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Average fit

#### Biore

- [UV Aqua Rich](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/biore/uv-aqua-rich/for/combination-skin) — High fit
- [Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/biore/deep-pore-charcoal-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Average fit
- [Deep Cleansing Pore Strips](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/biore/deep-cleansing-pore-strips/for/oily-skin) — Average fit
- [Makeup Remover Perfect Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/biore/makeup-remover-perfect-oil/for/sensitive-skin) — High fit — [£28.88 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000FQMZSE?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

## People Say

Biore

Grown Alchemist

- Texture and Weight Often Mentioned Mostly Mentioned “silkiest cleanser — Grown Alchemist Hydra-Restore Cream Cleanser” “Very light weight — Grown Alchemist Instant Smoothing Serum” “melts into skin — Biore UV Aqua Rich”
- Cleansing Efficacy Mostly Mentioned Often Mentioned “Gets the gunk out — Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips” “Face feels squeaky clean — Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser” “Gets everything nice and clean — Grown Alchemist Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser”
- Non-Stripping Formula Sometimes Noted Mostly Mentioned “Doesn't dry out my skin — Grown Alchemist Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser” “doesn't strip at all — Grown Alchemist Hydra-Restore Cream Cleanser” “Leaves skin soft, doesn't dry out face. — Biore Makeup Remover Perfect Oil”
- Pleasant Scent Sometimes Noted Mostly Mentioned “Smells amazing — Grown Alchemist Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser” “smell is divine — Grown Alchemist Hydra-Restore Cream Cleanser” “Fruity fragrance, smells like apple/grape, refreshing. — Biore Makeup Remover Perfect Oil”
- Hydration and Moisture Sometimes Noted Often Mentioned “Skin version of chugging water — Grown Alchemist Instant Smoothing Serum” “feels like a moisturizer — Biore UV Aqua Rich”
- Gentle on Skin Not noted Mostly Mentioned “Perfect for sensitive skin — Grown Alchemist Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser” “calms my skin down — Grown Alchemist Hydra-Restore Cream Cleanser”
- Fragrance and Scent Often Mentioned Often Mentioned “smells like alcohol — Biore UV Aqua Rich” “strong citrus smell — Biore UV Aqua Rich” “Too perfumy notes — Grown Alchemist Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser” “smells medicinal — Grown Alchemist Hydra-Restore Cream Cleanser”
- Makeup Removal Issues Not noted Often Mentioned “Isn't going to be your makeup remover — Grown Alchemist Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser”
- Price Point Not noted Often Mentioned “expensive for what it is — Grown Alchemist Hydra-Restore Cream Cleanser”

## Questions and answers

### Biore or Grown Alchemist: which is better?

Grown Alchemist performs better for hydration and gentle formulas among the products on this page, while Biore offers better cleansing efficacy and a lower price point.

### What is the difference between Biore and Grown Alchemist?

Grown Alchemist generally offers better hydration and moisture for the products on this page, whereas Biore provides stronger cleansing efficacy. Reviewers mention that Grown Alchemist delivers pleasant and gentle cleansers, while noting occasional cleanser performance and packaging issues.

### Biore or Grown Alchemist: which cleanser is better?

Biore offers stronger cleansing efficacy, while Grown Alchemist provides a more non-stripping formula and better hydration and moisture. The products on this page from both brands list no fragrance in their ingredients.

### Which is more affordable, Biore or Grown Alchemist?

Biore is more affordable, as price point is an advantage for Biore compared to Grown Alchemist.

### Which causes fewer breakouts, Biore or Grown Alchemist?

Grown Alchemist performs better than Biore on non-stripping formulas and hydration, while Biore products on this page have low to average fits for acne-prone skin.

### Which brand offers better texture and weight according to reviews, Biore or Grown Alchemist?

Grown Alchemist does better than Biore when it comes to texture and weight according to reviews. Every product listed for both brands on this page contains no fragrance.

### How do the Lovi fit levels for the Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser compare across different skin types for Grown Alchemist?

According to Lovi fit levels, the Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser for Grown Alchemist performs the same across all skin types, consistently rating as Average. It is unlikely to cause issues as every product on this page lists no fragrance in its ingredients.

### What specific products does Biore recommend in its example routine for dry skin?

In its example routine for dry skin, Biore recommends the Hydrating Facial Cleanser, Supple Preparation Unscented Toner, Madagascar [Centella](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/centella-asiatica) Probio-Cica Enrich Cream, UV Aqua Rich sunscreen, Glass Skin Refining [Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/serum), and Vita Essential Mask.

## Research behind their key ingredients

- [The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/) Niacinamide · The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002
- [Final report on the safety assessment of Benzyl Alcohol, Benzoic Acid, and Sodium Benzoate](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11766131/) Benzyl alcohol · International Journal of Toxicology, 2001
- [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 molecule · 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/) Tocopherol · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020
- [Psychophysical study of the effects of topical application of menthol in healthy volunteers](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16527405/) Menthol · Pain, 2006
- [Topical Formulation Containing Naringenin: Efficacy against Ultraviolet B Irradiation-Induced Skin Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Mice](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26741806/) Grapefruit fruit extract · PloS One, 2016
- [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 extract · 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/) Tocopherol · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020
- [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
- [Randomized controlled study for the anti-aging effect of human adipocyte-derived mesenchymal stem cell media combined with niacinamide after laser therapy](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33103316/) Niacinamide · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021
- [A Double-Blinded, Randomized, Vehicle-Controlled Study of the Efficacy of Moisturizer Containing Licochalcone A, Decanediol, L-Carnitine, and Salicylic Acid for Prevention of Acne Relapse in Asian Population](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33150170/) Salicylic acid · BioMed Research International, 2020
- [High molecular compounds (polysaccharides and proanthocyanidins) from Hamamelis virginiana bark: influence on human skin keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation and influence on irritated skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11684194/) Witch hazel leaf extract · Phytochemistry, 2001
- [Efficacy of olive leaf extract-containing cream for facial rejuvenation: A pilot study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32333467/) Olive leaf extract · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020
- [Efficacy of a multitargeted, salicylic acid-based dermocosmetic cream compared to benzoyl peroxide 5% in Acne vulgaris: Results from a randomized study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/) Salicylic acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024
- [A Salicylic Acid-Based Dermocosmetic is Effective as an Adjunct to Benzoyl Peroxide for Mild to Moderate Acne and as Monotherapy in Maintenance Post Benzoyl Peroxide](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38051857/) Salicylic acid · Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023
- [Challenging the safety and efficacy of topically applied chlorogenic acid, apigenin, kaempferol, and naringenin by HET-CAM, HPLC-TBARS-EVSC, and laser Doppler flowmetry](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38831914/) Grapefruit fruit extract · Frontiers in Chemistry, 2024
- [Subclinical, non-erythematous irritation with an open assay model (washing): sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) versus sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11278060/) Sodium laureth sulfate · Food and Chemical Toxicology, 2001
- [A Rose Extract Protects the Skin against Stress Mediators: A Potential Role of Olfactory Receptors](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33081083/) Rose bud · Molecules, 2020
- [Is benzyl alcohol a significant contact sensitizer?](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35080274/) Benzyl alcohol · Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2022
- [In vivo and in vitro evaluation of octyl methoxycinnamate liposomes](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24376350/) Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate · International Journal of Nanomedicine, 2013
- [Effect of a botanical cleansing lotion on skin sebum and erythema of the face: A randomized controlled blinded half-side comparison](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30022595/) Willow bark extract · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019
- [Anti-Inflammatory Effect of a Novel Topical Herbal Composition (VEL-091604) Consisting of Gentian Root, Licorice Root and Willow Bark Extract](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30690691/) Willow bark extract · Planta Medica, 2019
- [Effect of seasonal and geographical differences on skin and effect of treatment with an osmoprotectant: Sorbitol](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23752031/) Sorbitol · Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2013
- [Noninvasive evaluation of the influence of aucubin-containing cosmetic macroemulsion on selected skin parameters](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32750209/) Plantago extract · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021
- [Influence of vitamin E acetate on stratum corneum hydration](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9706379/) Tocopheryl acetate · Arzneimittel-Forschung, 1998
- [Rosa gallica and its active compound, cyanidin-3,5-O-diglucoside, improve skin hydration via the GLK signaling pathway](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36573713/) Rose bud · BioFactors, 2023
- [Clinical efficacy of herbal extract cream on the skin hydration, elasticity, thickness, and dermis density for aged skin: A randomized controlled double-blind study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30636339/) Botanical extracts · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019
- [Nanostructured Lipid Carrier Based Gel Containing α-Tocopherol and α-Tocopheryl Acetate for Synergistic Cutaneous Antiaging Efficacy](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41309687/) Tocopheryl acetate · Scientific Reports, 2025
- [Influence of the emulsifier on nanostructure and clinical application of liquid crystalline emulsions](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36918671/) Camellia seed oil · Scientific Reports, 2023
- [Development and efficacy assessments of tea seed oil makeup remover](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27988044/) Camellia seed oil · Annales Pharmaceutiques Francaises, 2017
- [Safety assessment on comedogenicity of dermatological products containing d-alpha tocopheryl acetate in Asian subjects: A double-blind randomized controlled trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34471722/) Tocopheryl acetate · Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 2021
- [Mitigation of ultraviolet-induced erythema and inflammation by para-hydroxycinnamic acid in human skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39138602/) Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2025
- [Facial disbiosis and UV filters](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39499337/) Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate · Archives of Dermatological Research, 2024
- [Effects of fermented tea seed oil on the skin lipid barrier and microbiome of sensitive skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41319188/) Camellia seed oil · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2026
- [Impact of dermal emulsions containing diacyl phospholipids, mono acyl phospholipids, sodium lauryl ether sulfate and polysorbate 80 in combination with UVA irradiation on human skin physiology in vivo: A pilot study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42617898/) Sodium laureth sulfate · International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2026

## The brands

- Japanese skincare: [Biore](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/brands/biore)
- Skincare: [Grown Alchemist](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/brands/grown-alchemist)

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## 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.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/biore-vs-grown-alchemist
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