Dermalogica vs Allies of Skin
Dermalogica and Allies of Skin are skincare brands offering targeted serums, nourishing moisturizers, gentle cleansers, purifying masks, and eye products. The American brand, founded in 1986 and owned by Unilever since 2015, relies on hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and salicylic acid, while Allies of Skin uses ingredients like niacinamide. Dermalogica suits oily skin and combination skin best, whereas the other brand suits dry skin and acne-prone skin best. They differ in their formulations and primary active ingredients, providing distinct options for balancing moisture, reducing acne, and addressing aging.
Dermalogica is an American skincare brand founded in 1986 and owned by Unilever since 2015.
en.wikipedia.orgcosmeticsbusiness.com
This page compares some of the most popular Dermalogica and Allies of Skin products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Dermalogica vs Allies of Skin products
People Say
Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Saved my dry skin — Dermalogica Super Rich Repair”
- “super hydrating — Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque”
- “nourished and hydrated — Allies of Skin Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream”
- “more like a spray serum — Allies of Skin Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist”
Soothing and Calming Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Redness is less noticeable — Allies of Skin Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum”
- “feels super soothing, doesn't trigger redness — Allies of Skin Tranexamic & Arbutin Advanced Brightening Serum”
- “reduces appearance of redness — Allies of Skin Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist”
- “helps calm and nourish my skin — Dermalogica Stabilizing Repair Cream”
Brightening and Radiance Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “gives skin an instant dewy glow — Allies of Skin Tranexamic & Arbutin Advanced Brightening Serum”
- “scars visibly lightened after I started using this — Allies of Skin Tranexamic & Arbutin Advanced Brightening Serum”
- “Gives me a nice youthful glow — Allies of Skin Peptides & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment”
- “immediately brighter looking — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
Exfoliation and Texture Improvement Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Woke up looking well-rested — Allies of Skin Retinal & Peptides Repair Night Cream”
- “Pores appear to be tighter — Allies of Skin Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum”
- “imparts a luminous glow — Allies of Skin Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist”
- “gentle enough for daily use — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
Anti-Aging and Firming Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “fix the fine lines — Allies of Skin Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream”
- “creamy and consistent — Allies of Skin Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream”
- “Tightened the skin in just a few uses — Allies of Skin Peptides & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment”
- “eyelids look firmer and lifted — Dermalogica Phyto Nature Lifting Eye Cream”
Non-Greasy Absorption Often MentionedNot noted
- “blends seamlessly — Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50”
- “Absorbs quickly... not greasy — Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream”
- “feels like nothing — Dermalogica Active Moist”
High Price Point Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “hefty price tag — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
- “Expensive for cleanser — Dermalogica Precleanse”
- “Pricey — Allies of Skin Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum”
- “price definitely hurts — Allies of Skin Tranexamic & Arbutin Advanced Brightening Serum”
Skin Irritation and Breakouts Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “caused severe peeling — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
- “Cystic acne flare-ups — Dermalogica Precleanse”
- “Slightly irritating... when I first started — Allies of Skin Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum”
- “rashes popped up on my neck — Allies of Skin Tranexamic & Arbutin Advanced Brightening Serum”
Packaging and Pump Issues Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “Leaky pump — Dermalogica Precleanse”
- “pump dispenses too much — Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel”
- “powder drops too quickly — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
- “pump head is fixed — Allies of Skin Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream”
Greasy or Heavy Feel Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “Too thick for day — Dermalogica Super Rich Repair”
- “skin felt tight — Dermalogica Active Moist”
- “didn't like how sticky face feels — Allies of Skin Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist”
- “Don't feel hydrated — Allies of Skin Peptides & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment”
Unpleasant Scent and Fragrance Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “Distinct rancid smell — Allies of Skin Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum”
- “gives a weird fermented stench — Allies of Skin Tranexamic & Arbutin Advanced Brightening Serum”
- “smells like puke — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
Dermalogica vs Allies of Skin routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£8.29
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Hydrating Toner
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Morning
£11.49
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Moisturizer
Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£47.50
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SPF
Torriden DIVE-IN Mild Sunscreen
Morning
£22.00
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Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
£13.58
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Serum or Treatment
Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream
Evening · Once a week
£65.00
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Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
£17.00
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Cleanser
Special Cleansing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£14.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Morning
£11.49
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Moisturizer
Stabilizing Repair Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£24.00
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SPF
Invisible Physical Defense SPF30
Morning
£49.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Precleanse
Evening · Once a week
£32.00
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Serum or Treatment
BioLumin-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
£96.00
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Nourishing Mask
Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque
Once a week
£18.00
Buy Allies of Skin routine · £137.36 · 98% fit
Buy Dermalogica routine · £244.49 · 87% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
Dermalogica vs Allies of Skin routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£8.29
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
£13.98
-
Moisturizer
Peptides & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£51.16
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
£11.29
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
£17.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
£29.00
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Serum or Treatment
Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream
Evening · Once a week
£65.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
£19.00
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Cleansing Mask
Dr. Sebagh Deep Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
£61.99
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Cleanser
Special Cleansing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£14.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
£13.98
-
Moisturizer
Active Moist
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£72.00
-
SPF
Invisible Physical Defense SPF30
Morning
£49.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Precleanse
Evening · Once a week
£32.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
£29.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Retinol Clearing Oil
Evening · Once a week
£85.00
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Enzyme Powder
Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
£19.00
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Cleansing Mask
Dr. Sebagh Deep Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
£61.99
Buy Allies of Skin routine · £276.71 · 93% fit
Buy Dermalogica routine · £375.97 · 90% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Dermalogica vs Allies of Skin routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£14.99
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Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
£30.37
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Moisturizer
Peptides & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£51.16
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Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
£23.92
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Cleansing Toner
REN Clean Skincare Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic
Evening
£30.99
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Serum or Treatment
Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream
Evening · Once a week
£65.00
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Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
£19.00
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Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
£19.00
-
Cleanser
Special Cleansing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£14.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
£30.37
-
Moisturizer
Active Moist
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£72.00
-
SPF
Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50
Morning
£129.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Precleanse
Evening · Once a week
£32.00
-
Cleansing Toner
REN Clean Skincare Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic
Evening
£30.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Retinol Clearing Oil
Evening · Once a week
£85.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
£19.00
-
Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
£19.00
Buy Allies of Skin routine · £254.43 · 94% fit
Buy Dermalogica routine · £431.36 · 90% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
Dermalogica or Allies of Skin: which is better?
Allies of Skin is generally better for soothing, brightening, and anti-aging benefits, while Dermalogica excels in non-greasy absorption.
What is the difference between Dermalogica and Allies of Skin?
Allies of Skin outperforms Dermalogica for dry, sensitive, and acne-prone skin, while both brands offer equal fit levels for oily and combination skin. Reviewers note that Allies of Skin does better for calming, brightening, and anti-aging, whereas Dermalogica offers better non-greasy absorption.
Dermalogica or Allies of Skin for dry skin?
Allies of Skin fits dry skin better with a Superior routine level, compared to Dermalogica which reaches High. Allies of Skin relies on key ingredients like niacinamide, which helps reduce pigmentation and control skin aging.
Dermalogica or Allies of Skin: which moisturizer is better?
Allies of Skin is a superior fit for dry skin, acne-prone skin, and mature skin, while Dermalogica fits oily, combination, and oily acne-prone skin best. Reviewers mention that Allies of Skin provides gentle, effective moisturizers and calming serums, whereas Dermalogica offers non-greasy and textured moisturizers with intensive hydration.
Which is more affordable, Dermalogica or Allies of Skin?
Both Dermalogica and Allies of Skin share a high price point as a common drawback noted by reviewers, so neither brand stands out as more affordable.
Which brand performs better for brightening and radiance?
Allies of Skin performs better for brightening and radiance. Its formulations help improve skin tone, backed by research showing that key ingredients like niacinamide aid in reducing pigmentation.
What are the key ingredients found across Allies of Skin products?
The key ingredient found across the Allies of Skin products on this page is niacinamide. Niacinamide helps reduce skin pigmentation.
Dermalogica or Allies of Skin for oily skin?
Both Dermalogica and Allies of Skin offer a Superior routine fit for oily skin, meaning shoppers can choose either brand with confidence. Allies of Skin stands out for its calming and brightening effects, while Dermalogica helps provide non-greasy absorption across the products on this page.
Dermalogica or Allies of Skin for sensitive skin?
Allies of Skin is Superior for sensitive skin, whereas Dermalogica has a High fit. Reviewers note that Allies of Skin provides effective calming serums.
Dermalogica or Allies of Skin for acne-prone skin?
Allies of Skin fits acne-prone skin at a Superior level, whereas Dermalogica fits this skin type at a High level.
Dermalogica or Allies of Skin for mature skin?
Both brands are great for mature skin, but Allies of Skin is a superior fit overall. Allies of Skin does better for anti-aging and firming, while Dermalogica is also a good choice with products like Precleanse and Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50.
Research behind their key ingredients
The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review
Bacterial cellulose membranes as drug delivery systems: an in vivo skin compatibility study
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
Topical anti-inflammatory effects of isorhamnetin glycosides isolated from Opuntia ficus-indica
Apigenin inhibits UVA-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and prevents signs of skin aging in vivo
Vitamin C-squalene bioconjugate promotes epidermal thickening and collagen production in human skin
Antioxidant properties evaluation of topical astaxanthin formulations as anti-aging products
Microneedling by dermapen and glycolic acid peel for the treatment of acne scars: Comparative study
Topical beta-carotene protects against infra-red-light-induced free radicals
Efficacy of Oxybrasion in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris: A Preliminary Report
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
Chemical peels for acne vulgaris: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials
Colloidal Oatmeal <em>(Avena Sativa)</em> Improves Skin Barrier Through Multi-Therapy Activity
Well-aging: A new strategy for skin homeostasis under multi-stressed conditions
In vivo and in vitro evaluation of octyl methoxycinnamate liposomes
The synergistic effect of retinyl propionate and hydroxypinacolone retinoate on skin aging
The impacts of sodium lauroyl sarcosinate in facial cleanser on facial skin microbiome and lipidome
Supramolecular collagen nanoparticles for anti-wrinkle, skin whitening, and moisturizing effects
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
Skin recovery by Lavandula angustifolia leaf callus extract: Redox control of Nrf2 signaling
Algae extract protection effect on oxidized protein level in human stratum corneum
Starch- and carboxymethyl cellulose-based films as active beauty masks with papain incorporation
Semi-solid functionalized nanostructured lipid carriers loading thymol for skin disorders
Modulating effects of oatmeal extracts in the sodium lauryl sulfate skin irritancy model
Moisturizing Effects of Diglycerol Combined with Glycerol on Human Stratum Corneum
The effect of Zanthoxylum bungeanum maxim extract on crow's feet: A double-blind, split-face trial
Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Clinical efficacy of facial masks containing yoghurt and Opuntia humifusa Raf. (F-YOP)
Skin barrier repair efficacy and safety evaluation of an extract from Gardenia jasminoides J.Ellis
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
Targeting Circadian Rhythm for the Regulation of Skin Collagen Metabolism
Effects of a Greek Yoghurt-based Complex on the Human Facial Skin Microbiome
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
-

Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
-

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
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