NIVEA vs Elemis
NIVEA and Elemis are established skincare brands offering targeted serums and nourishing moisturizers formulated with hydrating glycerin. NIVEA suits sensitive skin and skin with dark spots best through dependable sunscreens and soothing elements, while Elemis suits dry skin and mature skin best with gentle cleansers and refining toners that weave in shea. The German brand relies on daily glycerin use to improve barrier function, whereas the British brand combines glycerin and shea to deeply restore moisture and reduce inflammation.
NIVEA is a German skincare brand founded in 1911 and owned by maxingvest GmbH & Co. KGaA since 2004.
beiersdorf.comen.wikipedia.org
Elemis is a British skincare brand founded in 1989 and owned by L'Occitane Group since 2019.
elemis.comau.elemis.comen.wikipedia.org
This page compares some of the most popular NIVEA and Elemis products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular NIVEA vs Elemis products
People Say
Texture and Absorption Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “It's lightweight on the skin and leaves a bit of subtle sheen. — NIVEA Soft”
- “Makes my face feel smooth and soft. — NIVEA Soft”
- “Absorbs almost immediately, and my skin feels well hydrated all day. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
- “skin feels baby soft — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
Hydration and Moisture Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “The cream really hydrates and my face looks amazing. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Night Cream”
- “Quenches thirsty skin... immediate improvement. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
- “skin feels baby soft — Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm”
- “Smoothed out dry flaky scales on my cheeks overnight — NIVEA Creme”
Fragrance and Scent Praise Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “smells like holiday — NIVEA Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+”
- “Smell brings me back to childhood — NIVEA Creme”
- “smells like a spa — Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm”
- “smells like a holiday — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
Exfoliation and Blemish Reduction Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “cleared my complexion in 7 days — NIVEA DERMA SKIN CLEAR”
- “unclogs pores — NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub”
- “reduces blackheads — NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub”
- “non-stripping formula — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash”
Gentle Care Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “doesn't dry out skin — NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub”
- “doesn't leave skin dry or stretched — NIVEA DERMA SKIN CLEAR”
- “no stinging or redness — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
- “Feels incredibly gentle and instantly rebalances my skin's pH. — Elemis Balancing Lavender Toner”
Value and Affordability Often MentionedNot noted
- “Works better than expensive luxury creams — NIVEA Creme”
- “Best affordable vegan moisturizer. — NIVEA Soft”
- “absolute steal for the price — NIVEA DERMA SKIN CLEAR”
Product Ineffectiveness or Minor Issues Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
- “didn't see a difference — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
- “tends to flake off — Elemis Pro-Collagen Eye Revive Mask”
- “It peels horribly no matter how I apply it. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
- “not super gritty — NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub”
Value and Pricing Not notedMostly Mentioned
- “Complete waste of money for me. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
Fragrance and Scent Complaints Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Scent is too overpowering for sensitive noses — NIVEA Creme”
- “Has a heavy, baby powder smell. — NIVEA Soft”
- “smell is too strong — NIVEA Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+”
- “The smell is very strong... could not handle for long. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
NIVEA vs Elemis routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£35.20
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Hydrating Toner
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Morning
£11.49
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Moisturizer
Pro-Collagen Night Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£96.00
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SPF
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning
£73.99
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Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
£44.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Pro-Collagen Glow Boost Exfoliator
Evening · Once a week
£47.20
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
£17.00
-
Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£8.29
-
Hydrating Toner
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Morning
£11.49
-
Moisturizer
Creme
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£4.75
-
SPF
Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+
Morning
£7.70
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
£13.58
-
Serum or Treatment
Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub
Evening · Once a week
£3.00
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
£17.00
Buy Elemis routine · £324.88 · 88% fit
Buy NIVEA routine · £65.81 · 82% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
NIVEA vs Elemis 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
Soft
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£2.00
-
SPF
Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+
Morning
£7.70
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
£17.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
£29.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub
Evening · Once a week
£3.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
£19.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Dr. Sebagh Deep Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
£61.99
-
Cleanser
Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£35.20
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
£13.98
-
Moisturizer
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£73.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
£44.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Balancing Lavender Toner
Evening
£24.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Papaya Enzyme Peel
Evening · Once a week
£42.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
£19.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Dr. Sebagh Deep Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
£61.99
Buy NIVEA routine · £161.96 · 87% fit
Buy Elemis routine · £290.16 · 76% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
NIVEA vs Elemis routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£14.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
£30.37
-
Moisturizer
Soft
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£2.00
-
SPF
Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+
Morning
£7.70
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
£23.92
-
Cleansing Toner
REN Clean Skincare Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic
Evening
£30.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub
Evening · Once a week
£3.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
£19.00
-
Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
£19.00
-
Cleanser
Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£35.20
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
£30.37
-
Moisturizer
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£73.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
£44.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Balancing Lavender Toner
Evening
£24.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Papaya Enzyme Peel
Evening · Once a week
£42.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
£19.00
-
Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
£19.00
Buy NIVEA routine · £150.97 · 87% fit
Buy Elemis routine · £263.56 · 78% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
NIVEA or Elemis: which is better?
Both NIVEA and Elemis are great options, as Lovi shows they both reach High fit levels across all skin types on this page. NIVEA stands out for affordability and blemish-clearing serums, whereas Elemis offers luxurious hydration and radiant glow.
What is the difference between NIVEA and Elemis?
NIVEA is valued for its affordability and blemish-clearing serums, while Elemis is known for its luxurious textures and hydration. Both brands offer high routine fit levels across all skin types.
NIVEA or Elemis for dry skin?
Both NIVEA and Elemis match dry skin well, with Lovi giving each brand a High fit level for this skin type. NIVEA offers a routine that helps with value and affordability, while Elemis provides products known for intense hydration and moisture.
NIVEA or Elemis: which moisturizer is better?
Both NIVEA and Elemis offer moisturizers that fit dry skin at a High level according to Lovi. Reviewers often mention NIVEA for versatile multi-use moisturizers, while Elemis is often noted for luxurious textures and intense hydration.
Which is more affordable, NIVEA or Elemis?
NIVEA is more affordable than Elemis, as the products on this page are rated better for value and pricing. Reviewers often mention Elemis for its high price point.
Between NIVEA and Elemis, which brand is better for exfoliation and blemish reduction?
NIVEA does better for exfoliation and blemish reduction among the products on this page. Reviewers frequently mention its blemish-clearing serums.
How do the founding years and corporate ownerships of NIVEA and Elemis compare?
NIVEA was founded in 1911 in Germany and is owned by maxingvest GmbH & Co. KGaA, while Elemis was founded in 1989 in the United Kingdom and is owned by L'Occitane Group.
Which brand has more fragrance-free products, NIVEA or Elemis?
NIVEA has more fragrance-free products on this page, with 3 out of 9 products listing no fragrance compared to only 4 out of 22 products for Elemis.
NIVEA or Elemis for oily skin?
Both NIVEA and Elemis fit oily skin at a High level on Lovi. NIVEA features blemish-clearing serums and sunscreens well-suited for this skin type, while Elemis offers lightweight products like the Superfood Facial Oil and balancing toners.
NIVEA or Elemis for sensitive skin?
Both NIVEA and Elemis achieve a High Lovi fit level for sensitive skin on the products on this page. Nivea is noted for its value, while Elemis is often praised for its hydrating moisturizers.
NIVEA or Elemis for acne-prone skin?
Both NIVEA and Elemis achieve a High Lovi routine fit for acne-prone skin. NIVEA stands out with blemish-clearing serums on the products on this page.
Research behind their key ingredients
Bacterial cellulose membranes as drug delivery systems: an in vivo skin compatibility study
Effects of glyceryl glucoside on AQP3 expression, barrier function and hydration of human skin
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
Exotic Vegetable Oils for Cosmetic O/W Nanoemulsions: In Vivo Evaluation
A Rose Extract Protects the Skin against Stress Mediators: A Potential Role of Olfactory Receptors
In vivo and in vitro evaluation of octyl methoxycinnamate liposomes
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
Comparative measurement of hydration effects of herbal moisturizers
Topical Almond Oil for Prevention of Pressure Injuries: A Single-Blinded Comparison Study
Skin recovery by Lavandula angustifolia leaf callus extract: Redox control of Nrf2 signaling
Formulation and evaluation of exotic fat based cosmeceuticals for skin repair
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Effects of fermented tea seed oil on the skin lipid barrier and microbiome of sensitive skin
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
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
-

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
How does it fit your skin?
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