# NIVEA vs ELIDEL

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/nivea-vs-elidel

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

NIVEA and ELIDEL are established skincare brands offering gentle, soothing formulations designed for daily maintenance. The German brand, founded in 1911, is known for dependable sunscreens, targeted [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/serum), and nourishing moisturizers formulated with hydrating [glycerin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycerin), while the Swiss brand, founded in 2001, is beloved for gentle moisturizers and soothing preparations. Both options suit sensitive skin best, though the former also targets skin with dark spots and mature skin, and the latter is tailored for dry skin. They differ primarily in their product types and specific key ingredients, as the former relies on glycerin to improve barrier function, whereas the latter utilizes [pimecrolimus](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/pimecrolimus).

NIVEA is a German skincare brand founded in 1911 and owned by maxingvest GmbH & Co. KGaA since 2004.

[beiersdorf.com](https://www.beiersdorf.com/about-us/our-history/founding-history) [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maxingvest_AG)

ELIDEL is a Swiss skincare brand founded in 2001 and owned by Viatris Inc. since 2016.

[myelidel.ca](https://myelidel.ca/en/) [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viatris) [investor.mylan.com](https://investor.mylan.com/news-releases/news-release-details/mylan-completes-acquisition-meda) [sec.gov](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1114448/000104746904022516/a2139722z6-k.htm)

This page compares some of the most popular NIVEA and ELIDEL 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=pga4c0db5464).

### Popular NIVEA vs ELIDEL products

#### NIVEA

- [Creme](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/nivea/creme/for/dry-skin) — High fit — [£4.75 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07YDVWL4J?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Soft](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/nivea/soft/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Average fit — [£2.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B014DDG3TQ?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [MEN](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/nivea/men/for/dark-spots) — Average fit
- [UV Deep Protect & Care Gel](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/nivea/uv-deep-protect-and-care-gel/for/combination-skin) — High fit
- [DERMA SKIN CLEAR](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/nivea/derma-skin-clear/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit — [£3.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0B978RVMF?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Express Hydration](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/nivea/express-hydration/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Average fit
- [LUMINOUS630 ANTI-DARK SPOT SERUM](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/nivea/luminous630-anti-dark-spot-serum/for/sensitive-skin) — Average fit
- [Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/nivea/protect-and-moisture-sun-lotion-spf50/for/combination-skin) — High fit — [£7.70 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000SQN6FW?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

#### ELIDEL

- [Pimecrolimus](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/elidel/pimecrolimus/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Average fit

## Questions and answers

### NIVEA or ELIDEL: which is better?

NIVEA products on this page offer a High fit for dry and sensitive skin types and help provide intense deep hydration, whereas ELIDEL offers an Average fit for those same skin types. [Glycerin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycerin) in NIVEA formulas helps maintain skin moisture and barrier function.

[Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### What is the difference between NIVEA and ELIDEL?

NIVEA products on this page have an average to high Lovi fit for many skin types, whereas ELIDEL offers only average fit levels or lower. Glycerin helps provide hydration across both brands, and glycerol-based emollients help improve dry skin.

[Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### NIVEA or ELIDEL: which moisturizer is better?

For moisturizers, NIVEA Creme has a High Lovi fit for dry and dry sensitive skin, while ELIDEL [Pimecrolimus](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/pimecrolimus) has an Average fit for those skin types. Glycerin helps provide intense deep hydration across the products on this page.

[Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### Which is more affordable, NIVEA or ELIDEL?

The provided page facts and studies do not contain pricing information to determine whether NIVEA or ELIDEL is more affordable.

### Which causes fewer breakouts, NIVEA or ELIDEL?

Elidel has an average fit for acne-prone skin, whereas the products on this page by Nivea range from a High to a Warning fit for acne-prone skin and reviewers sometimes note that Nivea causes breakouts.

### Which brand has more fragrance-free products, NIVEA or ELIDEL?

ELIDEL has more fragrance-free products on this page, as every ELIDEL product lists no fragrance, whereas only 3 of 9 NIVEA products are fragrance-free.

### How do the founding years and current parent companies of NIVEA and ELIDEL compare?

NIVEA was founded in Germany in 1911 and is owned by maxingvest GmbH & Co. KGaA, while ELIDEL was founded in Switzerland in 2001 and is owned by Viatris Inc.

### Which brand offers a wider range of product types like sunscreens, serums, and moisturizers?

NIVEA offers a wider range of product types on this page, including moisturizers, sunscreens, and [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/serum), whereas ELIDEL features only a single moisturizer.

## Research behind their key ingredients

- [Hyaluronic acid and wound healing](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25877441/) Sodium hyaluronate · Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015
- [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
- [Skin delivery of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and hyaluronic acid loaded nano-transfersomes for antioxidant and anti-aging effects in UV radiation induced skin damage](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28155509/) Hyaluronic acid · Drug Delivery, 2017
- [Mechanistic Basis and Clinical Evidence for the Applications of Nicotinamide (Niacinamide) to Control Skin Aging and Pigmentation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34439563/) Niacinamide · Antioxidants, 2021
- [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, Hyaluronic acid · Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
- [Topical use of dexpanthenol in skin disorders](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12113650/) Panthenol · American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002
- [Effects of glyceryl glucoside on AQP3 expression, barrier function and hydration of human skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22584263/) Glyceryl glucoside · Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2012
- [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
- [Effective reduction of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation with the tyrosinase inhibitor isobutylamido-thiazolyl-resorcinol (Thiamidol)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33559186/) Isobutylamido thiazolyl resorcinol · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2021
- [A new topical panthenol-containing emollient: Results from two randomized controlled studies assessing its skin moisturization and barrier restoration potential, and the effect on skin microflora](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27425824/) Panthenol · The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017
- [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
- [Senomorphic activity of a combination of niacinamide and hyaluronic acid: correlation with clinical improvement of skin aging](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39009698/) Niacinamide · Scientific Reports, 2024
- [Treatment of xerosis with a topical formulation containing glyceryl glucoside, natural moisturizing factors, and ceramide](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22916312/) Glyceryl glucoside · The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2012
- [Fatty acids based α-Tocopherol loaded nanostructured lipid carrier gel: In vitro and in vivo evaluation for moisturizing and anti-aging effects](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32129554/) Vitamin e · 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
- [Exotic Vegetable Oils for Cosmetic O/W Nanoemulsions: In Vivo Evaluation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26927034/) Lanolin alcohol eucerit · Molecules, 2016
- [Efficacy of a topical serum containing L-ascorbic acid, neohesperidin, pycnogenol, tocopherol, and hyaluronic acid in relation to skin aging signs](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35150043/) Vitamin e · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022
- [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
- [Development of stable tocopherol succinate-loaded ethosomes to enhance transdermal permeation: In vitro and in vivo characterizations](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35274433/) Vitamin e · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022
- [Topical application of jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis L.) wax enhances the synthesis of pro-collagen III and hyaluronic acid and reduces inflammation in the ex-vivo human skin organ culture model](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38344180/) Jojoba seed oil · Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2024
- [Clinical evaluation of the efficacy of a facial serum containing dioic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, LHA, citric acid, and HEPES in treating post-inflammatory hyperchromia and controlling oily skin in patients with acne vulgaris](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33617668/) Citric acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021
- [In vivo and in vitro evaluation of octyl methoxycinnamate liposomes](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24376350/) Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate · International Journal of Nanomedicine, 2013
- [Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3819071/) Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane · Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 1987
- [Enhancing Photoprotection and Mitigating Ex Vivo Stratum Corneum Oxidative Stress: A Multifunctional Strategy Combining Rosmarinic Acid with UVB Filters](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40227214/) Octocrylene · Antioxidants, 2025
- [Influence of vitamin E acetate on stratum corneum hydration](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9706379/) Tocopheryl acetate · Arzneimittel-Forschung, 1998
- [Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of a Panthenol-Enriched Mask for Skin Barrier Recovery After Facial Laser Treatment: Results of a Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40613435/) Panthenol · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025
- [Tocopherol succinate-loaded ethosomal gel synthesized by cold method technique: Deeper biophysical characterizations for translational application on human skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38268219/) Vitamin e · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024
- [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
- [Facial disbiosis and UV filters](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39499337/) Ethylhexyl salicylate, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate · Archives of Dermatological Research, 2024
- [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
- [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
- [Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40911743/) Ethylhexyl salicylate · Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2025
- [Clinical Evaluation of a Soap-Free Cleansing Lotion Containing Sodium Cocoyl Apple Amino Acids for Effective Impurity Removal and Skin Barrier Preservation in Healthy Adults With Diverse Skin Types](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40978887/) Cetyl alcohol · Cureus, 2025

## The brands

- German skincare: [NIVEA](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/brands/nivea)
- Swiss skincare: [ELIDEL](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/brands/elidel)

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- [The Ordinary vs NIVEA](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/the-ordinary-vs-nivea)
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- [Beauty of Joseon vs NIVEA](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/beauty-of-joseon-vs-nivea)
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- [COSRX vs NIVEA](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/cosrx-vs-nivea)
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- [CeraVe vs NIVEA](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/cerave-vs-nivea)
- [CeraVe vs ELIDEL](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/cerave-vs-elidel)
- [La Roche-Posay vs NIVEA](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-nivea)
- [La Roche-Posay vs ELIDEL](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-elidel)
- [Dr. Althea vs NIVEA](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/dr-althea-vs-nivea)
- [Dr. Althea vs ELIDEL](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/dr-althea-vs-elidel)
- [Some By Mi vs NIVEA](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/some-by-mi-vs-nivea)
- [Some By Mi vs ELIDEL](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/some-by-mi-vs-elidel)

## 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/nivea-vs-elidel
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/nivea-vs-elidel (this page)
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/compare/nivea-vs-elidel
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/compare/nivea-vs-elidel
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/compare/nivea-vs-elidel
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/nivea-vs-elidel
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/nivea-vs-elidel
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/nivea-vs-elidel
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/nivea-vs-elidel
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/nivea-vs-elidel
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/compare/nivea-vs-elidel
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/nivea-vs-elidel
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/compare/nivea-vs-elidel