# NIVEA vs Galderma

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

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 Galderma are established European skincare houses that offer targeted options for diverse complexions. NIVEA, the German brand founded in 1911, provides 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 Galderma, the Swiss brand founded in 1981, features specialized serums. Both brands suit sensitive skin and skin with dark spots best, yet they differ in their core formulations and specific product ranges.

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)

Galderma is a Swiss skincare brand founded in 1981 and owned by Galderma Group AG.

[en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galderma)

This page compares some of the most popular NIVEA and Galderma 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=pg637607c9d4).

### Popular NIVEA vs Galderma products

#### Galderma

- [Epiduo Gel](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/galderma/epiduo-gel/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit
- [Benzac AC 5](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/galderma/benzac-ac-5/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit
- [Benzac AC Mild Strength 2.5% Acne Gel](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/galderma/benzac-ac-mild-strength-2-5-acne-gel/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit

#### 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)

## People Say

NIVEA

Galderma

- Acne and breakout prevention Not noted Mostly Mentioned “cleared up my skin — Galderma Benzac AC Mild Strength 2.5% Acne Gel” “cystic acne gone — Galderma Epiduo Gel” “stops new pimples — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
- Hydration and moisture Mostly Mentioned Not noted “Smoothed out dry flaky scales on my cheeks overnight — NIVEA Creme” “It's lightweight on the skin and leaves a bit of subtle sheen. — NIVEA Soft” “Makes my face feel smooth and soft. — NIVEA Soft”
- Blemish clearance and texture Often Mentioned Sometimes Noted “cleared my complexion in 7 days — NIVEA DERMA SKIN CLEAR” “skin feels squeaky clean and soft — NIVEA DERMA SKIN CLEAR” “skin feels smooth — NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub” “skin feels smooth — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
- Value and affordability Often Mentioned Not noted “Works better than expensive luxury creams — NIVEA Creme” “Best affordable vegan moisturizer. — NIVEA Soft” “absolute steal for the price — NIVEA DERMA SKIN CLEAR”
- Versatility and multi-purpose use Often Mentioned Not noted “Use it on face, body, hands, and feet — NIVEA Creme” “Applying is easy, you can use on your face, hands, and body. — NIVEA Soft”
- Classic scent and fragrance Often Mentioned Not noted “smells like holiday — NIVEA Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+” “Smell brings me back to childhood — NIVEA Creme”
- Eye and skin irritation Rarely Noted Mostly Mentioned “stings my eyes — NIVEA Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+” “face on fire — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
- Severe dryness and peeling Not noted Mostly Mentioned “skin flaking off — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
- Staining and bleaching fabrics Rarely Noted Mostly Mentioned “ruined my white t-shirt — NIVEA Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+” “bleached my towel — Galderma Benzac AC 5”
- Skin purging Rarely Noted Mostly Mentioned “caused a breakout at first — NIVEA DERMA SKIN CLEAR” “got worse first — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
- Mild dryness Rarely Noted Often Mentioned “slightly drying — NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub” “skin peeling off — Galderma Benzac AC 5”
- Greasy or oily residue Often Mentioned Not noted “Leaves a shiny grease layer that doesn't go away — NIVEA Creme”

## Questions and answers

### NIVEA or Galderma: which is better?

NIVEA and Galderma serve different skincare goals, with NIVEA offering high hydration and versatile moisturizers while Galderma focuses on effective acne-clearing [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/serum).

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

NIVEA focuses on hydration, versatility, and blemish clearance with products like Creme, while Galderma specializes in effective acne-clearing serums that may cause severe dryness and peeling. [Glycerin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/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 Galderma?

NIVEA is more affordable, offering better value across the products on this page.

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

Galderma provides better acne and breakout prevention across the products on this page. Reviewers report that NIVEA sometimes causes breakouts and acne, while Galderma offers effective acne-clearing serums.

### Which brand has been around longer, NIVEA or Galderma?

NIVEA has been around longer than Galderma, having been founded in Germany in 1911, whereas Galderma was founded in Switzerland in 1981.

### How do the Lovi fit levels for acne-prone skin compare between NIVEA's Creme and Galderma's Epiduo Gel?

For acne-prone skin, NIVEA's Creme has a Caution Lovi fit level, whereas Galderma's Epiduo Gel has a High Lovi fit level.

### Which brand offers products containing fragrance, NIVEA or Galderma?

NIVEA offers products containing fragrance, whereas every product from Galderma on this page lists no fragrance in its ingredients.

## 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
- [Topical benzoyl peroxide for acne](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32175593/) Benzoyl peroxide, Benzoyl peroxide 25mg g · The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020
- [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
- [Prevention and Reduction of Atrophic Acne Scars with Adapalene 0.3%/Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% Gel in Subjects with Moderate or Severe Facial Acne: Results of a 6-Month Randomized, Vehicle-Controlled Trial Using Intra-Individual Comparison](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29549588/) Adapalene · American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2018
- [Benzoyl peroxide treatment decreases Cutibacterium acnes in shoulder surgery, from skin incision until wound closure](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33545336/) Benzoyl peroxide, Benzoyl peroxide 25mg g · Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 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
- [Efficacy and Safety of a Fixed-Dose Clindamycin Phosphate 1.2%, Benzoyl Peroxide 3.1%, and Adapalene 0.15% Gel for Moderate-to-Severe Acne: A Randomized Phase II Study of the First Triple-Combination Drug](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34674160/) Benzoyl peroxide, Benzoyl peroxide 25mg g · American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2022
- [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
- [A topical gel of tea tree oil nanoemulsion containing adapalene versus adapalene marketed gel in patients with acne vulgaris: a randomized clinical trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34251536/) Adapalene · Archives of Dermatological Research, 2022
- [Development of Multifunctional Cosmetic Cream Using Bioactive Materials from Streptomyces sp. T65 with Synthesized Mesoporous Silica Particles SBA-15](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32224894/) Silicon dioxide · Antioxidants, 2020
- [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
- [Formulating octyl methoxycinnamate in hybrid lipid-silica nanoparticles: An innovative approach for UV skin protection](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32395645/) Silicon dioxide · Heliyon, 2020
- [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
- [Clindamycin phosphate 1.2%/adapalene 0.15%/benzoyl peroxide 3.1% gel for moderate-to-severe acne: Efficacy and safety results from two randomized phase 3 trials](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37656094/) Adapalene · Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2023
- [Efficacy and safety of microencapsulated benzoyl peroxide and microencapsulated tretinoin for the treatment of acne vulgaris: Results from two phase 3 double-blind, randomized, vehicle-controlled studies](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37356627/) Benzoyl peroxide, Benzoyl peroxide 25mg g · Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2023
- [Semi-Solid Dosage Forms Containing Pranoprofen-Loaded NLC as Topical Therapy for Local Inflammation: In Vitro, Ex Vivo and In Vivo Evaluation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37367119/) Carbomer 940 · Gels, 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

## The brands

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

## More comparisons

- [SKIN1004 vs NIVEA](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/skin1004-vs-nivea)
- [SKIN1004 vs Galderma](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/skin1004-vs-galderma)
- [Anua vs NIVEA](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/anua-vs-nivea)
- [Anua vs Galderma](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/anua-vs-galderma)
- [Medicube vs NIVEA](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/medicube-vs-nivea)
- [Medicube vs Galderma](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/medicube-vs-galderma)
- [The Ordinary vs NIVEA](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/the-ordinary-vs-nivea)
- [The Ordinary vs Galderma](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/the-ordinary-vs-galderma)
- [Beauty of Joseon vs NIVEA](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/beauty-of-joseon-vs-nivea)
- [Beauty of Joseon vs Galderma](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/beauty-of-joseon-vs-galderma)
- [COSRX vs NIVEA](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/cosrx-vs-nivea)
- [COSRX vs Galderma](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/cosrx-vs-galderma)
- [CeraVe vs NIVEA](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/cerave-vs-nivea)
- [CeraVe vs Galderma](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/cerave-vs-galderma)
- [La Roche-Posay vs NIVEA](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-nivea)
- [La Roche-Posay vs Galderma](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-galderma)
- [Dr. Althea vs NIVEA](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/dr-althea-vs-nivea)
- [Dr. Althea vs Galderma](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/dr-althea-vs-galderma)
- [Some By Mi vs NIVEA](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/some-by-mi-vs-nivea)
- [Some By Mi vs Galderma](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/some-by-mi-vs-galderma)

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