# Pair vs Dr. Barbara Sturm Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/pair-vs-dr-barbara-sturm The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for the United Kingdom. Pair and Dr. Barbara Sturm are distinct skincare lines offering targeted solutions for varying complexions. The former is a Japanese brand beloved for its targeted [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/serum) and meticulously crafted formulas like the Acne Cream W, suiting acne-prone skin best to address stubborn blemishes effectively. Conversely, the German brand is deeply loved for its gentle moisturizers, clarifying exfoliants, and nourishing serums like the Enzyme Cleanser and the Hyaluronic Serum, suiting sensitive, dry, and balanced skin best through a focus on deep hydration. Ultimately, both offer carefully balanced components that work harmoniously, differing primarily in their specific regional origins, founding years, and ideal skin types. Pair is a Japanese skincare brand founded in 2000 and owned by Lion Corporation since 2004. [ja.wikipedia.org](https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%A9%E3%82%A4%E3%82%AA%E3%83%B3%E8%A3%BD%E5%93%81%E4%B8%80%E8%A6%A7) [beautymatter.com](https://beautymatter.com/articles/courtin-family-takes-majority-stake-in-pai-skincare) Dr. Barbara Sturm is a German skincare brand founded in 2014 and owned by Puig since 2024. [uploads.puig.com](https://uploads.puig.com/uploads/Press_release_Puig_acquires_majority_stake_in_Dr_Barbara_Sturm_ENG_1_140422a900.pdf) [beautymatter.com](https://beautymatter.com/articles/puig-acquires-majority-stake-in-dr-barbara-sturm) [pitchbook.com](https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/289811-80) This page compares some of the most popular Pair and Dr. Barbara Sturm 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=pgd5ac9928c2). ### Popular Pair vs Dr. Barbara Sturm products #### Dr. Barbara Sturm - [Hyaluronic Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/dr-barbara-sturm/hyaluronic-serum/for/oily-skin) — High fit — [£198.75 at Lookfantastic](https://www.lookfantastic.com/p/dr.-barbara-sturm-darker-skin-tones-hyaluronic-serum-30ml/13310109/) - [Enzyme Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/dr-barbara-sturm/enzyme-cleanser/for/dark-spots) — Superior fit — [£55.00 at Lookfantastic](https://www.lookfantastic.com/p/dr.-barbara-sturm-cleanser-150ml/13310088/) - [The Good C Vitamin C Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/dr-barbara-sturm/the-good-c-vitamin-c-serum/for/mature-skin) — High fit — [£100.00 at Lookfantastic](https://www.lookfantastic.com/p/dr.-barbara-sturm-the-good-c-vitamin-c-serum-30ml/13310139/) #### Pair - [Acne Cream W](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/pair/acne-cream-w/for/combination-skin) — Average fit — [£8.85 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B083WFBFGX?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) ## Questions and answers ### Pair or Dr. Barbara Sturm: which is better? Dr. Barbara Sturm generally achieves higher Lovi fit ratings across most skin types on this page compared to Pair. Every product from both brands lists no fragrance in its ingredients. ### What is the difference between Pair and Dr. Barbara Sturm? Dr. Barbara Sturm offers products on this page that achieve High and Superior Lovi fit levels across multiple skin types, whereas Pair has mostly Average fits with low ratings for sensitive skin. Both brands list no fragrance in the products on this page. [Dermatologic Therapy, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36200921/) [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31975502/) ### Which is more affordable, Pair or Dr. Barbara Sturm? Neither brand is more affordable on this page because the provided page facts do not include price information for either Pair or Dr. Barbara Sturm. ### Which causes fewer breakouts, Pair or Dr. Barbara Sturm? Pair has an Average fit for acne-prone skin, while the products on this page from Dr. Barbara Sturm reach a High fit for acne-prone and oily acne-prone skin. Neither brand guarantees zero breakouts, but Dr. Barbara Sturm offers a stronger overall fit for breakout-prone skin types. ### Which brand is older, Pair or Dr. Barbara Sturm? Pair is the older brand, having been founded in Japan in 2000, while Dr. Barbara Sturm was founded in Germany in 2014. ### Where are Pair and Dr. Barbara Sturm originally from? Pair was originally founded in Japan, while Dr. Barbara Sturm was originally founded in Germany. ### Do products from Pair or Dr. Barbara Sturm contain fragrance? Every product from Pair and Dr. Barbara Sturm on this page lists no fragrance in its ingredients. ## Research behind their key ingredients - [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 · 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/) Ascorbic acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020 - [Bacterial cellulose membranes as drug delivery systems: an in vivo skin compatibility study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23973717/) Cellulose · European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, 2014 - [Effects of ascorbic acid on gingival melanin pigmentation in vitro and in vivo](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19186973/) Ascorbyl glucoside · Journal of Periodontology, 2009 - [Bacterial cellulose skin masks-Properties and sensory tests](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28963772/) Cellulose · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2018 - [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 juice · 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/) Ascorbic acid · 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 - [Sunscreens and Cosmetic Formulations Containing Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate and Rice Peptides for the Improvement of Skin Photoaging: A Double-blind, Randomized Placebo-controlled Clinical Study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33529350/) Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate · Photochemistry and Photobiology, 2021 - [Clinical evidence of the efficacy and safety of a new 3-in-1 anti-aging topical night serum-in-oil containing melatonin, bakuchiol, and ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate: 103 females treated from 28 to 84 days](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30924254/) Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019 - [Antioxidant-based topical formulations influence on the inflammatory response of Japanese skin: A clinical study using non-invasive techniques](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28385617/) Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate · European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, 2017 - [Effects of 1,3-propanediol associated, or not, with butylene glycol and/or glycerol on skin hydration and skin barrier function](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37699769/) 3-butylene glycol · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2024 - [Efficacy and Tolerability of Topical Nicotinamide Plus Antibacterial Adhesive Agents and Zinc-Pyrrolidone Carboxylic Acid Versus Placebo as an Adjuvant Treatment for Moderate Acne Vulgaris in Indonesia: A Multicenter, Double-blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32983333/) Zinc pca · The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020 - [Borage Oil Treated with Immobilized Lipase Inhibits Melanogenesis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33128473/) Lipase · Lipids, 2020 - [Prospective randomized double-blind comparative study of topical acetyl zingerone with tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate versus tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate alone on facial photoaging](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38525606/) Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024 - [A Double-Blind, 12-Week Study to Evaluate the Antiaging Efficacy of a Cream Containing the NFκB Inhibitor 4-Hexyl-1, 3-Phenylenediol and Ascorbic Acid-2 Glucoside in Adult Females](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27272084/) Ascorbyl glucoside · Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2016 - [Portulaca oleracea extract relieves skin barrier damage induced by increased photosensitivity after GA peeling](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35920724/) Lactobacillus portulaca oleracea extract ferment · Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology, 2022 - [Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39769217/) Ascorbyl glucoside · International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024 - [Low-temperature extracted Portulaca oleracea L. as a functional ingredient in facial masks for photorejuvenation of sensitive skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41182319/) Lactobacillus portulaca oleracea extract ferment · Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology, 2025 ## The brands - Japanese skincare: [Pair](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/brands/pair) - German skincare: [Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/brands/dr-barbara-sturm) ## More comparisons - [SKIN1004 vs Pair](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/skin1004-vs-pair) - [SKIN1004 vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/skin1004-vs-dr-barbara-sturm) - [Anua vs Pair](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/anua-vs-pair) - [Anua vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/anua-vs-dr-barbara-sturm) - [Medicube vs Pair](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/medicube-vs-pair) - [Medicube vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/medicube-vs-dr-barbara-sturm) - [The Ordinary vs Pair](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/the-ordinary-vs-pair) - [The Ordinary vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/the-ordinary-vs-dr-barbara-sturm) - [Beauty of Joseon vs Pair](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/beauty-of-joseon-vs-pair) - [Beauty of Joseon vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/beauty-of-joseon-vs-dr-barbara-sturm) - [COSRX vs Pair](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/cosrx-vs-pair) - [COSRX vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/cosrx-vs-dr-barbara-sturm) - [CeraVe vs Pair](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/cerave-vs-pair) - [CeraVe vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/cerave-vs-dr-barbara-sturm) - [La Roche-Posay vs Pair](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-pair) - [La Roche-Posay vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-dr-barbara-sturm) - [Dr. Althea vs Pair](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/dr-althea-vs-pair) - [Dr. Althea vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/dr-althea-vs-dr-barbara-sturm) - [Some By Mi vs Pair](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/some-by-mi-vs-pair) - [Some By Mi vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/some-by-mi-vs-dr-barbara-sturm) ## 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/pair-vs-dr-barbara-sturm - United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/pair-vs-dr-barbara-sturm (this page) - Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/compare/pair-vs-dr-barbara-sturm - Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/compare/pair-vs-dr-barbara-sturm - France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/compare/pair-vs-dr-barbara-sturm - Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/pair-vs-dr-barbara-sturm - Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/pair-vs-dr-barbara-sturm - Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/pair-vs-dr-barbara-sturm - Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/pair-vs-dr-barbara-sturm - Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/pair-vs-dr-barbara-sturm - Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/compare/pair-vs-dr-barbara-sturm - Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/pair-vs-dr-barbara-sturm - United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/compare/pair-vs-dr-barbara-sturm