# Simple vs A+

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/simple-vs-a

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

Simple and A+ are established skincare brands offering gentle formulations for daily routines. The British line, founded in 1960 and owned by Unilever PLC since 2011, provides moisturizers, makeup removers, cleansers, and toners crafted with [niacinamide](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/niacinamide) and [glycerin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycerin), suiting acne-prone skin and skin with dark spots best. Standout choices include the Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner for acne-prone skin, the Micellar Cleansing [Water](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/water) for skin with dark spots, and the Micellar Water for mature skin, where niacinamide reduces hyperpigmentation and improves aging signs while glycerin improves skin hydration and barrier function. Meanwhile, the Indian brand founded in 1990 is widely beloved for its gentle moisturizers and thoughtfully calibrated formulas, featuring the 345 Relief Cream as a standout product for acne-prone skin and suiting sensitive skin best because of its mild composition. While both reliably support daily moisture balance, they differ in their specific heritage, targeted skin concerns, and key ingredient focuses.

Simple is a British skincare brand founded in 1960 and owned by Unilever PLC since 2011.

[en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simple_Skincare) [sec.gov](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1368457/000119312511134453/dex991.htm) [prnewswire.com](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alberto-culver-announces-that-unilever-has-received-approval-from-the-us-department-of-justice-to-complete-the-acquisition-of-the-company-121400884.html) [simple.co.uk](https://www.simple.co.uk/philosophy.html)

A+ is an Indian skincare brand founded in 1990.

[pitchbook.com](https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/554388-85)

This page compares some of the most popular Simple and A+ 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=pg0749afb304).

### Popular Simple vs A+ products

#### Simple

- [Micellar Water](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/simple/micellar-water/for/mature-skin) — Average fit — [£19.49 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DYZ8JHBQ?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Micellar Cleansing Water](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/simple/micellar-cleansing-water/for/sensitive-skin) — High fit — [£19.48 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DYZ8JHBQ?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Hydrating Light Moisturiser](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/simple/hydrating-light-moisturiser/for/dry-skin) — Average fit — [£2.56 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000LQX6XG?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Refreshing Facial Wash](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/simple/refreshing-facial-wash/for/acne-prone-skin) — Average fit — [£4.28 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00H1TUFAI?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Replenishing Rich Moisturiser](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/simple/replenishing-rich-moisturiser/for/dry-skin) — Average fit — [£2.74 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B014G4ZW1M?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/simple/water-boost-hydrating-gel-cream/for/dry-skin) — Average fit — [£9.50 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D1VFWTJ9?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/simple/kind-to-skin-soothing-facial-toner/for/mature-skin) — Superior fit — [£1.90 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B076V2D94Y?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

#### A+

- [345 Relief Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/a/345-relief-cream/for/sensitive-skin) — Average fit

## Questions and answers

### Simple or A+: which is better?

Simple is the better choice on this page, offering products on this page like the Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner that achieves a Superior fit level for mature skin, whereas A+ lists only the 345 Relief Cream with average or low fit levels. Simple products contain [glycerin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycerin), which helps support skin hydration.

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

### What is the difference between Simple and A+?

Simple features multiple fragrance-free products on this page with High to Superior Lovi fit levels for specific skin types and concerns, whereas A+ includes only the 345 Relief Cream with Average to Low fit levels across skin types. [Niacinamide](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/niacinamide) helps reduce skin pigmentation and aging signs.

[The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/) [Antioxidants, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34439563/)

### Simple or A+: which moisturizer is better?

Simple offers lightweight, value-friendly moisturizers with an Average Lovi fit for dry skin, while A+ features the 345 Relief Cream, which also has an Average Lovi fit for dry skin. Glycerin, found across Simple products, helps support skin hydration.

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

### Which is more affordable, Simple or A+?

Simple offers value-friendly moisturizers, while information on A+ pricing is not available on this page.

### Which causes fewer breakouts, Simple or A+?

Simple features a High Lovi fit for acne-prone skin on several products on this page, while A+ lists an Average fit for its 345 Relief Cream on acne-prone skin. Both brands are free of fragrance across the products on this page, and glycerin helps support skin hydration.

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

### When was Simple founded and who owns it compared to A+?

Simple was founded in 1960 in the United Kingdom and has been owned by Unilever PLC since 2011, whereas A+ was founded in 1990 in India and is independently owned.

### Which products from Simple have a High fit level for sensitive skin?

Simple features two products with a High fit level for sensitive skin on this page: Micellar Cleansing [Water](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/water) and Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner.

### What are the key ingredients found across Simple products?

The products on this page from Simple feature niacinamide and glycerin as key ingredients. Niacinamide helps reduce skin pigmentation, and glycerin helps keep the skin hydrated.

[The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/)

## Research behind their key ingredients

- [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
- [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
- [Topical use of dexpanthenol in skin disorders](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12113650/) Panthenol · American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002
- [Apigenin inhibits UVA-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and prevents signs of skin aging in vivo](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27279007/) Chamomilla recutita flower extract matricaria flower extract · International Journal of Molecular Medicine, 2016
- [Ceramide 1 and ceramide 3 act synergistically on skin hydration and the transepidermal water loss of sodium lauryl sulfate-irritated skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18717861/) Ceramide np · International Journal of Dermatology, 2008
- [Clinical, biometric and structural evaluation of the long-term effects of a topical treatment with ascorbic acid and madecassoside in photoaged human skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18503551/) Centella asiatica leaf extract · Experimental Dermatology, 2008
- [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
- [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
- [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
- [Stable Ozonides with Vitamin E Acetate versus Corticosteroid in the Treatment of Lichen Sclerosus in Foreskin: Evaluation of Effects on Inflammation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30991399/) Tocopheryl acetate vitamin e, Tocopheryl acetate · Urologia Internationalis, 2019
- [Efficacy of a topical gel containing chitosan, chlorhexidine, allantoin and dexpanthenol for pain and inflammation control after third molar surgery: A randomized and placebo-controlled clinical trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32683390/) Panthenol, Panthenol vitamin b5, Allantoin · Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal, 2020
- [High molecular compounds (polysaccharides and proanthocyanidins) from Hamamelis virginiana bark: influence on human skin keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation and influence on irritated skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11684194/) Witch hazel leaf water · Phytochemistry, 2001
- [Systematic Study of Paeonol/Madecassoside Co-Delivery Nanoemulsion Transdermal Delivery System for Enhancing Barrier Repair and Anti-Inflammatory Efficacy](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37446936/) Centella asiatica leaf extract · Molecules, 2023
- [Comparison of clinical efficacies of sodium ascorbyl phosphate, retinol and their combination in acne treatment](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19134126/) Sodium ascorbyl phosphate · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2009
- [A Lipid Mixture Enriched by Ceramide NP with Fatty Acids of Diverse Chain Lengths Contributes to Restore the Skin Barrier Function Impaired by Topical Corticosteroid](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34348350/) Ceramide np · Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2022
- [Efficacy and safety of moisturizer containing 5% panthenol, madecassoside, and copper-zinc-manganese versus 0.02% triamcinolone acetonide cream in decreasing adverse reaction and downtime after ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing: A split-face, double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30945430/) Centella asiatica leaf extract · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019
- [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
- [Whitening effect of alpha-bisabolol in Asian women subjects](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20642768/) Bisabolol · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2010
- [Assessment of Combined Ascorbyl Palmitate (AP) and Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP) on Facial Skin Sebum Control in Female Healthy Volunteers](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27756097/) Sodium ascorbyl phosphate · Drug Research, 2017
- [Understanding Solar Skin Elastosis-Cause and Treatment](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30052192/) Witch hazel leaf water · Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2018
- [Borage Oil Treated with Immobilized Lipase Inhibits Melanogenesis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33128473/) Borago officinalis seed oil · Lipids, 2020
- [Development of solid lipid microparticles (SLMs) containing asiatic acid for topical treatment of acne: Characterization, stability, in vitro and in vivo anti-acne assessment](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38460769/) Centella asiatica leaf extract · International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2024
- [Influence of vitamin E acetate on stratum corneum hydration](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9706379/) Tocopheryl acetate vitamin e, 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
- [Modulation of skin pigmentation by the tetrapeptide PKEK: in vitro and in vivo evidence for skin whitening effects](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22142309/) Sodium ascorbyl phosphate · Experimental Dermatology, 2012
- [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
- [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 vitamin e, Tocopheryl acetate · Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 2021
- [Impact of dermal emulsions containing diacyl phospholipids, mono acyl phospholipids, sodium lauryl ether sulfate and polysorbate 80 in combination with UVA irradiation on human skin physiology in vivo: A pilot study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42617898/) Sodium laureth sulfate · International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2026
- [A novel facial moisturizer containing Saccharide isomerate accelerates skin barrier restoration following intense pulsed light treatment: a randomized split-face study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41211697/) Saccharide isomerate · The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2025
- [Efficacy and safety of combination cream of stimu-tex AS™ (spent grain wax, Argania Spinosa Kernel oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (shea butter) extract), and saccharide isomerate after fractional CO2 laser procedure: split-face, double blinded, randomized controlled trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41134387/) Saccharide isomerate · Lasers in Medical Science, 2025
- [Saccharide isomerate ameliorates cosmetic scalp conditions in a Chinese study population](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35279940/) Saccharide isomerate · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023

## The brands

- British skincare: [Simple](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/brands/simple)
- Indian skincare: [A+](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/brands/a)

## More comparisons

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

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