# Simple vs FANCL

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

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 FANCL are two established cosmetic lines known for creating gentle, thoughtful daily care. The British brand features soothing 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), while the Japanese counterpart is loved for mild makeup removers and gentle exfoliants. The former suits acne-prone skin and skin with dark spots best, whereas the latter serves sensitive, dry, and normal skin types. Ultimately, they differ through their distinct formulations and targeted solutions for balancing the complexion.

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)

FANCL is a Japanese skincare brand founded in 1980 and owned by Kirin Holdings Company, Limited since 2024.

[fancl.jp](https://www.fancl.jp/en/about/outline/index.html) [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FANCL_Corporation) [pitchbook.com](https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/40398-22)

This page compares some of the most popular Simple and FANCL 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=pg2495c0ad3f).

### Popular Simple vs FANCL products

#### FANCL

- [Mild Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/fancl/mild-cleansing-oil/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit
- [Facial Washing Powder](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/fancl/facial-washing-powder/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — [£22.24 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01KTJXVI4?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

#### 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)

## Questions and answers

### Simple or FANCL: which is better?

FANCL achieves Superior fit levels for sensitive and dry sensitive skin with products like its Facial Washing Powder and Mild Cleansing Oil. Simple offers a broader range of products on this page featuring [niacinamide](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/niacinamide), which helps reduce cutaneous pigmentation.

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

### What is the difference between Simple and FANCL?

Simple offers a wider variety of everyday skincare products like moisturizers, cleansers, and toners, whereas FANCL focuses on makeup removers and exfoliants. Niacinamide in Simple products helps reduce skin pigmentation, and [glycerin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycerin) helps improve skin hydration.

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

### Which is more affordable, Simple or FANCL?

Simple products are frequently noted by reviewers for being value-friendly moisturizers, while FANCL focuses on offering cleansing and exfoliating options without specific mentions of affordability.

### Which causes fewer breakouts, Simple or FANCL?

Simple products on this page are noted by reviewers to cause breakouts or irritations sometimes, while FANCL does not have such feedback listed.

### Which brand is older and where was it founded?

Simple is the older brand, having been founded in 1960 in the United Kingdom, whereas FANCL was founded in 1980 in Japan.

### Do either Simple or FANCL products contain fragrance?

Every product on this page from both Simple and FANCL lists no fragrance in its ingredients.

### Which brand offers a facial washing powder exfoliant?

FANCL offers the Facial Washing Powder exfoliant, which has a Superior Lovi fit for sensitive, oily, and dry sensitive skin types.

## 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, Panthenol vitamin b5 · American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002
- [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/) Tocopherol, Tocopherol vitamin e · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020
- [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
- [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/) Tocopherol, Tocopherol vitamin e · 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
- [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, Panthenol vitamin b5 · 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/) 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
- [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
- [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
- [Effect of seasonal and geographical differences on skin and effect of treatment with an osmoprotectant: Sorbitol](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23752031/) Sorbitol · Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2013
- [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
- [Why is sodium cocoyl isethionate (SCI) mild to the skin barrier? - An in vitro investigation based on the relative sizes of the SCI micelles and the skin aqueous pores](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17598025/) Sodium cocoyl isethionate · Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2007
- [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, Panthenol vitamin b5 · 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)
- Japanese skincare: [FANCL](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/brands/fancl)

## More comparisons

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

## 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-fancl
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/simple-vs-fancl (this page)
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/compare/simple-vs-fancl
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