# Simple vs VR

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

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 VR are skincare lines offering distinct daily remedies. The British brand, founded in 1960 and owned by Unilever PLC since 2011, is beloved for gentle 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. Conversely, enthusiasts deeply appreciate the sensory pleasure of moisturizers and considered design from VR, whose offerings suit combination, sensitive, and dry skin best. While both cater to daily needs, Simple relies on niacinamide to reduce hyperpigmentation and improve aging signs and glycerin to improve hydration and barrier function, whereas the latter continually refines its formulations for varied skin types, including the [PDRN](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/pdrn) CREAM for acne-prone skin.

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)

This page compares some of the most popular Simple and VR 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=pg06831a1053).

### Popular Simple vs VR products

#### VR

- [PDRN CREAM](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/vr/pdrn-cream/for/sensitive-skin) — High fit

#### 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 VR: which is better?

Simple is the better choice on this page because it offers a much wider selection of skincare products, whereas VR features only a single cream. Furthermore, the products on this page for Simple include key ingredients like [glycerin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycerin), which helps maintain skin hydration.

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

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

Simple offers a broad range of fragrance-free cleansers, toners, and moisturizers featuring [niacinamide](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/niacinamide) and glycerin, with Lovi fit levels reaching High for sensitive skin on select products. In contrast, VR is a newer independent brand with a single moisturizer on the page that has a High fit level for sensitive skin.

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

### Simple or VR: which moisturizer is better?

Simple offers a wider variety of value-friendly moisturisers on this page with average Lovi fit levels across skin types, while VR features a single moisturiser that is rated High for sensitive skin and Low for oily skin. Glycerin helps provide skin hydration in the products on this page.

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

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

Simple features lightweight, value-friendly moisturizers among the products on this page, whereas VR offers only a single cream without price mentions here.

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

Simple features products on this page with varying fit levels for acne-prone skin, while VR lists only a [PDRN](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/pdrn) Cream whose fit level for acne-prone skin is average. Reviewers note that Simple products may sometimes cause breakouts or irritations.

### Which brand offers fragrance-free products?

Both Simple and VR offer fragrance-free products, as every item on this page lists no fragrance in its ingredients.

### Which brand was founded earlier and in what country?

Simple was founded earlier in 1960 in the United Kingdom, whereas VR was founded in 2018.

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

Simple features niacinamide and glycerin as key ingredients across the products on this page. Niacinamide helps reduce cutaneous pigmentation and controls skin aging, while glycerin aids in skin hydration and barrier function.

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

## 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
- [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/) 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
- [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
- [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
- [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/) 5-ceramide complex · Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2022
- [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
- [Effects of Moringa oleifera Seed Oil on Cultured Human Sebocytes In Vitro and Comparison with Other Oil Types](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37373478/) Moringa oleifera seed oil · International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2023
- [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
- [Monocentric, Vehicle-Controlled, Double-Blind Study to Assess the Short- and Long-Term Effects of a Ceramide NP C15-Containing Emollient on the Skin Microbiome and the Skin Barrier Function in Sensitive Skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41758783/) 5-ceramide complex · Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2026

## The brands

- British skincare: [Simple](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/brands/simple)
- Skincare: [VR](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/brands/vr)

## More comparisons

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

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