Brand Comparison
Dr. Barbara Sturm vs Hera
A head-to-head comparison of two popular K-beauty brands. Which one is right for your skin?
Our Pick
Hera
Higher editor rating (9 vs 8)
Rating8/109/10
Price RangePremium ($$$)Premium ($$$)
Founded20141995
OriginDüsseldorf, GermanySouth Korea
Products54
Best ForMature, Sensitive, normalluxury skincare, Mature, K-prestige, gifting
PhilosophyBlood-plasma-inspired, anti-inflammatory-led skincare — the German MD who made molecular cosmetics mainstream.AmorePacific's luxury skincare-meets-color-cosmetics house — Black Cushion icon, Sensual Powder Matte Lipstick, and serious skincare.
Dr. Barbara Sturm
Premium celebrity-adjacent skincare with actual clinical pedigree. Hyaluronic Acid Serum is the hero.
Pros
- ✓ Clinical credentials are real
- ✓ Signature anti-inflammatory positioning
- ✓ Beautiful minimalist packaging
Cons
- ✗ Very premium pricing
- ✗ Hype sometimes outpaces results
Hera
Hera is the AmorePacific-owned Korean luxury house that has produced one of the most photographed cushion compacts in beauty history (the Black Cushion) and a quietly excellent skincare lineup that doesn't get the same Sephora-front-row coverage as Sulwhasoo or Whoo. Premium pricing, Korean luxury heritage, formulations that earn their place at the top of any K-prestige routine.
Pros
- ✓ AmorePacific-backed luxury
- ✓ Black Cushion is iconic
- ✓ Strong skincare lineup beyond cushions
- ✓ Premium texture quality
Cons
- ✗ Luxury pricing across the board
- ✗ Less Western distribution
- ✗ Branding can feel formal
