Brand Comparison

Florena vs The History of Whoo

A head-to-head comparison of two popular K-beauty brands. Which one is right for your skin?

Our Pick

The History of Whoo

Higher editor rating (8.8 vs 7.3)

Florena The History of Whoo

Rating7.3/108.8/10

Price RangeBudget ($)Premium ($$$)

Founded19202003

OriginGermanySouth Korea

Products45

Best Fornormal, DryMature, Dry

PhilosophyThe century-old Beiersdorf sister brand to Nivea — simpler, cheaper, forgotten.Royal-court hanbang for the woman who wants her anti-aging to feel ceremonial.

Florena

Florena is what Nivea's slightly weirder, older sister looks like. Same parent company (Beiersdorf), but pricier than its eastern-German roots suggest. The Fermented Skincare line (2021) is a respectable attempt to modernize; the classic Creme is Nivea-adjacent but with a different fragrance.

Pros

✓ Budget Beiersdorf pricing
✓ Decent fermented skincare line
✓ Heritage recognizability in Germany

Cons

✗ Heavy fragrance
✗ Limited innovation vs Nivea
✗ DE-focused distribution

The History of Whoo

Price tags that make you wince and packaging that belongs in a palace museum — but the Bichup Self-Generating Anti-Aging Essence is legitimately good, and the Gongjinhyang:Seol brightening line has receipts. You're paying for the ritual as much as the results, which is either the point or the problem, depending on who you are.

Pros