Olay vs ISDIN
Olay and ISDIN are established skincare brands offering thoughtfully formulated moisturizers, serums, eye products, and more. Olay is warmly loved for its nourishing niacinamide and glycerin, suiting sensitive and acne-prone skin best, while the Spanish brand ISDIN is beloved for its sophisticated formulas, suiting acne-prone and combination skin best. They differ primarily in their active ingredients and heritage, with the former relying on niacinamide and glycerin and the latter driven by carefully crafted blends for gentle daily efficacy.
ISDIN is a Spanish skincare brand founded in 1975 and owned by Puig.
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This page compares some of the most popular Olay and ISDIN products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Olay vs ISDIN products
People Say
Texture and Absorption Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “sinks in quickly — Olay Super Serum”
- “skin feels baby soft — Olay Retinol24”
- “absorbs instantly — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
- “doesn't leave you white as a ghost — ISDIN Fusion Water”
Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Instantly smoother, softer, and more hydrated — Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream”
- “Skin feels like silk — Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer”
- “Improved moisture and texture — ISDIN Hyaluronic Moisture”
- “My skin felt sooo hydrated and looks so plump and dewey. — ISDIN Fusion Water”
Radiance and Brightening Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “iridescent glow — Olay Super Serum”
- “hides dark shadows — Olay Ultimate Eye Cream”
- “skin looks brighter — Olay Vitamin C Serum”
- “My hyperpigmentation has lightened and skin looks more even, even shines more. — ISDIN Flavo-C Serum”
Makeup Compatibility Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “absorbs instantly — Olay Eye Lifting Serum”
- “acts as primer — Olay Super Serum”
- “acts like a primer — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
- “Great under makeup — ISDIN Hyaluronic Concentrate”
Gentle Care Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “tiny beads aren't harsh — Olay Regenerating Cream Cleanser”
- “works well on sensitive skin — Olay Advanced Eye Cream”
- “no excessive exfoliation — ISDIN Retinal Intense Serum”
- “doesn't sting eyes — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
Fragrance-Free Options Often MentionedNot noted
- “No irritation at all — Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer”
- “no scent — Olay Super Serum Night Repair”
- “love that it's fragrance-free — Olay Retinol24”
Price and Cost Concerns Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “expensive for drugstore — Olay Super Serum”
- “expensive — Olay Super Serum Night Repair”
- “small quantity (0.5 oz) — Olay Eye Lifting Serum”
- “very expensive — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
Strong or Unpleasant Fragrance Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Fragrance can be an irritant — Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream”
- “floral scent — Olay Super Serum”
- “smells like plastic — Olay Retinol24”
- “smell is overpowering — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
Skin Breakouts and Irritation Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “caused cystic acne — Olay Retinol24”
- “Caused breakouts — Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream”
- “this did make my eyes water water in the sun. — ISDIN Fusion Water”
- “mild redness or irritation — ISDIN K-Ox Eyes”
Olay vs ISDIN routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 32.95
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Moisturizer
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 34.80
-
SPF
Fusion Water
Morning
AED 91.99
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Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
AED 35.29
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Cleansing Toner
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water
Evening
AED 38.99
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Serum or Treatment
Retinal Intense Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 392.99
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Enzyme Powder
VT Cica Mild Powder Wash
Once a week
AED 47.62
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Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
AED 65.00
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Cleanser
Regenerating Cream Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 59.99
-
Moisturizer
Regenerist Luminous Tone Perfecting Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 218.43
-
SPF
Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
Morning
AED 88.09
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
AED 35.29
-
Cleansing Toner
Oil Minimizing Clean Toner
Evening
AED 72.05
- Serum or Treatment Vitamin C Serum Evening · Once a week
-
Enzyme Powder
VT Cica Mild Powder Wash
Once a week
AED 47.62
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Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
AED 65.00
Buy ISDIN routine · AED 739.63 · 88% fit
Buy Olay routine · AED 586.47 · 74% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Olay vs ISDIN routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 49.95
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 49.99
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 33.40
-
SPF
Fusion Water
Morning
AED 91.99
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Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 179.45
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
AED 120.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Retinal Intense Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 392.99
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
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Cleansing Mask
Revision Skincare Black Mask
Once a week
AED 204.00
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Cleanser
Regenerating Cream Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 59.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 49.99
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Moisturizer
Super Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 109.00
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SPF
Regenerist Whip Face Moisturizer SPF 25
Morning
AED 121.67
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Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 179.45
-
Cleansing Toner
Oil Minimizing Clean Toner
Evening
AED 72.05
- Serum or Treatment Vitamin C Serum Evening · Once a week
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
-
Cleansing Mask
Revision Skincare Black Mask
Once a week
AED 204.00
Buy ISDIN routine · AED 1,222.86 · 91% fit
Buy Olay routine · AED 897.24 · 84% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Olay vs ISDIN routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 84.53
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Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 145.00
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 33.40
-
SPF
Fusion Water
Morning
AED 91.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 179.45
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
AED 53.12
-
Serum or Treatment
Retinal Intense Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 392.99
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
-
Cleansing Mask
KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
AED 122.93
-
Cleanser
Regenerating Cream Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 59.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 145.00
-
Moisturizer
Super Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 109.00
-
SPF
Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
Morning
AED 88.09
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 179.45
-
Cleansing Toner
Oil Minimizing Clean Toner
Evening
AED 72.05
- Serum or Treatment Vitamin C Serum Evening · Once a week
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
-
Cleansing Mask
KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
AED 122.93
Buy ISDIN routine · AED 1,204.50 · 92% fit
Buy Olay routine · AED 877.60 · 83% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
Olay or ISDIN: which is better?
Olay is better for fragrance-free options and is generally more affordable, while ISDIN offers a higher routine fit for most skin types including oily, combination, and sensitive skin. Reviewers often mention that ISDIN provides ultralight and makeup-friendly sunscreens, whereas Olay stands out for radiance and brightening benefits.
What is the difference between Olay and ISDIN?
Olay offers more fragrance-free options and is better for the budget, whereas ISDIN provides a superior routine fit for most skin types including oily, combination, and sensitive skin. Reviewers often mention that ISDIN excels with ultralight and makeup-friendly sunscreens, while Olay is frequently noted for intense hydration and improved texture.
Olay or ISDIN for dry skin?
Olay offers a wide variety of fragrance-free options, while ISDIN provides a High routine fit for dry skin. ISDIN helps deliver lightweight moisturizers that may improve hydration.
Olay or ISDIN: which moisturizer is better?
Both Olay and ISDIN offer effective moisturizers, with Olay standing out for its extensive fragrance-free options and ISDIN delivering superior routine fit for dry and mature skin types on this page. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide help provide hydration and support anti-aging effects across both product lines.
Which is more affordable, Olay or ISDIN?
Olay is more affordable, as reviewers often mention high price points as a drawback for ISDIN.
Olay or ISDIN: which brand offers more fragrance-free options?
Olay offers more fragrance-free options, as 26 of its 27 products on this page list no fragrance compared to only 3 of 8 for ISDIN.
Olay or ISDIN: which has better routine fit for combination skin?
ISDIN has a Superior routine fit for combination skin, while Olay has a High fit level.
Olay or ISDIN: which brand performs better for radiance and brightening?
Olay performs better for radiance and brightening compared to ISDIN on this page. Niacinamide helps reduce pigmentation by suppressing melanosome transfer, contributing to these brightening effects.
Olay or ISDIN for oily skin?
For oily skin, Lovi finds Olay has a High fit level and ISDIN has a Superior fit level. Reviewers often mention that ISDIN offers ultralight sunscreens and lightweight moisturizers.
Olay or ISDIN: which sunscreen is better?
Olay and ISDIN both offer sunscreens on this page, but ISDIN is better suited for most skin types with Superior or High Lovi fit levels across nearly all categories. Olay sunscreens like Complete All Day Moisturizer SPF 15 and Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream also provide reliable options, though their fit levels vary more by skin type.
Olay or ISDIN for sensitive skin?
Both Olay and ISDIN fit sensitive skin well, with ISDIN achieving a Superior routine fit compared to Olay's High fit. The products on this page from Olay also offer more fragrance-free options if you prefer to avoid scents.
Olay or ISDIN for acne-prone skin?
Both Olay and ISDIN are good options for acne-prone skin, as Lovi rates both brands as High for this skin type. Olay offers more fragrance-free options across the products on this page, while ISDIN is known for ultralight sunscreens.
Research behind their key ingredients
Topical palmitoyl pentapeptide provides improvement in photoaged human facial skin
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation by topical N-acetyl glucosamine
Neuroimmunomodulatory compound for sensitive skin care: in vitro and clinical assessment
Comedogenicity in rabbit: some cosmetic ingredients/vehicles
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
Dually functionalized dendrimer for stimuli-responsive release of active ingredients into the skin
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
The clinical efficacy of a new emulsion for acne and conspicuous facial pore amelioration
Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens
Targeting Circadian Rhythm for the Regulation of Skin Collagen Metabolism
Behind this comparison
Lovi compares products by their fit scores, calculated from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our 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.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
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Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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