The Ordinary vs Caudalie
The Ordinary and Caudalie are skincare brands known for offering serums, moisturizers, cleansers, toners, and more. The Canadian brand centers its formulations around hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane to suit sensitive skin and combination skin best, while the French brand is beloved for potent, botanical formulas that suit oily skin and sensitive skin best. Both collections elevate daily routines with targeted treatments for acne-prone skin, skin with dark spots, and mature skin. They differ primarily in their heritage, foundational ingredients, and sensory experiences.
The Ordinary is a Canadian skincare brand founded in 2016 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. since 2021.
Caudalie is a French skincare brand founded in 1995.
en.wikipedia.orgen.caudalie.compitchbook.com
This page compares some of the most popular The Ordinary and Caudalie products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular The Ordinary vs Caudalie products
People Say
Redness and sensitivity Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “calms down the redness immediately — The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%”
- “Leaves my face feeling soft and not tight at all. — The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser”
- “great for sensitive skin — Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum”
- “calms my redness — Caudalie Grape Water”
Acne clearing and blemish reduction Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “pimples disappear within a day — The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution”
- “scars and hormonal acne faded — The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%”
- “faded dark spots — The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution”
- “cleared my hormonal acne — Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Gel Cleanser”
Skin smoothing and texture improvement Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
- “glass skin effect — The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution”
- “never had any reaction to it with my sensitive skin — The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA”
- “skin feels baby butt smooth — The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution”
- “skin feels baby soft — Caudalie Instant Detox Mask”
Great value and affordable pricing Mostly MentionedNot noted
- “lasts forever — The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution”
- “can't beat the price — The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution”
- “extremely affordable — The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%”
Pleasant scent and refreshing aromas Not notedOften Mentioned
- “smells like a spa — Caudalie Beauty Elixir”
- “gives a glass-skin look — Caudalie Beauty Elixir”
- “wakes up my skin — Caudalie Beauty Elixir”
Hydration and plumping effects Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Provides intense hydration, smooths fine lines, and gives the skin an even, radiant appearance. — Caudalie Premier Cru The Cream”
- “intense hydration — Caudalie Grape Water”
- “skin feels plump — Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift Firming Cashmere Cream”
- “skin feels immediately hydrated — The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5”
Texture and pilling issues under makeup Mostly MentionedRarely Noted
- “tacky finish — Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum”
- “does not remove make-up — Caudalie Vinoclean Instant Foaming Cleanser”
- “Incompatible with my makeup. — Caudalie Premier Cru The Cream”
- “crumbles and piles under moisturizer — The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%”
High price point and value concerns Not notedMostly Mentioned
- “expensive — Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum”
Unpleasant scent or fragrance issues Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “Smells like vinegar — The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum”
- “smell is unbearable — The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%”
- “has a slight chemical smell — The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA”
- “smell is strong — Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner”
Stinging, harshness and irritation Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “burns my eyes — Caudalie Beauty Elixir”
- “bit dry for daily use — Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner”
- “woke up swollen — Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Eye Cream”
- “irritated AF the next day — The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution”
The Ordinary vs Caudalie routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Glycolipid Cream Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 60.00
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Moisturizer
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 65.00
-
SPF
Dr.G Green Mild Up Sun+
Morning
AED 81.00
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Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
AED 35.29
-
Cleansing Toner
Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Evening
AED 38.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 150.00
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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
-
Cleanser
Vinoclean Instant Foaming Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 83.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Vinoclean Moisturising Toner
Morning
AED 90.00
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Moisturizer
Premier Cru The Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 520.52
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SPF
Dr.G Green Mild Up Sun+
Morning
AED 81.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Vinoclean Makeup Removing Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 140.44
-
Cleansing Toner
Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
AED 117.39
-
Enzyme Powder
VT Cica Mild Powder Wash
Once a week
AED 47.62
-
Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
AED 65.00
Buy The Ordinary routine · AED 542.90 · 89% fit
Buy Caudalie routine · AED 1,144.97 · 84% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
The Ordinary vs Caudalie routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
Glycolipid Cream Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 60.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 49.99
-
Moisturizer
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 65.00
-
SPF
d'Alba UVessence Mild Waterfull Sun Cream SPF 50
Morning
AED 92.70
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 179.45
-
Cleansing Toner
Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Evening
AED 38.99
-
Serum or Treatment
AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
Evening · Once a week
AED 42.60
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
-
Cleansing Mask
Revision Skincare Black Mask
Once a week
AED 204.00
-
Cleanser
Vinopure Purifying Gel Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 116.37
-
Hydrating Toner
Vinoclean Moisturising Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 90.00
-
Moisturizer
Vinopure Moisturizing Mattifying Fluid
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 185.39
-
SPF
d'Alba UVessence Mild Waterfull Sun Cream SPF 50
Morning
AED 92.70
-
Pre-Cleanser
Vinoclean Makeup Removing Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 140.44
-
Cleansing Toner
Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
AED 117.39
-
Serum or Treatment
Vinopure Blemish Control Salicylic Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 166.24
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
-
Cleansing Mask
Instant Detox Mask
Once a week
AED 133.00
Buy The Ordinary routine · AED 833.82 · 91% fit
Buy Caudalie routine · AED 1,142.62 · 87% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
The Ordinary vs Caudalie routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Glycolipid Cream Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 60.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 145.00
-
Moisturizer
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 65.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 179.45
-
Cleansing Toner
Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Evening
AED 38.99
- Serum or Treatment Lactic Acid 5% + HA 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
-
Cleanser
Vinopure Purifying Gel Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 116.37
-
Hydrating Toner
Vinoclean Moisturising Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 90.00
-
Moisturizer
Vinopure Moisturizing Mattifying Fluid
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 185.39
-
Pre-Cleanser
Vinoclean Makeup Removing Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 140.44
-
Cleansing Toner
Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
AED 117.39
-
Serum or Treatment
Vinoperfect Glycolic Peel Mask
Evening · Once a week
AED 186.21
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
-
Cleansing Mask
Instant Detox Mask
Once a week
AED 133.00
Buy The Ordinary routine · AED 712.46 · 92% fit
Buy Caudalie routine · AED 1,069.89 · 84% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
The Ordinary or Caudalie: which is better?
The Ordinary offers better value and superior performance for acne clearing and skin smoothing across the products on this page, while Caudalie is praised more for its refreshing scents and hydration. Lovi routine fit shows that The Ordinary reaches a superior level for oily, combination, sensitive, and mature skin types, whereas Caudalie achieves a high level for those same categories.
What is the difference between The Ordinary and Caudalie?
The Ordinary offers better value with more affordable products and stronger results for acne clearing and skin smoothing, while Caudalie focuses on pleasant scents and hydrating effects with higher price points.
The Ordinary or Caudalie for dry skin?
Both The Ordinary and Caudalie have a High fit for dry skin on this page, but The Ordinary offers much better affordability and value. Hyaluronic acid helps provide hydration and plumping effects.
The Ordinary or Caudalie: which cleanser is better?
The Ordinary offers a better cleanser range because the products on this page achieve superior fit levels for various skin types compared to Caudalie. Reviewers also highlight The Ordinary for great value and affordable pricing.
Which is more affordable, The Ordinary or Caudalie?
The Ordinary offers more affordable products on this page, as reviewers frequently highlight its great value and budget-friendly pricing compared to Caudalie.
Which brand has better options for addressing dark spots, The Ordinary or Caudalie?
The Ordinary offers superior options for targeting dark spots, with multiple products achieving a Superior fit level for skin with dark spots. Topical niacinamide helps reduce cutaneous pigmentation and suppresses melanosome transfer.
Between The Ordinary and Caudalie, which brand includes fragrance in more of its products?
Caudalie includes fragrance in more of its products on this page, with 12 out of 20 listing fragrance, whereas every product from The Ordinary lists no fragrance in its ingredients.
Which brand performs better for mature skin routines, The Ordinary or Caudalie?
The Ordinary performs better for mature skin routines, offering a Superior routine fit compared to Caudalie's High fit on the products on this page.
The Ordinary or Caudalie for sensitive skin?
For sensitive skin, both brands work well, but Lovi rates The Ordinary as Superior and Caudalie as High. The Ordinary products on this page list no fragrance, whereas some Caudalie items contain added scents.
The Ordinary or Caudalie: which moisturizer is better?
When it comes to moisturizers, The Ordinary provides better value and superior fit levels for dry skin with options like Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA. Caudalie also offers high-performing moisturizers such as Premier Cru The Cream, though reviewers note they come at a higher price point.
The Ordinary or Caudalie for acne-prone skin?
Both The Ordinary and Caudalie provide a high routine fit for acne-prone skin on the products on this page. Reviewers note that The Ordinary offers better acne clearing and blemish reduction.
Research behind their key ingredients
The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer
Topical menthol--a human model for cold pain by activation and sensitization of C nociceptors
Final report on the safety assessment of Benzyl Alcohol, Benzoic Acid, and Sodium Benzoate
The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
Topical palmitoyl pentapeptide provides improvement in photoaged human facial skin
Effects of ascorbic acid on gingival melanin pigmentation in vitro and in vivo
Apigenin inhibits UVA-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and prevents signs of skin aging in vivo
Panax ginseng induces human Type I collagen synthesis through activation of Smad signaling
Vitamin C-squalene bioconjugate promotes epidermal thickening and collagen production in human skin
The topical effect of grape seed extract 2% cream on surgery wound healing
The moisturizing effects of glycolipid biosurfactants, mannosylerythritol lipids, on human skin
Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation by topical N-acetyl glucosamine
Resveratrol as a factor preventing skin aging and affecting its regeneration
Oleanolic Acid Protects the Skin from Particulate Matter-Induced Aging
Development of Polymeric Micelles of Oleanolic Acid and Evaluation of Their Clinical Efficacy
Microneedling by dermapen and glycolic acid peel for the treatment of acne scars: Comparative study
Pentacyclic triterpenes from Terminalia arjuna show multiple benefits on aged and dry skin
Lycopene and Melatonin: Antioxidant Compounds in Cosmetic Formulations
The synergistic effect of retinyl propionate and hydroxypinacolone retinoate on skin aging
Oleanolic Acid Nanofibers Attenuated Particulate Matter-Induced Oxidative Stress in Keratinocytes
Nanostructured Lipid Carrier for Topical Application of N-Acetyl Glucosamine
Design and in vivo evaluation of emulgel formulations including green tea extract and rose oil
Dyspigmentation, skin physiology, and a novel approach to skin lightening
Topical lycopene emulgel significantly improves biophysical parameters of human skin
Topical Almond Oil for Prevention of Pressure Injuries: A Single-Blinded Comparison Study
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Safety of a preservative system containing 1,2-hexanediol and caprylyl glycol
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
A bioactive complex to protect proteins from UV-induced oxidation in human epidermis
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
Natural Moisturizing Factor-Enriched Formulations Compared to a Ceramide-Based Cream
Targeting Circadian Rhythm for the Regulation of Skin Collagen Metabolism
Saccharide isomerate ameliorates cosmetic scalp conditions in a Chinese study population
The harnessing potential of carboxymethyl beta glucan: A driver of skin repair
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
-

Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
-

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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