The Ordinary vs celimax
The Ordinary and celimax are distinct skincare brands offering serums, moisturizers, toners, and more. The Canadian brand centers its formulations around hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane to suit sensitive and combination skin, while the Korean brand uses carefully selected ingredients to suit sensitive and acne-prone skin. Both provide targeted options for specific concerns, differing in their exact ingredient compositions and geographic origins.
The Ordinary is a Canadian skincare brand founded in 2016 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. since 2021.
celimax is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2019 and owned by ABSORBLAB Co., Ltd..
This page compares some of the most popular The Ordinary and celimax products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular The Ordinary vs celimax products
People Say
Great value and price 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%”
Gentle and non-irritating Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “cleans deeply without stripping — celimax Noni Acne Bubble Cleanser”
- “Doesn't irritate — celimax Dual Barrier Creamy Toner”
- “zero irritation or sensitivity — celimax Pore+Dark Spot Brightening Serum”
- “Leaves my face feeling soft and not tight at all. — The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser”
Smoothes skin texture Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “skin feels baby butt smooth — The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution”
- “skin looks smoother and brighter — The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%”
- “glass-like smoothness — celimax RETINAL SHOT”
- “skin feels noticeably smoother — celimax Heartleaf BHA Peeling Pad”
Hydration and plumping Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Skin stays soft throughout the day — celimax Dual Barrier Creamy Toner”
- “gives a very beautiful glow to your skin — celimax Noni Ampoule”
- “Calms irritation — celimax Dual Barrier Creamy Toner”
- “skin feels immediately hydrated — The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5”
Lightweight absorption Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “absorbs incredibly fast — celimax Pore+Dark Spot Brightening Serum”
- “sinks right into the skin — celimax Noni Ampoule”
- “light and non-greasy — celimax Derma Nature Fresh Blackhead Jojoba Cleansing Oil”
- “Sinks in immediately — The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum”
Reduces redness and calms skin Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “calms my face redness upon application — celimax Noni Ampoule”
- “No stinging on my hypersensitive skin — celimax Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream”
- “immediate cooling effect — celimax Ji.Woo.Gae Cica BHA Blemish Toner Pad”
- “calms down the redness immediately — The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%”
Stinging and irritation Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “stinging — celimax RETINAL SHOT”
- “redness — celimax RETINAL SHOT”
- “reaction to spearmint extract — celimax Pore+Dark Spot Brightening Serum”
- “irritated AF the next day — The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution”
Pilling and makeup issues Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “Pills if I apply foundation over it — celimax Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream”
- “crumbles and piles under moisturizer — The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%”
The Ordinary vs celimax routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Glycolipid Cream Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 60.00
-
Moisturizer
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 65.00
-
SPF
Dr.G Green Mild Up Sun+
Morning
AED 81.00
-
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
-
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
-
Cleanser
Noni Acne Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 98.84
-
Hydrating Toner
Dual Barrier Creamy Toner
Morning
AED 45.31
-
Moisturizer
Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 46.23
-
SPF
Dr.G Green Mild Up Sun+
Morning
AED 81.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Derma Nature Fresh Blackhead Jojoba Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 61.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Ji.Woo.Gae Cica BHA Blemish Toner Pad
Evening
AED 86.53
-
Serum or Treatment
Noni Ampoule
Evening · Once a week
AED 57.94
-
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 celimax routine · AED 590.42 · 73% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
The Ordinary vs celimax 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
Noni Acne Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 98.84
-
Hydrating Toner
Dual Barrier Creamy Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 45.31
-
Moisturizer
Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 46.23
-
SPF
d'Alba UVessence Mild Waterfull Sun Cream SPF 50
Morning
AED 92.70
-
Pre-Cleanser
Derma Nature Fresh Blackhead Jojoba Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 61.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Ji.Woo.Gae Cica BHA Blemish Toner Pad
Evening
AED 86.53
-
Serum or Treatment
Heartleaf BHA Peeling Pad
Evening · Once a week
AED 46.25
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
-
Cleansing Mask
Revision Skincare Black Mask
Once a week
AED 204.00
Buy The Ordinary routine · AED 833.82 · 91% fit
Buy celimax routine · AED 782.90 · 81% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
The Ordinary vs celimax 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
Noni Acne Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 98.84
-
Hydrating Toner
Dual Barrier Creamy Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 45.31
-
Moisturizer
Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 46.23
-
Pre-Cleanser
Derma Nature Fresh Blackhead Jojoba Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 61.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Ji.Woo.Gae Cica BHA Blemish Toner Pad
Evening
AED 86.53
-
Serum or Treatment
Heartleaf BHA Peeling Pad
Evening · Once a week
AED 46.25
-
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 The Ordinary routine · AED 712.46 · 92% fit
Buy celimax routine · AED 609.13 · 77% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
The Ordinary or celimax: which is better?
The Ordinary offers better value and prices for the products on this page, while celimax delivers better hydration and lightweight absorption. For dry skin routines, Lovi rates The Ordinary High and celimax Average.
What is the difference between The Ordinary and celimax?
The Ordinary offers better value and a superior routine fit for dry, combination, sensitive, mature, and dark-spotted skin, while celimax provides a more gentle experience with better hydration, lightweight absorption, and redness reduction. Both brands feature fragrance-free products on this page.
The Ordinary or celimax for dry skin?
The Ordinary is a better fit for dry skin, as the products on this page achieve a Superior routine fit compared to an Average fit for celimax. Additionally, reviewers note that The Ordinary offers great value and price for its products.
The Ordinary or celimax: which cleanser is better?
The Ordinary provides a better overall routine fit for cleansers on this page, as its Glycolipid Cream Cleanser achieves a Superior fit for dry skin while celimax leans toward other skin types.
Which is more affordable, The Ordinary or celimax?
The Ordinary is more affordable, offering great value and price compared to celimax according to the products on this page.
Which brand has fragrance-free products, The Ordinary or celimax?
Both The Ordinary and celimax offer fragrance-free products, as every single product listed on this page for both brands contains no fragrance in its ingredients.
The Ordinary or celimax for oily skin?
The Ordinary is a Superior fit for oily skin, whereas celimax is a High fit. The Ordinary offers great value and price for oily skin.
The Ordinary or celimax: which moisturizer is better?
The Ordinary is a better choice for dry skin, where the products on this page achieve a Superior routine fit compared to an Average fit for celimax. Niacinamide may help reduce cutaneous pigmentation, while sodium hyaluronate helps improve skin quality and signs of aging.
The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
The Ordinary or celimax for sensitive skin?
The Ordinary fits sensitive skin better, as Lovi rates its routine as Superior compared to High for celimax. Both brands feature fragrance-free products on the products on this page.
The Ordinary or celimax for acne-prone skin?
Both The Ordinary and celimax are great options for acne-prone skin, as the products on this page achieve a High fit level for this skin type.
The Ordinary or celimax for dry sensitive skin?
The Ordinary is a better fit for dry sensitive skin, offering a Superior routine fit compared to celimax at High. The Ordinary products on this page help provide gentle hydration with key ingredients like hyaluronic acid.
The Ordinary or celimax for skin with dark spots?
The Ordinary is a better fit for skin with dark spots, offering a Superior routine compared to celimax's High level. Niacinamide helps reduce cutaneous pigmentation and suppresses melanosome transfer.
Research behind their key ingredients
Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles in sunscreens: focus on their safety and effectiveness
The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer
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
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
Effect of Camellia japonica oil on human type I procollagen production and skin barrier function
The moisturizing effects of glycolipid biosurfactants, mannosylerythritol lipids, on human skin
Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation by topical N-acetyl glucosamine
Protective effects of Camellia japonica flower extract against urban air pollutants
Microneedling by dermapen and glycolic acid peel for the treatment of acne scars: Comparative study
Lycopene and Melatonin: Antioxidant Compounds in Cosmetic Formulations
The synergistic effect of retinyl propionate and hydroxypinacolone retinoate on skin aging
Nanostructured Lipid Carrier for Topical Application of N-Acetyl Glucosamine
Morinda citrifolia Linn. (Rubiaceae) leaf extracts mitigate UVB-induced erythema
Topical lycopene emulgel significantly improves biophysical parameters of human skin
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Safety of a preservative system containing 1,2-hexanediol and caprylyl glycol
Histometric assessment of the age-related skin response to 2-hydroxy-5-octanoyl benzoic acid
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
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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