The Ordinary vs ISDIN
The Ordinary and ISDIN are established skincare brands that offer serums, moisturizers, cleansers, and more. The Canadian line founded in 2016 relies on hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane, whereas the Spanish brand founded in 1975 is beloved for its sophisticated formulas. Both suit sensitive, combination, and acne-prone skin, though the former addresses specific concerns with targeted active ingredients while the latter nurtures the complexion through daily, gentle efficacy.
The Ordinary is a Canadian skincare brand founded in 2016 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. since 2021.
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 The Ordinary and ISDIN products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular The Ordinary vs ISDIN products
People Say
Lightweight Texture and Absorption Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “absorbs instantly — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
- “ultra-light fluid product, which makes it super easy to apply — ISDIN Fusion Water”
- “Lightweight formula absorbs fast — ISDIN Hyaluronic Concentrate”
- “Sinks in immediately — The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum”
Skin Texture and Smoothing Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “glass skin effect — The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution”
- “skin feels baby butt smooth — The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution”
- “skin looks smooth and healthy — ISDIN K-Ox Eyes”
- “I am more on a dehydrated side and this helps me look hydrated and smooth. — ISDIN Flavo-C Serum”
Affordability and Value 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%”
Hydration and Plumping Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Improved moisture and texture — ISDIN Hyaluronic Moisture”
- “My skin felt sooo hydrated and looks so plump and dewey. — ISDIN Fusion Water”
- “Skin feels intensely hydrated — ISDIN Hyaluronic Concentrate”
- “skin feels immediately hydrated — The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5”
Acne and Blemish Control Often MentionedNot 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”
Texture Issues and Pilling Mostly MentionedRarely Noted
- “Pilled up on my skin — ISDIN Hyaluronic Moisture”
- “crumbles and piles under moisturizer — The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%”
High Price Point Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “Expensive for Ordinary — The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum”
- “very expensive — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
Fragrance and Scent Concerns 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 overpowering — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
Skin Irritation and Sensitivity Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “I think the serum is too strong for my face as it has burned and left very rough and a peeling face. — ISDIN Flavo-C Serum”
- “slight peeling — ISDIN Retinal Intense Serum”
- “irritated AF the next day — The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution”
The Ordinary vs ISDIN 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
-
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
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 32.95
-
Moisturizer
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 34.80
-
SPF
Fusion Water
Morning
AED 91.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
AED 35.29
-
Cleansing Toner
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water
Evening
AED 38.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Retinal Intense Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 392.99
-
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 ISDIN routine · AED 739.63 · 88% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
The Ordinary vs ISDIN 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
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
-
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
-
Cleansing Mask
Revision Skincare Black Mask
Once a week
AED 204.00
Buy The Ordinary routine · AED 833.82 · 91% fit
Buy ISDIN routine · AED 1,222.86 · 91% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
The Ordinary vs ISDIN 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
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 84.53
-
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
Buy The Ordinary routine · AED 712.46 · 92% fit
Buy ISDIN routine · AED 1,204.50 · 92% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
The Ordinary or ISDIN: which is better?
The Ordinary and ISDIN both offer strong options, but The Ordinary provides better affordability and value, while ISDIN is noted for lightweight texture and hydration.
What is the difference between The Ordinary and ISDIN?
The Ordinary offers more affordable products with fragrance-free formulas, while ISDIN is often praised for its lightweight and makeup-friendly sunscreens. For acne-prone skin, Lovi rates ISDIN as Superior and The Ordinary as High.
The Ordinary or ISDIN for dry skin?
Both The Ordinary and ISDIN provide High Lovi fit levels for dry skin. The Ordinary offers budget-friendly products with no added fragrance across the products on this page, while ISDIN is recognized for its lightweight moisturizers and ultralight sunscreens.
The Ordinary or ISDIN: which moisturizer is better?
Both The Ordinary and ISDIN offer great moisturizers, with Lovi rating The Ordinary as having a Superior routine fit for dry skin and dry sensitive skin using products like Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA. ISDIN also provides popular lightweight moisturizers such as Hyaluronic Concentrate, though reviewers note its higher price point compared to The Ordinary.
Which is more affordable, The Ordinary or ISDIN?
The Ordinary offers better affordability and value compared to ISDIN, as high price points are frequently noted by reviewers for the products on this page.
Which brand has better lightweight texture and absorption, The Ordinary or ISDIN?
ISDIN does better for lightweight texture and absorption. Reviewers on the products on this page mostly mentioned that ISDIN offers ultralight sunscreens and lightweight moisturizers.
Do The Ordinary products contain fragrance?
Every product in The Ordinary range on this page lists no fragrance in its ingredients.
Which brand has a higher price point, The Ordinary or ISDIN?
ISDIN has a higher price point, with its high price being a commonly noted complaint among reviewers. In contrast, The Ordinary is known for offering affordable and great value serums.
The Ordinary or ISDIN for oily skin?
Both The Ordinary and ISDIN are great for oily skin, as Lovi rates both brands as Superior for this skin type. Shoppers often mention The Ordinary for its acne-clearing serums and affordability, while ISDIN is praised for its ultralight sunscreens.
The Ordinary or ISDIN for sensitive skin?
Both The Ordinary and ISDIN provide a Superior routine fit level for sensitive skin. The Ordinary features fragrance-free formulas across the products on this page, while ISDIN has a high price point.
The Ordinary or ISDIN for acne-prone skin?
For acne-prone skin, ISDIN reaches a Superior Lovi fit level, whereas The Ordinary products on this page reach a High Lovi fit level.
Research behind their key ingredients
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
The moisturizing effects of glycolipid biosurfactants, mannosylerythritol lipids, on human skin
Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation by topical N-acetyl glucosamine
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
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
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
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
The clinical efficacy of a new emulsion for acne and conspicuous facial pore amelioration
Natural Moisturizing Factor-Enriched Formulations Compared to a Ceramide-Based Cream
Targeting Circadian Rhythm for the Regulation of Skin Collagen Metabolism
Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens
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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