The Ordinary vs Lancôme
The Ordinary and Lancôme are a Canadian skincare brand founded in 2016 and a French skincare brand founded in 1935, respectively. The Canadian brand offers serums, moisturizers, cleansers, toners, and more, built around hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane, while the French brand is beloved for its sophisticated moisturizers, eye products, serums, toners, and more, which are thoughtfully formulated with glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and adenosine. The first brand fits sensitive skin and combination skin best, whereas its counterpart suits sensitive skin and acne-prone skin best. Ultimately, they differ in their origins, corporate ownership, and specific core ingredients, with both providing targeted solutions for acne-prone skin, dark spots, and mature skin.
The Ordinary is a Canadian skincare brand founded in 2016 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. since 2021.
Lancôme is a French skincare brand founded in 1935 and owned by L'Oréal S.A. since 1964.
loreal.comen.wikipedia.orgcosmeticsbusiness.com
This page compares some of the most popular The Ordinary and Lancôme products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular The Ordinary vs Lancôme products
People Say
Texture and Absorption Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “absorbs quickly — Lancôme RÉNERGIE”
- “absorbs almost instantly — Lancôme Génifique Ultimate”
- “Skin feels cushiony soft — Lancôme Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate”
- “glass skin effect — The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution”
Hydration and Moisture Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “gives my skin an instant dewy glow — Lancôme Tonique Confort”
- “keeps the skin soft and hydrated — Lancôme HYDRA ZEN”
- “The product provides deep hydration and visible rejuvenation. — Lancôme Advanced Génifique Night Cream”
- “skin feels immediately hydrated — The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5”
Value and 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%”
Acne and Blemish Control Mostly MentionedNot noted
- “pimples disappear within a day — The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution”
- “pores look significantly smaller — The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%”
- “scars and hormonal acne faded — The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%”
Gentle Care for Sensitive Skin Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “Finally a cleanser that doesn't sting my face. — The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser”
- “No irritation at all — The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA”
- “instantly soothed my skin — Lancôme Génifique Ultimate”
- “Doesn't sting my eyes — Lancôme Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover”
Unique Textures and Finishes Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “skin is softer to touch — Lancôme Absolue Precious Oil”
- “triple-chamber keeps ingredients fresh — Lancôme RÉNERGIE”
- “Bottle lasts forever — Lancôme Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover”
- “Sinks in immediately — The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA”
Pilling and Application Issues Mostly MentionedRarely Noted
- “Leaves a greasy film — Lancôme Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover”
- “pilling like dead skin — Lancôme Génifique Ultimate”
- “left a tacky film on my face — Lancôme Tonique Confort”
- “crumbles and piles under moisturizer — The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%”
General Formulation Issues Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “didn't notice much change in wrinkles — Lancôme Génifique Ultimate”
- “Did absolutely nothing — Lancôme Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate”
- “Strong smell of alcohol — Lancôme Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate”
- “foams up like soap — The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution”
Skin Irritation and Sensitivity Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “caused a breakout — Lancôme RÉNERGIE”
- “felt a burning sensation immediately — Lancôme Tonique Confort”
- “burns my eyes — Lancôme Crème Radiance”
- “irritated AF the next day — The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution”
The Ordinary vs Lancôme 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
Crème Radiance
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 245.93
-
Hydrating Toner
Tonique Confort
Morning
AED 692.00
-
Moisturizer
RÉNERGIE
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 589.00
-
SPF
Dr.G Green Mild Up Sun+
Morning
AED 81.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover
Evening · Once a week
AED 236.34
-
Cleansing Toner
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water
Evening
AED 38.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate
Evening · Once a week
AED 1,394.98
-
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 Lancôme routine · AED 3,390.86 · 70% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
The Ordinary vs Lancôme 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
Crème Radiance
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 245.93
-
Hydrating Toner
Tonique Confort
Morning · Once a week
AED 692.00
-
Moisturizer
RÉNERGIE
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 589.00
-
SPF
d'Alba UVessence Mild Waterfull Sun Cream SPF 50
Morning
AED 92.70
-
Pre-Cleanser
Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover
Evening · Once a week
AED 236.34
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
AED 120.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Génifique Ultimate
Evening · Once a week
AED 725.00
-
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 Lancôme routine · AED 3,006.06 · 67% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
The Ordinary vs Lancôme 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
Crème Radiance
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 245.93
-
Hydrating Toner
Tonique Confort
Morning · Once a week
AED 692.00
-
Moisturizer
RÉNERGIE
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 589.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover
Evening · Once a week
AED 236.34
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
AED 53.12
-
Serum or Treatment
Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate
Evening · Once a week
AED 1,394.98
-
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 Lancôme routine · AED 3,435.39 · 63% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
The Ordinary or Lancôme: which is better?
The Ordinary is generally better for value and blemish control, whereas Lancôme performs better for deep hydration and texture on the products on this page.
What is the difference between The Ordinary and Lancôme?
The Ordinary offers better value, acne control, and overall routine fit, whereas Lancôme excels in deep hydration, texture, and absorption. The Ordinary products on this page list no fragrance, while many Lancôme products contain added fragrance. Hyaluronic acid helps provide moisture for both brands.
The Ordinary or Lancôme for dry skin?
The Ordinary is a better fit for dry skin, offering a Superior routine fit compared to Lancôme's Average routine fit. Reviewers also mention that The Ordinary delivers better value and pricing.
The Ordinary or Lancôme: which cleanser is better?
The Ordinary is better for cleansers on this page, offering superior value and options like the Glycolipid Cream Cleanser that helps clean skin without harshness.
Which is more affordable, The Ordinary or Lancôme?
The Ordinary is more affordable, offering affordable and great value serums on the products on this page, whereas Lancôme reviewers commonly note a high price point.
How do The Ordinary and Lancôme compare regarding fragrance in their products?
The products on this page by The Ordinary list no fragrance in their ingredients, whereas 11 of the 14 Lancôme products on this page list fragrance.
Which brand performs better for hydration and moisture according to review themes?
Lancôme performs better for hydration and moisture according to review themes.
What are the founding years and parent companies of The Ordinary and Lancôme?
The Ordinary was founded in 2016 in Canada and has been owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. since 2021, whereas Lancôme was founded in 1935 in France and has been owned by L'Oréal S.A. since 1964.
The Ordinary or Lancôme for oily skin?
The Ordinary is a better choice for oily skin, as Lovi rates its routine fit as Superior compared to an Average fit for Lancôme.
The Ordinary or Lancôme: which moisturizer is better?
The Ordinary provides better-rated moisturizers for dry skin, with routines featuring products like Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA offering a Superior fit level compared to Lancôme's Average fit. Additionally, every product on The Ordinary page lists no fragrance, whereas most Lancôme moisturizers include fragrance.
The Ordinary or Lancôme for sensitive skin?
The Ordinary is a better fit for sensitive skin, offering a Superior routine fit compared to Lancôme's average fit on this page.
The Ordinary or Lancôme for acne-prone skin?
The Ordinary is better suited for acne-prone skin, achieving a High routine fit compared to Lancôme's Average fit on the products on this page. Niacinamide may help reduce pigmentation and support blemish-prone skin.
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
Spent Yeast Waste Streams as a Sustainable Source of Bioactive Peptides for Skin Applications
A Rose Extract Protects the Skin against Stress Mediators: A Potential Role of Olfactory Receptors
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
Design and in vivo evaluation of emulgel formulations including green tea extract and rose oil
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
Skin moisturization by hydrogenated polyisobutene--quantitative and visual evaluation
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
-

Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
-

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
-

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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