The Ordinary vs Pixi
The Ordinary and Pixi are popular skincare lines offering targeted solutions for diverse complexions. The Canadian brand centers on scientifically focused serums, moisturizers, cleansers, and toners featuring hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane, serving sensitive and combination skin best. Conversely, the British creator is beloved for thoughtful toners, serums, eye products, and moisturizers that suit oily and sensitive skin through gentle, effective formulas. While both provide reliable daily care, they differ in their overarching approach, with the former emphasizing individual key ingredients and the latter focusing on balanced daily tonics and peels.
The Ordinary is a Canadian skincare brand founded in 2016 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. since 2021.
Pixi is a British skincare brand founded in 1999.
pixibeauty.comtracxn.compitchbook.com
This page compares some of the most popular The Ordinary and Pixi products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular The Ordinary vs Pixi products
People Say
Hydration and plumping Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “Instant surge of hydration — Pixi Hydrating Milky Mist”
- “deeply hydrates and balances — Pixi Antioxidant Tonic”
- “leaves under-eyes super soft — Pixi DetoxifEYE Depuffing Eye Patches”
- “skin feels immediately hydrated — The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5”
Improves skin texture and smoothness 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 feels incredible, so smooth — Pixi Glow Peel Pads”
- “forehead bumps gone — Pixi Glow Tonic”
Great 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%”
Instant glow and radiance Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
- “gives instant glow — Pixi Glow Tonic”
- “Skin is noticeably brighter — Pixi Glow Peel Pads”
- “healthy radiance — Pixi Glow Mist”
- “tight, bright and shiny — The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution”
Lightweight absorption Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Absorbs fairly quickly into the skin. — Pixi Vitamin-C Serum”
- “unique gel-like texture — Pixi Antioxidant Tonic”
- “absorbs really fast — Pixi Rose Oil Blend”
- “Sinks in immediately — The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum”
Redness reduction and soothing Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “calms down the redness immediately — The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%”
- “deflates morning bags — The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG”
- “instantly cooling upon application — Pixi DetoxifEYE Depuffing Eye Patches”
- “calms my redness instantly — Pixi Rose Tonic”
Sticky or tacky finish and residue Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “feels very sticky — The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5”
- “feels very sticky — The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution”
- “too greasy — Pixi Glow Mist”
- “slightly tacky to touch — Pixi Antioxidant Tonic”
Unpleasant or strong scent 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 — Pixi Glow Tonic”
Skin stinging, burning, and irritation Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “Massive burning sensation — Pixi Glow Peel Pads”
- “burned my face — Pixi Glow Tonic”
- “Not for those with super-sensitive skin — Pixi Glow Peel Pads”
- “stings a little but worth it — The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution”
Makeup pilling and compatibility issues Sometimes NotedRarely Noted
- “separates foundation — Pixi Glow Mist”
- “It doesn't work with my makeup at all. — Pixi Vitamin-C Serum”
- “crumbles and piles under moisturizer — The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%”
The Ordinary vs Pixi 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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Hydrating Toner
Hydrating Milky Mist
Morning
AED 93.99
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Moisturizer
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 34.80
-
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
Glow Tonic
Evening
AED 120.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 127.62
-
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
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
Buy Pixi routine · AED 638.27 · 91% fit
Buy The Ordinary routine · AED 542.90 · 89% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
The Ordinary vs Pixi routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 49.95
-
Hydrating Toner
Retinol Tonic
Morning · Once a week
AED 73.14
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 33.40
-
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
Glow Tonic
Evening
AED 120.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 127.62
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
-
Cleansing Mask
Revision Skincare Black Mask
Once a week
AED 204.00
-
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
Buy Pixi routine · AED 981.35 · 95% fit
Buy The Ordinary routine · AED 833.82 · 91% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
The Ordinary vs Pixi routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 84.53
-
Hydrating Toner
Retinol Tonic
Morning · Once a week
AED 73.14
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 33.40
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 179.45
-
Cleansing Toner
Glow Tonic
Evening
AED 120.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 127.62
-
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
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
Buy Pixi routine · AED 842.16 · 93% fit
Buy The Ordinary routine · AED 712.46 · 92% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
The Ordinary or Pixi: which is better?
The Ordinary offers better value with more affordable serums, whereas Pixi provides superior instant glow and hydration, though Pixi products on this page may cause stronger scent and irritation issues.
What is the difference between The Ordinary and Pixi?
The Ordinary offers great value and pricing for its fragrance-free range, whereas Pixi delivers deeper hydration and instant radiance. Both brands achieve equal levels of routine fit for many skin types, though Pixi holds a Superior routine fit for acne-prone skin.
The Ordinary or Pixi for dry skin?
Pixi offers a superior routine fit for dry skin compared to The Ordinary, which has a high fit. Pixi helps deliver deep hydration and radiance, while the products on this page for The Ordinary are fragrance-free.
The Ordinary or Pixi: which moisturizer is better?
The Ordinary offers a range of moisturizers that feature key ingredients like hyaluronic acid and squalane to deeply hydrate the skin. Lovi rates the routine fit for dry skin as High for The Ordinary and Superior for Pixi.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
Which is more affordable, The Ordinary or Pixi?
The Ordinary offers better value, as affordable and great value serums are often noted by reviewers for the products on this page.
Which brand offers better hydration and plumping, The Ordinary or Pixi?
Pixi offers better hydration and plumping for the skin compared to The Ordinary. Every product on this page by The Ordinary lists no fragrance, while some Pixi products contain fragrance and may cause skin irritation and sensitivity.
Do The Ordinary products contain fragrance compared to Pixi?
Every product on The Ordinary page lists no fragrance in its ingredients, whereas Pixi includes fragrance in 7 of its 10 products on this page.
The Ordinary or Pixi for oily skin?
Both The Ordinary and Pixi offer a Superior Lovi fit level for oily skin. Reviewers often mention Pixi for providing an instant glow and radiance as well as lightweight absorption, while The Ordinary is frequently noted for offering great value and affordable serums.
The Ordinary or Pixi for sensitive skin?
Both The Ordinary and Pixi offer a Superior routine fit for sensitive skin. The Ordinary features fragrance-free products on the products on this page, while Pixi provides gentle and soothing toners.
The Ordinary or Pixi for acne-prone skin?
Both The Ordinary and Pixi help with acne-prone skin, with Lovi giving Pixi a Superior fit level and The Ordinary a High fit level. The Ordinary offers great value serums, while Pixi provides lightweight absorption and instant glow.
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
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
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
Clinical study of a spray containing birch juice for repairing sensitive skin
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
-

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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