Olay vs Elemis
Olay and Elemis are two distinct skincare lines known for thoughtful formulations that pair specific ingredients to address diverse complexions. The former is warmly loved for its targeted moisturizers, eye products, serums, and cleansers that thoughtfully combine niacinamide and glycerin to suit acne-prone and mature skin. Meanwhile, the British brand celebrated since 1989 offers curated preparations spanning nourishing serums, rich moisturizers, gentle cleansers, and refining toners that weave together glycerin and shea to suit dry and mature skin best. Ultimately, both differ primarily in their botanical and scientific approaches, with the first focusing on niacinamide for wrinkles and pigmentation, and the latter relying on shea butter to reduce inflammation and relieve skin pruritus.
Elemis is a British skincare brand founded in 1989 and owned by L'Occitane Group since 2019.
elemis.comau.elemis.comen.wikipedia.org
This page compares some of the most popular Olay and Elemis products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Olay vs Elemis products
People Say
Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Instantly smoother, softer, and more hydrated — Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream”
- “Skin feels like silk — Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer”
- “The cream really hydrates and my face looks amazing. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Night Cream”
- “Quenches thirsty skin... immediate improvement. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
Luxurious and Lightweight Texture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “absorbs quickly — Olay Vitamin C Serum”
- “absorbs instantly — Olay Super Serum Night Repair”
- “Absorbs almost immediately, and my skin feels well hydrated all day. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
- “whipped silk feel — Elemis Superfood Midnight Facial”
Skin Texture and Smoothing Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “skin feels baby soft — Olay Retinol24”
- “Absorbs so quickly! — Olay Regenerist Regenerating Serum”
- “velvety soft skin — Olay Super Serum Night Repair”
- “baby soft — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads”
Fragrance-Free and Gentle Formulas Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “tiny beads aren't harsh — Olay Regenerating Cream Cleanser”
- “doesn't strip my skin — Olay Regenerating Cream Cleanser”
- “No irritation at all — Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer”
- “no stinging or redness — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
Fast Absorption and Radiance Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “sinks in quickly — Olay Super Serum”
- “iridescent glow — Olay Super Serum”
- “healthy glow — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads”
- “instantly fresh glow — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash”
Pleasant Scent Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “smells like a spa — Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm”
- “smells like a holiday — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
- “smells like a tropical cocktail — Elemis Superfood Midnight Facial”
- “smells amazing — Olay Vitamin C Serum”
Price Point Issues Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “expensive for drugstore — Olay Super Serum”
- “expensive — Olay Super Serum Night Repair”
- “small quantity (0.5 oz) — Olay Eye Lifting Serum”
- “Complete waste of money for me. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
Strong or Unpleasant Fragrance Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Fragrance can be an irritant — Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream”
- “floral scent — Olay Super Serum”
- “smells like plastic — Olay Retinol24”
- “The smell is very strong... could not handle for long. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
Packaging Concerns Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “jar looks half empty — Elemis Superfood Midnight Facial”
- “tube feels half empty — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
- “pump broke quickly — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash”
- “hard to dispense — Olay Super Serum”
Olay vs Elemis routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$26.59
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Hydrating Toner
Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner
Morning
A$23.99
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Moisturizer
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$223.78
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
A$81.99
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Serum or Treatment
Pro-Collagen Glow Boost Exfoliator
Evening · Once a week
A$128.95
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Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
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Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
A$28.48
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Cleanser
Regenerating Cream Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$7.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner
Morning
A$23.99
-
Moisturizer
Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$29.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
A$27.35
- Serum or Treatment Vitamin C Serum Evening · Once a week
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
A$28.48
Buy Elemis routine · A$549.28 · 91% fit
Buy Olay routine · A$153.30 · 83% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Olay vs Elemis routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
Regenerating Cream Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$7.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$34.66
-
Moisturizer
Super Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$29.99
-
SPF
Regenerist Whip Face Moisturizer SPF 25
Morning
A$29.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$80.43
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
A$75.95
- Serum or Treatment Vitamin C Serum Evening · Once a week
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
A$118.35
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$13.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$34.66
-
Moisturizer
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$223.78
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
A$81.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Balancing Lavender Toner
Evening
A$77.81
-
Serum or Treatment
Papaya Enzyme Peel
Evening · Once a week
A$67.00
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
A$118.35
Buy Olay routine · A$412.86 · 86% fit
Buy Elemis routine · A$653.08 · 80% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Olay vs Elemis routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Regenerating Cream Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$7.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$42.00
-
Moisturizer
Super Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$29.99
-
SPF
Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
Morning
A$29.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$30.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
A$29.90
- Serum or Treatment Vitamin C Serum Evening · Once a week
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
A$118.35
-
Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$73.61
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$42.00
-
Moisturizer
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$223.78
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
A$81.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Balancing Lavender Toner
Evening
A$77.81
-
Serum or Treatment
Papaya Enzyme Peel
Evening · Once a week
A$67.00
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
A$118.35
Buy Olay routine · A$324.71 · 86% fit
Buy Elemis routine · A$720.04 · 82% fitSee multi-brand routine · 95% fit
Questions and answers
Olay or Elemis: which is better?
Olay is better for fragrance-free options, gentle formulas, and skin texture, whereas Elemis focuses more on luxurious textures and hydrating moisturizers. Both brands fit mature skin well, but Olay stands out with a Superior fit for acne-prone skin.
What is the difference between Olay and Elemis?
Olay is owned by The Procter & Gamble Company and best fits acne-prone skin, mature skin, and oily acne-prone skin, while Elemis is owned by L'Occitane Group and best fits dry skin, mature skin, and dry sensitive skin. Reviewers note that Olay products on this page often feature fragrance-free options, whereas most Elemis products on this page contain fragrance.
Olay or Elemis for dry skin?
Elemis fits dry skin better with a Superior routine compared to Olay's High routine fit, while both offer deeply hydrating moisturizers that help improve skin texture and moisture levels.
Olay or Elemis: which cleanser is better?
Olay does better for fragrance-free and gentle formulas across the products on this page, while Elemis leans toward added fragrances. Both brands offer cleansers with strong ratings for acne-prone and mature skin types.
Which is more affordable, Olay or Elemis?
Olay is more affordable than Elemis, as reviewers frequently mention high price points for Elemis products while noting pricing issues for Olay.
Olay or Elemis: which has better options for fragrance-free skincare?
Olay has better options for fragrance-free skincare, as nearly all the products on its page list no fragrance. Elemis includes fragrance in the vast majority of its products on this page.
Olay or Elemis: which brand is better suited for mature skin?
Both Olay and Elemis are well suited for mature skin, with both brands achieving a Superior fit level on the products on this page. Olay relies on key ingredients like niacinamide and peptides, while Elemis incorporates formulas like Pro-Collagen Marine Cream to help smooth texture and provide intense hydration.
Olay or Elemis: which offers better results for improving skin texture and smoothing?
Olay offers better results for improving skin texture and smoothing based on the products on this page. Reviewers note that Olay outperforms Elemis in skin texture and smoothing.
Olay or Elemis for oily skin?
Both Olay and Elemis fit oily skin well, with Lovi rating both brands as High for this skin type. Olay offers a fragrance-free approach across most of the products on this page, whereas Elemis includes fragrance in several of its formulas.
Olay or Elemis: which moisturizer is better?
Olay and Elemis both offer effective moisturizers, with Olay providing fragrance-free options and Elemis featuring luxurious textures. For dry skin, Lovi rates Elemis as Superior and Olay as High.
Olay or Elemis for sensitive skin?
Both Olay and Elemis offer products on this page that fit sensitive skin well. Olay tends to be better for sensitive skin due to providing more fragrance-free options and gentler formulas across the products on this page.
Olay or Elemis for acne-prone skin?
Olay is the better choice for acne-prone skin, as Lovi rates its routine as Superior compared to High for Elemis. Reviewers on this page frequently highlight Olay for offering fragrance-free options and gentle formulas.
Research behind their key ingredients
Bacterial cellulose membranes as drug delivery systems: an in vivo skin compatibility study
Topical palmitoyl pentapeptide provides improvement in photoaged human facial skin
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
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
Topical beta-carotene protects against infra-red-light-induced free radicals
A Rose Extract Protects the Skin against Stress Mediators: A Potential Role of Olfactory Receptors
Neuroimmunomodulatory compound for sensitive skin care: in vitro and clinical assessment
Comedogenicity in rabbit: some cosmetic ingredients/vehicles
Comparative measurement of hydration effects of herbal moisturizers
Topical Almond Oil for Prevention of Pressure Injuries: A Single-Blinded Comparison Study
Skin recovery by Lavandula angustifolia leaf callus extract: Redox control of Nrf2 signaling
Dually functionalized dendrimer for stimuli-responsive release of active ingredients into the skin
Formulation and evaluation of exotic fat based cosmeceuticals for skin repair
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Effects of fermented tea seed oil on the skin lipid barrier and microbiome of sensitive skin
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
-

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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