SKIN1004 vs The Ordinary
SKIN1004 and The Ordinary are accessible skincare labels that offer distinct approaches to daily routines through targeted formulations. SKIN1004, a Korean brand founded in 2012, features gentle toners, moisturizers, sunscreens, and masks built around centella asiatica, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide to suit sensitive and dry skin best. Conversely, the Canadian brand The Ordinary, established in 2016, provides effective serums, moisturizers, cleansers, and toners centered on hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane for dry and dry sensitive skin. While both share a focus on hydration and skin health, they differ in origin, primary ingredient philosophies, and product formats.
SKIN1004 is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2012 and owned by Goodai Global Inc. since 2024.
mk.co.krpitchbook.comtracxn.comgoodai-global.com
The Ordinary is a Canadian skincare brand founded in 2016 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. since 2021.
This page compares some of the most popular SKIN1004 and The Ordinary products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular SKIN1004 vs The Ordinary products
- Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum
-
Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil
A$14.95
-
Madagascar Centella Toning Toner
A$17.75
-
Madagascar Centella Poremizing Light Gel Cream
A$22.95
-
Madagascar Centella Quick Calming Pad
A$28.72
-
Madagascar Centella Watergel Sheet Ampoule Mask
A$14.95
-
Hyalu-Cica Moisture Cream
A$23.49
-
Zombie Pack
A$49.00
People Say
Hydration and soothing Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “calmed my angry skin — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Toning Toner”
- “Gives my dehydrated skin a moisture surge — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Watergel Sheet Ampoule Mask”
- “Eliminated redness on my easily irritated skin — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Watergel Sheet Ampoule Mask”
- “skin feels immediately hydrated — The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5”
Lightweight texture Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
- “sunk in like a dream — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum”
- “Texture is on the thinner side... surprisingly lightweight. — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil”
- “absorbs like water — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Toning Toner”
- “Sinks in immediately — The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum”
Value and pricing Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
- “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%”
- “huge bottle — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Toning Toner”
Exfoliation and smoothing Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “glass skin effect — The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution”
- “never had any reaction to it with my sensitive skin — The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA”
- “skin feels baby butt smooth — The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution”
- “skin feels super soft — SKIN1004 Zombie Pack”
Acne-safe and acne-clearing Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “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”
- “didn't cause new breakouts — SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Moisture Cream”
Subtle glow and brightening Rarely NotedSometimes Noted
- “Dark spots have faded noticeably — The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA”
- “helped lighten post-acne scars — The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%”
- “dark scars are clearer within 2 weeks — The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA”
- “skin looks brighter immediately — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Tone Brightening Cleansing Gel Foam”
Sticky or tacky finish Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “left my skin medium tacky — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Light Gel Cream”
- “Left a slightly greasy feeling — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Watergel Sheet Ampoule Mask”
- “feels tacky in high humidity — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum”
- “feels very sticky — The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5”
Scent and fragrance issues Sometimes NotedRarely Noted
- “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”
- “smells like wet dog — SKIN1004 Zombie Pack”
Insufficient moisture Sometimes NotedRarely Noted
- “Skin felt tight an hour later — The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA”
- “not enough for dry skin — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Light Gel Cream”
Minor irritation and stinging Rarely NotedSometimes Noted
- “caused tiny bumps — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Toning Toner”
- “Stung my face — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Quick Calming Pad”
- “subtle sting — SKIN1004 Probio-Cica Bakuchiol Eye Cream”
- “stings a little but worth it — The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution”
SKIN1004 vs The Ordinary routines for dry skin
-
Cleanser
Glycolipid Cream Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$19.70
-
Hydrating Toner
Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner
Morning
A$23.99
-
Moisturizer
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$19.90
-
SPF
Bioderma Photoderm Mineral Fluide SPF50+
Morning
A$24.49
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
A$27.35
-
Serum or Treatment
Lactic Acid 5% + HA
Evening · Once a week
A$13.50
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
A$28.48
- Cleanser Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum Morning · Evening · Once a week
-
Hydrating Toner
Probio-Cica Essence Toner
Morning
A$25.49
-
SPF
Bioderma Photoderm Mineral Fluide SPF50+
Morning
A$24.49
-
Pre-Cleanser
Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$14.95
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Nourishing Mask
Madagascar Centella Watergel Sheet Ampoule Mask
Once a week
A$14.95
Buy The Ordinary routine · A$192.91 · 96% fit
Buy SKIN1004 routine · A$115.38 · 88% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
SKIN1004 vs The Ordinary routines for oily skin
-
Cleanser
Glucoside Foaming Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$19.70
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$34.66
-
Moisturizer
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$19.90
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
A$27.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$80.43
-
Cleansing Toner
Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Evening
A$14.20
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Evening · Once a week
A$9.50
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
Once a week
A$43.90
-
Cleanser
Madagascar Centella Tone Brightening Cleansing Gel Foam
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$18.70
-
Hydrating Toner
Probio-Cica Essence Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$25.49
- Moisturizer Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum Morning · Evening · Once a week
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
A$27.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$14.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Madagascar Centella Tea-Trica Purifying Toner
Evening
A$20.55
-
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 The Ordinary routine · A$285.78 · 92% fit
Buy SKIN1004 routine · A$261.53 · 88% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
SKIN1004 vs The Ordinary routines for combination skin
-
Cleanser
Glucoside Foaming Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$19.70
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$42.00
-
Moisturizer
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$19.90
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$30.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Evening
A$14.20
-
Serum or Treatment
Lactic Acid 5% + HA
Evening · Once a week
A$13.50
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
Once a week
A$43.90
-
Cleanser
Madagascar Centella Tone Brightening Cleansing Gel Foam
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$18.70
-
Hydrating Toner
Madagascar Centella Toning Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$17.75
- Moisturizer Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum Morning · Evening · Once a week
-
Pre-Cleanser
Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$14.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Madagascar Centella Tea-Trica Purifying Toner
Evening
A$20.55
-
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 The Ordinary routine · A$219.69 · 91% fit
Buy SKIN1004 routine · A$225.80 · 87% fitSee multi-brand routine · 95% fit
Questions and answers
SKIN1004 or The Ordinary: which is better?
The Ordinary outperforms SKIN1004 in routine fit for most skin types, offering superior value and targeted options for exfoliation, dark spots, and anti-aging. Meanwhile, SKIN1004 excels specifically in lightweight texture and soothing hydration.
What is the difference between SKIN1004 and The Ordinary?
SKIN1004 stands out for its hydrating and lightweight texture, while The Ordinary offers better value, exfoliation, and acne-clearing benefits. Reviewers note that SKIN1004 delivers superior soothing care, whereas The Ordinary excels in brightening dark spots.
SKIN1004 or The Ordinary for oily skin?
The Ordinary is a Superior fit for oily skin, whereas SKIN1004 has a High routine fit for this skin type. Reviewers note that The Ordinary offers better exfoliation, smoothing, and acne-clearing benefits, while SKIN1004 excels in lightweight texture and soothing hydration.
SKIN1004 or The Ordinary: which cleanser is better?
Both SKIN1004 and The Ordinary offer popular cleansers with solid benefits, but they cater to slightly different needs. For the products on this page, reviewers praise SKIN1004 for lightweight soothing formulas, while The Ordinary stands out for value and pricing.
Which is more affordable, SKIN1004 or The Ordinary?
The Ordinary is more affordable, offering popular value and pricing that outperform SKIN1004 in reviews.
Which brand is better for exfoliation and smoothing, SKIN1004 or The Ordinary?
The Ordinary does better for exfoliation and smoothing, with reviewer feedback highlighting its texture-smoothing serums and strong performance in this category.
Which brand has a better routine fit for mature skin, SKIN1004 or The Ordinary?
The Ordinary has a better routine fit for mature skin, offering a Superior routine fit compared to SKIN1004's High fit level.
Which brand performs better for hydration and soothing, SKIN1004 or The Ordinary?
SKIN1004 performs better for hydration and soothing, as reviewers frequently mention its hydrating and soothing masks as well as its soothing and lightweight toners.
SKIN1004 or The Ordinary for sensitive skin?
Both brands are a strong choice for sensitive skin, with Lovi giving SKIN1004 a High fit level and The Ordinary a Superior fit level for this skin type. Reviewers note that SKIN1004 stands out for hydration and soothing, while The Ordinary offers gentle and non-irritating serums.
SKIN1004 or The Ordinary: which moisturizer is better?
Both SKIN1004 and The Ordinary offer top-rated moisturizers, with The Ordinary achieving a Superior routine fit for dry and sensitive skin compared to SKIN1004's High fit. Reviewers specifically praise SKIN1004 for lightweight and soothing moisturizers, while noting that The Ordinary's products can sometimes provide insufficient moisture.
SKIN1004 or The Ordinary for acne-prone skin?
Both SKIN1004 and The Ordinary offer a high routine fit for acne-prone skin. The Ordinary does better for acne-clearing and exfoliation, while SKIN1004 stands out for hydration, soothing, and lightweight textures.
Research behind their key ingredients
The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review
Bifidobacterium longum lysate, a new ingredient for reactive skin
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
Self-Assembled Cubic Liquid Crystalline Nanoparticles for Transdermal Delivery of Paeonol
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
Phyllanthus emblica L. (amla) branch: A safe and effective ingredient against skin aging
The influence of alkane chain length on the skin irritation potential of 1,2-alkanediols
Chemical peels for acne vulgaris: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials
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
Effects of topical copper tripeptide complex on CO2 laser-resurfaced skin
Starch- and carboxymethyl cellulose-based films as active beauty masks with papain incorporation
Topical lycopene emulgel significantly improves biophysical parameters of human skin
Safety of a preservative system containing 1,2-hexanediol and caprylyl glycol
Moisturizing effect of alcohol-based hand rub containing okra polysaccharide
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Liposomal formulation of a vitamin C derivative: a promising strategy to increase skin permeability
Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate
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.
-

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
-

Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
-

Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
-

Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
How does it fit your skin?
Scan your face, then any product: Lovi shows how well it fits you and what fits even better.





















































