The Ordinary vs celimax
The Ordinary and celimax are accessible skincare labels offering dedicated serums, moisturizers, toners, and more. The Canadian line relies on hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane to suit dry skin and dry sensitive skin, while the Korean brand pairs gentle efficacy with targeted active ingredients to best benefit sensitive skin and skin with dark spots. Both supply reliable nourishment through distinct formulations, allowing users to select options tailored precisely to individual complexion needs.
The Ordinary is a Canadian skincare brand founded in 2016 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. since 2021.
celimax is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2019 and owned by ABSORBLAB Co., Ltd..
This page compares some of the most popular The Ordinary and celimax products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular The Ordinary vs celimax products
People Say
Great value and price 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%”
Gentle and non-irritating Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “cleans deeply without stripping — celimax Noni Acne Bubble Cleanser”
- “Doesn't irritate — celimax Dual Barrier Creamy Toner”
- “zero irritation or sensitivity — celimax Pore+Dark Spot Brightening Serum”
- “Leaves my face feeling soft and not tight at all. — The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser”
Smoothes skin texture Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “skin feels baby butt smooth — The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution”
- “skin looks smoother and brighter — The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%”
- “glass-like smoothness — celimax RETINAL SHOT”
- “skin feels noticeably smoother — celimax Heartleaf BHA Peeling Pad”
Hydration and plumping Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Skin stays soft throughout the day — celimax Dual Barrier Creamy Toner”
- “gives a very beautiful glow to your skin — celimax Noni Ampoule”
- “Calms irritation — celimax Dual Barrier Creamy Toner”
- “skin feels immediately hydrated — The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5”
Lightweight absorption Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “absorbs incredibly fast — celimax Pore+Dark Spot Brightening Serum”
- “sinks right into the skin — celimax Noni Ampoule”
- “light and non-greasy — celimax Derma Nature Fresh Blackhead Jojoba Cleansing Oil”
- “Sinks in immediately — The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum”
Reduces redness and calms skin Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “calms my face redness upon application — celimax Noni Ampoule”
- “No stinging on my hypersensitive skin — celimax Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream”
- “immediate cooling effect — celimax Ji.Woo.Gae Cica BHA Blemish Toner Pad”
- “calms down the redness immediately — The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%”
Stinging and irritation Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “stinging — celimax RETINAL SHOT”
- “redness — celimax RETINAL SHOT”
- “reaction to spearmint extract — celimax Pore+Dark Spot Brightening Serum”
- “irritated AF the next day — The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution”
Pilling and makeup issues Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “Pills if I apply foundation over it — celimax Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream”
- “crumbles and piles under moisturizer — The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%”
The Ordinary vs celimax routines for dry skin
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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
Noni Acne Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$25.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Dual Barrier Creamy Toner
Morning
A$26.00
-
Moisturizer
Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$25.90
-
SPF
Bioderma Photoderm Mineral Fluide SPF50+
Morning
A$24.49
-
Pre-Cleanser
Derma Nature Fresh Blackhead Jojoba Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$27.45
-
Serum or Treatment
Noni Ampoule
Evening · Once a week
A$29.33
-
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 The Ordinary routine · A$192.91 · 96% fit
Buy celimax routine · A$222.15 · 75% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
The Ordinary vs celimax routines for oily skin
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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
Noni Acne Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$25.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Dual Barrier Creamy Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$26.00
-
Moisturizer
Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$25.90
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
A$27.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Derma Nature Fresh Blackhead Jojoba Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$27.45
-
Cleansing Toner
Ji.Woo.Gae Cica BHA Blemish Toner Pad
Evening
A$28.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Heartleaf BHA Peeling Pad
Evening · Once a week
A$29.87
-
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 celimax routine · A$344.06 · 81% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
The Ordinary vs celimax routines for combination skin
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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
Noni Acne Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$25.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Dual Barrier Creamy Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$26.00
-
Moisturizer
Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$25.90
-
Pre-Cleanser
Derma Nature Fresh Blackhead Jojoba Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$27.45
-
Cleansing Toner
Ji.Woo.Gae Cica BHA Blemish Toner Pad
Evening
A$28.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Heartleaf BHA Peeling Pad
Evening · Once a week
A$29.87
-
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 celimax routine · A$316.07 · 76% fitSee multi-brand routine · 95% fit
Questions and answers
The Ordinary or celimax: which is better?
The Ordinary offers better value and prices than celimax, while celimax does better with hydration, lightweight absorption, and calming skin. Lovi finds The Ordinary has a superior routine fit for dry, oily, combination, sensitive, and mature skin, and skin with dark spots, whereas celimax has a high fit across these skin types.
What is the difference between The Ordinary and celimax?
The Ordinary offers greater value and price, while celimax is noted for being gentle and non-irritating, providing better hydration and plumping, lightweight absorption, and redness reduction. Lovi rates The Ordinary as having a Superior routine fit for dry skin, whereas celimax has a High fit.
The Ordinary or celimax for dry skin?
Lovi rates The Ordinary as Superior for dry skin, while celimax has a High fit level for this skin type. The Ordinary also offers greater value and price compared to celimax.
The Ordinary or celimax: which cleanser is better?
The Ordinary offers a better range of cleansers, as Lovi rates the Glycolipid Cream Cleanser as having a Superior fit for dry skin while celimax features products with lower fit levels for certain skin types. Reviewers also note that the products on this page from The Ordinary provide great value and price compared to celimax.
Which is more affordable, The Ordinary or celimax?
The Ordinary is more affordable, as reviewers on the page frequently praise its serums for offering great value and price.
Which brand is better for texture-smoothing serums?
Both The Ordinary and celimax are equal for texture-smoothing serums, as both brands offer effective options for smoothing skin texture. Lovi shows that the products on this page for both brands include texture-smoothing formulas.
The Ordinary or celimax for oily skin?
For oily skin, Lovi finds The Ordinary has a Superior routine fit while celimax has a High routine fit. The Ordinary offers better value and price, whereas celimax provides better lightweight absorption.
The Ordinary or celimax: which moisturizer is better?
The Ordinary offers better-value moisturizers that fit dry and sensitive skin with Superior levels, while celimax provides highly soothing and hydrating options. Hyaluronic acid helps improve skin hydration and reduce signs of aging.
The Ordinary or celimax for sensitive skin?
The Ordinary is a better fit for sensitive skin, offering a Superior routine fit compared to celimax at High. Both brands feature no fragrance in the products on this page.
The Ordinary or celimax for acne-prone skin?
Both The Ordinary and celimax are rated High for acne-prone skin on the products on this page. Reviewers report that The Ordinary offers great value and acne-clearing serums, while celimax provides soothing and calming moisturizers.
Research behind their key ingredients
Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles in sunscreens: focus on their safety and effectiveness
The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer
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
Effect of Camellia japonica oil on human type I procollagen production and skin barrier function
The moisturizing effects of glycolipid biosurfactants, mannosylerythritol lipids, on human skin
Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation by topical N-acetyl glucosamine
Protective effects of Camellia japonica flower extract against urban air pollutants
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
Morinda citrifolia Linn. (Rubiaceae) leaf extracts mitigate UVB-induced erythema
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
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
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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
-

Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
-

Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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