The Ordinary vs ISDIN
The Ordinary and ISDIN are distinct skincare brands designed to address various dermatological needs. The Canadian brand offers serums, moisturizers, cleansers, toners, and more built around hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane, suiting dry skin and dry sensitive skin best. Conversely, the Spanish brand is known for sophisticated moisturizers, advanced sunscreens, targeted serums, and soothing eye products driven by meticulously engineered formulas that suit sensitive skin and oily acne-prone skin best. While both brands feature standout options for concerns like acne, dark spots, and mature skin, they differ in their foundational ingredients and overall geographical origins.
The Ordinary is a Canadian skincare brand founded in 2016 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. since 2021.
ISDIN is a Spanish skincare brand founded in 1975 and owned by Puig.
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This page compares some of the most popular The Ordinary and ISDIN products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular The Ordinary vs ISDIN products
People Say
Lightweight Texture and Absorption Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “absorbs instantly — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
- “ultra-light fluid product, which makes it super easy to apply — ISDIN Fusion Water”
- “Lightweight formula absorbs fast — ISDIN Hyaluronic Concentrate”
- “Sinks in immediately — The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum”
Skin Texture and Smoothing 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 looks smooth and healthy — ISDIN K-Ox Eyes”
- “I am more on a dehydrated side and this helps me look hydrated and smooth. — ISDIN Flavo-C Serum”
Affordability and Value 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%”
Hydration and Plumping Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Improved moisture and texture — ISDIN Hyaluronic Moisture”
- “My skin felt sooo hydrated and looks so plump and dewey. — ISDIN Fusion Water”
- “Skin feels intensely hydrated — ISDIN Hyaluronic Concentrate”
- “skin feels immediately hydrated — The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5”
Acne and Blemish Control Often MentionedNot noted
- “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”
Texture Issues and Pilling Mostly MentionedRarely Noted
- “Pilled up on my skin — ISDIN Hyaluronic Moisture”
- “crumbles and piles under moisturizer — The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%”
High Price Point Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “Expensive for Ordinary — The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum”
- “very expensive — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
Fragrance and Scent Concerns 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 — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
Skin Irritation and Sensitivity Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “I think the serum is too strong for my face as it has burned and left very rough and a peeling face. — ISDIN Flavo-C Serum”
- “slight peeling — ISDIN Retinal Intense Serum”
- “irritated AF the next day — The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution”
The Ordinary vs ISDIN 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
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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
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$26.59
-
Hydrating Toner
Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner
Morning
A$23.99
-
Moisturizer
d'Alba First Spray Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$26.09
-
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
Flavo-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$30.99
-
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 ISDIN routine · A$223.48 · 94% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
The Ordinary vs ISDIN routines for oily skin
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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
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$22.99
-
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
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
A$75.95
-
Serum or Treatment
Flavo-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$30.99
-
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
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
Buy ISDIN routine · A$440.85 · 94% fit
Buy The Ordinary routine · A$285.78 · 92% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
The Ordinary vs ISDIN routines for combination skin
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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
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$22.99
-
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
Flavo-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$30.99
-
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
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
Buy ISDIN routine · A$384.33 · 93% fit
Buy The Ordinary routine · A$219.69 · 91% fitSee multi-brand routine · 95% fit
Questions and answers
The Ordinary or ISDIN: which is better?
The Ordinary offers better affordability and value, while ISDIN stands out for its lightweight texture and hydration. Lovi rates the routine fit for dry skin as Superior for both brands.
What is the difference between The Ordinary and ISDIN?
The Ordinary provides highly affordable and budget-friendly skincare options, whereas ISDIN is often noted for a higher price point alongside lightweight, ultralight sunscreens and moisturizers.
The Ordinary or ISDIN for dry skin?
Both The Ordinary and ISDIN offer a Superior routine fit for dry skin. The Ordinary features a high value and fragrance-free formulas, while ISDIN provides lightweight moisturizers.
The Ordinary or ISDIN: which moisturizer is better?
When comparing moisturizers, ISDIN is better suited for hydration and lightweight texture, while The Ordinary offers better affordability and value. Hyaluronic acid helps maintain skin hydration and improve skin quality.
Which is more affordable, The Ordinary or ISDIN?
The Ordinary is more affordable, offering budget-friendly and great value serums compared to ISDIN, which often has a high price point.
Which brand has better performance for acne and blemish control?
The Ordinary does better for acne and blemish control. Lovi finds that acne-prone and oily acne-prone skin types fit better with The Ordinary than with ISDIN.
How do the founding years and corporate ownerships of The Ordinary and ISDIN compare?
The Ordinary was founded in Canada in 2016 and is owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc., whereas ISDIN was founded in Spain in 1975 and is owned by Puig.
Which brand has more products that list no fragrance in their ingredients?
The Ordinary has more products that list no fragrance, as every product on its page lists no fragrance in its ingredients.
The Ordinary or ISDIN for oily skin?
Both The Ordinary and ISDIN achieve a Superior routine fit for oily skin. The products on this page help provide lightweight textures and targeted oil control.
The Ordinary or ISDIN for sensitive skin?
Both The Ordinary and ISDIN provide a Superior routine fit for sensitive skin. The products on this page for The Ordinary list no fragrance in their ingredients.
The Ordinary or ISDIN for acne-prone skin?
ISDIN offers a Superior routine fit for acne-prone skin, whereas The Ordinary offers a High routine fit. ISDIN provides ultralight sunscreens that help with lightweight texture, while the products on this page from The Ordinary help with acne-clearing serums.
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
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
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
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
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
A bioactive complex to protect proteins from UV-induced oxidation in human epidermis
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
The clinical efficacy of a new emulsion for acne and conspicuous facial pore amelioration
Natural Moisturizing Factor-Enriched Formulations Compared to a Ceramide-Based Cream
Targeting Circadian Rhythm for the Regulation of Skin Collagen Metabolism
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
-

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
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