The Ordinary vs Lancôme
The Ordinary and Lancôme are distinguished skincare brands that offer thoughtfully formulated serums, moisturizers, cleansers, toners, and more. The Canadian brand centers its offerings around ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane to suit dry skin and dry sensitive skin best, while the French brand relies on glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and adenosine to cater primarily to sensitive skin and acne-prone skin. Both lines feature specialized solutions for specific concerns, such as dark spots or mature skin, yet they differ fundamentally in their heritage, foundational compounds, and ideal skin types.
The Ordinary is a Canadian skincare brand founded in 2016 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. since 2021.
Lancôme is a French skincare brand founded in 1935 and owned by L'Oréal S.A. since 1964.
loreal.comen.wikipedia.orgcosmeticsbusiness.com
This page compares some of the most popular The Ordinary and Lancôme products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular The Ordinary vs Lancôme products
People Say
Texture and Absorption Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “absorbs quickly — Lancôme RÉNERGIE”
- “absorbs almost instantly — Lancôme Génifique Ultimate”
- “Skin feels cushiony soft — Lancôme Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate”
- “glass skin effect — The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution”
Hydration and Moisture Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “gives my skin an instant dewy glow — Lancôme Tonique Confort”
- “keeps the skin soft and hydrated — Lancôme HYDRA ZEN”
- “The product provides deep hydration and visible rejuvenation. — Lancôme Advanced Génifique Night Cream”
- “skin feels immediately hydrated — The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5”
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%”
Acne and Blemish Control Mostly MentionedNot noted
- “pimples disappear within a day — The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution”
- “pores look significantly smaller — The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%”
- “scars and hormonal acne faded — The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%”
Gentle Care for Sensitive Skin Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “Finally a cleanser that doesn't sting my face. — The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser”
- “No irritation at all — The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA”
- “instantly soothed my skin — Lancôme Génifique Ultimate”
- “Doesn't sting my eyes — Lancôme Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover”
Unique Textures and Finishes Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “skin is softer to touch — Lancôme Absolue Precious Oil”
- “triple-chamber keeps ingredients fresh — Lancôme RÉNERGIE”
- “Bottle lasts forever — Lancôme Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover”
- “Sinks in immediately — The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA”
Pilling and Application Issues Mostly MentionedRarely Noted
- “Leaves a greasy film — Lancôme Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover”
- “pilling like dead skin — Lancôme Génifique Ultimate”
- “left a tacky film on my face — Lancôme Tonique Confort”
- “crumbles and piles under moisturizer — The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%”
General Formulation Issues Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “didn't notice much change in wrinkles — Lancôme Génifique Ultimate”
- “Did absolutely nothing — Lancôme Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate”
- “Strong smell of alcohol — Lancôme Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate”
- “foams up like soap — The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution”
Skin Irritation and Sensitivity Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “caused a breakout — Lancôme RÉNERGIE”
- “felt a burning sensation immediately — Lancôme Tonique Confort”
- “burns my eyes — Lancôme Crème Radiance”
- “irritated AF the next day — The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution”
The Ordinary vs Lancôme 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
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$26.59
-
Hydrating Toner
Tonique Confort
Morning
A$90.95
-
Moisturizer
RÉNERGIE
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$179.72
-
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
Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate
Evening · Once a week
A$220.00
-
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 Lancôme routine · A$633.08 · 83% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
The Ordinary vs Lancôme 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
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$13.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Tonique Confort
Morning · Once a week
A$90.95
-
Moisturizer
RÉNERGIE
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$179.72
-
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
Génifique Ultimate
Evening · Once a week
A$429.00
-
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 The Ordinary routine · A$285.78 · 92% fit
Buy Lancôme routine · A$1,051.88 · 81% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
The Ordinary vs Lancôme 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
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$73.61
-
Hydrating Toner
Tonique Confort
Morning · Once a week
A$90.95
-
Moisturizer
RÉNERGIE
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$179.72
-
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
Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate
Evening · Once a week
A$220.00
-
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 The Ordinary routine · A$219.69 · 91% fit
Buy Lancôme routine · A$779.02 · 79% fitSee multi-brand routine · 95% fit
Questions and answers
The Ordinary or Lancôme: which is better?
The Ordinary provides better value and acne-control options, while Lancôme is preferred for deep hydration and texture.
What is the difference between The Ordinary and Lancôme?
The Ordinary provides products on this page that are more affordable and better suited for acne-prone skin and value, whereas Lancôme excels in texture, absorption, and hydration. Additionally, every product from The Ordinary on this page lists no fragrance, while several Lancôme items include fragrance.
The Ordinary or Lancôme for dry skin?
The Ordinary is a better fit for dry skin, achieving a Superior routine fit compared to Lancôme's High fit on this page.
The Ordinary or Lancôme: which cleanser is better?
The products on this page show that The Ordinary offers fragrance-free cleansers like the Glycolipid Cream Cleanser, which has a High fit level for dry skin, dry sensitive skin, oily skin, combination skin, and acne-prone skin, while Lancôme features fragranced cleansers such as Crème Radiance, which receives a warning fit level across all skin types on the page.
Which is more affordable, The Ordinary or Lancôme?
The Ordinary is more affordable and offers great value serums compared to Lancôme, which reviewers note has a high price point.
Which brand has more fragrance-free products, The Ordinary or Lancôme?
The Ordinary offers more fragrance-free choices, as every product on its page lists no fragrance in its ingredients, whereas only 3 of the 14 products on the Lancome page do.
How do The Ordinary and Lancôme compare for mature skin and dark spots?
For mature skin and skin with dark spots, The Ordinary achieves a Superior fit level for the products on this page, whereas Lancôme reaches a High fit level. The Ordinary offers better value and blemish control, while Lancôme excels in texture, absorption, and hydration.
What are the main review complaints for Lancôme versus The Ordinary?
Reviewers of Lancôme commonly complain about a high price point, strong fragrance, and subtle results, whereas The Ordinary faces complaints mostly regarding sticky or tacky finishes and pilling issues.
The Ordinary or Lancôme for oily skin?
For oily skin, The Ordinary offers a superior routine fit compared to Lancôme's high fit on this page.
The Ordinary or Lancôme: which moisturizer is better?
When comparing moisturizers, The Ordinary offers a superior routine fit for dry skin compared to Lanc$u00f4me, while providing much better value and pricing on this page.
The Ordinary or Lancôme for sensitive skin?
Both The Ordinary and Lancôme achieve a Superior fit for sensitive skin on the products on this page. Lancome is often noted for soothing sensitive skin, while The Ordinary offers fragrance-free options across all its products on this page.
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
Spent Yeast Waste Streams as a Sustainable Source of Bioactive Peptides for Skin Applications
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
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
Skin moisturization by hydrogenated polyisobutene--quantitative and visual evaluation
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
-

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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