The Ordinary vs Skintific
The Ordinary and Skintific are popular skincare brands offering specialized serums, moisturizers, and more for various complexions. The Ordinary is known for formulas built around hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane that suit dry and dry sensitive skin best, while the second brand is warmly loved for thoughtfully formulated sunscreens and moisturizers that suit oily and oily acne-prone skin best. These two options differ primarily in their core ingredient profiles and ideal skin types, giving users distinct pathways to targeted care.
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 The Ordinary and Skintific products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular The Ordinary vs Skintific products
People Say
Great 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%”
Skin Texture and Smoothing Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “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 smoother and brighter — The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%”
- “Kulit terasa lebih halus — Skintific AHA BHA PHA LHA Peeling Solution”
Lightweight Absorption Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “absorbs instantly — Skintific 5X Ceramide Barrier Moisture Gel”
- “light as air — Skintific MATE FIT”
- “Sinks in immediately — The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum”
Redness and Calming Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “calm my acne instantly — Skintific MUGWORT”
- “redness berkurang — Skintific 5X Ceramide Barrier Moisture Gel”
- “calms down the redness immediately — The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%”
Reduces Oil Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “controls shine for 8 hours — Skintific MATE FIT”
- “oil control is good — Skintific 5X Ceramide Barrier Moisture Gel”
- “controlled my sebum production — The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%”
Acne and Blemish Clearing 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”
Unpleasant Scent 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”
- “scent is actually quite strong — Skintific All Day Light Sunscreen Mist”
Drying Formula Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Skin felt tight an hour later — The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA”
- “incredibly drying — The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%”
- “dried out skin — The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG”
- “kurang lembab — Skintific 5X Ceramide Barrier Moisture Gel”
Stinging and Irritation Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “Panas banget di kulit — Skintific AHA BHA PHA LHA Peeling Solution”
- “stings a little but worth it — The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution”
Sticky and Tacky Finish Often MentionedNot noted
- “feels very sticky — The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5”
The Ordinary vs Skintific 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
Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner
Morning
A$23.99
-
Moisturizer
5X Ceramide Barrier Moisture Gel
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
AHA BHA PHA LHA Peeling Solution
Evening · Once a week
A$19.90
-
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 Skintific routine · A$206.20 · 87% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
The Ordinary vs Skintific 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
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$34.66
-
Moisturizer
5X Ceramide Barrier Moisture Gel
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
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
A$75.95
-
Serum or Treatment
AHA BHA PHA LHA Peeling Solution
Evening · Once a week
A$19.90
-
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 Skintific routine · A$426.67 · 91% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
The Ordinary vs Skintific 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
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$42.00
-
Moisturizer
5X Ceramide Barrier Moisture Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$19.90
-
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
AHA BHA PHA LHA Peeling Solution
Evening · Once a week
A$19.90
-
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 Skintific routine · A$370.15 · 89% fitSee multi-brand routine · 95% fit
Questions and answers
The Ordinary or Skintific: which is better?
The Ordinary fits dry skin, dry sensitive skin, sensitive skin, mature skin, skin with dark spots, and combination skin with a Superior routine fit, while Skintific reaches High for those skin types.
What is the difference between The Ordinary and Skintific?
The Ordinary fits dry, dry sensitive, sensitive, and mature skin with a Superior routine level, while Skintific fits oily acne-prone skin with a Superior routine level. Reviewers mention that the products on this page from The Ordinary provide great value and help with skin texture, whereas Skintific products are noted for lightweight absorption and reducing redness.
The Ordinary or Skintific for dry skin?
The Ordinary fits dry skin better than Skintific, as Lovi rates The Ordinary Superior for dry skin while Skintific is High. Every product on this page for The Ordinary lists no fragrance in its ingredients.
The Ordinary or Skintific: which moisturizer is better?
The Ordinary is a better fit for dry skin with its Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA moisturizer, achieving a Superior Lovi fit level compared to Skintific's High fit level on this page. Hyaluronic acid helps improve skin hydration and moisture retention.
Which is more affordable, The Ordinary or Skintific?
The Ordinary is more affordable and offers better value and pricing across the products on this page compared to Skintific.
Which brand is better for reducing oil, The Ordinary or Skintific?
Skintific does better for reducing oil compared to The Ordinary. Lovi rates the routine fit for oily skin as Superior for Skintific and Superior for The Ordinary.
The Ordinary or Skintific for oily skin?
Both The Ordinary and Skintific achieve a Superior routine fit for oily skin. The products on this page help manage oil and provide lightweight options for this skin type.
The Ordinary or Skintific for sensitive skin?
The Ordinary fits sensitive skin better, as Lovi rates its routine fit as Superior compared to Skintific at High. The products on this page help deliver gentle care with key ingredients like hyaluronic acid.
The Ordinary or Skintific for acne-prone skin?
Both The Ordinary and Skintific achieve a High routine fit level for acne-prone skin on this page, but they differ in value and feel.
The Ordinary or Skintific for dry sensitive skin?
The Ordinary is a better fit for dry sensitive skin, offering a Superior routine fit compared to Skintific's High fit level. The products on this page help hydrate and soothe dry, sensitive skin types.
The Ordinary or Skintific for skin with dark spots?
The Ordinary is a better fit for skin with dark spots, as Lovi rates its routine as Superior compared to Skintific's High. Reviewers on the page report that The Ordinary does better with dark spot fading 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
In vivo and in vitro evaluation of octyl methoxycinnamate liposomes
Nanostructured Lipid Carrier for Topical Application of N-Acetyl Glucosamine
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
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
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
-

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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