Good Molecules vs Olay
Good Molecules and Olay are popular skincare options known for their thoughtfully crafted daily essentials. The American brand founded in 2019 features moisture-binding serums, moisturizers, and sunscreens with glycerin and hyaluronic acid that suit dry and dry sensitive skin best, whereas the universally loved alternative utilizes niacinamide and glycerin in reliable cleansers, moisturizers, and serums tailored primarily for sensitive and oily skin. While both rely on glycerin to improve hydration and restore barrier function, Good Molecules pairs its formulas with hyaluronic acid, and Olay incorporates niacinamide to address wrinkles, pigmentation, and aging.
Good Molecules is an American skincare brand founded in 2019 and owned by Beautylish, Inc..
beautymatter.comgoodmolecules.compitchbook.compreqin.com
This page compares some of the most popular Good Molecules and Olay products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Good Molecules vs Olay products
People Say
Lightweight and Non-Greasy Texture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “absorbs quickly... zero irritation or tacky feeling — Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum”
- “practically invisible on skin — Good Molecules PIMPLE PATCHES”
- “absorbs quickly — Olay Vitamin C Serum”
- “Absorbs so quickly! — Olay Regenerist Regenerating Serum”
Improves Skin Texture and Smoothness Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “skin feels baby soft — Olay Retinol24”
- “Skin feels like silk — Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer”
- “hydrates the skin — Olay Advanced Eye Cream”
- “skin looks like brand new baby skin — Good Molecules Overnight Exfoliating Treatment”
Affordable Price and Value Mostly MentionedRarely Noted
- “best value for money — Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum”
- “great value — Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum”
- “Better than high-end moisturizers — Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream”
Hydration and Plumping Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Instantly smoother, softer, and more hydrated — Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream”
- “light and smooth — Olay Ultimate Eye Cream”
- “hydrates the skin — Olay Advanced Eye Cream”
- “skin appears smooth and supple — Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum”
Gentle Formula Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “no skin purging — Good Molecules Gentle Retinol Cream”
- “Non-abrasive, suitable for sensitive skin, no stinging — Good Molecules Pineapple Exfoliating Powder”
- “leaves my face feeling clean without the drying — Good Molecules Hydrating Facial Cleansing Gel”
- “tiny beads aren't harsh — Olay Regenerating Cream Cleanser”
Fades Dark Spots and Brightens Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “iridescent glow — Olay Super Serum”
- “hides dark shadows — Olay Ultimate Eye Cream”
- “skin looks brighter — Olay Vitamin C Serum”
- “scar on your chin doesn't look nearly as noticeable — Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum”
Packaging and Bottle Issues Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Metal tube cracks — Good Molecules Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel”
- “Hole is too big — Good Molecules Pineapple Exfoliating Powder”
- “hard to dispense — Olay Super Serum”
- “dropper is frustrating — Olay Super Serum Night Repair”
Unpleasant Scent and Fragrance Rarely NotedSometimes Noted
- “Strong bergamot smell — Good Molecules Super Peptide Serum”
- “weird faint smell — Good Molecules Gentle Retinol Cream”
- “Doesn't smell like pineapple — Good Molecules Pineapple Exfoliating Powder”
- “Fragrance can be an irritant — Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream”
Good Molecules vs Olay routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Hydrating Facial Cleansing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$34.85
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Hydrating Toner
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Morning
CA$27.99
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Moisturizer
Lightweight Daily Moisturizer
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$31.45
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SPF
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
Morning
CA$27.00
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Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
CA$17.99
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Serum or Treatment
Daily Brightening Serum
Evening · Once a week
CA$21.44
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Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
CA$29.99
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Cleanser
Regenerating Cream Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$44.92
-
Hydrating Toner
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Morning
CA$27.99
-
Moisturizer
Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$35.96
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
CA$17.99
- Serum or Treatment Vitamin C Serum Evening · Once a week
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
CA$29.99
Buy Good Molecules routine · CA$190.71 · 92% fit
Buy Olay routine · CA$156.85 · 82% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
Good Molecules vs Olay routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
Hydrating Facial Cleansing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$34.85
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$17.78
-
SPF
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
Morning
CA$27.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$23.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
CA$28.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide Serum
Evening · Once a week
CA$16.99
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Tatcha The Clarifying Clay Mask
Once a week
CA$95.00
-
Cleanser
Regenerating Cream Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$44.92
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
Super Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$18.98
-
SPF
Regenerist Whip Face Moisturizer SPF 25
Morning
CA$38.94
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$23.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Oil Minimizing Clean Toner
Evening
CA$9.48
- Serum or Treatment Vitamin C Serum Evening · Once a week
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Tatcha The Clarifying Clay Mask
Once a week
CA$95.00
Buy Good Molecules routine · CA$311.61 · 87% fit
Buy Olay routine · CA$298.41 · 83% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Good Molecules vs Olay routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Hydrating Facial Cleansing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$34.85
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$17.78
-
SPF
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
Morning
CA$27.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$23.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
CA$31.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Gentle Retinol Cream
Evening · Once a week
CA$14.49
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay
Once a week
CA$50.00
-
Cleanser
Regenerating Cream Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$44.92
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
Super Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$18.98
-
SPF
Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
Morning
CA$35.96
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$23.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Oil Minimizing Clean Toner
Evening
CA$9.48
- Serum or Treatment Vitamin C Serum Evening · Once a week
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay
Once a week
CA$50.00
Buy Good Molecules routine · CA$252.71 · 88% fit
Buy Olay routine · CA$250.43 · 82% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
Good Molecules or Olay: which is better?
Good Molecules offers a more gentle formula and better affordability, while Olay excels at hydration, plumping, and improving skin texture. For dry skin, Good Molecules has a Superior routine fit compared to Olay's High fit level.
What is the difference between Good Molecules and Olay?
Good Molecules offers better value with more affordable serums and gentler formulas, whereas Olay excels at providing intense hydration and improving skin texture. For dry, sensitive, and mature skin types, the products on this page from Good Molecules achieve a Superior Lovi fit level compared to Olay's High fit level.
Good Molecules or Olay for dry skin?
Good Molecules is the better choice for dry skin, offering a superior routine fit compared to Olay which has a high fit. The products on this page for Good Molecules include a high concentration of hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which helps maintain moisture levels and improve overall skin quality.
Good Molecules or Olay: which cleanser is better?
Good Molecules offers a better cleansing experience for dry and sensitive skin types, with its Hydrating Facial Cleansing Gel earning a High fit level. Olay provides a mix of options, including the Regenerating Cream Cleanser, but features cleansers with lower fit levels for sensitive and dry skin.
Which is more affordable, Good Molecules or Olay?
Good Molecules offers greater affordability and better value, as reflected by reviewer feedback on the products on this page.
Good Molecules or Olay: which brand has better anti-aging and mature skin routines?
Good Molecules has a Superior routine fit for mature skin, whereas Olay has a High fit level. Reviewers note that Olay does better for hydration and plumping as well as improving skin texture and smoothness.
Which brand has more products formulated without fragrance, Good Molecules or Olay?
Good Molecules has all of its products on the page formulated without fragrance, while Olay has 26 of its 27 products formulated without fragrance.
Good Molecules or Olay: which is better for fading dark spots and brightening skin?
Olay is better for fading dark spots and brightening skin compared to Good Molecules. Olay utilizes key ingredients like niacinamide, which helps reduce cutaneous pigmentation and suppress melanosome transfer, contributing to its effectiveness in this area.
Good Molecules or Olay for oily skin?
Both Good Molecules and Olay offer a High routine fit for oily skin. Reviewers note that the products on this page for both brands feel lightweight and non-greasy.
Good Molecules or Olay: which moisturizer is better?
When comparing moisturizers, Good Molecules offers affordable and hydrating options that reviewers note are great value, whereas Olay provides formulas that tend to deliver more intense hydration and smoother skin texture. For dry skin specifically, Good Molecules achieves a Superior fit level with the products on this page, while Olay achieves a High fit level.
Good Molecules or Olay for sensitive skin?
Good Molecules is a better fit for sensitive skin, offering a Superior routine level compared to Olay's High fit.
Good Molecules or Olay: which sunscreen is better?
Good Molecules offers a better sunscreen option on this page, with its Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 achieving a Superior fit level for dry sensitive skin, dry skin, sensitive skin, skin with dark spots, and mature skin. Olay's sunscreen options on the page include Complete All Day Moisturizer SPF 15 and Regenerist Whip Face Moisturizer SPF 25, which generally match lower fit levels across those skin types.
Good Molecules or Olay for acne-prone skin?
Both Good Molecules and Olay offer a High routine fit for acne-prone skin. Reviewers note that Good Molecules tends to provide a more gentle formula, while Olay is often recognized for improving skin texture and smoothness.
Research behind their key ingredients
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
Topical palmitoyl pentapeptide provides improvement in photoaged human facial skin
Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation by topical N-acetyl glucosamine
Preparation and evaluation of anti-wrinkle cream containing saffron extract and avocado oil
Chemical peels for acne vulgaris: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials
Neuroimmunomodulatory compound for sensitive skin care: in vitro and clinical assessment
Comedogenicity in rabbit: some cosmetic ingredients/vehicles
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Moisturizing Effects of Diglycerol Combined with Glycerol on Human Stratum Corneum
Dually functionalized dendrimer for stimuli-responsive release of active ingredients into the skin
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Hippophae rhamnoides oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion improves barrier function in healthy human subjects
Development and efficacy assessments of tea seed oil makeup remover
Effects of fermented tea seed oil on the skin lipid barrier and microbiome of sensitive skin
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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