Olay vs Elemis
Olay and Elemis are two distinct skincare lines offering reliable moisturizers, serums, cleansers, and eye treatments formulated with nourishing ingredients like glycerin. Olay utilizes niacinamide to suit sensitive and oily skin while addressing wrinkles, dark spots, and aging, whereas Elemis incorporates shea butter to support mature and dry skin by restoring suppleness and hydration. While both brands feature standout targeted products for acne-prone skin, dark spots, and mature skin, they differ in their foundational ingredients and primary skin type pairings.
Elemis is a British skincare brand founded in 1989 and owned by L'Occitane Group since 2019.
elemis.comau.elemis.comen.wikipedia.org
This page compares some of the most popular Olay and Elemis products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Olay vs Elemis products
People Say
Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Instantly smoother, softer, and more hydrated — Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream”
- “Skin feels like silk — Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer”
- “The cream really hydrates and my face looks amazing. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Night Cream”
- “Quenches thirsty skin... immediate improvement. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
Luxurious and Lightweight Texture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “absorbs quickly — Olay Vitamin C Serum”
- “absorbs instantly — Olay Super Serum Night Repair”
- “Absorbs almost immediately, and my skin feels well hydrated all day. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
- “whipped silk feel — Elemis Superfood Midnight Facial”
Skin Texture and Smoothing Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “skin feels baby soft — Olay Retinol24”
- “Absorbs so quickly! — Olay Regenerist Regenerating Serum”
- “velvety soft skin — Olay Super Serum Night Repair”
- “baby soft — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads”
Fragrance-Free and Gentle Formulas Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “tiny beads aren't harsh — Olay Regenerating Cream Cleanser”
- “doesn't strip my skin — Olay Regenerating Cream Cleanser”
- “No irritation at all — Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer”
- “no stinging or redness — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
Fast Absorption and Radiance Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “sinks in quickly — Olay Super Serum”
- “iridescent glow — Olay Super Serum”
- “healthy glow — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads”
- “instantly fresh glow — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash”
Pleasant Scent Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “smells like a spa — Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm”
- “smells like a holiday — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
- “smells like a tropical cocktail — Elemis Superfood Midnight Facial”
- “smells amazing — Olay Vitamin C Serum”
Price Point Issues Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “expensive for drugstore — Olay Super Serum”
- “expensive — Olay Super Serum Night Repair”
- “small quantity (0.5 oz) — Olay Eye Lifting Serum”
- “Complete waste of money for me. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
Strong or Unpleasant Fragrance Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Fragrance can be an irritant — Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream”
- “floral scent — Olay Super Serum”
- “smells like plastic — Olay Retinol24”
- “The smell is very strong... could not handle for long. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
Packaging Concerns Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “jar looks half empty — Elemis Superfood Midnight Facial”
- “tube feels half empty — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
- “pump broke quickly — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash”
- “hard to dispense — Olay Super Serum”
Olay vs Elemis routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$66.49
-
Hydrating Toner
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Morning
CA$27.99
-
Moisturizer
Pro-Collagen Night Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$131.00
-
SPF
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning
CA$154.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
CA$26.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Pro-Collagen Glow Boost Exfoliator
Evening · Once a week
CA$34.00
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
CA$29.99
-
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 Elemis routine · CA$278.47 · 88% fit
Buy Olay routine · CA$156.85 · 82% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
Olay vs Elemis routines for oily skin
-
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
-
Cleanser
Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$66.49
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
Pro-Collagen Night Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$131.00
-
SPF
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning
CA$154.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
CA$26.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
CA$28.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Pro-Collagen Glow Boost Exfoliator
Evening · Once a week
CA$34.00
-
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 Olay routine · CA$298.41 · 83% fit
Buy Elemis routine · CA$411.49 · 74% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Olay vs Elemis routines for combination skin
-
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
-
Cleanser
Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$66.49
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
Pro-Collagen Night Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$131.00
-
SPF
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning
CA$154.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
CA$26.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
CA$31.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Pro-Collagen Glow Boost Exfoliator
Evening · Once a week
CA$34.00
-
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 Olay routine · CA$250.43 · 82% fit
Buy Elemis routine · CA$369.58 · 77% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
Olay or Elemis: which is better?
Olay is better on this page for fragrance-free options, skin texture, and pricing, while Elemis is better for a luxurious texture and pleasant scent, but both offer equal hydration and glowing radiance.
What is the difference between Olay and Elemis?
Olay features fragrance-free options and is better for oily skin, whereas Elemis offers a higher routine fit level for mature skin. Olay also tends to be lower in price, while Elemis uses more scented and luxurious formulations.
Olay or Elemis for dry skin?
Both Olay and Elemis fit dry skin well, offering High routine fit levels on the products on this page. Olay offers fragrance-free options and intense hydration, while Elemis provides luxurious moisturizers that help improve skin texture.
Olay or Elemis: which cleanser is better?
Olay is better for cleansers on this page, as review themes show Olay does better for fragrance-free and gentle formulas while Elemis has more products with fragrance and potential skin irritation.
Which is more affordable, Olay or Elemis?
Olay is more affordable than Elemis, as high price point issues are frequently noted for Elemis while Olay does better with price point concerns.
Which brand has more fragrance-free product options, Olay or Elemis?
Olay has more fragrance-free product options than Elemis, as 26 of 27 products on its page list no fragrance compared to only 4 of 22 products for Elemis.
Olay or Elemis for oily skin?
Olay is better suited for oily skin, offering a High routine fit compared to Elemis, which has an Average fit.
Olay or Elemis: which moisturizer is better?
Olay features more fragrance-free options across the products on this page, whereas Elemis offers a higher Lovi mature skin fit with its Pro-Collagen Marine Cream. Both brands provide high levels of hydration and moisture for dry skin.
Olay or Elemis for sensitive skin?
Both Olay and Elemis have routines that fit sensitive skin at a High level. Olay features fragrance-free options across most of the products on this page, which helps minimize irritation.
Olay or Elemis for acne-prone skin?
Both Olay and Elemis fit acne-prone skin well, with a High routine fit level on this page. Reviewers report that Olay offers fragrance-free options and gentle formulas.
Olay or Elemis for mature skin?
Both Olay and Elemis are great options for mature skin, with Elemis achieving a Superior fit level for this skin type and Olay featuring a routine fit level of High. Olay products on this page often use ingredients like niacinamide and peptides, which help improve texture and skin aging.
Olay or Elemis for skin with dark spots?
Both Olay and Elemis fit skin with dark spots well, but Olay offers more fragrance-free options across the products on this page. Niacinamide in Olay helps reduce cutaneous pigmentation.
Research behind their key ingredients
Bacterial cellulose membranes as drug delivery systems: an in vivo skin compatibility study
Topical palmitoyl pentapeptide provides improvement in photoaged human facial skin
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
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
Topical beta-carotene protects against infra-red-light-induced free radicals
A Rose Extract Protects the Skin against Stress Mediators: A Potential Role of Olfactory Receptors
Neuroimmunomodulatory compound for sensitive skin care: in vitro and clinical assessment
Comedogenicity in rabbit: some cosmetic ingredients/vehicles
Comparative measurement of hydration effects of herbal moisturizers
Topical Almond Oil for Prevention of Pressure Injuries: A Single-Blinded Comparison Study
Skin recovery by Lavandula angustifolia leaf callus extract: Redox control of Nrf2 signaling
Dually functionalized dendrimer for stimuli-responsive release of active ingredients into the skin
Formulation and evaluation of exotic fat based cosmeceuticals for skin repair
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
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
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
-

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