The Ordinary vs Allies of Skin
The Ordinary and Allies of Skin are skincare brands that offer serums, moisturizers, cleansers, and more. The Canadian brand centers its formulations on hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane, while Allies of Skin features potent ingredients like niacinamide. Both brands suit dry skin and mature skin best, though they differ in their specific product lineups and targeted treatments for concerns such as acne and dark spots.
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 Allies of Skin products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular The Ordinary vs Allies of Skin products
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Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
CA$15.80
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Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
CA$12.00
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Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
CA$15.80
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Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
CA$8.69
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Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum
CA$39.50
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Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
CA$6.60
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Mandelic Acid 10% + HA
CA$10.30
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AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
CA$13.00
People Say
Skin Texture Improvement 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 smoother and brighter — The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%”
- “Woke up looking well-rested — Allies of Skin Retinal & Peptides Repair Night Cream”
Hydration and Plumping Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “nourished and hydrated — Allies of Skin Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream”
- “more like a spray serum — Allies of Skin Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist”
- “Skin feels hydrated — Allies of Skin Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum”
- “skin feels immediately hydrated — The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5”
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%”
Gentle and Non-Irritating Formulation Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Leaves my face feeling soft and not tight at all. — The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser”
- “Finally a cleanser that doesn't sting my face. — The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser”
- “Best retinol for sensitive skin — Allies of Skin Retinal & Peptides Repair Night Cream”
- “feels super soothing, doesn't trigger redness — Allies of Skin Tranexamic & Arbutin Advanced Brightening Serum”
Acne Clearing and Blemish Reduction Often MentionedSometimes 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”
- “Dramatic impact on acne — Allies of Skin Retinal & Peptides Repair Night Cream”
Lightweight Absorption and Texture Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “sinks easily into damp skin — Allies of Skin Tranexamic & Arbutin Advanced Brightening Serum”
- “Absorbs instantly without sticky feeling — Allies of Skin Peptides & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment”
- “Sinks in immediately — The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum”
High Price Point Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
- “Expensive for Ordinary — The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum”
- “Pricey — Allies of Skin Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum”
Sticky and Tacky Finish Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “didn't like how sticky face feels — Allies of Skin Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist”
- “feels very sticky — The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5”
Stinging and Skin Irritation Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “Slightly irritating... when I first started — Allies of Skin Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum”
- “rashes popped up on my neck — Allies of Skin Tranexamic & Arbutin Advanced Brightening Serum”
- “stings my eyes — Allies of Skin Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream”
- “stings a little but worth it — The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution”
Slow or Ineffective Results Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “no change in pigment — The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG”
- “not a miracle worker overnight — The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA”
- “Didn't do anything special — The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA”
- “still not impressed with the results — Allies of Skin Tranexamic & Arbutin Advanced Brightening Serum”
The Ordinary vs Allies of Skin routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Glycolipid Cream Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$14.80
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Hydrating Toner
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Morning
CA$27.99
-
Moisturizer
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$16.20
-
SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
CA$38.00
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Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
CA$17.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Lactic Acid 5% + HA
Evening · Once a week
CA$10.70
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Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
CA$29.99
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Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$20.19
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Hydrating Toner
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Morning
CA$27.99
-
Moisturizer
Peptides & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$98.99
-
SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
CA$38.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
CA$17.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream
Evening · Once a week
CA$194.18
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
CA$29.99
Buy The Ordinary routine · CA$155.67 · 97% fit
Buy Allies of Skin routine · CA$427.33 · 97% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
The Ordinary vs Allies of Skin routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$20.96
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
Peptides & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$98.99
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
CA$35.95
-
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
Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream
Evening · Once a week
CA$194.18
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
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Cleansing Mask
Tatcha The Clarifying Clay Mask
Once a week
CA$95.00
-
Cleanser
Glucoside Foaming Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$14.80
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$16.20
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
CA$35.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$23.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Evening
CA$15.80
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Evening · Once a week
CA$6.60
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
Once a week
CA$17.89
Buy Allies of Skin routine · CA$565.07 · 93% fit
Buy The Ordinary routine · CA$198.33 · 92% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
The Ordinary vs Allies of Skin routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$44.95
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
Peptides & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$98.99
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
CA$20.96
-
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
Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream
Evening · Once a week
CA$194.18
-
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
Glucoside Foaming Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$14.80
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$16.20
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
CA$20.96
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$23.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Evening
CA$15.80
-
Serum or Treatment
Lactic Acid 5% + HA
Evening · Once a week
CA$10.70
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
Once a week
CA$17.89
Buy Allies of Skin routine · CA$532.16 · 94% fit
Buy The Ordinary routine · CA$187.44 · 93% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
The Ordinary or Allies of Skin: which is better?
Both The Ordinary and Allies of Skin provide a Superior routine fit for dry, oily, combination, sensitive, mature, dark spot, and dry sensitive skin, while Allies of Skin reaches a Superior fit for acne-prone and oily acne-prone skin compared to The Ordinary's High fit. The Ordinary excels in value and texture smoothing, whereas Allies of Skin focuses on hydration and firming treatments.
What is the difference between The Ordinary and Allies of Skin?
The Ordinary provides highly affordable, budget-friendly options that shoppers praise for clearing acne and improving skin texture, whereas Allies of Skin focuses on high-end moisturizers and serums that deliver superior hydration and plumping. Both brands offer fragrance-free products on this page and achieve an equal routine fit for dry, oily, combination, sensitive, mature, and dark spot-prone skin types.
The Ordinary or Allies of Skin for dry skin?
Both The Ordinary and Allies of Skin are great options for dry skin, offering a Superior routine fit on this page. The Ordinary provides affordable hydrating staples like Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA, while Allies of Skin features nourishing treatments such as Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist.
The Ordinary or Allies of Skin: which moisturizer is better?
Both The Ordinary and Allies of Skin offer moisturizers on this page that provide a Superior fit for dry skin. The Ordinary features options like Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA backed by key ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, while Allies of Skin includes products like Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist.
Which is more affordable, The Ordinary or Allies of Skin?
The Ordinary offers much better value and pricing compared to Allies of Skin.
Which brand has better skin texture improvement and smoothing, The Ordinary or Allies of Skin?
The Ordinary does better for skin texture improvement and smoothing among the products on this page, offering great value and targeted exfoliating serums. Allies of Skin also helps hydrate and plump, but reviewers note a higher price point for that brand.
How do the key ingredients differ between The Ordinary and Allies of Skin products?
The key ingredients across the products on this page differ because The Ordinary focuses on hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane, while Allies of Skin features niacinamide.
Which brand is better for mature skin, The Ordinary or Allies of Skin?
Both The Ordinary and Allies of Skin provide equal routine fit levels for mature skin, rated as Superior by Lovi. Reviewers note that Allies of Skin delivers effective anti-aging and brightening serums, while the products on this page from The Ordinary are often praised as affordable and great value serums.
The Ordinary or Allies of Skin for oily skin?
Both The Ordinary and Allies of Skin are a great choice for oily skin, as Lovi rates the routine fit for both brands as Superior. The Ordinary offers affordable products on this page that help with oil and blemish control, while Allies of Skin provides hydrating moisturizers and lightweight serums.
The Ordinary or Allies of Skin for sensitive skin?
Both The Ordinary and Allies of Skin are a Superior fit for sensitive skin on Lovi. Reviewers note that both brands offer a gentle and non-irritating formulation, though Allies of Skin tends to have a higher price point.
The Ordinary or Allies of Skin for acne-prone skin?
Both The Ordinary and Allies of Skin provide options for acne-prone skin, with Allies of Skin achieving a Superior routine fit and The Ordinary reaching a High routine fit 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
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
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
Supramolecular collagen nanoparticles for anti-wrinkle, skin whitening, and moisturizing effects
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
Clinical efficacy of facial masks containing yoghurt and Opuntia humifusa Raf. (F-YOP)
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
Effects of a Greek Yoghurt-based Complex on the Human Facial Skin Microbiome
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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