The Ordinary vs Geek & Gorgeous
The Ordinary and Geek & Gorgeous are beloved skincare lines offering serums, moisturizers, cleansers, and toners built around thoughtful ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane. The Ordinary features targeted formulas that suit dry skin and dry sensitive skin best, while Geek & Gorgeous provides carefully crafted options suited for sensitive skin and combination skin. Both brands differ in their specific formulations, yet they each deliver dependable, well-researched results for daily routines.
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 Geek & Gorgeous products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular The Ordinary vs Geek & Gorgeous 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
Great value and affordable price Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “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%”
- “Great value — Geek & Gorgeous C-Glow Vitamin C Serum”
Lightweight absorption and texture Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “sinks in fast — Geek & Gorgeous Hydration Station”
- “Water-like consistency — Geek & Gorgeous C-Glow Vitamin C Serum”
- “sinks in immediately — Geek & Gorgeous B-Bomb”
- “Sinks in immediately — The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum”
Gentle and non-irritating Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “No irritation or stinging at all — Geek & Gorgeous A-Game 5”
- “doesn't sting eyes — Geek & Gorgeous Jelly Joker”
- “didn't sting my sensitive skin — Geek & Gorgeous B-Bomb”
- “Finally a cleanser that doesn't sting my face. — The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser”
Texture smoothing and improvement 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%”
- “Sinks into the skin fast — Geek & Gorgeous A-Game 5”
Acne clearing and blemish reduction 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”
Matte finish and oil control Rarely NotedSometimes Noted
- “T-zone is much less oily — Geek & Gorgeous B-Bomb”
- “no greasy residue — Geek & Gorgeous Hydration Station”
- “controlled my sebum production — The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%”
Drying formulas and lack of moisture 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”
- “not enough for winter — Geek & Gorgeous Hydration Station”
Sticky or tacky finish Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “felt a bit sticky — Geek & Gorgeous Liquid Hydration”
- “feels very sticky — The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5”
Skin stinging, burning and irritation Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “Stinging sensation — Geek & Gorgeous C-Glow Vitamin C Serum”
- “burned my eyes — Geek & Gorgeous Liquid Hydration”
- “stings a little but worth it — The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution”
Makeup pilling and compatibility issues Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “need a separate remover for mascara — Geek & Gorgeous Jelly Joker”
- “crumbles and piles under moisturizer — The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%”
The Ordinary vs Geek & Gorgeous 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
Jelly Joker
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$24.10
-
Hydrating Toner
Liquid Hydration
Morning
CA$26.13
-
Moisturizer
Hydration Station
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$29.73
-
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
B-Bomb
Evening · Once a week
CA$27.32
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
CA$29.99
Buy The Ordinary routine · CA$155.67 · 97% fit
Buy Geek & Gorgeous routine · CA$193.26 · 86% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
The Ordinary vs Geek & Gorgeous routines for oily skin
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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
-
Cleanser
Jelly Joker
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$24.10
-
Hydrating Toner
Liquid Hydration
Morning · Once a week
CA$26.13
-
Moisturizer
Hydration Station
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$29.73
-
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
B-Bomb
Evening · Once a week
CA$27.32
-
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
Buy The Ordinary routine · CA$198.33 · 92% fit
Buy Geek & Gorgeous routine · CA$320.62 · 88% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
The Ordinary vs Geek & Gorgeous routines for combination skin
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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
-
Cleanser
Jelly Joker
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$24.10
-
Hydrating Toner
Liquid Hydration
Morning · Once a week
CA$26.13
-
Moisturizer
Hydration Station
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$29.73
-
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
B-Bomb
Evening · Once a week
CA$27.32
-
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 The Ordinary routine · CA$187.44 · 93% fit
Buy Geek & Gorgeous routine · CA$263.72 · 89% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
The Ordinary or Geek & Gorgeous: which is better?
The Ordinary offers better value and a broader range for most skin concerns, while Geek & Gorgeous stands out for lightweight, gentle formulas. The products on this page are free of fragrance across both brands.
What is the difference between The Ordinary and Geek & Gorgeous?
The Ordinary excels in affordability and great value serums, whereas Geek & Gorgeous is known for lightweight absorption and texture. Lovi routine fit shows that The Ordinary is Superior for dry skin, mature skin, and dark spots, while Geek & Gorgeous reaches High fit for those same skin types.
The Ordinary or Geek & Gorgeous for dry skin?
The Ordinary is a superior fit for dry skin, offering better routine results and deep hydration from the products on this page.
The Ordinary or Geek & Gorgeous: which cleanser is better?
The Ordinary offers a wider selection of cleansers with varying finishes, while Geek & Gorgeous focuses on a single gentle option like Jelly Joker that works well for sensitive skin.
Which is more affordable, The Ordinary or Geek & Gorgeous?
The Ordinary is more affordable, offering products on this page that are frequently praised by reviewers for providing great value and budget-friendly prices.
The Ordinary or Geek & Gorgeous for oily skin?
The Ordinary is a superior fit for oily skin because of its specialized oil-controlling and acne-clearing serums on this page. Geek & Gorgeous also offers good lightweight options, but users often note sticky finishes.
The Ordinary or Geek & Gorgeous: which moisturizer is better?
The Ordinary offers a wider range of moisturizers with superior Lovi fit levels for dry and sensitive skin types compared to Geek & Gorgeous. The Ordinary products on this page help deliver intense hydration using ingredients like hyaluronic acid.
The Ordinary or Geek & Gorgeous for sensitive skin?
Both The Ordinary and Geek & Gorgeous fit sensitive skin well, as Lovi rates their routines as Superior equally. Reviewers often mention that both brands feel gentle and non-irritating.
The Ordinary or Geek & Gorgeous for acne-prone skin?
Both brands are well suited for acne-prone skin, with Lovi giving The Ordinary a High fit level and Geek & Gorgeous a High fit level as well. The Ordinary offers a broader range of specialized acne-clearing serums on this page, while Geek & Gorgeous provides lighter, gentle formulas.
The Ordinary or Geek & Gorgeous for dry sensitive skin?
For dry sensitive skin, Lovi finds The Ordinary is a better fit with a Superior routine level compared to the High routine level of Geek & Gorgeous. The Ordinary offers fragrance-free options like Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA that help provide superior moisture.
The Ordinary or Geek & Gorgeous for mature skin?
The Ordinary is a better fit for mature skin, reaching a Superior routine fit compared to Geek & Gorgeous at High. The products on this page help improve signs of aging and support skin texture with ingredients like retinoids and peptides.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000Archives of Dermatology, 2007
The Ordinary or Geek & Gorgeous for skin with dark spots?
The Ordinary is a better choice for skin with dark spots because Lovi rates its routine as Superior compared to High for Geek & Gorgeous. Reviewers also favor The Ordinary for 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
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
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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