The Ordinary vs Skintific
The Ordinary and Skintific are popular skincare lines offering serums, moisturizers, and cleansers built around comforting ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane. Both suit dry and dry sensitive skin best, while also featuring targeted solutions for acne-prone skin, dark spots, and mature skin. The Canadian brand centers on scientifically proven single-ingredient formulations, whereas its counterpart is loved for thoughtful preparations balancing every component.
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
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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 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
CA$14.80
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Hydrating Toner
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Morning
CA$27.99
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Moisturizer
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$16.20
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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
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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
MUGWORT
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$18.23
-
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
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Fresh Ampoule
Evening · Once a week
CA$22.09
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Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
CA$29.99
Buy The Ordinary routine · CA$155.67 · 97% fit
Buy Skintific routine · CA$174.48 · 95% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
The Ordinary vs Skintific 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
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
MUGWORT
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$18.23
-
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
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Evening · Once a week
CA$6.60
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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 Skintific routine · CA$296.73 · 91% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
The Ordinary vs Skintific 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
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
MUGWORT
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$18.23
-
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
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Evening · Once a week
CA$6.60
-
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 Skintific routine · CA$263.82 · 92% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
The Ordinary or Skintific: which is better?
Both The Ordinary and Skintific achieve equal routine fit levels for dry, combination, sensitive, and dry sensitive skin on this page. Reviewers report that The Ordinary is better for value and acne clearing, while Skintific provides more lightweight absorption.
What is the difference between The Ordinary and Skintific?
The Ordinary offers a much larger selection of single-ingredient and targeted serums on this page compared to Skintific. Reviewers note that The Ordinary provides great value and pricing along with effective skin texture and smoothing, while Skintific tends to deliver lightweight absorption and helps reduce oil.
The Ordinary or Skintific for dry skin?
Both The Ordinary and Skintific achieve a Superior routine fit for dry skin on this page. Reviewers report that hyaluronic acid helps provide hydration, and topical hyaluronic acid benefits skin quality and signs of skin aging.
The Ordinary or Skintific: which moisturizer is better?
The products on this page for both The Ordinary and Skintific offer options for moisturizers, with The Ordinary featuring choices such as Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA and Skintific offering the 5X Ceramide Barrier Moisture Gel. Reviewers note that The Ordinary provides great value and pricing, while Skintific formulas may provide lightweight absorption.
Which is more affordable, The Ordinary or Skintific?
The Ordinary is more affordable, offering great value and pricing on the products on this page compared to Skintific.
Which brand is better for fading dark spots, The Ordinary or Skintific?
The Ordinary is better for fading dark spots as the products on this page achieve a Superior fit level for skin with dark spots, whereas Skintific achieves a High fit level.
How do the routines for dry skin compare between The Ordinary and Skintific?
The routines for dry skin from The Ordinary and Skintific share an equal routine fit level of Superior. Both brands are well-suited for dry skin types according to the products on this page.
Which brand offers better results for mature skin?
Both The Ordinary and Skintific achieve a Superior routine fit for mature skin. The Ordinary features a wider selection of targeted products for the range on this page, while Skintific offers lightweight absorption.
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 for both brands contain no fragrance.
The Ordinary or Skintific for sensitive skin?
Both The Ordinary and Skintific achieve a Superior Lovi fit level for sensitive skin. Reviewers note that the products on this page by The Ordinary are often described as gentle and non-irritating.
The Ordinary or Skintific for acne-prone skin?
For acne-prone skin, Skintific reaches a Superior Lovi fit level, whereas The Ordinary reaches a High fit level.
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
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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
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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