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The Ordinary vs Pair

Rated by Lovi · Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes · How the Fit score works

The Ordinary and Pair are distinct skincare brands designed for different complexions, with the former originating in Canada in 2016 and the latter established in Japan in 2000. The Ordinary is known for versatile serums, moisturizers, cleansers, and toners built around hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane, making it best suited for dry and dry sensitive skin. Meanwhile, the Japanese brand is beloved for targeted serums and meticulously crafted formulas like the Acne Cream W, which suit acne-prone skin best to address stubborn blemishes effectively. While the Canadian line focuses on moisture, barrier function, and collagen production through ingredients like squalane and glycerin, the latter brand works harmoniously to restore balance and clarity to the complexion.

The Ordinary is a Canadian skincare brand founded in 2016 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. since 2021.

glossy.coen.wikipedia.org

Pair is a Japanese skincare brand founded in 2000 and owned by Lion Corporation since 2004.

ja.wikipedia.orgbeautymatter.com

This page compares some of the most popular The Ordinary and Pair products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.

Popular The Ordinary vs Pair products

The Ordinary vs Pair serums and treatments

Questions and answers

The Ordinary or Pair: which is better?

The products on this page from The Ordinary generally offer a much wider selection and fit dry, dry sensitive, and oily skin best, while Pair features only a single acne treatment cream. The Ordinary provides options with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which helps improve skin hydration.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

What is the difference between The Ordinary and Pair?

The products on this page from The Ordinary offer a wide variety of budget-friendly serums, cleansers, and moisturizers that Lovi finds have a High to Superior fit for dry and oily skin types, whereas Pair features just one acne cream with lower fit levels. Niacinamide helps reduce skin pigmentation.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002

Which is more affordable, The Ordinary or Pair?

The products on this page from The Ordinary are often noted by reviewers as affordable and offering great value, whereas the single product from Pair on this page does not highlight affordability in its reviews.

When was The Ordinary founded compared to Pair?

The Ordinary was founded in Canada in 2016, whereas Pair was founded in Japan earlier in 2000.

Which brand offers products suitable for dry skin, The Ordinary or Pair?

The Ordinary offers products suitable for dry skin, as Lovi rates several of its items as having a high or superior fit for this skin type, whereas Pair features only a single acne cream that rates as a caution for dry skin.

Do any products from The Ordinary or Pair contain fragrance?

Every product on this page from both The Ordinary and Pair lists no fragrance in its ingredients.

Research behind their key ingredients

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.

  • Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Co-founder, Medical Director

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer

  • Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Co-founder, CEO and CTO

    PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex

  • Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Medical Board

    Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine

  • Aishani Shah, MD

    Aishani Shah, MD

    Medical Board

    Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD

  • Asya Zubkova, MS

    Asya Zubkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member

  • Hanna Kurets, MD

    Hanna Kurets, MD

    Medical Board, Medical Advisor

    Dermatology MD

  • Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Medical Board

    Dermatology and diagnostic consultant

  • Victoria Derkova, MS

    Victoria Derkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist

How does it fit your skin?

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