The Ordinary vs RoC
The Ordinary and RoC are accessible skincare brands offering diverse serums, moisturizers, and cleansers built around effective ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, squalane, and retinol. The Canadian line features single-ingredient focuses that suit dry, dry sensitive, acne-prone, and mature skin best, while the French line relies on targeted formulations to serve mature skin and skin with dark spots well. Ultimately, both brands differ through their formulation approaches, as the first centers on customizable actives and the second on expertly blended proprietary complexes.
The Ordinary is a Canadian skincare brand founded in 2016 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. since 2021.
RoC is a French skincare brand founded in 1957 and owned by Bridgepoint Group plc since 2024.
en.wikipedia.orgprnewswire.combeautymatter.com
This page compares some of the most popular The Ordinary and RoC products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular The Ordinary vs RoC products
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Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream
€33.98
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Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream
€19.99
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Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum
€30.97
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Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Max Hydration Cream
€31.90
- Derm Correxion Fill + Treat Serum
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Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Daily Serum
€16.39
- Derm Correxion Dual Eye Cream
- Multi Correxion Hydrate + Plump Eye Cream
People Say
Skin Texture Smoothing Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “glass skin effect — The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution”
- “skin feels baby butt smooth — The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution”
- “diminished my forehead lines — RoC Derm Correxion Fill + Treat Serum”
- “face looked smoother — RoC Daily Resurfacing Disks”
Great Value and Pricing Mostly MentionedSometimes 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%”
- “Worth the price — RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream”
Hydration and Plumping Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “skin is no longer dry — RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Max Hydration Cream”
- “Areas stay hydrated all day — RoC Multi Correxion Hydrate + Plump Eye Cream”
- “My skin looks smoother and hydrated. — RoC Derm Correxion Contour Cream”
- “skin feels immediately hydrated — The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5”
Gentle and Non-Irritating Formula Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “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”
- “doesn't leave my skin feeling tight — RoC BARRIER RENEW® GEL-TO-FOAM CLEANSER”
- “No irritation for me — RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream”
Effective Wrinkle and Fine Line Reduction Not notedOften Mentioned
- “wrinkles look less deep — RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream”
- “Fine lines definitely softer — RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream”
- “crow's feet are fading — RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum”
Matte and Non-Greasy Finish Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “absorbs nicely — RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream”
- “Absorbs easily and quickly — RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream”
- “absorbs quickly without residue — RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Max Hydration Cream”
- “Sinks in immediately — The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA”
Unpleasant Scent and Fragrance Rarely NotedSometimes Noted
- “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”
- “smells like perfume — RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream”
Skin Irritation and Harshness Rarely NotedSometimes Noted
- “ruined moisture barrier — The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution”
- “Caused breakouts — The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum”
- “caused redness and burning — The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%”
- “caused redness and stinging — RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream”
Sticky and Tacky Finish Sometimes NotedRarely Noted
- “slightly tacky feel — RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Daily Serum”
- “feels very sticky — The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5”
The Ordinary vs RoC routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Glycolipid Cream Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€12.77
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Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Advanced Replenishing Toner
Morning
€34.00
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Moisturizer
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€11.50
-
SPF
Purito Daily Soft Touch Sunscreen
Morning
€12.98
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
€10.97
-
Serum or Treatment
Mandelic Acid 10% + HA
Evening · Once a week
€8.00
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Nourishing Mask
Abib Rice Probiotics Overnight Mask
Once a week
€15.30
-
Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€8.85
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Advanced Replenishing Toner
Morning
€34.00
-
Moisturizer
Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Max Hydration Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€31.90
-
SPF
Purito Daily Soft Touch Sunscreen
Morning
€12.98
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
€10.97
-
Serum or Treatment
Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Daily Serum
Evening · Once a week
€16.39
-
Nourishing Mask
Abib Rice Probiotics Overnight Mask
Once a week
€15.30
The Ordinary vs RoC routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
Glucoside Foaming Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€12.95
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
€36.00
-
Moisturizer
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€11.50
-
SPF
d'Alba UVessence Mild Waterfull Sun Cream SPF 50
Morning
€16.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€97.52
-
Cleansing Toner
Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Evening
€13.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Evening · Once a week
€5.20
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€48.55
-
Cleansing Mask
Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
Once a week
€14.49
-
Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€20.50
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
€36.00
-
Moisturizer
Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Max Hydration Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€31.90
-
SPF
d'Alba UVessence Mild Waterfull Sun Cream SPF 50
Morning
€16.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€97.52
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
€16.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Daily Serum
Evening · Once a week
€16.39
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€48.55
-
Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
€16.79
The Ordinary vs RoC routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Glucoside Foaming Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€12.95
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
€36.00
-
Moisturizer
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€11.50
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€97.52
-
Cleansing Toner
Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Evening
€13.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Mandelic Acid 10% + HA
Evening · Once a week
€8.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€48.55
-
Cleansing Mask
Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
Once a week
€14.49
-
Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€39.80
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
€36.00
-
Moisturizer
Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Max Hydration Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€31.90
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€97.52
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
€16.98
-
Serum or Treatment
Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Daily Serum
Evening · Once a week
€16.39
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€48.55
-
Cleansing Mask
Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay
Once a week
€28.50
Questions and answers
The Ordinary or RoC: which is better?
What is the difference between The Ordinary and RoC?
The Ordinary provides great value and pricing with products on this page offering a Superior routine fit for dry skin, whereas RoC focuses on hydration, plumping, and wrinkle reduction. Topical retinol helps stimulate collagen accumulation in naturally aged human skin,.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000Archives of Dermatology, 2007
The Ordinary or RoC for dry skin?
For dry skin, both brands work well, but Lovi rates The Ordinary as Superior and RoC as High. The Ordinary products on this page help dry skin with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, while every product on this page lists no fragrance.
The Ordinary or RoC: which cleanser is better?
Both The Ordinary and RoC offer great cleansers on this page, with The Ordinary featuring fragrance-free options like the Glycolipid Cream Cleanser and RoC featuring the Barrier Renew Gel-to-Foam Cleanser. Reviewers mention that The Ordinary products on this page provide great value, while RoC cleansers are part of a brand routine that helps with skin hydration.
Which is more affordable, The Ordinary or RoC?
The Ordinary provides products on this page that are more affordable, as reviewers often mention its great value and pricing.
Between The Ordinary and RoC, which brand offers better results for reducing wrinkles and fine lines?
RoC does better for reducing wrinkles and fine lines, thanks to a strong focus on anti-aging treatments. Its products on this page often feature retinol, which helps stimulate collagen and improve the look of mature skin.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000Archives of Dermatology, 2007
How do the fragrance options differ between products from The Ordinary and RoC?
Every product on The Ordinary page lists no fragrance in its ingredients. In contrast, 10 of the 12 products on the RoC page list no fragrance, while two of its serums include fragrance.
Which brand performs better for hydration and plumping according to review themes?
According to the review themes on this page, RoC performs better for hydration and plumping. The products on this page help deliver smoother textures and reliable hydration.
The Ordinary or RoC for sensitive skin?
For sensitive skin, The Ordinary has a Superior routine fit, whereas RoC has a High routine fit. Every product on The Ordinary's page lists no fragrance in its ingredients, helping reduce the likelihood of irritation.
The Ordinary or RoC: which moisturizer is better?
Both brands offer moisturizers for different needs, but the products on this page show that The Ordinary has a superior routine fit for dry skin compared to RoC's high fit. RoC is often noted for hydration and plumping, while The Ordinary's moisturizers help provide great value.
The Ordinary or RoC for acne-prone skin?
Both The Ordinary and RoC offer products on this page that are a High fit for acne-prone skin. Reviewers note that The Ordinary provides acne-clearing serums, while RoC offers non-greasy and lightweight serums.
Research behind their key ingredients
The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review
Cutaneous photoprotection from ultraviolet injury by green tea polyphenols
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
Encapsulation and controlled release of retinol from silicone particles for topical delivery
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
Study of the soothing effects of troxerutin in alleviating skin sensitivity
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
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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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