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The Ordinary vs Dermalogica

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

The Ordinary and Dermalogica are distinct skincare lines created to address diverse dermal needs through targeted formulations. The Canadian brand centers its serums, moisturizers, cleansers, and toners on hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane to suit dry skin and dry sensitive skin best. Conversely, the American brand relies on hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and salicylic acid within its targeted serums, nourishing moisturizers, gentle cleansers, and purifying masks to suit oily skin and combination skin best. While both utilize science-led ingredients to improve hydration and barrier function, they differ in their core active agents and ideal skin types.

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

glossy.coen.wikipedia.org

Dermalogica is an American skincare brand founded in 1986 and owned by Unilever since 2015.

en.wikipedia.orgcosmeticsbusiness.com

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

Popular The Ordinary vs Dermalogica products

People Say

The OrdinaryDermalogica
  • Value and pricing Mostly MentionedRarely 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%”
    • “little goes a long way — Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel”
  • Hydration and plumping Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
    • “Saved my dry skin — Dermalogica Super Rich Repair”
    • “super hydrating — Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque”
    • “skin feels hydrated — Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance”
    • “skin feels immediately hydrated — The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5”
  • Skin texture 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%”
    • “skin feels smooth as silk — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
  • Gentle and non-irritating Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “gentle enough for daily use — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
    • “doesn't strip skin — Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel”
    • “helps calm and nourish my skin — Dermalogica Stabilizing Repair Cream”
    • “Leaves my face feeling soft and not tight at all. — The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser”
  • Lightweight absorption Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “blends seamlessly — Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50”
    • “Absorbs quickly... not greasy — Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream”
    • “Sinks in beautifully — Dermalogica Super Rich Repair”
    • “Sinks in immediately — The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum”
  • Acne clearing and blemish control Often MentionedRarely 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”
    • “doesn't clog pores — Dermalogica Active Moist”
  • High price point Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
    • “Expensive for Ordinary — The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum”
    • “hefty price tag — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
  • 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”
    • “smells like puke — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
  • Stinging and irritation Sometimes NotedRarely Noted
    • “burns immediately — Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque”
    • “caused severe peeling — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
    • “Prickle sensation — Dermalogica Blackhead Clearing Fizz Mask”
    • “stings a little but worth it — The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution”
  • Breakouts and skin reactions Rarely NotedSometimes Noted
    • “broke me out in cysts — The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%”
    • “broke me out in cysts — The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5”
    • “gave me cystic acne — The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution”
    • “Cystic acne flare-ups — Dermalogica Precleanse”

The Ordinary vs Dermalogica routines for dry skin

See multi-brand routine · 98% fit

The Ordinary vs Dermalogica routines for oily skin

See multi-brand routine · 97% fit

The Ordinary vs Dermalogica routines for combination skin

See multi-brand routine · 96% fit

Questions and answers

The Ordinary or Dermalogica: which is better?

The Ordinary is often preferred for its value and acne-clearing serums, while Dermalogica stands out for its intense hydration and soothing moisturizers.

What is the difference between The Ordinary and Dermalogica?

The Ordinary offers a more affordable range of products with higher routine fit across most skin types, while Dermalogica provides more intensive hydration and is often noted for a higher price point. Both brands feature fragrance-free formulations across the products on this page.

The Ordinary or Dermalogica for dry skin?

For dry skin, The Ordinary has a Superior routine fit, while Dermalogica has a High fit level. The products on this page help provide intensive hydration and support the skin barrier with key ingredients like hyaluronic acid.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022Drug Delivery, 2017

The Ordinary or Dermalogica: which cleanser is better?

The products on this page for The Ordinary include gentle options like the Squalane Cleanser and Glucoside Foaming Cleanser, while Dermalogica offers popular choices such as Special Cleansing Gel and Precleanse. Reviewers find Dermalogica cleansers particularly gentle and non-stripping, whereas The Ordinary provides better value and pricing.

Which is more affordable, The Ordinary or Dermalogica?

The products on this page show that The Ordinary offers better value and pricing compared to Dermalogica.

The Ordinary or Dermalogica: which is better for targeting skin with dark spots?

The Ordinary is a better choice for targeting skin with dark spots, as the products on this page achieve a superior routine fit for this concern compared to Dermalogica's high fit. Niacinamide helps reduce cutaneous pigmentation and suppress melanosome transfer.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Antioxidants, 2021

The Ordinary or Dermalogica: which brand offers better hydration and plumping results?

Dermalogica offers better hydration and plumping results compared to The Ordinary. Topical hyaluronic acid helps improve skin hydration and signs of aging.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022Drug Delivery, 2017

The Ordinary or Dermalogica: which is better suited for mature skin routines?

The Ordinary is better suited for mature skin routines, as Lovi rates its routine fit as Superior compared to Dermalogica's High fit level.

The Ordinary or Dermalogica for oily skin?

Both The Ordinary and Dermalogica are a Superior fit for oily skin according to the routine fit levels on this page.

The Ordinary or Dermalogica: which moisturizer is better?

Both The Ordinary and Dermalogica offer moisturizers that fit dry skin with a Superior level on this page. Reviewers report that Dermalogica provides intense hydration and soothing moisturizers, while The Ordinary offers affordable and great value options.

The Ordinary or Dermalogica for sensitive skin?

The Ordinary is a Superior fit for sensitive skin, whereas Dermalogica is a High fit. Reviewers note that every product from The Ordinary on this page lists no fragrance in its ingredients.

The Ordinary or Dermalogica for acne-prone skin?

The Ordinary is a better fit for acne-prone skin, as the products on this page achieve a Superior routine fit compared to Dermalogica's High fit.

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

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