The Ordinary vs ISDIN
The Ordinary and ISDIN are distinct skincare brands originating from Canada and Spain, respectively. The Ordinary offers targeted serums, moisturizers, cleansers, and toners built around hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane, suiting dry and dry sensitive skin best. Conversely, ISDIN is beloved for advanced sunscreens, moisturizers, serums, and eye products that respect delicate moisture barriers, making them ideal for sensitive and acne-prone skin. Ultimately, the Canadian brand focuses on single-ingredient efficacy for specific concerns like dark spots and aging, while the Spanish brand delivers sophisticated daily care for balanced protection.
The Ordinary is a Canadian skincare brand founded in 2016 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. since 2021.
ISDIN is a Spanish skincare brand founded in 1975 and owned by Puig.
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This page compares some of the most popular The Ordinary and ISDIN products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular The Ordinary vs ISDIN products
People Say
Lightweight Texture and Absorption Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “absorbs instantly — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
- “ultra-light fluid product, which makes it super easy to apply — ISDIN Fusion Water”
- “Lightweight formula absorbs fast — ISDIN Hyaluronic Concentrate”
- “Sinks in immediately — The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum”
Skin Texture and Smoothing Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “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 smooth and healthy — ISDIN K-Ox Eyes”
- “I am more on a dehydrated side and this helps me look hydrated and smooth. — ISDIN Flavo-C Serum”
Affordability and Value 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%”
Hydration and Plumping Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Improved moisture and texture — ISDIN Hyaluronic Moisture”
- “My skin felt sooo hydrated and looks so plump and dewey. — ISDIN Fusion Water”
- “Skin feels intensely hydrated — ISDIN Hyaluronic Concentrate”
- “skin feels immediately hydrated — The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5”
Acne and Blemish Control 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”
Texture Issues and Pilling Mostly MentionedRarely Noted
- “Pilled up on my skin — ISDIN Hyaluronic Moisture”
- “crumbles and piles under moisturizer — The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%”
High Price Point Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “Expensive for Ordinary — The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum”
- “very expensive — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
Fragrance and Scent Concerns 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”
- “smell is overpowering — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
Skin Irritation and Sensitivity Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “I think the serum is too strong for my face as it has burned and left very rough and a peeling face. — ISDIN Flavo-C Serum”
- “slight peeling — ISDIN Retinal Intense Serum”
- “irritated AF the next day — The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution”
The Ordinary vs ISDIN 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
COSRX Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning
€18.55
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Moisturizer
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€13.11
-
SPF
Purito Daily Soft Touch Sunscreen
Morning
€12.98
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
€16.10
-
Serum or Treatment
Mandelic Acid 10% + HA
Evening · Once a week
€8.51
-
Nourishing Mask
Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Sheet Mask
Once a week
€19.90
-
Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€7.50
-
Hydrating Toner
COSRX Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning
€18.55
-
Moisturizer
Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Lift and Firm Night Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€76.29
-
SPF
Fusion Water
Morning
€19.90
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
€16.10
-
Serum or Treatment
Flavo-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
€47.00
-
Nourishing Mask
Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Sheet Mask
Once a week
€19.90
The Ordinary vs ISDIN routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€11.35
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
€19.99
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€17.47
-
SPF
Eryfotona Actinica
Morning
€22.49
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€40.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
€29.29
-
Serum or Treatment
Flavo-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
€47.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€49.00
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
€79.97
-
Cleanser
Glucoside Foaming Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€12.77
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
€19.99
-
Moisturizer
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€13.11
-
SPF
make p:rem UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Cream
Morning
€34.30
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€40.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Evening
€13.69
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Evening · Once a week
€5.75
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€49.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
Once a week
€13.00
The Ordinary vs ISDIN routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Paula's Choice Perfectly Balanced Foaming Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€32.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
€36.00
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€17.47
-
SPF
Eryfotona Actinica
Morning
€22.49
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€40.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
€17.15
-
Serum or Treatment
Flavo-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
€47.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€49.00
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
€79.97
-
Cleanser
Glucoside Foaming Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€12.77
-
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
€13.11
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€40.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Evening
€13.69
-
Serum or Treatment
Mandelic Acid 10% + HA
Evening · Once a week
€8.51
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€49.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
Once a week
€13.00
Questions and answers
The Ordinary or ISDIN: which is better?
Both brands are great choices since Lovi rates routine fit as equal across all skin types. The Ordinary offers affordable value, whereas ISDIN is known for ultralight sunscreens, though its products carry a high price point.
What is the difference between The Ordinary and ISDIN?
The Ordinary offers budget-friendly skincare with strong results for acne and dark spots, while ISDIN provides lightweight sunscreens and moisturizers though at a higher price point. Both brands achieve superior routine fit levels across all skin types on this page.
The Ordinary or ISDIN for dry skin?
Both The Ordinary and ISDIN provide a Superior routine fit for dry skin. Reviewers note that ISDIN excels in hydration and lightweight textures, whereas the products on this page from The Ordinary offer great value and affordability.
The Ordinary or ISDIN: which moisturizer is better?
Both The Ordinary and ISDIN offer moisturizers that help hydrate and plump the skin. The Ordinary features a range with products like Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA, while ISDIN offers options such as Hyaluronic Concentrate and Hyaluronic Moisture.
Which is more affordable, The Ordinary or ISDIN?
The Ordinary is more affordable, as reviewers often mention its affordability and great value serums. In contrast, reviewers often note a high price point for ISDIN.
Do The Ordinary products contain fragrance?
Every product on the The Ordinary page lists no fragrance in its ingredients.
Which brand performs better for lightweight texture and absorption?
ISDIN performs better for lightweight texture and absorption, as reviewers mostly mention its ultralight sunscreens and lightweight moisturizers. The products on this page help provide a comfortable finish.
When was ISDIN founded and who owns it?
ISDIN was founded in 1975 in Spain and is owned by Puig.
The Ordinary or ISDIN for sensitive skin?
Both The Ordinary and ISDIN achieve a Superior Lovi fit level for sensitive skin. Reviewers note that The Ordinary offers better affordability and value, while ISDIN stands out for its lightweight texture and absorption.
The Ordinary or ISDIN for acne-prone skin?
Both The Ordinary and ISDIN are great for acne-prone skin, with Lovi giving both brands a Superior routine fit level. The Ordinary offers affordable, acne-clearing serums on this page, while ISDIN features ultralight, skin-friendly sunscreens.
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
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
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
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
A bioactive complex to protect proteins from UV-induced oxidation in human epidermis
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
The clinical efficacy of a new emulsion for acne and conspicuous facial pore amelioration
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
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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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