The Ordinary vs Pixi
The Ordinary and Pixi are accessible skincare brands that offer targeted daily products to support diverse complexions. The Ordinary features serums, moisturizers, cleansers, toners, and more, built around hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane, making it best suited for dry and dry sensitive skin. Meanwhile, the British brand is beloved for its thoughtful range of toners, serums, eye products, and moisturizers crafted with gentle and effective formulas that suit oily and sensitive skin best. While both deliver reliable results for a calm, radiant complexion, they differ in their core ingredients and primary skin compatibility.
The Ordinary is a Canadian skincare brand founded in 2016 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. since 2021.
Pixi is a British skincare brand founded in 1999.
pixibeauty.comtracxn.compitchbook.com
This page compares some of the most popular The Ordinary and Pixi products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular The Ordinary vs Pixi products
People Say
Hydration and plumping Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “Instant surge of hydration — Pixi Hydrating Milky Mist”
- “deeply hydrates and balances — Pixi Antioxidant Tonic”
- “leaves under-eyes super soft — Pixi DetoxifEYE Depuffing Eye Patches”
- “skin feels immediately hydrated — The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5”
Improves skin texture and smoothness 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 feels incredible, so smooth — Pixi Glow Peel Pads”
- “forehead bumps gone — Pixi Glow Tonic”
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%”
Instant glow and radiance Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
- “gives instant glow — Pixi Glow Tonic”
- “Skin is noticeably brighter — Pixi Glow Peel Pads”
- “healthy radiance — Pixi Glow Mist”
- “tight, bright and shiny — The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution”
Lightweight absorption Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Absorbs fairly quickly into the skin. — Pixi Vitamin-C Serum”
- “unique gel-like texture — Pixi Antioxidant Tonic”
- “absorbs really fast — Pixi Rose Oil Blend”
- “Sinks in immediately — The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum”
Redness reduction and soothing Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “calms down the redness immediately — The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%”
- “deflates morning bags — The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG”
- “instantly cooling upon application — Pixi DetoxifEYE Depuffing Eye Patches”
- “calms my redness instantly — Pixi Rose Tonic”
Sticky or tacky finish and residue Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “feels very sticky — The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5”
- “feels very sticky — The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution”
- “too greasy — Pixi Glow Mist”
- “slightly tacky to touch — Pixi Antioxidant Tonic”
Unpleasant or strong 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”
- “smell is overpowering — Pixi Glow Tonic”
Skin stinging, burning, and irritation Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “Massive burning sensation — Pixi Glow Peel Pads”
- “burned my face — Pixi Glow Tonic”
- “Not for those with super-sensitive skin — Pixi Glow Peel Pads”
- “stings a little but worth it — The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution”
Makeup pilling and compatibility issues Sometimes NotedRarely Noted
- “separates foundation — Pixi Glow Mist”
- “It doesn't work with my makeup at all. — Pixi Vitamin-C Serum”
- “crumbles and piles under moisturizer — The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%”
The Ordinary vs Pixi routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Glycolipid Cream Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€12.77
-
Hydrating Toner
COSRX Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning
€18.55
-
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
Hydrating Milky Mist
Morning
€15.90
-
Moisturizer
Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Lift and Firm Night Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€76.29
-
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
Vitamin-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
€20.24
-
Nourishing Mask
Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Sheet Mask
Once a week
€19.90
The Ordinary vs Pixi routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€11.35
-
Hydrating Toner
Retinol Tonic
Morning · Once a week
€21.16
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€17.47
-
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
Glow Tonic
Evening
€29.29
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
€20.24
-
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 Pixi routines for combination skin
-
Cleanser
Paula's Choice Perfectly Balanced Foaming Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€32.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Retinol Tonic
Morning · Once a week
€21.16
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€17.47
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€40.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Glow Tonic
Evening
€29.29
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
€20.24
-
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 Pixi: which is better?
Both The Ordinary and Pixi offer great options, with routine fits that are equally matched across all skin types. The Ordinary provides more affordable prices and great value, whereas Pixi delivers better deep hydration and instant radiance.
What is the difference between The Ordinary and Pixi?
The Ordinary offers exceptional value with affordable serums, whereas Pixi is known for providing deep hydration and an instant glow. Lovi finds both brands to be a Superior fit for all skin types.
The Ordinary or Pixi for dry skin?
Both The Ordinary and Pixi offer a Superior Lovi fit level for dry skin. The Ordinary features fragrance-free formulas and great value serums, while Pixi provides deep hydration and instant glow.
The Ordinary or Pixi: which moisturizer is better?
Both The Ordinary and Pixi offer moisturizers with great options, but The Ordinary is better known for its straightforward, fragrance-free hydration formulas. Lovi finds that both brands achieve a Superior routine fit for dry skin overall. Sodium hyaluronate in their products helps improve skin hydration and wound healing.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
Which is more affordable, The Ordinary or Pixi?
The Ordinary is more affordable, offering popular products on this page noted for great value and pricing. Reviewers frequently mention its budget-friendly pricing compared to Pixi.
Which brand has a stronger fragrance across its products, The Ordinary or Pixi?
Pixi has a stronger fragrance across its products, since 3 of the 10 products on its page list a fragrance in their ingredients. In contrast, every product on The Ordinary page lists no fragrance.
When comparing the two brands, which one performs better for providing hydration and plumping?
When comparing hydration and plumping, Pixi performs better according to shopper reviews. Hyaluronic acid helps bind moisture to the skin, and topical use of hyaluronic acid may improve skin quality and signs of aging.
Dermatologic Therapy, 2022Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015
Which company is older and where was it founded, The Ordinary or Pixi?
Pixi is older, having been founded in 1999 in the United Kingdom, while The Ordinary was founded later in 2016 in Canada.
The Ordinary or Pixi for sensitive skin?
Both The Ordinary and Pixi offer a Superior routine fit for sensitive skin. However, every product on The Ordinary page lists no fragrance, while some Pixi products contain fragrance and reviewers note occasional skin irritation and sensitivity with Pixi.
The Ordinary or Pixi for acne-prone skin?
Both The Ordinary and Pixi offer a Superior Lovi fit level for acne-prone skin, so either brand helps depending on your preference. The Ordinary provides affordable and great value serums, while Pixi delivers instant glow and radiance.
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
A Rose Extract Protects the Skin against Stress Mediators: A Potential Role of Olfactory Receptors
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
Design and in vivo evaluation of emulgel formulations including green tea extract and rose oil
Topical lycopene emulgel significantly improves biophysical parameters of human skin
Topical Almond Oil for Prevention of Pressure Injuries: A Single-Blinded Comparison Study
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Safety of a preservative system containing 1,2-hexanediol and caprylyl glycol
Clinical study of a spray containing birch juice for repairing sensitive skin
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
-

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
-

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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