The Ordinary vs Allies of Skin
The Ordinary and Allies of Skin are skincare brands that offer serums, moisturizers, cleansers, and more. The Canadian brand centers its formulations on hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane, while Allies of Skin features potent ingredients like niacinamide. Both brands suit dry skin and mature skin best, though they differ in their specific product lineups and targeted treatments for concerns such as acne and dark spots.
The Ordinary is a Canadian skincare brand founded in 2016 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. since 2021.
This page compares some of the most popular The Ordinary and Allies of Skin products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular The Ordinary vs Allies of Skin products
People Say
Skin Texture Improvement 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 smoother and brighter — The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%”
- “Woke up looking well-rested — Allies of Skin Retinal & Peptides Repair Night Cream”
Hydration and Plumping Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “nourished and hydrated — Allies of Skin Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream”
- “more like a spray serum — Allies of Skin Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist”
- “Skin feels hydrated — Allies of Skin Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum”
- “skin feels immediately hydrated — The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5”
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%”
Gentle and Non-Irritating Formulation Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “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”
- “Best retinol for sensitive skin — Allies of Skin Retinal & Peptides Repair Night Cream”
- “feels super soothing, doesn't trigger redness — Allies of Skin Tranexamic & Arbutin Advanced Brightening Serum”
Acne Clearing and Blemish Reduction Often MentionedSometimes 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”
- “Dramatic impact on acne — Allies of Skin Retinal & Peptides Repair Night Cream”
Lightweight Absorption and Texture Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “sinks easily into damp skin — Allies of Skin Tranexamic & Arbutin Advanced Brightening Serum”
- “Absorbs instantly without sticky feeling — Allies of Skin Peptides & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment”
- “Sinks in immediately — The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum”
High Price Point Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
- “Expensive for Ordinary — The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum”
- “Pricey — Allies of Skin Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum”
Sticky and Tacky Finish Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “didn't like how sticky face feels — Allies of Skin Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist”
- “feels very sticky — The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5”
Stinging and Skin Irritation Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “Slightly irritating... when I first started — Allies of Skin Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum”
- “rashes popped up on my neck — Allies of Skin Tranexamic & Arbutin Advanced Brightening Serum”
- “stings my eyes — Allies of Skin Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream”
- “stings a little but worth it — The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution”
Slow or Ineffective Results Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “no change in pigment — The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG”
- “not a miracle worker overnight — The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA”
- “Didn't do anything special — The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA”
- “still not impressed with the results — Allies of Skin Tranexamic & Arbutin Advanced Brightening Serum”
The Ordinary vs Allies of Skin routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€14.68
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Hydrating Toner
COSRX Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning
€14.28
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Moisturizer
Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€70.90
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SPF
thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+
Morning
€32.81
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Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
€16.25
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Serum or Treatment
Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream
Evening · Once a week
€85.90
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Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
€28.40
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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
€14.28
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Moisturizer
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€7.50
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SPF
thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+
Morning
€32.81
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Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
€16.25
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Serum or Treatment
Mandelic Acid 10% + HA
Evening · Once a week
€7.09
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Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
€28.40
The Ordinary vs Allies of Skin routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€21.45
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Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
€19.99
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Moisturizer
Peptides & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€136.85
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SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
€15.64
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Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€22.67
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Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
€34.00
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Serum or Treatment
Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream
Evening · Once a week
€85.90
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Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€76.00
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Cleansing Mask
Dr. Sebagh Deep Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
€82.85
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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
€7.50
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
€15.64
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€22.67
-
Cleansing Toner
Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Evening
€9.60
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Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Evening · Once a week
€8.99
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Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€76.00
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Cleansing Mask
Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
Once a week
€14.49
The Ordinary vs Allies of Skin routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€56.86
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Hydrating Toner
La Mer The Tonic
Morning · Once a week
€115.30
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Moisturizer
Peptides & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€136.85
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€22.67
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Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
€22.99
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Serum or Treatment
Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream
Evening · Once a week
€85.90
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€76.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Sand & Sky Australian Pink Clay Porefining Face Mask
Once a week
€48.22
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Cleanser
Glucoside Foaming Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€12.77
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Hydrating Toner
La Mer The Tonic
Morning · Once a week
€115.30
-
Moisturizer
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€7.50
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€22.67
-
Cleansing Toner
Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Evening
€9.60
-
Serum or Treatment
Mandelic Acid 10% + HA
Evening · Once a week
€7.09
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€76.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
Once a week
€14.49
Questions and answers
The Ordinary or Allies of Skin: which is better?
Both The Ordinary and Allies of Skin are great choices, as both brands achieve a Superior routine fit for dry, oily, combination, sensitive, and mature skin. The Ordinary stands out for providing affordable value and acne-clearing serums, while Allies of Skin is often noted for its gentle, effective moisturizers and calming formulas.
What is the difference between The Ordinary and Allies of Skin?
The Ordinary offers budget-friendly products with standout performance for acne and texture, while Allies of Skin provides higher-priced formulations that excel in hydration and calming benefits. Both brands achieve equal routine fit levels across most skin types on the products on this page.
The Ordinary or Allies of Skin for dry skin?
Both The Ordinary and Allies of Skin achieve a Superior routine fit for dry skin. The Ordinary features affordable value and products like Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA, while Allies of Skin provides hydrating moisturizers like the Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist.
The Ordinary or Allies of Skin: which moisturizer is better?
Both The Ordinary and Allies of Skin provide moisturizers that help deliver strong hydration, with Allies of Skin standing out for calming benefits and texture while The Ordinary offers great value. For dry skin specifically, the routine fit is Superior for both brands.
Which is more affordable, The Ordinary or Allies of Skin?
The Ordinary is more affordable, offering affordable and great value serums, whereas reviewers mostly mention a high price point for Allies of Skin.
Does The Ordinary or Allies of Skin perform better for skin texture improvement and smoothing?
The Ordinary performs better for skin texture improvement and smoothing among the products on this page. Reviewers note that the brand helps deliver smooth results, making it a strong choice for texture care.
Which brand is better suited for mature skin, The Ordinary or Allies of Skin?
Both The Ordinary and Allies of Skin achieve a Superior routine fit level for mature skin. Allies of Skin offers effective anti-aging and brightening serums, while the products on this page from The Ordinary provide affordable value and target texture-smoothing.
How do the key ingredients of The Ordinary compare to those of Allies of Skin?
The products on this page from The Ordinary feature key ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane, whereas Allies of Skin focuses its range around niacinamide. Hyaluronic acid helps improve skin hydration and moisture retention.
The Ordinary or Allies of Skin for sensitive skin?
Both The Ordinary and Allies of Skin achieve a Superior routine fit for sensitive skin. The Ordinary offers affordable, gentle serums with no fragrance listed on this page, while Allies of Skin provides calming, hydrating moisturizers.
The Ordinary or Allies of Skin for acne-prone skin?
For acne-prone skin, Allies of Skin achieves a Superior routine fit level, whereas The Ordinary reaches a High fit level on this page. Reviewers report that the products on this page for The Ordinary offer great value and acne-clearing serums.
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 comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
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
Supramolecular collagen nanoparticles for anti-wrinkle, skin whitening, and moisturizing effects
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
Clinical efficacy of facial masks containing yoghurt and Opuntia humifusa Raf. (F-YOP)
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
Effects of a Greek Yoghurt-based Complex on the Human Facial Skin Microbiome
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
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Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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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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