The Ordinary vs L'Oreal Paris
The Ordinary and L'Oreal Paris are respected skincare brands that offer distinct approaches to daily care. The Ordinary, a Canadian line founded in 2016, features serums, moisturizers, cleansers, and toners built around hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane, making it best suited for dry and dry sensitive skin. Meanwhile, the French brand founded in 1909 is beloved for its thoughtful range of serums, moisturizers, masks, and eye products formulated with quality hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which suit oily and mature skin best. Both brands differ in their formulations and targeted solutions, allowing individuals to choose according to their unique complexion needs.
The Ordinary is a Canadian skincare brand founded in 2016 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. since 2021.
L'Oreal Paris is a French skincare brand founded in 1909 and owned by L'Oréal S.A..
en.wikipedia.orgloreal.comloreal-paris.co.ukcosmeticsbusiness.com
This page compares some of the most popular The Ordinary and L'Oreal Paris products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular The Ordinary vs L'Oreal Paris products
People Say
Texture and Absorption Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “melts into skin — L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Midnight Cream”
- “glides on easily without residue — L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Anti-Wrinkle + Firming Eye Cream”
- “skin is a lot smoother — L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Laser Pure Retinol Night Serum”
- “glass skin effect — The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution”
Hydration and Moisture Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “wake up with soft skin — L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Midnight Cream”
- “Leaves my face feeling plump and dewy all day. — L'Oreal Paris Revitalift”
- “Skin feels softer and more supple — L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Anti-Wrinkle + Firming Night Cream”
- “skin feels immediately hydrated — The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5”
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%”
Brightening and Dark Spots Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “skin looks luminous — L'Oreal Paris Glycolic Bright”
- “significant reduction in the appearance of dark spots — L'Oreal Paris Bright Reveal 12% Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum”
- “skin looks glowing — L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Midnight Cream”
- “Dark spots have faded noticeably — The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA”
Acne 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”
- “After two uses, my pores were clean! — L'Oreal Paris Pure-Clay Mask”
Gentle and Sensitive Skin Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “never had any reaction to it with my sensitive skin — The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA”
- “Finally a cleanser that doesn't sting my face. — The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser”
- “No irritation at all — The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA”
- “very gentle, didn't irritate my skin — L'Oreal Paris Bright Reveal 12% Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum”
Ineffective Results and Conflicts Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “no change in pigment — The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG”
- “Struggles to get my waterproof mascara off completely. — The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser”
- “Used the whole jar but saw no change in wrinkles. — L'Oreal Paris Revitalift”
- “doesn't do anything about the discoloration — L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Anti-Wrinkle + Firming Eye Cream”
Irritation and Stinging Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “irritated AF the next day — The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution”
- “stings a little but worth it — The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution”
- “retinol can be irritating for sensitive skin — L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Pressed Night Cream”
- “burnt my face after two uses — L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Laser Pure Retinol Night Serum”
Sticky or Greasy Residue Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “Balls up when I try to apply foundation over it. — L'Oreal Paris Revitalift”
- “felt oily on my face — L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Midnight Cream”
- “feels a little sticky and tacky — L'Oreal Paris Dark Spot Exfoliant Peel”
- “crumbles and piles under moisturizer — The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%”
The Ordinary vs L'Oreal Paris 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
€14.28
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Moisturizer
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€7.50
-
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
-
Serum or Treatment
Mandelic Acid 10% + HA
Evening · Once a week
€7.09
-
Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
€28.40
-
Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€14.68
-
Hydrating Toner
COSRX Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning
€14.28
-
Moisturizer
Revitalift
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€17.50
-
SPF
thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+
Morning
€32.81
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
€16.25
-
Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
€28.40
The Ordinary vs L'Oreal Paris routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€21.45
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
€19.99
-
Moisturizer
Revitalift
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€17.50
-
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
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
€34.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€76.00
-
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
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Evening · Once a week
€8.99
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€76.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
Once a week
€14.49
The Ordinary vs L'Oreal Paris routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€56.86
-
Hydrating Toner
La Mer The Tonic
Morning · Once a week
€115.30
-
Moisturizer
Revitalift
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€17.50
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€22.67
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
€22.99
-
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
-
Cleanser
Glucoside Foaming Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€12.77
-
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 L'Oreal Paris: which is better?
The Ordinary and L'Oreal Paris both offer equal routine fit levels for dry, oily, combination, and mature skin, while The Ordinary is better suited for sensitive skin and dark spots. L'Oreal Paris performs better in hydration and brightening, whereas The Ordinary provides better pricing and acne control.
What is the difference between The Ordinary and L'Oreal Paris?
The Ordinary is a Canadian brand that provides affordable single-ingredient and peptide serums, whereas L'Oreal Paris is a French brand offering luxurious anti-aging and brightening creams. Both brands achieve superior routine fit levels for dry, oily, and combination skin on this page, but The Ordinary is better suited for sensitive skin.
The Ordinary or L'Oreal Paris for dry skin?
Both The Ordinary and L'Oreal Paris are a Superior fit for dry skin. The Ordinary offers fragrance-free products on this page and is recognized for value and gentle formulations, while L'Oreal Paris provides luxurious textures and deep hydration.
The Ordinary or L'Oreal Paris: which moisturizer is better?
The Ordinary offers better moisturizers for dry skin, as the products on this page achieve a Superior Lovi fit level for that skin type. The brand's formulas help deliver deep hydration with ingredients like hyaluronic acid.
Which is more affordable, The Ordinary or L'Oreal Paris?
The Ordinary offers better value and affordability than L'Oreal Paris based on the products on this page.
Which brand performs better for brightening and dark spots according to reviewers?
L'Oreal Paris performs better for brightening and dark spots according to reviewers. The products on this page help improve radiance and dark spots.
How do the foundation years and parent companies of The Ordinary and L'Oreal Paris compare?
The Ordinary was founded in 2016 in Canada and has been owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. since 2021. In contrast, L'Oreal Paris was founded much earlier in 1909 in France and is owned by L'Oréal S.A.
Which brand has better texture and absorption scores from user reviews?
L'Oreal Paris does better than The Ordinary for texture and absorption based on user reviews.
The Ordinary or L'Oreal Paris for oily skin?
For oily skin, both The Ordinary and L'Oreal Paris provide a Superior routine fit based on the products on this page. Niacinamide helps control pigmentation and skin aging.
The Ordinary or L'Oreal Paris for sensitive skin?
The Ordinary is a better fit for sensitive skin, achieving a Superior Lovi fit level compared to L'Oreal Paris which reaches High. Reviewers frequently note that the products on this page by The Ordinary are gentle and non-irritating, while L'Oreal Paris formulations may involve strong fragrances and skin irritation.
The Ordinary or L'Oreal Paris for acne-prone skin?
The Ordinary is a better choice for acne-prone skin because the products on this page achieve a high fit level for this skin type and excel in acne and blemish control. Lovi rates The Ordinary as High for acne-prone skin.
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
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
Histometric assessment of the age-related skin response to 2-hydroxy-5-octanoyl benzoic acid
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
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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
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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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