The Ordinary vs Allies of Skin
The Ordinary and Allies of Skin are skincare brands that offer serums, moisturizers, cleansers, and more. The Ordinary is built around hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane to fit dry skin and sensitive skin best, whereas Allies of Skin provides luxurious moisturizers, potent serums, and targeted eye products formulated with powerhouse ingredients like niacinamide to suit dry skin and acne-prone skin best. Both brands differ in their formulations, offering targeted treatments for acne-prone skin, dark spots, and mature skin through distinct ingredient profiles.
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
-
Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€9.19
-
Hydrating Toner
Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner
Morning
€15.16
-
Moisturizer
Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€56.90
-
SPF
thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+
Morning
€37.19
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
€15.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream
Evening · Once a week
€94.30
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
€31.93
-
Cleanser
Glycolipid Cream Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€12.77
-
Hydrating Toner
Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner
Morning
€15.16
-
Moisturizer
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€13.11
-
SPF
thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+
Morning
€37.19
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
€15.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Mandelic Acid 10% + HA
Evening · Once a week
€9.00
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
€31.93
The Ordinary vs Allies of Skin routines for oily skin
-
Cleanser
Glucoside Foaming Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€12.77
-
Hydrating Toner
La Mer The Tonic
Morning · Once a week
€103.91
-
Moisturizer
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€13.11
-
SPF
make p:rem UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Cream
Morning
€40.49
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€40.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Evening
€13.30
-
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
€15.00
-
Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€24.75
-
Hydrating Toner
La Mer The Tonic
Morning · Once a week
€103.91
-
Moisturizer
Peptides & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€103.95
-
SPF
make p:rem UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Cream
Morning
€40.49
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€40.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
€19.50
-
Serum or Treatment
Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream
Evening · Once a week
€94.30
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€49.00
-
Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
€19.79
The Ordinary vs Allies of Skin routines for combination skin
-
Cleanser
Dr. Althea Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€13.50
-
Hydrating Toner
La Mer The Tonic
Morning · Once a week
€103.91
-
Moisturizer
Peptides & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€103.95
-
SPF
make p:rem UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Cream
Morning
€40.49
-
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
Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream
Evening · Once a week
€94.30
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€49.00
-
Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
€19.79
-
Cleanser
Glucoside Foaming Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€12.77
-
Hydrating Toner
La Mer The Tonic
Morning · Once a week
€103.91
-
Moisturizer
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€13.11
-
SPF
make p:rem UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Cream
Morning
€40.49
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€40.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Evening
€13.30
-
Serum or Treatment
Mandelic Acid 10% + HA
Evening · Once a week
€9.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€49.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
Once a week
€15.00
Questions and answers
The Ordinary or Allies of Skin: which is better?
Both The Ordinary and Allies of Skin are great choices, as Lovi rates their routines as superior across all skin types. The Ordinary stands out for its affordability and effectiveness with texture and acne, while Allies of Skin is often praised for its gentle, hydrating moisturizers.
What is the difference between The Ordinary and Allies of Skin?
The Ordinary offers budget-friendly products with standout value, while Allies of Skin focuses on luxurious, hydrating multi-tasking formulas. Both brands provide a Superior fit for most skin types, though reviewers note that Allies of Skin can sometimes cause initial irritation and carries a high price point.
The Ordinary or Allies of Skin for dry skin?
Both The Ordinary and Allies of Skin provide a Superior routine fit for dry skin. The products on this page for The Ordinary focus heavily on hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which helps improve skin moisture.
The Ordinary or Allies of Skin: which moisturizer is better?
Both The Ordinary and Allies of Skin offer moisturizers that fit dry skin at a Superior level, so the better choice depends on your budget and preferences. The Ordinary delivers great value with affordable formulas like Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA, while Allies of Skin provides rich options like Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist that reviewers praise for hydration and plumping.
Which is more affordable, The Ordinary or Allies of Skin?
The Ordinary is more affordable, offering affordable and great value serums compared to Allies of Skin which has a high price point.
Which brand has better anti-aging and brightening serums, The Ordinary or Allies of Skin?
Allies of Skin offers effective anti-aging and brightening serums, whereas The Ordinary is often noted by reviewers for delivering effective anti-aging and brightening results despite being associated with slower progress. Both brands feature fragrance-free formulations on this page.
How do the foundation years and parent companies of The Ordinary and Allies of Skin compare?
Both The Ordinary and Allies of Skin were founded in 2016, but while The Ordinary is owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. since 2021, Allies of Skin is owned by Allies Group Pte. Ltd.
Which brand performs better for skin texture improvement versus hydration and plumping?
The Ordinary performs better for skin texture improvement, while Allies of Skin does better for hydration and plumping.
The Ordinary or Allies of Skin for oily skin?
Both The Ordinary and Allies of Skin offer a Superior routine fit for oily skin. The Ordinary features key ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane across its products.
The Ordinary or Allies of Skin for sensitive skin?
Both The Ordinary and Allies of Skin offer a Superior routine fit for sensitive skin. The Ordinary features gentle, non-irritating serums on this page, while Allies of Skin provides calming serums and effective moisturizers that help soothe the skin.
The Ordinary or Allies of Skin for acne-prone skin?
Both The Ordinary and Allies of Skin reach a Superior level of routine fit for acne-prone skin on Lovi. The Ordinary offers great value with standout acne-clearing serums, while Allies of Skin provides gentle and effective moisturizers.
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.
-

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
-

Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
-

Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
-

Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
How does it fit your skin?
Scan your face, then any product: Lovi shows how well it fits you and what fits even better.
















































