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The Ordinary vs Lancôme

Rated by Lovi · Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes · How the Fit score works

The Ordinary and Lancôme are distinct skincare houses defined by their unique origins, compositions, and targeted benefits. The Canadian brand centers its serums, moisturizers, cleansers, and toners on hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane to best suit dry, sensitive, and specific skin concerns, whereas the French brand is deeply loved for its thoughtful array of moisturizers, eye products, and serums formulated with nourishing glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and adenosine to primarily care for sensitive and mature skin. While both rely on foundational hydrators like glycerin and hyaluronic acid to improve barrier function and reduce wrinkles, they differ in their sensory experiences and specialized formulations. Ultimately, choosing between them involves balancing clinical ingredient transparency with luxurious, restorative care.

The Ordinary is a Canadian skincare brand founded in 2016 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. since 2021.

glossy.coen.wikipedia.org

Lancôme is a French skincare brand founded in 1935 and owned by L'Oréal S.A. since 1964.

loreal.comen.wikipedia.orgcosmeticsbusiness.com

This page compares some of the most popular The Ordinary and Lancôme products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.

Popular The Ordinary vs Lancôme products

People Say

The OrdinaryLancôme
  • Texture and Absorption Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “absorbs quickly — Lancôme RÉNERGIE”
    • “absorbs almost instantly — Lancôme Génifique Ultimate”
    • “Skin feels cushiony soft — Lancôme Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate”
    • “glass skin effect — The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution”
  • Hydration and Moisture Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “gives my skin an instant dewy glow — Lancôme Tonique Confort”
    • “keeps the skin soft and hydrated — Lancôme HYDRA ZEN”
    • “The product provides deep hydration and visible rejuvenation. — Lancôme Advanced Génifique Night Cream”
    • “skin feels immediately hydrated — The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5”
  • 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%”
  • Acne and Blemish Control Mostly MentionedNot noted
    • “pimples disappear within a day — The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution”
    • “pores look significantly smaller — The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%”
    • “scars and hormonal acne faded — The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%”
  • Gentle Care for Sensitive Skin Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
    • “Finally a cleanser that doesn't sting my face. — The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser”
    • “No irritation at all — The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA”
    • “instantly soothed my skin — Lancôme Génifique Ultimate”
    • “Doesn't sting my eyes — Lancôme Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover”
  • Unique Textures and Finishes Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “skin is softer to touch — Lancôme Absolue Precious Oil”
    • “triple-chamber keeps ingredients fresh — Lancôme RÉNERGIE”
    • “Bottle lasts forever — Lancôme Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover”
    • “Sinks in immediately — The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA”
  • Pilling and Application Issues Mostly MentionedRarely Noted
    • “Leaves a greasy film — Lancôme Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover”
    • “pilling like dead skin — Lancôme Génifique Ultimate”
    • “left a tacky film on my face — Lancôme Tonique Confort”
    • “crumbles and piles under moisturizer — The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%”
  • General Formulation Issues Often MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “didn't notice much change in wrinkles — Lancôme Génifique Ultimate”
    • “Did absolutely nothing — Lancôme Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate”
    • “Strong smell of alcohol — Lancôme Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate”
    • “foams up like soap — The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution”
  • Skin Irritation and Sensitivity Often MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “caused a breakout — Lancôme RÉNERGIE”
    • “felt a burning sensation immediately — Lancôme Tonique Confort”
    • “burns my eyes — Lancôme Crème Radiance”
    • “irritated AF the next day — The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution”

The Ordinary vs Lancôme routines for dry skin

See multi-brand routine · 99% fit

The Ordinary vs Lancôme routines for oily skin

See multi-brand routine · 95% fit

The Ordinary vs Lancôme routines for combination skin

See multi-brand routine · 95% fit

Questions and answers

The Ordinary or Lancôme: which is better?

The Ordinary is often preferred for its better value and pricing, while Lancôme excels in texture and absorption and deep hydration. Lovi routine fit for both brands is Superior across most skin types on the products on this page.

What is the difference between The Ordinary and Lancôme?

The Ordinary offers superior value and acne-control products on this page, while Lancôme excels in texture, absorption, and deep hydration. Lovi rates the routine fit for both brands as Superior across most skin types, though Lancôme products on this page more frequently feature added fragrance.

The Ordinary or Lancôme for dry skin?

The Ordinary is a better fit for dry skin, offering a Superior routine compared to Lancôme's High fit. Hyaluronic acid helps provide deep hydration.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

The Ordinary or Lancôme: which cleanser is better?

Both The Ordinary and Lancôme offer cleansers on this page, but The Ordinary may be a better choice as Lancôme cleansers receive a warning fit level across skin types. Additionally, every cleanser from The Ordinary lists no fragrance in its ingredients.

Which is more affordable, The Ordinary or Lancôme?

The Ordinary is more affordable, offering budget-friendly serums and treatments compared to Lanc$u00f4me's high price point.

Which brand performs better for acne and blemish control?

The Ordinary performs better for acne and blemish control compared to Lancôme.

Which brand offers better texture and absorption according to reviewers?

Lancôme offers better texture and absorption according to reviewers.

The Ordinary or Lancôme for oily skin?

For oily skin, The Ordinary has a Superior routine fit on this page, while Lancome has a High routine fit. The Ordinary excels in acne and blemish control and offers better value, whereas Lancome is often noted for having a pleasant scent and a high price point.

The Ordinary or Lancôme: which moisturizer is better?

When comparing moisturizers, The Ordinary offers a superior routine fit for dry skin compared to Lancôme, which has a high fit. The products on this page from The Ordinary provide great value and feature formulas with no fragrance, whereas Lancôme moisturizers often have a higher price point and include fragrance in several options.

The Ordinary or Lancôme for sensitive skin?

The Ordinary is a superior fit for sensitive skin compared to Lancôme, and the products on this page list no fragrance. Lovi rates The Ordinary as Superior for sensitive skin, while Lancôme is rated High.

The Ordinary or Lancôme for acne-prone skin?

The Ordinary is a better choice for acne-prone skin, as the products on this page offer superior routine fit and excel in acne and blemish control. Lancome products often feature added fragrance, whereas every product from The Ordinary lists no fragrance in its ingredients.

Research behind their key ingredients

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.

  • Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Co-founder, Medical Director

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer

  • Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Co-founder, CEO and CTO

    PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex

  • Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Medical Board

    Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine

  • Aishani Shah, MD

    Aishani Shah, MD

    Medical Board

    Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD

  • Asya Zubkova, MS

    Asya Zubkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member

  • Hanna Kurets, MD

    Hanna Kurets, MD

    Medical Board, Medical Advisor

    Dermatology MD

  • Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Medical Board

    Dermatology and diagnostic consultant

  • Victoria Derkova, MS

    Victoria Derkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist

How does it fit your skin?

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