Neutrogena vs Olay
Neutrogena and Olay are American skincare brands that offer thoughtfully formulated moisturizers, cleansers, and more. Neutrogena features glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and dimethicone, which suit mature skin and skin with dark spots best, whereas Olay is enriched with niacinamide and glycerin to suit sensitive skin and acne-prone skin best. Both brands differ in their standout products and active components, as the first brand relies on targeted formulations for specific concerns while the second brand focuses on nourishing ingredients.
Neutrogena is an American skincare brand founded in 1930 and owned by Kimberly-Clark Corporation since 2026.
investor.kimberly-clark.comen.wikipedia.orginvestors.kenvue.com
This page compares some of the most popular Neutrogena and Olay products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Neutrogena vs Olay products
People Say
Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Skin looked plumper and radiant — Neutrogena HYDRO BOOST WATER CREAM”
- “It also hydrates my skin. This cream has been so easy to add to my routine. — Neutrogena Retinol Regenerating Cream”
- “Instantly smoother, softer, and more hydrated — Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream”
- “light and smooth — Olay Ultimate Eye Cream”
Lightweight and Fast-Absorbing Texture Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “sinks in quickly — Olay Super Serum”
- “absorbs quickly — Olay Vitamin C Serum”
- “Absorbs so quickly! — Olay Regenerist Regenerating Serum”
- “Absorbs instantly without sticky residue — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel”
Fragrance-Free and Gentle Formulas Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “leaves skin soft and balanced — Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser”
- “love that it has no scent — Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser”
- “doesn't strip my skin — Olay Regenerating Cream Cleanser”
- “No irritation at all — Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer”
Anti-Aging and Skin Texture Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “skin feels baby soft — Olay Retinol24”
- “Skin feels like silk — Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer”
- “hydrates the skin — Olay Advanced Eye Cream”
- “Skin is looking smoother — Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream”
Radiance, Brightening, and Tone Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “iridescent glow — Olay Super Serum”
- “hides dark shadows — Olay Ultimate Eye Cream”
- “skin looks brighter — Olay Vitamin C Serum”
- “Gave me a glass-skin glow — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Hydrogel Mask”
Makeup Compatibility and Base Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “Foundation glides right over it — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel”
- “Concealer doesn't cake or get stuck in crevices — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Gel-Cream”
- “absorbs instantly — Olay Eye Lifting Serum”
- “acts as primer — Olay Super Serum”
Packaging and Value Concerns Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Jar is too small for the price — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel”
- “Runs out quickly — Neutrogena HYDRO BOOST WATER CREAM”
- “hard to dispense — Olay Super Serum”
- “expensive — Olay Super Serum Night Repair”
Ineffective or Slow Results Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Eye holes are too small — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Hydrogel Mask”
- “Not moisturizing enough for winter months — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel”
- “no visible difference — Olay Ultimate Eye Cream”
- “no difference — Olay Vitamin C Serum”
Texture Flaws and Pilling Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “leaves greasy film — Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover”
- “leaves a purple/blue tint — Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen”
- “Wake up feeling a bit greasy — Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream”
- “cakes up all over — Olay Advanced Eye Cream”
Neutrogena vs Olay routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Regenerating Cream Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 163.62
-
Moisturizer
Regenerist Luminous Tone Perfecting Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 356.00
-
SPF
Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
Morning
SAR 115.83
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
SAR 65.11
-
Cleansing Toner
Oil Minimizing Clean Toner
Evening
SAR 112.00
- Serum or Treatment Vitamin C Serum Evening · Once a week
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
SAR 130.30
-
Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
SAR 234.73
-
Cleanser
Hydro Boost Water Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 17.19
-
Hydrating Toner
Alcohol-Free Toner
Morning
SAR 97.00
-
Moisturizer
Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 150.91
-
SPF
Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen
Morning
SAR 115.51
-
Pre-Cleanser
HYDRO BOOST WATER CREAM
Evening · Once a week
SAR 99.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Blackhead Eliminating Cleansing Toner
Evening
SAR 72.68
-
Serum or Treatment
Stubborn Marks PM Treatment
Evening · Once a week
SAR 97.00
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
SAR 130.30
-
Nourishing Mask
Hydro Boost Hydrating Hydrogel Mask
Once a week
SAR 74.18
Buy Olay routine · SAR 1,177.59 · 74% fit
Buy Neutrogena routine · SAR 854.76 · 69% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Neutrogena vs Olay routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
Regenerating Cream Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 163.62
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 53.04
-
Moisturizer
Super Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 189.75
-
SPF
Regenerist Whip Face Moisturizer SPF 25
Morning
SAR 179.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 245.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Oil Minimizing Clean Toner
Evening
SAR 112.00
- Serum or Treatment Vitamin C Serum Evening · Once a week
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
Goldfaden MD Facial Detox Mask
Once a week
SAR 328.29
-
Cleanser
Hydro Boost Water Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 17.19
-
Hydrating Toner
Alcohol-Free Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 97.00
-
Moisturizer
Hydro Boost+ Niacinamide Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 80.82
-
SPF
Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen
Morning
SAR 115.51
-
Pre-Cleanser
Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover
Evening · Once a week
SAR 69.93
-
Cleansing Toner
Blackhead Eliminating Cleansing Toner
Evening
SAR 72.68
-
Serum or Treatment
Stubborn Marks PM Treatment
Evening · Once a week
SAR 97.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask
Once a week
SAR 103.58
Buy Olay routine · SAR 1,429.16 · 84% fit
Buy Neutrogena routine · SAR 811.22 · 70% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Neutrogena vs Olay routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Regenerating Cream Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 163.62
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 166.90
-
Moisturizer
Super Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 189.75
-
SPF
Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
Morning
SAR 115.83
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 245.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Oil Minimizing Clean Toner
Evening
SAR 112.00
- Serum or Treatment Vitamin C Serum Evening · Once a week
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
SAR 168.77
-
Cleanser
Hydro Boost Water Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 17.19
-
Hydrating Toner
Alcohol-Free Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 97.00
-
Moisturizer
Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 150.91
-
SPF
Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen
Morning
SAR 51.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover
Evening · Once a week
SAR 69.93
-
Cleansing Toner
Blackhead Eliminating Cleansing Toner
Evening
SAR 72.68
-
Serum or Treatment
Stubborn Marks PM Treatment
Evening · Once a week
SAR 97.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask
Once a week
SAR 103.58
Buy Olay routine · SAR 1,320.33 · 83% fit
Buy Neutrogena routine · SAR 817.79 · 74% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
Neutrogena or Olay: which is better?
Olay is better on this page for most skin types, featuring High routines for oily, combination, sensitive, and dry sensitive skin compared to Neutrogena's Average fit for those types. Both brands reach High fit levels for mature skin, acne-prone skin, and skin with dark spots.
What is the difference between Neutrogena and Olay?
Olay tends to do better on this page for anti-aging and skin texture, and radiance, brightening, and tone, while both brands offer equal hydration and moisture, fragrance-free and gentle formulas, and makeup compatibility. Olay also has a High routine fit for oily skin, combination skin, sensitive skin, and dry sensitive skin, whereas Neutrogena has an Average routine fit for those skin types.
Neutrogena or Olay for dry skin?
Both Neutrogena and Olay have an Average Lovi fit level for dry skin. The products on this page for both brands feature key moisturizing ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, which helps provide deep hydration.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
Neutrogena or Olay: which cleanser is better?
Neutrogena has the products on this page that generally fit cleansers better, as its Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser offers a Superior fit for mature, acne-prone, sensitive, and combination skin.
Which is more affordable, Neutrogena or Olay?
This page does not provide pricing or affordability information to compare Neutrogena and Olay.
Between Neutrogena and Olay, which brand performs better for anti-aging and skin texture according to reviewers?
Olay performs better for anti-aging and skin texture according to reviewers. Topical retinol helps stimulate collagen accumulation in naturally aged human skin.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000Archives of Dermatology, 2007
How do the fragrance options compare between Neutrogena and Olay products?
Neutrogena has 35 of 39 products on the page listing no fragrance, while Olay has 26 of 27 products on the page listing no fragrance. Both brands offer mostly fragrance-free options across the products on this page.
Which brand has better routine fit scores for oily and combination skin types?
Olay is better for oily and combination skin types because the products on this page achieve a High routine fit for both, compared to Neutrogena which reaches only an Average fit.
Neutrogena or Olay for oily skin?
Olay is a better choice for oily skin, as the products on this page achieve a High routine fit compared to Neutrogena's Average fit level.
Neutrogena or Olay: which moisturizer is better?
Olay delivers better anti-aging and skin texture results than Neutrogena according to the review themes on this page.
Neutrogena or Olay for sensitive skin?
Olay achieves a High routine fit for sensitive skin, whereas Neutrogena reaches an Average fit. Both brands offer fragrance-free options across the products on this page to help minimize irritation.
Neutrogena or Olay: which sunscreen is better?
Neutrogena has superior sunscreen options for multiple skin types on this page, whereas Olay offers fewer dedicated sunscreens. Neutrogena sunscreens include Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen and Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen, which both achieve a Superior fit level for combination and sensitive skin.
Neutrogena or Olay for acne-prone skin?
Both Neutrogena and Olay are good options for acne-prone skin, as the products on this page for both brands achieve a High routine fit level for this skin type.
Research behind their key ingredients
Final report on the safety assessment of Benzyl Alcohol, Benzoic Acid, and Sodium Benzoate
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
Apigenin inhibits UVA-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and prevents signs of skin aging in vivo
Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation by topical N-acetyl glucosamine
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
Anti-inflammatory activity of parthenolide-depleted Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)
Evaluation of moisturizing and irritation potential of sacha inchi oil
Neuroimmunomodulatory compound for sensitive skin care: in vitro and clinical assessment
Comedogenicity in rabbit: some cosmetic ingredients/vehicles
Solid lipid nanoparticles bearing oxybenzone: in-vitro and in-vivo evaluation
Nanostructured Lipid Carrier for Topical Application of N-Acetyl Glucosamine
Safety of a preservative system containing 1,2-hexanediol and caprylyl glycol
Dually functionalized dendrimer for stimuli-responsive release of active ingredients into the skin
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens
Natural Moisturizing Factor-Enriched Formulations Compared to a Ceramide-Based Cream
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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