Olay vs ISDIN
Olay and ISDIN are established skincare brands offering thoughtfully formulated moisturizers, serums, eye products, and cleansers enriched with nourishing ingredients like niacinamide and glycerin. While Olay is warmly loved for these staples, the Spanish brand founded in 1975 and owned by Puig is beloved for its advanced approach to daily care and sunscreens. Both suit sensitive skin and acne-prone skin best, as their gentle yet effective creations respect delicate moisture barriers. They differ primarily in their origin and specific formulations, with the former focusing on niacinamide and glycerin to improve wrinkles, pigmentation, aging, hydration, and barrier function, and the latter providing reliable results to maintain a healthy, balanced, and protected complexion.
ISDIN is a Spanish skincare brand founded in 1975 and owned by Puig.
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This page compares some of the most popular Olay and ISDIN products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Olay vs ISDIN products
People Say
Texture and Absorption Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “sinks in quickly — Olay Super Serum”
- “skin feels baby soft — Olay Retinol24”
- “absorbs instantly — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
- “doesn't leave you white as a ghost — ISDIN Fusion Water”
Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Instantly smoother, softer, and more hydrated — Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream”
- “Skin feels like silk — Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer”
- “Improved moisture and texture — ISDIN Hyaluronic Moisture”
- “My skin felt sooo hydrated and looks so plump and dewey. — ISDIN Fusion Water”
Radiance and Brightening Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “iridescent glow — Olay Super Serum”
- “hides dark shadows — Olay Ultimate Eye Cream”
- “skin looks brighter — Olay Vitamin C Serum”
- “My hyperpigmentation has lightened and skin looks more even, even shines more. — ISDIN Flavo-C Serum”
Makeup Compatibility Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “absorbs instantly — Olay Eye Lifting Serum”
- “acts as primer — Olay Super Serum”
- “acts like a primer — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
- “Great under makeup — ISDIN Hyaluronic Concentrate”
Gentle Care Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “tiny beads aren't harsh — Olay Regenerating Cream Cleanser”
- “works well on sensitive skin — Olay Advanced Eye Cream”
- “no excessive exfoliation — ISDIN Retinal Intense Serum”
- “doesn't sting eyes — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
Fragrance-Free Options Often MentionedNot noted
- “No irritation at all — Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer”
- “no scent — Olay Super Serum Night Repair”
- “love that it's fragrance-free — Olay Retinol24”
Price and Cost Concerns Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “expensive for drugstore — Olay Super Serum”
- “expensive — Olay Super Serum Night Repair”
- “small quantity (0.5 oz) — Olay Eye Lifting Serum”
- “very expensive — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
Strong or Unpleasant Fragrance Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Fragrance can be an irritant — Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream”
- “floral scent — Olay Super Serum”
- “smells like plastic — Olay Retinol24”
- “smell is overpowering — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
Skin Breakouts and Irritation Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “caused cystic acne — Olay Retinol24”
- “Caused breakouts — Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream”
- “this did make my eyes water water in the sun. — ISDIN Fusion Water”
- “mild redness or irritation — ISDIN K-Ox Eyes”
Olay vs ISDIN routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 297.00
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Moisturizer
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 48.00
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SPF
Fusion Water
Morning
SAR 75.00
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Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
SAR 65.11
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Cleansing Toner
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water
Evening
SAR 72.64
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Serum or Treatment
Flavo-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 848.48
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Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
SAR 130.30
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Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
SAR 234.73
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Cleanser
Regenerating Cream Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 163.62
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Moisturizer
Regenerist Luminous Tone Perfecting Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 356.00
-
SPF
Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
Morning
SAR 115.83
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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
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Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
SAR 130.30
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Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
SAR 234.73
Buy ISDIN routine · SAR 1,771.26 · 92% fit
Buy Olay routine · SAR 1,177.59 · 74% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Olay vs ISDIN routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 36.33
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Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 53.04
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Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 39.70
-
SPF
Eryfotona Actinica
Morning
SAR 429.81
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Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 245.95
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Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
SAR 187.00
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Serum or Treatment
Flavo-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 848.48
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
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Cleansing Mask
Goldfaden MD Facial Detox Mask
Once a week
SAR 328.29
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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
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Moisturizer
Super Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 189.75
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SPF
Regenerist Whip Face Moisturizer SPF 25
Morning
SAR 179.00
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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
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Cleansing Mask
Goldfaden MD Facial Detox Mask
Once a week
SAR 328.29
Buy ISDIN routine · SAR 2,326.11 · 93% fit
Buy Olay routine · SAR 1,429.16 · 84% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Olay vs ISDIN routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 191.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 166.90
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Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 39.70
-
SPF
Eryfotona Actinica
Morning
SAR 429.81
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 245.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
SAR 64.80
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Serum or Treatment
Flavo-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 848.48
-
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
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
Buy ISDIN routine · SAR 2,312.92 · 93% fit
Buy Olay routine · SAR 1,320.33 · 83% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
Olay or ISDIN: which is better?
Both Olay and ISDIN are great choices, but ISDIN achieves a Superior routine fit across all skin types compared to Olay's High fit. Olay stands out on this page for offering more fragrance-free options and better performance for radiance and brightening, while ISDIN is mainly praised for its ultralight and makeup-friendly sunscreens.
What is the difference between Olay and ISDIN?
Olay offers more fragrance-free options and does better for radiance and brightening, while ISDIN is often noted for having a higher price point. Both brands fit sensitive, acne-prone, and oily skin best, but ISDIN provides a superior routine fit across most skin types.
Olay or ISDIN for dry skin?
ISDIN is the better choice for dry skin, where Lovi rates its routine as Superior compared to an Average fit for Olay on this page. The products on this page for Olay include many fragrance-free options, while ISDIN offers ultralight sunscreens and lightweight moisturizers.
Olay or ISDIN: which moisturizer is better?
Olay offers more fragrance-free options across the products on this page, while ISDIN stands out for lightweight moisturizers. For dry skin, Lovi rates Olay as Average and ISDIN as Superior.
Which is more affordable, Olay or ISDIN?
Olay is more affordable, whereas ISDIN is frequently noted by reviewers for its high price point.
Which brand offers more fragrance-free skincare products, Olay or ISDIN?
Olay offers more fragrance-free skincare products, as 26 of the 27 products on this page list no fragrance, whereas only 3 of the 8 ISDIN products on this page are fragrance-free.
How do the founding years and corporate owners of Olay and ISDIN compare?
Olay was founded in 1952 and has been owned by The Procter & Gamble Company since 1985, whereas ISDIN was founded in 1975 in Spain and is owned by Puig.
Which brand performs better for radiance and brightening, Olay or ISDIN?
Olay performs better for radiance and brightening among the products on this page. Niacinamide helps reduce cutaneous pigmentation and suppresses melanosome transfer.
Olay or ISDIN for oily skin?
Both Olay and ISDIN have High fit for oily skin. ISDIN is Lovi Superior for oily skin, whereas Olay is High.
Olay or ISDIN: which sunscreen is better?
Both Olay and ISDIN offer great sunscreen options on this page, but ISDIN stands out with Superior routine fit levels for sunscreens like Eryfotona Actinica and Fusion Water across almost all skin types. Olay sunscreens like Regenerist Whip Face Moisturizer SPF 25 also perform well with High fit levels, though Olay generally has more fragrance-free options compared to ISDIN.
Olay or ISDIN for sensitive skin?
Both Olay and ISDIN are great choices for sensitive skin, with Lovi giving ISDIN a Superior routine fit and Olay a High fit. Olay stands out on this page for having significantly more fragrance-free options, while ISDIN is mostly loved for its ultralight sunscreens.
Olay or ISDIN for acne-prone skin?
Both Olay and ISDIN are a High fit for acne-prone skin on this page, but ISDIN holds a Superior routine fit overall. Reviewers note that both brands help provide lightweight hydration without heavy residue.
Research behind their key ingredients
Topical palmitoyl pentapeptide provides improvement in photoaged human facial skin
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation by topical N-acetyl glucosamine
Neuroimmunomodulatory compound for sensitive skin care: in vitro and clinical assessment
Comedogenicity in rabbit: some cosmetic ingredients/vehicles
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
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
The clinical efficacy of a new emulsion for acne and conspicuous facial pore amelioration
Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens
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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