The Ordinary vs Allies of Skin
The Ordinary and Allies of Skin are skincare brands that offer serums, moisturizers, cleansers, toners, and eye treatments built around ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, squalane, and niacinamide. The Canadian brand fits sensitive skin, dry sensitive skin, and specific concerns like acne, dark spots, or mature skin best, while the other brand suits acne-prone skin and oily acne-prone skin best thanks to formulas that respect congestion-prone barriers. Both brands differ in their product luxury and formulation scope, yet each uses scientifically grounded components such as hyaluronic acid to lengthen wrinkle reduction duration, glycerin to increase barrier function, squalane to boost collagen production, and niacinamide to decrease hyperpigmentation.
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
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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
Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 417.78
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SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
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
Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 448.77
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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
Glycolipid Cream Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 99.36
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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
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
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
Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Evening
SAR 72.29
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Serum or Treatment
Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 89.78
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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 Allies of Skin routine · SAR 1,741.33 · 94% fit
Buy The Ordinary routine · SAR 814.57 · 90% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
The Ordinary vs Allies of Skin routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 36.33
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 53.04
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Moisturizer
Peptides & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 285.48
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
SAR 46.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 245.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
SAR 187.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 448.77
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
Goldfaden MD Facial Detox Mask
Once a week
SAR 328.29
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Cleanser
Glycolipid Cream Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 99.36
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 53.04
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 39.70
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
SAR 46.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 245.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Evening
SAR 72.29
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Evening · Once a week
SAR 55.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
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Cleansing Mask
Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
Once a week
SAR 97.75
Buy Allies of Skin routine · SAR 1,789.32 · 94% fit
Buy The Ordinary routine · SAR 867.55 · 92% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
The Ordinary vs Allies of Skin 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
-
Moisturizer
Peptides & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 285.48
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
SAR 46.95
-
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
-
Serum or Treatment
Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 448.77
-
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
Glycolipid Cream Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 99.36
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 166.90
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 39.70
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
SAR 46.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 245.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Evening
SAR 72.29
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Evening · Once a week
SAR 55.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
Once a week
SAR 97.75
Buy Allies of Skin routine · SAR 1,776.13 · 94% fit
Buy The Ordinary routine · SAR 981.41 · 92% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
The Ordinary or Allies of Skin: which is better?
Both The Ordinary and Allies of Skin achieve a Superior Lovi fit level across almost all skin types, with Allies of Skin ranking slightly higher for oily acne-prone skin. The Ordinary stands out for skin texture improvement, acne clearing, and value, while Allies of Skin is noted for hydration and lightweight absorption.
What is the difference between The Ordinary and Allies of Skin?
The products on this page show that The Ordinary offers much better value and greater acne-clearing benefits, while Allies of Skin stands out for hydration and lightweight absorption. Both brands achieve a Superior routine fit for most skin types, though Allies of Skin reaches a Superior fit for oily acne-prone skin compared to The Ordinary's High fit.
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 help deliver strong hydration benefits, and topical hyaluronic acid may improve skin quality and signs of aging.
The Ordinary or Allies of Skin: which moisturizer is better?
Both The Ordinary and Allies of Skin provide moisturizers that help deliver strong hydration, with the products on this page achieving equal fit levels across multiple skin types. Lovi rates the routine fit for dry skin as Superior for The Ordinary and Superior for Allies of Skin.
Which is more affordable, The Ordinary or Allies of Skin?
The Ordinary offers much better affordability and value across the products on this page compared to Allies of Skin, which carries a notably higher price point.
Between The Ordinary and Allies of Skin, which brand is better for improving skin texture and smoothing?
The Ordinary does better than Allies of Skin for improving skin texture and smoothing based on the products on this page. Shoppers often note that The Ordinary offers great value and effective texture-smoothing serums.
How do the routine fit levels for dry sensitive skin compare between The Ordinary and Allies of Skin?
For dry sensitive skin, Lovi rates both The Ordinary and Allies of Skin as having a Superior routine fit. Both brands offer products on this page that help maintain hydration and are formulated without added fragrance.
Which brand has products that are better for hydration and plumping according to the review themes?
According to the review themes, Allies of Skin does better for hydration and plumping. Hyaluronic acid helps provide hydration and plumping across the products on this page.
The Ordinary or Allies of Skin for oily skin?
Both The Ordinary and Allies of Skin are a Superior fit for oily skin. Reviewers note that Allies of Skin provides hydrating serums, while The Ordinary offers great value and affordable serums on this page.
The Ordinary or Allies of Skin for sensitive skin?
Both The Ordinary and Allies of Skin achieve a Superior routine fit for sensitive skin on this page. Reviewers note that The Ordinary offers great value with gentle and non-irritating serums, while Allies of Skin provides effective, calming moisturizers.
The Ordinary or Allies of Skin for acne-prone skin?
Both The Ordinary and Allies of Skin provide a Superior routine fit for acne-prone skin on the products on this page. Shoppers often praise The Ordinary for acne-clearing serums and great value, while noting that Allies of Skin offers gentle and effective moisturizers with a higher price point.
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.
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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
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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
-

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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