The Ordinary vs Beauty of Joseon
The Ordinary and Beauty of Joseon are both Canadian and Korean skincare brands founded in 2016 that offer gentle serums, moisturizers, and cleansers built around key ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane. The former focuses on targeted formulations that suit sensitive skin, dry sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, mature skin, and skin with dark spots, while the latter is loved for a thoughtful collection that suits sensitive skin, dry sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, mature skin, and skin with dark spots through soothing masks and sunscreens. Both brands differ in their specific product offerings and ownership, yet their shared ingredients work to improve wrinkles, reduce hyperpigmentation, and increase hydration and barrier function.
The Ordinary is a Canadian skincare brand founded in 2016 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. since 2021.
Beauty of Joseon is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2016 and owned by Goodai Global Inc. since 2019.
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This page compares some of the most popular The Ordinary and Beauty of Joseon products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular The Ordinary vs Beauty of Joseon products
People Say
Texture and Smoothness 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 feels incredibly smooth — Beauty of Joseon Ground Rice and Honey Glow Mask”
- “skin feels baby soft — Beauty of Joseon Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel”
Hydration and Moisture Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Saved my dry winter skin — Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream”
- “doesn't dry my skin like other cleansers — Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm”
- “eyes look less tired — Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum”
- “skin feels immediately hydrated — The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5”
Gentle Formula Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “no irritation at all — Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum”
- “cleansed my face gently without making my skin feel irritated — Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser”
- “doesn't irritate my sensitive skin — Beauty of Joseon Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel”
- “never had any reaction to it with my sensitive skin — The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA”
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%”
Lightweight and Non-Greasy Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “feels like a light moisturizer — Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics”
- “sinks in instantly — Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water”
- “sinks in immediately — Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Water Gel”
- “Sinks in immediately — The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA”
Acne and Blemish Control 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”
- “reduced my redness significantly — Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum”
Texture Issues and Pilling Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “hard to scoop in winter — Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm”
- “feels slimy — Beauty of Joseon Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel”
- “crumbles and piles under moisturizer — The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%”
Unpleasant Scent Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “Smells like vinegar — The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum”
- “smell is unbearable — The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%”
- “has a slight chemical smell — The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA”
- “smells like cooking oil — Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil”
Breakouts and Purging Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “broke me out in cysts — The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%”
- “broke me out in cysts — The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5”
- “Broke me out in cystic acne — Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream”
- “gave me cystic acne — Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil”
The Ordinary vs Beauty of Joseon routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Glycolipid Cream Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 99.36
-
Moisturizer
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 48.00
-
SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
SAR 75.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
SAR 65.11
-
Cleansing Toner
Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Evening
SAR 72.29
-
Serum or Treatment
Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 89.78
-
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
Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 39.66
-
Hydrating Toner
Ginseng Essence Water
Morning
SAR 40.00
-
Moisturizer
Revive Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 38.00
-
SPF
Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics
Morning
SAR 59.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Ginseng Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 31.96
-
Cleansing Toner
Green Plum Refreshing Toner
Evening
SAR 43.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Glow Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 35.52
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
SAR 130.30
-
Nourishing Mask
Centella Asiatica Calming Mask
Once a week
SAR 14.55
Buy The Ordinary routine · SAR 814.57 · 90% fit
Buy Beauty of Joseon routine · SAR 432.98 · 82% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
The Ordinary vs Beauty of Joseon routines for oily skin
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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
-
Cleansing Mask
Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
Once a week
SAR 97.75
-
Cleanser
Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 39.66
-
Hydrating Toner
Ginseng Essence Water
Morning · Once a week
SAR 40.00
-
Moisturizer
Revive Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 38.00
-
SPF
Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics
Morning
SAR 59.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Ginseng Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 31.96
-
Cleansing Toner
Green Plum Refreshing Toner
Evening
SAR 43.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Glow Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 35.52
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
Red Bean Refreshing Pore Mask
Once a week
SAR 38.50
Buy The Ordinary routine · SAR 867.55 · 92% fit
Buy Beauty of Joseon routine · SAR 484.14 · 80% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
The Ordinary vs Beauty of Joseon routines for combination skin
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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
-
Cleanser
Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 39.66
-
Hydrating Toner
Ginseng Essence Water
Morning · Once a week
SAR 40.00
-
Moisturizer
Revive Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 38.00
-
SPF
Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics
Morning
SAR 59.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Radiance Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
SAR 18.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Green Plum Refreshing Toner
Evening
SAR 43.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Glow Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 35.52
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
Red Bean Refreshing Pore Mask
Once a week
SAR 38.50
Buy The Ordinary routine · SAR 981.41 · 92% fit
Buy Beauty of Joseon routine · SAR 470.18 · 81% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
The Ordinary or Beauty of Joseon: which is better?
The Ordinary is generally better for value and acne control, while Beauty of Joseon excels in hydration and gentle formulas for the products on this page. Lovi rates The Ordinary as having a Superior routine fit across nearly all skin types.
What is the difference between The Ordinary and Beauty of Joseon?
The Ordinary and Beauty of Joseon differ primarily in their formulation focus and overall value, with The Ordinary offering superior routine fit across most skin types and better pricing, while Beauty of Joseon excels in deep hydration and gentle, lightweight formulas.
The Ordinary or Beauty of Joseon for dry skin?
The Ordinary is superior for dry skin due to its tailored high and superior fit levels across products like Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA, while Beauty of Joseon offers a high fit.
The Ordinary or Beauty of Joseon: which cleanser is better?
The products on this page show that both brands offer cleansers suited for various skin types, but Beauty of Joseon stands out for a gentler formula. Reviewers note that Beauty of Joseon cleansers provide deep hydration and moisturization with gentle, non-irritating formulas.
Which is more affordable, The Ordinary or Beauty of Joseon?
The Ordinary offers better value and pricing on the products on this page.
Which brand performs better for hydration and moisture, The Ordinary or Beauty of Joseon?
Beauty of Joseon performs better for hydration and moisture compared to The Ordinary. Both brands rely on glycerin and hyaluronic acid across the products on this page, and topical hyaluronic acid helps improve skin hydration and signs of skin aging.
Which brand has better options for acne and blemish control, The Ordinary or Beauty of Joseon?
The Ordinary does better for acne and blemish control according to the products on this page. Lovi rates routine fit for acne-prone skin as Superior for The Ordinary and High for Beauty of Joseon.
Do The Ordinary products contain fragrance?
The products on this page by The Ordinary list no fragrance in their ingredients.
The Ordinary or Beauty of Joseon for oily skin?
The Ordinary offers a Superior routine fit for oily skin, whereas Beauty of Joseon provides a High fit level. Reviewers note that The Ordinary does better for acne and blemish control, while Beauty of Joseon excels in lightweight and non-greasy feel.
The Ordinary or Beauty of Joseon: which moisturizer is better?
When comparing moisturizers, Beauty of Joseon does better with deep hydration and moisturization than The Ordinary. The products on this page for both brands list no fragrance in their ingredients.
The Ordinary or Beauty of Joseon for sensitive skin?
For sensitive skin, both brands fit well, but The Ordinary achieves a Superior routine fit compared to Beauty of Joseon's High fit level. Reviewers note that both brands offer gentle and non-irritating formulas, and every product across the products on this page for both brands lists no fragrance in its ingredients.
The Ordinary or Beauty of Joseon for acne-prone skin?
For acne-prone skin, both brands work well, but Lovi rates The Ordinary as Superior and Beauty of Joseon as High. Reviewers note that The Ordinary offers better acne and blemish control across the products on this page.
Research behind their key ingredients
The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer
Safety evaluation of topical applications of ethanol on the skin and inside the oral cavity
The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review
Cutaneous photoprotection from ultraviolet injury by green tea polyphenols
Bacterial cellulose membranes as drug delivery systems: an in vivo skin compatibility study
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
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
Novel beads made of alpha-cyclodextrin and oil for topical delivery of a lipophilic drug
A study of anti-wrinkle functions and improvement of cream with Phaseolus angularis
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
Hippophae rhamnoides oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion improves barrier function in healthy human subjects
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
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
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