The Ordinary vs Biore
The Ordinary and Biore are well-regarded skincare brands offering targeted products for diverse complexions. The Canadian brand centers its serums, moisturizers, cleansers, and toners on ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane to suit sensitive and dry sensitive skin, while the Japanese brand is beloved for thoughtfully formulated sunscreens, cleansers, masks, and makeup removers that best serve sensitive and oily skin. Both brands differ in their specific standout offerings for acne-prone skin, dark spots, and mature skin, yet each works steadily to support a balanced and refreshed complexion.
The Ordinary is a Canadian skincare brand founded in 2016 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. since 2021.
Biore is a Japanese skincare brand founded in 1980 and owned by Kao Corporation.
This page compares some of the most popular The Ordinary and Biore products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular The Ordinary vs Biore products
People Say
High protection and application Not notedMostly Mentioned
- “Gets the gunk out — Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips”
- “Face feels squeaky clean — Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser”
- “SPF 50+ PA++++ — Biore UV Aqua Rich”
Redness and acne reduction Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
- “calms down the redness immediately — The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%”
- “glass skin effect — The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution”
- “pimples disappear within a day — The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution”
- “Helped clear my blackheads — Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser”
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%”
Hydration and plumping Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “skin feels immediately hydrated — The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5”
- “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”
- “feels like a moisturizer — Biore UV Aqua Rich”
Gentle application Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “Minimal effort required — Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips”
- “No greasy film, leaves skin fresh, rinses easily. — Biore Makeup Remover Perfect Oil”
- “Works in shower, effective on wet hands/face. — Biore Makeup Remover Perfect Oil”
- “no irritation at all — The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5”
Makeup compatibility Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “primer-like — Biore UV Aqua Rich”
- “Removes waterproof mascara, eyeliner, foundation. — Biore Makeup Remover Perfect Oil”
- “Makeup sits beautifully on top — The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA”
Stinging and irritation Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “irritated AF the next day — The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution”
- “stings a little but worth it — The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution”
- “Skin felt tight an hour later — The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA”
- “Made my skin peel — Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser”
Texture and pilling issues Mostly MentionedRarely Noted
- “Too liquidy, thin consistency, messy application. — Biore Makeup Remover Perfect Oil”
- “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 alcohol — Biore UV Aqua Rich”
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”
- “caused cystic acne — Biore UV Aqua Rich”
- “Caused breakouts, closed comedones, cystic acne. — Biore Makeup Remover Perfect Oil”
The Ordinary vs Biore 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
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 297.00
-
Moisturizer
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 48.00
- SPF UV Aqua Rich Morning
-
Pre-Cleanser
Makeup Remover Perfect Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 138.21
-
Cleansing Toner
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water
Evening
SAR 72.64
-
Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 222.00
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
SAR 130.30
-
Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
SAR 234.73
Buy The Ordinary routine · SAR 814.57 · 90% fit
Buy Biore routine · SAR 1,142.88 · 83% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
The Ordinary vs Biore 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
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
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 39.70
- SPF UV Aqua Rich Morning
-
Pre-Cleanser
Makeup Remover Perfect Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 138.21
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
SAR 187.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 222.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
Goldfaden MD Facial Detox Mask
Once a week
SAR 328.29
Buy The Ordinary routine · SAR 867.55 · 92% fit
Buy Biore routine · SAR 1,162.08 · 89% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
The Ordinary vs Biore 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
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
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 39.70
- SPF UV Aqua Rich Morning
-
Pre-Cleanser
Makeup Remover Perfect Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 138.21
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
SAR 64.80
-
Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 222.00
-
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 The Ordinary routine · SAR 981.41 · 92% fit
Buy Biore routine · SAR 1,148.89 · 89% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
The Ordinary or Biore: which is better?
The Ordinary is generally better for overall skin routines because the products on this page achieve superior fit levels across more skin types compared to Biore. Reviewers also note that The Ordinary provides greater value and better results for hydration, plumping, and acne reduction.
What is the difference between The Ordinary and Biore?
The Ordinary offers a much larger selection of skincare products compared to Biore, focusing heavily on targeted treatments like serums and acids. Reviewers note that The Ordinary does better for redness, acne reduction, great value, and hydration, while Biore excels in high protection, gentle application, and makeup compatibility.
The Ordinary or Biore for dry skin?
The Ordinary is a better choice for dry skin because the products on this page achieve a superior routine fit compared to Biore. Hyaluronic acid helps provide hydration and plumping benefits.
The Ordinary or Biore: which cleanser is better?
The Ordinary offers better cleanser options on this page, as its Glycolipid Cream Cleanser achieves a High fit for dry and dry sensitive skin compared to Biore's Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser which only has a low fit.
Which is more affordable, The Ordinary or Biore?
The Ordinary is more affordable, offering great value and pricing across the products on this page.
When were The Ordinary and Biore founded and who owns them?
The Ordinary was founded in Canada in 2016 and is owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Biore was founded in Japan in 1980 and is owned by Kao Corporation.
Which brand performs better for redness and acne reduction?
The Ordinary performs better for redness and acne reduction, as shown by reviewer feedback on this page. Niacinamide helps reduce cutaneous pigmentation and helps with acne-prone skin.
Are there any fragrances included in the ingredients of either The Ordinary or Biore products?
Every product on this page from both The Ordinary and Biore lists no fragrance in its ingredients.
The Ordinary or Biore for oily skin?
The Ordinary is a better choice for oily skin because the products on this page achieve a superior routine fit compared to Biore. Niacinamide helps control oil production and improves skin barrier function.
The Ordinary or Biore for sensitive skin?
Both The Ordinary and Biore fit sensitive skin with a Superior Lovi fit level. Reviewers mention that Biore provides gentle application, while the products on this page from The Ordinary list no fragrance in their ingredients.
The Ordinary or Biore for acne-prone skin?
The Ordinary provides a superior routine fit for acne-prone skin compared to Biore, featuring a wider range of targeted treatments. Niacinamide helps regulate sebum and improves blemishes, while salicylic acid and glycolic acid help clear pores.
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
Psychophysical study of the effects of topical application of menthol in healthy volunteers
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
In vivo and in vitro evaluation of octyl methoxycinnamate liposomes
Nanostructured Lipid Carrier for Topical Application of N-Acetyl Glucosamine
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
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.
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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
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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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