The Ordinary vs celimax
The Ordinary and celimax are accessible skincare brands offering serums, moisturizers, cleansers, toners, and more. The Canadian line relies on hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane, suiting sensitive, dry sensitive, and acne-prone skin alongside specific aging or pigmentation concerns. Meanwhile, the Korean house features carefully selected ingredients for gentle yet effective compositions tailored to sensitive, acne-prone, and mature skin, or dark spots. While both cater thoughtfully to delicate complexions, they differ in their regional formulation styles and precise target options.
The Ordinary is a Canadian skincare brand founded in 2016 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. since 2021.
celimax is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2019 and owned by ABSORBLAB Co., Ltd..
This page compares some of the most popular The Ordinary and celimax products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular The Ordinary vs celimax products
People Say
Great value and price 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 Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “cleans deeply without stripping — celimax Noni Acne Bubble Cleanser”
- “Doesn't irritate — celimax Dual Barrier Creamy Toner”
- “zero irritation or sensitivity — celimax Pore+Dark Spot Brightening Serum”
- “Leaves my face feeling soft and not tight at all. — The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser”
Smoothes skin texture Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “skin feels baby butt smooth — The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution”
- “skin looks smoother and brighter — The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%”
- “glass-like smoothness — celimax RETINAL SHOT”
- “skin feels noticeably smoother — celimax Heartleaf BHA Peeling Pad”
Hydration and plumping Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Skin stays soft throughout the day — celimax Dual Barrier Creamy Toner”
- “gives a very beautiful glow to your skin — celimax Noni Ampoule”
- “Calms irritation — celimax Dual Barrier Creamy Toner”
- “skin feels immediately hydrated — The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5”
Lightweight absorption Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “absorbs incredibly fast — celimax Pore+Dark Spot Brightening Serum”
- “sinks right into the skin — celimax Noni Ampoule”
- “light and non-greasy — celimax Derma Nature Fresh Blackhead Jojoba Cleansing Oil”
- “Sinks in immediately — The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum”
Reduces redness and calms skin Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “calms my face redness upon application — celimax Noni Ampoule”
- “No stinging on my hypersensitive skin — celimax Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream”
- “immediate cooling effect — celimax Ji.Woo.Gae Cica BHA Blemish Toner Pad”
- “calms down the redness immediately — The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%”
Stinging and irritation Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “stinging — celimax RETINAL SHOT”
- “redness — celimax RETINAL SHOT”
- “reaction to spearmint extract — celimax Pore+Dark Spot Brightening Serum”
- “irritated AF the next day — The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution”
Pilling and makeup issues Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “Pills if I apply foundation over it — celimax Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream”
- “crumbles and piles under moisturizer — The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%”
The Ordinary vs celimax 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
Noni Acne Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 49.96
-
Hydrating Toner
Dual Barrier Creamy Toner
Morning
SAR 53.05
-
Moisturizer
Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 44.90
-
SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
SAR 75.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Derma Nature Fresh Blackhead Jojoba Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 47.09
-
Cleansing Toner
Ji.Woo.Gae Cica BHA Blemish Toner Pad
Evening
SAR 117.81
-
Serum or Treatment
Noni Ampoule
Evening · Once a week
SAR 34.00
-
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 celimax routine · SAR 786.84 · 73% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
The Ordinary vs celimax 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
Noni Acne Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 49.96
-
Hydrating Toner
Dual Barrier Creamy Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 53.05
-
Moisturizer
Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 44.90
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
SAR 46.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Derma Nature Fresh Blackhead Jojoba Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 47.09
-
Cleansing Toner
Ji.Woo.Gae Cica BHA Blemish Toner Pad
Evening
SAR 117.81
-
Serum or Treatment
Heartleaf BHA Peeling Pad
Evening · Once a week
SAR 76.00
-
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 celimax routine · SAR 921.56 · 81% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
The Ordinary vs celimax 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
Noni Acne Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 49.96
-
Hydrating Toner
Dual Barrier Creamy Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 53.05
-
Moisturizer
Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 44.90
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
SAR 46.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Derma Nature Fresh Blackhead Jojoba Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 47.09
-
Cleansing Toner
Ji.Woo.Gae Cica BHA Blemish Toner Pad
Evening
SAR 117.81
-
Serum or Treatment
Heartleaf BHA Peeling Pad
Evening · Once a week
SAR 76.00
-
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 celimax routine · SAR 762.04 · 79% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
The Ordinary or celimax: which is better?
The Ordinary is the better choice for shoppers seeking great value, as it achieves superior routine fit levels across all skin types on this page compared to celimax. Reviewers also frequently highlight The Ordinary for offering affordable and budget-friendly serums.
What is the difference between The Ordinary and celimax?
The Ordinary offers better overall routine fit and value, while celimax excels in providing gentle, hydrating, and lightweight formulas. Niacinamide helps reduce cutaneous pigmentation and suppresses melanosome transfer.
The Ordinary or celimax for dry skin?
The Ordinary is a better fit for dry skin, offering a Superior routine fit compared to celimax's Average fit on the products on this page. Hyaluronic acid helps improve skin quality and signs of aging.
The Ordinary or celimax: which cleanser is better?
The products on this page for The Ordinary offer a better routine fit for dry skin, where the brand is rated Superior compared to celimax at Average. Both brands provide fragrance-free cleansers, but The Ordinary features options like the Squalane Cleanser and Glycolipid Cream Cleanser.
Which is more affordable, The Ordinary or celimax?
The Ordinary offers better value and price among the products on this page compared to celimax.
Which brand is better at reducing redness and calming skin, The Ordinary or celimax?
celimax is better at reducing redness and calming skin compared to The Ordinary. Review themes and customer feedback indicate that celimax excels in soothing and calming moisturizers.
The Ordinary or celimax for oily skin?
For oily skin, The Ordinary offers a Superior routine fit, whereas celimax provides a High routine fit. The products on this page help manage oil and blemishes effectively while offering great value.
The Ordinary or celimax: which moisturizer is better?
When comparing moisturizers, The Ordinary provides superior routine fit for dry skin, whereas celimax focuses on soothing and hydrating properties. Both brands offer products with no fragrance on this page.
The Ordinary or celimax for dry sensitive skin?
The Ordinary is a better fit for dry sensitive skin, offering a Superior routine fit compared to celimax at High. The products on this page for The Ordinary feature key ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane to help hydrate and soothe dry skin types.
The Ordinary or celimax for skin with dark spots?
The Ordinary is a better choice for skin with dark spots because the products on this page achieve a Superior routine fit for that skin type compared to celimax's High fit. Niacinamide helps reduce cutaneous pigmentation and suppresses melanosome transfer.
Research behind their key ingredients
Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles in sunscreens: focus on their safety and effectiveness
The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer
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
Effect of Camellia japonica oil on human type I procollagen production and skin barrier function
The moisturizing effects of glycolipid biosurfactants, mannosylerythritol lipids, on human skin
Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation by topical N-acetyl glucosamine
Protective effects of Camellia japonica flower extract against urban air pollutants
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
Morinda citrifolia Linn. (Rubiaceae) leaf extracts mitigate UVB-induced erythema
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
Histometric assessment of the age-related skin response to 2-hydroxy-5-octanoyl benzoic acid
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
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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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