The Ordinary vs ISDIN
The Ordinary and ISDIN are established skincare brands offering serums, moisturizers, and targeted solutions for various skin concerns. The Canadian brand centers its offerings around hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane to suit sensitive and dry sensitive skin, while the Spanish brand crafts advanced moisturizers, sunscreens, and eye products for sensitive and acne-prone skin. Both brands differ in their founding origins, parent companies, and specific formulations, such as The Ordinary featuring Niacinamide and Mandelic Acid, and ISDIN featuring Fusion Water and Eryfotona Actinica. Through consistent use, their gentle creations respect delicate moisture barriers and help maintain a healthy complexion.
The Ordinary is a Canadian skincare brand founded in 2016 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. since 2021.
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 The Ordinary and ISDIN products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular The Ordinary vs ISDIN products
People Say
Lightweight Texture and Absorption Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “absorbs instantly — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
- “ultra-light fluid product, which makes it super easy to apply — ISDIN Fusion Water”
- “Lightweight formula absorbs fast — ISDIN Hyaluronic Concentrate”
- “Sinks in immediately — The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum”
Skin Texture 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 smooth and healthy — ISDIN K-Ox Eyes”
- “I am more on a dehydrated side and this helps me look hydrated and smooth. — ISDIN Flavo-C Serum”
Affordability and Value 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 Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Improved moisture and texture — ISDIN Hyaluronic Moisture”
- “My skin felt sooo hydrated and looks so plump and dewey. — ISDIN Fusion Water”
- “Skin feels intensely hydrated — ISDIN Hyaluronic Concentrate”
- “skin feels immediately hydrated — The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5”
Acne and Blemish Control Often MentionedNot 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”
Texture Issues and Pilling Mostly MentionedRarely Noted
- “Pilled up on my skin — ISDIN Hyaluronic Moisture”
- “crumbles and piles under moisturizer — The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%”
High Price Point Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “Expensive for Ordinary — The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum”
- “very expensive — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
Fragrance and Scent Concerns 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”
- “smell is overpowering — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
Skin Irritation and Sensitivity Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “I think the serum is too strong for my face as it has burned and left very rough and a peeling face. — ISDIN Flavo-C Serum”
- “slight peeling — ISDIN Retinal Intense Serum”
- “irritated AF the next day — The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution”
The Ordinary 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
-
Moisturizer
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 48.00
-
SPF
Fusion Water
Morning
SAR 75.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
SAR 65.11
-
Cleansing Toner
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water
Evening
SAR 72.64
-
Serum or Treatment
Flavo-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 848.48
-
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
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
Buy ISDIN routine · SAR 1,771.26 · 92% fit
Buy The Ordinary routine · SAR 814.57 · 90% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
The Ordinary vs ISDIN 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
-
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
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
SAR 187.00
-
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
Goldfaden MD Facial Detox Mask
Once a week
SAR 328.29
-
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
Buy ISDIN routine · SAR 2,326.11 · 93% fit
Buy The Ordinary routine · SAR 867.55 · 92% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
The Ordinary 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
-
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
-
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
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 ISDIN routine · SAR 2,312.92 · 93% fit
Buy The Ordinary routine · SAR 981.41 · 92% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
The Ordinary or ISDIN: which is better?
Both The Ordinary and ISDIN are great choices, as Lovi rates both brands as having a Superior routine fit across nearly all skin types. The Ordinary offers budget-friendly serums with great value, while ISDIN is often praised for its lightweight sunscreens and moisturizers.
What is the difference between The Ordinary and ISDIN?
The Ordinary provides budget-friendly options and excels in acne and blemish control across the products on this page, whereas ISDIN is known for ultralight sunscreens and offers hydration and plumping. Lovi gives both brands an equal routine fit for sensitive skin, dry skin, and oily skin.
The Ordinary or ISDIN for oily skin?
Both The Ordinary and ISDIN offer a Superior routine fit for oily skin. The Ordinary features fragrance-free products on the products on this page, while ISDIN is often noted for ultralight sunscreens.
The Ordinary or ISDIN: which moisturizer is better?
Both The Ordinary and ISDIN offer great options, with The Ordinary standing out for affordability and ISDIN for lightweight hydration. Hyaluronic acid helps bind moisture to the skin, and topical use may improve skin quality and signs of aging.
Which is more affordable, The Ordinary or ISDIN?
The Ordinary is more affordable, as reviewers often mention its high price point as a drawback for ISDIN while praising The Ordinary for its affordability and great value serums.
Which brand has more products with no fragrance, The Ordinary or ISDIN?
The Ordinary has more products with no fragrance, as every product on its page lists no fragrance in its ingredients.
How do the founding years and parent companies of The Ordinary and ISDIN compare?
The Ordinary was founded in Canada in 2016 and is owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. In contrast, ISDIN was founded in Spain in 1975 and is owned by Puig.
Which brand performs better for oily acne-prone skin according to the routine fit levels?
For oily acne-prone skin, ISDIN performs better with a Superior routine fit, while The Ordinary offers a High fit.
The Ordinary or ISDIN for sensitive skin?
Both The Ordinary and ISDIN are great options, as Lovi rates both brands as having a Superior routine fit for sensitive skin.
The Ordinary or ISDIN for acne-prone skin?
Both The Ordinary and ISDIN offer products that fit acne-prone skin well. Lovi rates the routine fit for both brands as Superior on this page.
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
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
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
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
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
A bioactive complex to protect proteins from UV-induced oxidation in human epidermis
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
The clinical efficacy of a new emulsion for acne and conspicuous facial pore amelioration
Natural Moisturizing Factor-Enriched Formulations Compared to a Ceramide-Based Cream
Targeting Circadian Rhythm for the Regulation of Skin Collagen Metabolism
Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens
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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