The Ordinary vs L'Oreal Paris
The Ordinary and L'Oreal Paris are skincare brands offering serums, moisturizers, cleansers, toners, masks, and eye products built around hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane. The Canadian brand fits sensitive skin and dry sensitive skin best, while the French brand suits oily skin and combination skin best due to its balanced formulations. Both brands incorporate hyaluronic acid to lengthen the duration of wrinkle reduction and glycerin to significantly increase skin hydration and barrier function, though they differ in their specific product ranges and targeted solutions.
The Ordinary is a Canadian skincare brand founded in 2016 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. since 2021.
L'Oreal Paris is a French skincare brand founded in 1909 and owned by L'Oréal S.A..
en.wikipedia.orgloreal.comloreal-paris.co.ukcosmeticsbusiness.com
This page compares some of the most popular The Ordinary and L'Oreal Paris products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular The Ordinary vs L'Oreal Paris products
People Say
Texture and Absorption Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “melts into skin — L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Midnight Cream”
- “glides on easily without residue — L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Anti-Wrinkle + Firming Eye Cream”
- “skin is a lot smoother — L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Laser Pure Retinol Night Serum”
- “glass skin effect — The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution”
Hydration and Moisture Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “wake up with soft skin — L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Midnight Cream”
- “Leaves my face feeling plump and dewy all day. — L'Oreal Paris Revitalift”
- “Skin feels softer and more supple — L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Anti-Wrinkle + Firming Night Cream”
- “skin feels immediately hydrated — The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5”
Value and Pricing Mostly MentionedSometimes 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%”
Brightening and Dark Spots Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “skin looks luminous — L'Oreal Paris Glycolic Bright”
- “significant reduction in the appearance of dark spots — L'Oreal Paris Bright Reveal 12% Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum”
- “skin looks glowing — L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Midnight Cream”
- “Dark spots have faded noticeably — The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA”
Acne and Blemish Control Often MentionedRarely 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”
- “After two uses, my pores were clean! — L'Oreal Paris Pure-Clay Mask”
Gentle and Sensitive Skin Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “never had any reaction to it with my sensitive skin — The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA”
- “Finally a cleanser that doesn't sting my face. — The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser”
- “No irritation at all — The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA”
- “very gentle, didn't irritate my skin — L'Oreal Paris Bright Reveal 12% Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum”
Ineffective Results and Conflicts Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “no change in pigment — The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG”
- “Struggles to get my waterproof mascara off completely. — The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser”
- “Used the whole jar but saw no change in wrinkles. — L'Oreal Paris Revitalift”
- “doesn't do anything about the discoloration — L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Anti-Wrinkle + Firming Eye Cream”
Irritation and Stinging Sometimes NotedOften 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”
- “retinol can be irritating for sensitive skin — L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Pressed Night Cream”
- “burnt my face after two uses — L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Laser Pure Retinol Night Serum”
Sticky or Greasy Residue Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “Balls up when I try to apply foundation over it. — L'Oreal Paris Revitalift”
- “felt oily on my face — L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Midnight Cream”
- “feels a little sticky and tacky — L'Oreal Paris Dark Spot Exfoliant Peel”
- “crumbles and piles under moisturizer — The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%”
The Ordinary vs L'Oreal Paris 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
Revitalift
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 37.88
-
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
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water
Evening
SAR 72.64
-
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 L'Oreal Paris routine · SAR 912.66 · 89% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
The Ordinary vs L'Oreal Paris 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
Revitalift
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 37.88
-
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
-
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 L'Oreal Paris routine · SAR 1,092.95 · 95% fit
Buy The Ordinary routine · SAR 867.55 · 92% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
The Ordinary vs L'Oreal Paris 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
Revitalift
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 37.88
-
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
-
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 L'Oreal Paris routine · SAR 1,079.76 · 95% fit
Buy The Ordinary routine · SAR 981.41 · 92% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
The Ordinary or L'Oreal Paris: which is better?
The Ordinary offers better value, acne control, and gentle care for sensitive skin, whereas L'Oreal Paris delivers superior texture, hydration, and brightening results.
What is the difference between The Ordinary and L'Oreal Paris?
The Ordinary offers better value and gentler options, whereas L'Oreal Paris provides richer hydration and more luxurious textures. For dry skin, the products on this page for The Ordinary have a Superior fit, while L'Oreal Paris has a High fit.
The Ordinary or L'Oreal Paris 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 L'Oreal Paris. Topical hyaluronic acid helps provide deep hydration and moisture to improve skin quality.
The Ordinary or L'Oreal Paris: which moisturizer is better?
Both brands offer moisturizers for the products on this page, with The Ordinary achieving a Superior routine fit for dry skin while L'Oreal Paris reaches a High fit. Hyaluronic acid helps provide hydration in both brands' moisturizers.
Which is more affordable, The Ordinary or L'Oreal Paris?
The Ordinary offers more affordable products on this page, as value and pricing are noted as an advantage for the brand.
Which brand is better for fading dark spots and brightening, The Ordinary or L'Oreal Paris?
L'Oreal Paris does better for brightening and dark spots based on the review themes on this page. Niacinamide helps reduce pigmentation and suppress melanosome transfer.
Which brand has gentler products for sensitive skin, The Ordinary or L'Oreal Paris?
The Ordinary does better for sensitive skin, as the products on this page have a High fit for sensitive skin and every product on this page lists no fragrance in its ingredients.
How do the textures and absorption of The Ordinary and L'Oreal Paris products compare?
L'Oreal Paris does better than The Ordinary for texture and absorption. Reviewers frequently mention L'Oreal Paris products for providing luxurious and pleasant textures.
The Ordinary or L'Oreal Paris for oily skin?
Both The Ordinary and L'Oreal Paris provide a Superior fit for oily skin based on the products on this page. Reviewers report that The Ordinary helps with acne-clearing and offers great value, while L'Oreal Paris brings deep hydration and pleasant textures.
The Ordinary or L'Oreal Paris for sensitive skin?
The Ordinary is better suited for sensitive skin on this page, as its products on this page list no fragrance and reviewers often note a gentle and non-irritating formulation. Lovi rates the routine fit for sensitive skin as Superior for The Ordinary and Superior for L'Oreal Paris.
The Ordinary or L'Oreal Paris for acne-prone skin?
The Ordinary is a better fit for acne-prone skin, achieving a Superior routine fit compared to L'Oreal Paris. Reviewers highlight The Ordinary for its acne-clearing and gentle serums.
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
Encapsulation and controlled release of retinol from silicone particles for topical delivery
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
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
-

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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