The Ordinary vs La Roche-Posay
The Ordinary and La Roche-Posay are skincare brands offering serums, moisturizers, cleansers, and more. The Ordinary uses hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane, suiting sensitive and dry sensitive skin best. La Roche-Posay harnesses glycerin, thermal water, and niacinamide, suiting oily and sensitive skin best. While both brands feature gentle, barrier-supporting formulations, they differ in their specific ingredient profiles and targeted product lines.
The Ordinary is a Canadian skincare brand founded in 2016 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. since 2021.
La Roche-Posay is a French skincare brand founded in 1975 and owned by L'Oréal S.A. since 1989.
laroche-posay.com.aufr.wikipedia.org
This page compares some of the most popular The Ordinary and La Roche-Posay products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular The Ordinary vs La Roche-Posay products
People Say
Other Product Benefits and Features Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “eliminated armpit odor — The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution”
- “pores look significantly smaller — The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%”
- “deflates morning bags — The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG”
- “zero scent — La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer”
Texture Improvement 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”
- “lightweight and absorbs quickly — La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Serum”
- “Skin feels smoother — La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum”
Hydration and Moisture Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “absorbs instantly — La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer”
- “skin feels plump — La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum”
- “legs stopped flaking — La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream”
- “skin feels immediately hydrated — The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5”
Sensitive Skin Friendly Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “Great retinol for beginners — La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum”
- “Only cream that doesn't sting — La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Eye Cream”
- “no stinging — La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer”
- “Finally a cleanser that doesn't sting my face. — The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser”
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%”
Acne Clearing and Prevention 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”
- “clears acne blemishes — La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser”
Texture and Pilling Issues Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “pills like crazy — La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer”
- “Very sticky — La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C10 Serum”
- “leaves a tacky residue — La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum”
- “crumbles and piles under moisturizer — The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%”
Other Product Issues and Inefficiencies Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “Turns orange fast — La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C10 Serum”
- “didn't see any significant improvement — La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Serum”
- “Weaker retinol product — La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum”
- “no change in pigment — The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG”
Skin Irritation and Stinging Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “burned my face — La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer”
- “dried my skin out — La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Serum”
- “burning sensation — La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser”
- “irritated AF the next day — The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution”
Packaging and Pump Issues Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “The 50ml tube runs out way too fast. — The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser”
- “Wish it came in a pump — The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA”
- “pump stops working — La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream”
The Ordinary vs La Roche-Posay 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 Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer Morning · Evening · Once a week
-
Moisturizer
Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 81.95
-
SPF
Anthelios
Morning
SAR 68.95
-
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
Cicaplast Gel B5
Evening · Once a week
SAR 55.09
-
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 La Roche-Posay routine · SAR 708.77 · 88% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
The Ordinary vs La Roche-Posay 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 Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer Morning · Evening · Once a week
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 53.04
- Moisturizer Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser Morning · Evening · Once a week
-
SPF
Anthelios
Morning
SAR 68.95
-
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
Buy The Ordinary routine · SAR 867.55 · 92% fit
Buy La Roche-Posay routine · SAR 1,040.74 · 91% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
The Ordinary vs La Roche-Posay 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 Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer Morning · Evening · Once a week
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 166.90
- Moisturizer Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser Morning · Evening · Once a week
-
SPF
Anthelios
Morning
SAR 68.95
-
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
-
Serum or Treatment
Effaclar Ultra Concentrated Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 142.00
-
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 La Roche-Posay routine · SAR 1,014.88 · 90% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
The Ordinary or La Roche-Posay: which is better?
The Ordinary is often preferred for its affordability and targeted acne-clearing serums, while La Roche-Posay is frequently chosen for its soothing, sensitive-skin friendly moisturizers and hydration. Both brands offer products that help improve skin texture, but reviewers note that The Ordinary provides better overall value.
What is the difference between The Ordinary and La Roche-Posay?
The Ordinary offers better value and acne-clearing benefits on the products on this page, while La Roche-Posay is preferred for hydration and sensitive skin. Reviewers note that niacinamide helps reduce cutaneous pigmentation and suppresses melanosome transfer.
The Ordinary or La Roche-Posay for dry skin?
The Ordinary provides a Superior routine fit for dry skin, whereas La Roche-Posay offers a High fit. Hyaluronic acid helps improve skin hydration and signs of skin aging.
The Ordinary or La Roche-Posay: which cleanser is better?
The products on this page from both The Ordinary and La Roche-Posay include highly rated cleansers, such as The Ordinary's Glucoside Foaming Cleanser and La Roche-Posay's Toleriane Hydrating Foaming Gel, which both have a High fit for dry skin.
Which is more affordable, The Ordinary or La Roche-Posay?
The Ordinary offers better affordability, as reviewers often mention its affordable and great value serums whereas La Roche-Posay frequently receives complaints about price, value, and size.
The Ordinary or La Roche-Posay for fading dark spots?
The Ordinary provides a Superior routine fit for skin with dark spots, whereas La Roche-Posay offers a High fit on this page. Niacinamide helps reduce cutaneous pigmentation.
Which brand has better packaging and pump design?
The Ordinary does better when it comes to packaging and pump design.
The Ordinary or La Roche-Posay for oily skin?
Both The Ordinary and La Roche-Posay offer a Superior routine fit for oily skin. Reviewers note that niacinamide helps control oil production while reducing cutaneous pigmentation.
The Ordinary or La Roche-Posay: which moisturizer is better?
The Ordinary offers better value and superior routine fit for dry skin among the products on this page, while La Roche-Posay provides heavier hydration and moisturizing creams that reviewers often find soothing. Hyaluronic acid helps improve skin moisture and anti-aging signs.
The Ordinary or La Roche-Posay for sensitive skin?
Both The Ordinary and La Roche-Posay offer a Superior routine fit for sensitive skin. Reviewers note that the products on this page for The Ordinary are often praised as gentle and non-irritating serums, while La Roche-Posay is frequently highlighted for its soothing and sensitive-skin friendly moisturizers.
The Ordinary or La Roche-Posay for acne-prone skin?
Both The Ordinary and La Roche-Posay offer products on this page that are a Superior fit for acne-prone skin, with The Ordinary also performing better for acne clearing and prevention according to reviewers. Both brands feature gentle formulations that help target breakouts while maintaining skin balance.
The Ordinary or La Roche-Posay for dry sensitive skin?
The Ordinary offers a superior routine fit for dry sensitive skin compared to La Roche-Posay's high fit. Furthermore, every product on The Ordinary page lists no fragrance, helping to avoid irritation.
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
Ethosomes of Phenylethyl Resorcinol as Vesicular Delivery System for Skin Lightening Applications
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
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
A Bayesian network meta-analysis of 14 molecules inhibiting UV daylight-induced pigmentation
Lycopene and Melatonin: Antioxidant Compounds in Cosmetic Formulations
Amino acid complex (AAComplex) benefits in cosmetic products: In vitro and in vivo clinical studies
The synergistic effect of retinyl propionate and hydroxypinacolone retinoate on skin aging
Comparative benefit of two thermal spring waters after photodynamic therapy procedure
Nanostructured Lipid Carrier for Topical Application of N-Acetyl Glucosamine
Comprehensive assessment of the efficacy and safety of a clay mask in oily and acne skin
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
Histometric assessment of the age-related skin response to 2-hydroxy-5-octanoyl benzoic acid
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
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
Effects of an ultraviolet B radiation absorber on photocarcinogenesis in hairless albino mice
In vitro analysis of immunoprotective effects of topical 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
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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
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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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