The Ordinary vs Pixi
The Ordinary and Pixi are distinct skincare labels offering targeted daily offerings for diverse complexions. The Canadian brand centers on serums, moisturizers, cleansers, toners, and more built around hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane, while the British brand is beloved for its thoughtful range of toners, serums, eye products, and moisturizers crafted with gentle and effective formulas. Both lines suit sensitive skin well, with the former also fitting dry sensitive skin and the latter suiting oily skin best through balanced care without heaviness or irritation. They differ primarily in their exact product types and core ingredients, delivering reliable results for a calm, radiant complexion.
The Ordinary is a Canadian skincare brand founded in 2016 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. since 2021.
Pixi is a British skincare brand founded in 1999.
pixibeauty.comtracxn.compitchbook.com
This page compares some of the most popular The Ordinary and Pixi products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular The Ordinary vs Pixi products
People Say
Hydration and plumping Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “Instant surge of hydration — Pixi Hydrating Milky Mist”
- “deeply hydrates and balances — Pixi Antioxidant Tonic”
- “leaves under-eyes super soft — Pixi DetoxifEYE Depuffing Eye Patches”
- “skin feels immediately hydrated — The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5”
Improves skin texture and smoothness 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 feels incredible, so smooth — Pixi Glow Peel Pads”
- “forehead bumps gone — Pixi Glow Tonic”
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%”
Instant glow and radiance Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
- “gives instant glow — Pixi Glow Tonic”
- “Skin is noticeably brighter — Pixi Glow Peel Pads”
- “healthy radiance — Pixi Glow Mist”
- “tight, bright and shiny — The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution”
Lightweight absorption Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Absorbs fairly quickly into the skin. — Pixi Vitamin-C Serum”
- “unique gel-like texture — Pixi Antioxidant Tonic”
- “absorbs really fast — Pixi Rose Oil Blend”
- “Sinks in immediately — The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum”
Redness reduction and soothing Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “calms down the redness immediately — The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%”
- “deflates morning bags — The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG”
- “instantly cooling upon application — Pixi DetoxifEYE Depuffing Eye Patches”
- “calms my redness instantly — Pixi Rose Tonic”
Sticky or tacky finish and residue Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “feels very sticky — The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5”
- “feels very sticky — The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution”
- “too greasy — Pixi Glow Mist”
- “slightly tacky to touch — Pixi Antioxidant Tonic”
Unpleasant or strong 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”
- “smell is overpowering — Pixi Glow Tonic”
Skin stinging, burning, and irritation Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “Massive burning sensation — Pixi Glow Peel Pads”
- “burned my face — Pixi Glow Tonic”
- “Not for those with super-sensitive skin — Pixi Glow Peel Pads”
- “stings a little but worth it — The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution”
Makeup pilling and compatibility issues Sometimes NotedRarely Noted
- “separates foundation — Pixi Glow Mist”
- “It doesn't work with my makeup at all. — Pixi Vitamin-C Serum”
- “crumbles and piles under moisturizer — The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%”
The Ordinary vs Pixi routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 297.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Hydrating Milky Mist
Morning
SAR 136.00
-
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
Glow Tonic
Evening
SAR 56.52
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 167.00
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
SAR 130.30
-
Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
SAR 234.73
-
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 Pixi routine · SAR 1,209.66 · 91% fit
Buy The Ordinary routine · SAR 814.57 · 90% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
The Ordinary vs Pixi routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 36.33
-
Hydrating Toner
Retinol Tonic
Morning · Once a week
SAR 77.55
-
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
Glow Tonic
Evening
SAR 56.52
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 167.00
-
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 Pixi routine · SAR 1,155.80 · 95% fit
Buy The Ordinary routine · SAR 867.55 · 92% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
The Ordinary vs Pixi routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 191.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Retinol Tonic
Morning · Once a week
SAR 77.55
-
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
Glow Tonic
Evening
SAR 56.52
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 167.00
-
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
-
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 Pixi routine · SAR 1,150.95 · 94% fit
Buy The Ordinary routine · SAR 981.41 · 92% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
The Ordinary or Pixi: which is better?
Both The Ordinary and Pixi offer a great routine fit across all skin types, with Pixi performing better for oily acne-prone skin. The Ordinary excels at affordability and value, whereas Pixi provides better deep hydration, instant glow, and lightweight absorption.
What is the difference between The Ordinary and Pixi?
Both The Ordinary and Pixi offer great routines across various skin types, but Pixi stands out for deeper hydration and instant glow, whereas The Ordinary is often praised for its affordable value. Pixi products on this page may sometimes cause scent issues or skin irritation, while The Ordinary is fragrance-free across all its products.
The Ordinary or Pixi for dry skin?
Both The Ordinary and Pixi offer a Superior routine fit for dry skin. Reviewers note that Pixi provides deep hydration, while the products on this page from The Ordinary list no fragrance.
The Ordinary or Pixi: which moisturizer is better?
Both The Ordinary and Pixi offer moisturizers and hydrators on their pages, but The Ordinary is typically favored for its affordability and value. Additionally, products on this page like The Ordinary's natural moisturizing formulas are designed with no fragrance, whereas some Pixi options may include fragrance and scent issues.
Which is more affordable, The Ordinary or Pixi?
The Ordinary offers better value than Pixi, as reviewers frequently highlight its affordable pricing. The products on this page provide budget-friendly skincare options.
Which brand has better hydration and plumping according to reviews?
Pixi does better for hydration and plumping according to reviews. Hyaluronic acid helps provide deep hydration across the products on this page.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
How do the fragrance ingredients differ between The Ordinary and Pixi products?
The products on this page by The Ordinary list no fragrance in their ingredients, whereas 3 of the 10 Pixi products on this page include fragrance. Specifically, Glow Tonic, Hydrating Milky Mist, and Antioxidant Tonic contain fragrance.
Which brand provides a better routine fit for oily acne-prone skin?
Pixi provides a better routine fit for oily acne-prone skin on this page, achieving a High fit compared to The Ordinary's Superior level. Pixi is well-known for deep hydration and radiance, whereas The Ordinary offers great value.
The Ordinary or Pixi for oily skin?
Both The Ordinary and Pixi fit oily skin equally well at a Superior level. The Ordinary excels at offering great value and pricing, while Pixi shines with lightweight absorption and instant glow.
The Ordinary or Pixi for sensitive skin?
Both The Ordinary and Pixi offer a Superior Lovi fit level for sensitive skin. The Ordinary features fragrance-free formulations across the products on this page, whereas Pixi includes fragrance in some items and may cause skin irritation and sensitivity.
The Ordinary or Pixi for acne-prone skin?
Both The Ordinary and Pixi offer great options for acne-prone skin, as the products on this page achieve equal routine fit levels in this category. The Ordinary provides strong value with acne-clearing serums, while Pixi is often noted for deep hydration and instant glow.
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
A Rose Extract Protects the Skin against Stress Mediators: A Potential Role of Olfactory Receptors
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
Design and in vivo evaluation of emulgel formulations including green tea extract and rose oil
Topical lycopene emulgel significantly improves biophysical parameters of human skin
Topical Almond Oil for Prevention of Pressure Injuries: A Single-Blinded Comparison Study
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Safety of a preservative system containing 1,2-hexanediol and caprylyl glycol
Clinical study of a spray containing birch juice for repairing sensitive skin
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
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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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