The Ordinary vs RoC
The Ordinary and RoC are accessible skincare lines offering targeted serums, moisturizers, cleansers, and more. The Canadian brand centers its offerings around hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane to suit sensitive skin and dry sensitive skin best, while the French brand relies on glycerin and retinol to care for mature skin and acne-prone skin. Both brands differ in their foundational formulations and ideal complexions, giving individuals distinct ways to address fine wrinkles, hydration, and uneven tone.
The Ordinary is a Canadian skincare brand founded in 2016 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. since 2021.
RoC is a French skincare brand founded in 1957 and owned by Bridgepoint Group plc since 2024.
en.wikipedia.orgprnewswire.combeautymatter.com
This page compares some of the most popular The Ordinary and RoC products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular The Ordinary vs RoC products
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Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream
SAR 165.54
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Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream
SAR 134.12
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Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum
SAR 173.28
-
Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Max Hydration Cream
SAR 88.20
- Derm Correxion Fill + Treat Serum
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Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Daily Serum
SAR 75.00
- Derm Correxion Dual Eye Cream
- Multi Correxion Hydrate + Plump Eye Cream
People Say
Skin Texture Smoothing Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “glass skin effect — The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution”
- “skin feels baby butt smooth — The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution”
- “diminished my forehead lines — RoC Derm Correxion Fill + Treat Serum”
- “face looked smoother — RoC Daily Resurfacing Disks”
Great 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%”
- “Worth the price — RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream”
Hydration and Plumping Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “skin is no longer dry — RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Max Hydration Cream”
- “Areas stay hydrated all day — RoC Multi Correxion Hydrate + Plump Eye Cream”
- “My skin looks smoother and hydrated. — RoC Derm Correxion Contour Cream”
- “skin feels immediately hydrated — The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5”
Gentle and Non-Irritating Formula Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “Leaves my face feeling soft and not tight at all. — The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser”
- “Finally a cleanser that doesn't sting my face. — The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser”
- “doesn't leave my skin feeling tight — RoC BARRIER RENEW® GEL-TO-FOAM CLEANSER”
- “No irritation for me — RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream”
Effective Wrinkle and Fine Line Reduction Not notedOften Mentioned
- “wrinkles look less deep — RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream”
- “Fine lines definitely softer — RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream”
- “crow's feet are fading — RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum”
Matte and Non-Greasy Finish Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “absorbs nicely — RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream”
- “Absorbs easily and quickly — RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream”
- “absorbs quickly without residue — RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Max Hydration Cream”
- “Sinks in immediately — The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA”
Unpleasant Scent and Fragrance Rarely NotedSometimes Noted
- “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”
- “smells like perfume — RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream”
Skin Irritation and Harshness Rarely NotedSometimes Noted
- “ruined moisture barrier — The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution”
- “Caused breakouts — The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum”
- “caused redness and burning — The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%”
- “caused redness and stinging — RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream”
Sticky and Tacky Finish Sometimes NotedRarely Noted
- “slightly tacky feel — RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Daily Serum”
- “feels very sticky — The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5”
The Ordinary vs RoC 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
Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Max Hydration Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 88.20
-
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
-
Serum or Treatment
Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Daily Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 75.00
-
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 RoC routine · SAR 1,037.98 · 90% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
The Ordinary vs RoC 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
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
Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Max Hydration Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 88.20
-
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
-
Serum or Treatment
Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Daily Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 75.00
-
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 RoC routine · SAR 1,218.27 · 90% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
The Ordinary vs RoC 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
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
Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Max Hydration Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 88.20
-
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
-
Serum or Treatment
Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Daily Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 75.00
-
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 RoC routine · SAR 1,205.08 · 90% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
The Ordinary or RoC: which is better?
Both brands perform well on this page, but The Ordinary is a better choice for value and pricing, while RoC does better for hydration, plumping, and wrinkle reduction. Retinol helps stimulate collagen accumulation in naturally aged skin.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000Archives of Dermatology, 2007
What is the difference between The Ordinary and RoC?
The Ordinary and RoC offer different strengths, with RoC performing better for effective wrinkle and fine line reduction, while The Ordinary stands out for great value and pricing. Retinol helps stimulate collagen accumulation in naturally aged human skin.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000Archives of Dermatology, 2007
The Ordinary or RoC for dry skin?
Both The Ordinary and RoC offer a superior routine fit for dry skin. The Ordinary features fragrance-free options like the Glycolipid Cream Cleanser, while RoC offers hydrating choices such as the Barrier Renew Am Moisturizer SPF 30.
The Ordinary or RoC: which cleanser is better?
The products on this page from RoC and The Ordinary both include gentle options, but RoC features a barrier-renew cleanser that is well suited for a wide range of skin types.
Which is more affordable, The Ordinary or RoC?
The Ordinary offers better value, as the products on this page are frequently noted by reviewers for being affordable and great value.
Which brand has more products containing fragrance, The Ordinary or RoC?
RoC has more products containing fragrance, with 10 of 12 products on the page listing no fragrance, while every product on The Ordinary page lists no fragrance.
How do The Ordinary and RoC compare in terms of wrinkle and fine line reduction?
RoC does better for effective wrinkle and fine line reduction compared to The Ordinary. Retinol, a key ingredient across the products on this page for RoC, stimulates collagen accumulation and helps improve naturally aged skin.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000Archives of Dermatology, 2007
Which brand is better suited for oily acne-prone skin?
RoC is better suited for oily acne-prone skin, as Lovi rates its routine fit as Superior while rating The Ordinary at High.
The Ordinary or RoC for oily skin?
Both The Ordinary and RoC achieve a Superior routine fit level for oily skin. Reviewers note that RoC provides a non-greasy and lightweight finish, while the products on this page from The Ordinary include niacinamide, which may help regulate oil.
The Ordinary or RoC: which moisturizer is better?
Both The Ordinary and RoC offer great moisturizers, with The Ordinary being a better choice for value and fragrance-free options while RoC excels in hydration and wrinkle reduction. Retinol helps stimulate collagen accumulation in naturally aged human skin.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000Archives of Dermatology, 2007
The Ordinary or RoC for sensitive skin?
Both brands offer solid options for sensitive skin, but The Ordinary has a superior routine fit on this page compared to RoC's high fit. Additionally, every product on The Ordinary page lists no fragrance, whereas RoC includes fragrance in some formulations.
The Ordinary or RoC for acne-prone skin?
Both The Ordinary and RoC offer products on this page that are a superior fit for acne-prone skin. Retinol helps stimulate collagen accumulation in naturally aged human skin.
Research behind their key ingredients
The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review
Cutaneous photoprotection from ultraviolet injury by green tea polyphenols
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
Study of the soothing effects of troxerutin in alleviating skin sensitivity
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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