The Ordinary vs Beauty of Joseon
The Ordinary and Beauty of Joseon are distinct skincare brands founded in 2016 that offer targeted serums, moisturizers, and cleansers built around shared key ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and niacinamide. The Canadian line fits dry skin and oily, acne-prone skin best through potent formulas, while the Korean brand suits dry skin and sensitive skin best with gentle daily care. Both utilize glycerin to increase skin hydration and barrier function, yet they differ in their cultural origins, corporate ownership, and specific standout solutions for aging, dark spots, and texture.
The Ordinary is a Canadian skincare brand founded in 2016 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. since 2021.
Beauty of Joseon is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2016 and owned by Goodai Global Inc. since 2019.
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This page compares some of the most popular The Ordinary and Beauty of Joseon products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular The Ordinary vs Beauty of Joseon products
People Say
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 incredibly smooth — Beauty of Joseon Ground Rice and Honey Glow Mask”
- “skin feels baby soft — Beauty of Joseon Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel”
Hydration and Moisture Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Saved my dry winter skin — Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream”
- “doesn't dry my skin like other cleansers — Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm”
- “eyes look less tired — Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum”
- “skin feels immediately hydrated — The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5”
Gentle Formula Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “no irritation at all — Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum”
- “cleansed my face gently without making my skin feel irritated — Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser”
- “doesn't irritate my sensitive skin — Beauty of Joseon Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel”
- “never had any reaction to it with my sensitive skin — The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA”
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%”
Lightweight and Non-Greasy Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “feels like a light moisturizer — Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics”
- “sinks in instantly — Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water”
- “sinks in immediately — Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Water Gel”
- “Sinks in immediately — The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA”
Acne and Blemish Control 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”
- “reduced my redness significantly — Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum”
Texture Issues and Pilling Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “hard to scoop in winter — Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm”
- “feels slimy — Beauty of Joseon Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel”
- “crumbles and piles under moisturizer — The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%”
Unpleasant 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”
- “smells like cooking oil — Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil”
Breakouts and Purging Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “broke me out in cysts — The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%”
- “broke me out in cysts — The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5”
- “Broke me out in cystic acne — Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream”
- “gave me cystic acne — Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil”
The Ordinary vs Beauty of Joseon routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Squalane Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$27.46
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Hydrating Toner
COSRX Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning
S$41.07
-
Moisturizer
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$44.26
-
SPF
thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+
Morning
S$21.09
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Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
S$39.68
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Evening · Once a week
S$14.79
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Collagen Essential Mask
Once a week
S$62.94
-
Cleanser
Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$29.93
-
Hydrating Toner
Ginseng Essence Water
Morning
S$18.49
-
Moisturizer
Revive Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$20.14
-
SPF
Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics
Morning
S$14.74
-
Pre-Cleanser
Ginseng Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
S$27.51
-
Serum or Treatment
Glow Serum
Evening · Once a week
S$20.14
-
Nourishing Mask
Centella Asiatica Calming Mask
Once a week
S$3.99
Buy The Ordinary routine · S$164.78 · 92% fit
Buy Beauty of Joseon routine · S$57.44 · 87% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
The Ordinary vs Beauty of Joseon routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
Squalane Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$27.46
-
Hydrating Toner
TROIAREUKE H+Cocktail Purifying Ampoule Toner
Morning · Once a week
S$168.51
-
Moisturizer
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$44.26
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
S$28.72
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
S$70.21
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening · Once a week
S$36.48
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Evening · Once a week
S$14.79
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
S$89.14
-
Cleanser
Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$29.93
-
Hydrating Toner
Ginseng Essence Water
Morning · Once a week
S$18.49
-
Moisturizer
Revive Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$20.14
-
SPF
Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics
Morning
S$14.74
-
Pre-Cleanser
Ginseng Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
S$27.51
-
Cleansing Toner
Green Plum Refreshing Toner
Evening · Once a week
S$23.89
-
Serum or Treatment
Glow Serum
Evening · Once a week
S$20.14
-
Cleansing Mask
Red Bean Refreshing Pore Mask
Once a week
S$18.26
Buy The Ordinary routine · S$393.06 · 89% fit
Buy Beauty of Joseon routine · S$81.33 · 78% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
The Ordinary vs Beauty of Joseon routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Squalane Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$27.46
-
Hydrating Toner
Whamisa Organic Flowers Toner Deep Rich
Morning · Once a week
S$64.81
-
Moisturizer
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$44.26
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
S$28.72
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
S$70.21
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening · Once a week
S$36.48
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Evening · Once a week
S$14.79
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
S$89.14
-
Cleanser
Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$29.93
-
Hydrating Toner
Ginseng Essence Water
Morning · Once a week
S$18.49
-
Moisturizer
Revive Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$20.14
-
SPF
Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics
Morning
S$14.74
-
Pre-Cleanser
Radiance Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
S$17.80
-
Cleansing Toner
Green Plum Refreshing Toner
Evening · Once a week
S$23.89
-
Serum or Treatment
Glow Serum
Evening · Once a week
S$20.14
-
Cleansing Mask
Red Bean Refreshing Pore Mask
Once a week
S$18.26
Buy The Ordinary routine · S$289.36 · 88% fit
Buy Beauty of Joseon routine · S$53.82 · 79% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
The Ordinary or Beauty of Joseon: which is better?
The Ordinary provides better value and acne-clearing serums, whereas Beauty of Joseon excels in hydration and gentle formulas. For specific skin types, the products on this page show that The Ordinary has a Superior routine fit for dry skin, mature skin, and oily acne-prone skin, while Beauty of Joseon has a High routine fit for those types.
What is the difference between The Ordinary and Beauty of Joseon?
The Ordinary offers superior value and effectiveness for dry skin, mature skin, and oily acne-prone skin, whereas Beauty of Joseon provides better hydration and gentleness with lightweight, fast-absorbing formulas.
The Ordinary or Beauty of Joseon for dry skin?
The Ordinary is a better fit for dry skin, offering a Superior routine compared to the High routine of Beauty of Joseon. Topical hyaluronic acid helps improve skin quality and signs of skin aging.
The Ordinary or Beauty of Joseon: which cleanser is better?
When comparing the products on this page, both The Ordinary and Beauty of Joseon offer cleansers with high fit levels for dry and sensitive skin. Reviewers note that Beauty of Joseon provides better hydration and moisture, while The Ordinary offers better value and pricing.
Which is more affordable, The Ordinary or Beauty of Joseon?
The Ordinary provides better value and pricing on the products on this page compared to Beauty of Joseon. Reviewers frequently praise The Ordinary for its affordable and great value serums.
Which brand performs better for mature skin according to the routine fit ratings?
The Ordinary performs better for mature skin, achieving a Superior routine fit compared to Beauty of Joseon's Average fit level.
How do the review themes compare between the two brands regarding gentle formulas?
Beauty of Joseon does better than The Ordinary regarding gentle formulas. Reviewers frequently mention both brands for gentle, non-irritating formulas, but Beauty of Joseon comes out ahead in this review theme.
Which brand offers better hydration and moisture based on the review themes?
Beauty of Joseon offers better hydration and moisture according to the review themes on this page. The products on this page help deliver deep hydration and moisturization for your skin.
The Ordinary or Beauty of Joseon for oily skin?
Both The Ordinary and Beauty of Joseon are a High fit for oily skin. Reviewers note that the products on this page offer great value and acne-clearing serums for The Ordinary, alongside lightweight toners and oil control for Beauty of Joseon.
The Ordinary or Beauty of Joseon: which moisturizer is better?
When it comes to moisturizers, The Ordinary is a Superior fit for dry skin through its Natural Moisturizing Factors formulas, while Beauty of Joseon is also a High fit for dry skin with options like the Dynasty Cream. Both brands offer products that help maintain hydration, utilizing key ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
The Ordinary or Beauty of Joseon for sensitive skin?
Both The Ordinary and Beauty of Joseon fit sensitive skin at a High level on this page. Reviewers report that both brands offer gentle, non-irritating formulas.
The Ordinary or Beauty of Joseon for acne-prone skin?
For acne-prone skin, both brands offer products on this page with a High routine fit, while The Ordinary achieves a Superior fit level for oily acne-prone skin. Reviewers note that The Ordinary is valued for acne-clearing serums, whereas Beauty of Joseon formulas may sometimes cause breakouts and acne.
Research behind their key ingredients
The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer
Safety evaluation of topical applications of ethanol on the skin and inside the oral cavity
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
Bacterial cellulose membranes as drug delivery systems: an in vivo skin compatibility study
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
Supramolecular collagen nanoparticles for anti-wrinkle, skin whitening, and moisturizing effects
Novel beads made of alpha-cyclodextrin and oil for topical delivery of a lipophilic drug
A study of anti-wrinkle functions and improvement of cream with Phaseolus angularis
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
Hippophae rhamnoides oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion improves barrier function in healthy human subjects
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
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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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