The Ordinary vs Caudalie
The Ordinary and Caudalie are distinctive skincare brands offering diverse selections of serums, moisturizers, cleansers, toners, and more. The Canadian brand centers its offerings around hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane, while the French house is cherished for its thoughtful botanical compositions. Both brands suit oily acne-prone skin best, though the former also fits dry skin and the latter suits general oily skin. They differ in origin, foundation year, and key active ingredients, providing tailored options for individual routines.
The Ordinary is a Canadian skincare brand founded in 2016 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. since 2021.
Caudalie is a French skincare brand founded in 1995.
en.wikipedia.orgen.caudalie.compitchbook.com
This page compares some of the most popular The Ordinary and Caudalie products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular The Ordinary vs Caudalie products
People Say
Redness and sensitivity Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “calms down the redness immediately — The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%”
- “Leaves my face feeling soft and not tight at all. — The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser”
- “great for sensitive skin — Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum”
- “calms my redness — Caudalie Grape Water”
Acne clearing and blemish reduction 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”
- “cleared my hormonal acne — Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Gel Cleanser”
Skin smoothing and texture improvement Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
- “glass skin effect — The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution”
- “never had any reaction to it with my sensitive skin — The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA”
- “skin feels baby butt smooth — The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution”
- “skin feels baby soft — Caudalie Instant Detox Mask”
Great value and affordable 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%”
Pleasant scent and refreshing aromas Not notedOften Mentioned
- “smells like a spa — Caudalie Beauty Elixir”
- “gives a glass-skin look — Caudalie Beauty Elixir”
- “wakes up my skin — Caudalie Beauty Elixir”
Hydration and plumping effects Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Provides intense hydration, smooths fine lines, and gives the skin an even, radiant appearance. — Caudalie Premier Cru The Cream”
- “intense hydration — Caudalie Grape Water”
- “skin feels plump — Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift Firming Cashmere Cream”
- “skin feels immediately hydrated — The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5”
Texture and pilling issues under makeup Mostly MentionedRarely Noted
- “tacky finish — Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum”
- “does not remove make-up — Caudalie Vinoclean Instant Foaming Cleanser”
- “Incompatible with my makeup. — Caudalie Premier Cru The Cream”
- “crumbles and piles under moisturizer — The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%”
High price point and value concerns Not notedMostly Mentioned
- “expensive — Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum”
Unpleasant scent or fragrance issues 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 strong — Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner”
Stinging, harshness and irritation Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “burns my eyes — Caudalie Beauty Elixir”
- “bit dry for daily use — Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner”
- “woke up swollen — Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Eye Cream”
- “irritated AF the next day — The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution”
The Ordinary vs Caudalie routines for dry skin
-
Cleanser
Squalane Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$27.46
-
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
-
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
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$25.06
-
Hydrating Toner
COSRX Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning
S$41.07
-
Moisturizer
Vinopure Moisturizing Mattifying Fluid
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$65.23
-
SPF
thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+
Morning
S$21.09
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
S$39.68
-
Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
S$63.44
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Collagen Essential Mask
Once a week
S$62.94
Buy The Ordinary routine · S$164.78 · 92% fit
Buy Caudalie routine · S$318.51 · 88% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
The Ordinary vs Caudalie routines for oily skin
-
Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$30.40
-
Hydrating Toner
TROIAREUKE H+Cocktail Purifying Ampoule Toner
Morning · Once a week
S$168.51
-
Moisturizer
Vinopure Moisturizing Mattifying Fluid
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$65.23
-
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
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
S$63.44
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
S$89.14
-
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
Buy Caudalie routine · S$552.13 · 95% fit
Buy The Ordinary routine · S$393.06 · 89% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
The Ordinary vs Caudalie routines for combination skin
-
Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$30.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Whamisa Organic Flowers Toner Deep Rich
Morning · Once a week
S$64.81
-
Moisturizer
Vinopure Moisturizing Mattifying Fluid
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$65.23
-
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
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
S$63.44
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
S$89.14
-
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
Buy Caudalie routine · S$448.03 · 94% fit
Buy The Ordinary routine · S$289.36 · 88% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
The Ordinary or Caudalie: which is better?
The Ordinary offers better value with more affordable products on this page and tends to be better for acne clearing, while Caudalie is better for hydration and plumping effects. Reviewers note that The Ordinary provides great value serums, whereas Caudalie is frequently associated with a high price point.
What is the difference between The Ordinary and Caudalie?
The Ordinary offers more affordable, fragrance-free products on this page that help with acne clearing and texture smoothing, while Caudalie provides refreshing formulas with pleasant scents that often excel at hydration and plumping. The Ordinary has a Superior routine fit for dry skin, whereas Caudalie achieves a Superior routine fit for oily and combination skin.
The Ordinary or Caudalie for dry skin?
The Ordinary is a better fit for dry skin, offering a Superior routine compared to Caudalie's High routine on the products on this page. Topical hyaluronic acid helps improve skin quality and signs of skin aging.
The Ordinary or Caudalie: which cleanser is better?
The products on this page show that both The Ordinary and Caudalie offer cleansers with high fit levels for various skin types, but The Ordinary achieves a Superior Lovi fit level for dry skin with its Glycolipid Cream Cleanser. Reviewers frequently note that The Ordinary provides great value and affordable pricing, while Caudalie cleansers may feature added fragrances.
Which is more affordable, The Ordinary or Caudalie?
The Ordinary offers much better affordability and value across the products on this page compared to Caudalie, which is frequently noted by reviewers for its high price. Niacinamide helps control skin aging and pigmentation, providing budget-friendly skincare options.
Between The Ordinary and Caudalie, which brand offers better results for fading dark spots?
Both The Ordinary and Caudalie provide products that help with dark spots, but Caudalie offers a superior overall routine fit for skin with dark spots. The Ordinary helps reduce pigmentation with ingredients like niacinamide.
How do the fragrance options differ between The Ordinary and Caudalie product lines?
The products on this page from The Ordinary list no fragrance across the entire range, whereas twelve out of twenty Caudalie products contain fragrance.
Which brand performs better for skin smoothing and texture improvement according to reviewers?
The Ordinary performs better for skin smoothing and texture improvement.
The Ordinary or Caudalie for oily skin?
For oily skin, Caudalie has a Superior routine fit on this page, while The Ordinary has a High routine fit. Reviewers note that Caudalie helps absorb excess oil and control shine, though some mention a high price.
The Ordinary or Caudalie: which moisturizer is better?
The Ordinary offers better moisturizers for dry skin with a Superior Lovi fit level, whereas Caudalie achieves a High fit level for dry skin on this page. Topical hyaluronic acid helps improve skin quality and hydration.
The Ordinary or Caudalie for sensitive skin?
Both The Ordinary and Caudalie have a High fit for sensitive skin on the products on this page. Reviewers note that both brands offer gentle and non-irritating serums.
The Ordinary or Caudalie for acne-prone skin?
The Ordinary is a better fit for acne-prone skin, offering superior results for acne clearing and blemish reduction. Lovi rates the routine fit for acne-prone skin as High for The Ordinary and Superior for Caudalie.
Research behind their key ingredients
The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer
Topical menthol--a human model for cold pain by activation and sensitization of C nociceptors
Final report on the safety assessment of Benzyl Alcohol, Benzoic Acid, and Sodium Benzoate
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
Apigenin inhibits UVA-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and prevents signs of skin aging 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 topical effect of grape seed extract 2% cream on surgery wound healing
The moisturizing effects of glycolipid biosurfactants, mannosylerythritol lipids, on human skin
Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation by topical N-acetyl glucosamine
Resveratrol as a factor preventing skin aging and affecting its regeneration
Oleanolic Acid Protects the Skin from Particulate Matter-Induced Aging
Development of Polymeric Micelles of Oleanolic Acid and Evaluation of Their Clinical Efficacy
Microneedling by dermapen and glycolic acid peel for the treatment of acne scars: Comparative study
Pentacyclic triterpenes from Terminalia arjuna show multiple benefits on aged and dry skin
Lycopene and Melatonin: Antioxidant Compounds in Cosmetic Formulations
The synergistic effect of retinyl propionate and hydroxypinacolone retinoate on skin aging
Oleanolic Acid Nanofibers Attenuated Particulate Matter-Induced Oxidative Stress in Keratinocytes
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
Dyspigmentation, skin physiology, and a novel approach to skin lightening
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
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
Saccharide isomerate ameliorates cosmetic scalp conditions in a Chinese study population
The harnessing potential of carboxymethyl beta glucan: A driver of skin repair
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.
-

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
How does it fit your skin?
Scan your face, then any product: Lovi shows how well it fits you and what fits even better.














































