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The Ordinary vs darrow

Rated by Lovi · Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes · How the Fit score works

The Ordinary and darrow are two skincare lines offering distinct daily solutions for diverse complexions. The Canadian brand centers its serums, moisturizers, cleansers, and toners around hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane, whereas the dermatological line is deeply loved for gentle cleansers and rigorously tested formulas like Actine. Both options suit oily and acne-prone skin best, though the first additionally fits dry and mature skin while the second focuses on sensitive complexions. Ultimately, they differ through the former relying on targeted acids for specific concerns and the latter prioritizing restorative daily balance.

The Ordinary is a Canadian skincare brand founded in 2016 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. since 2021.

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This page compares some of the most popular The Ordinary and darrow products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.

Popular The Ordinary vs darrow products

Questions and answers

The Ordinary or darrow: which is better?

The Ordinary offers a much wider range of skincare products on this page with high or superior Lovi fit levels across multiple skin types, while darrow only lists a single cleanser with average to low fit levels. The Ordinary products on this page feature key ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, which help hydrate the skin and reduce pigmentation.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002

What is the difference between The Ordinary and darrow?

The Ordinary offers a large range of fragrance-free skincare products that fit dry, oily acne-prone, and mature skin best. In contrast, darrow features only one cleanser on this page with lower overall skin fits.

The Ordinary or darrow: which cleanser is better?

For cleansers, The Ordinary offers a wider selection with strong options like the Glucoside Foaming Cleanser and Glycolipid Cream Cleanser, which Lovi rates as High for dry, oily, and sensitive skin. In contrast, darrow only features the Actine cleanser, which receives lower fit levels across most skin types.

Which is more affordable, The Ordinary or darrow?

The Ordinary offers more affordable options, with its serums frequently noted by reviewers as being affordable and providing great value.

Which causes fewer breakouts, The Ordinary or darrow?

The Ordinary is more likely to help prevent breakouts because the products on this page offer High to Superior Lovi fit levels for acne-prone skin, whereas darrow only offers a Low fit for acne-prone skin.

When were The Ordinary and darrow founded and who owns them?

The Ordinary was founded in Canada in 2016 and is owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Darrow was founded in 1969 and is owned by Pierre Fabre.

How does the Lovi fit level of The Ordinary's Glycolipid Cream Cleanser compare to darrow's Actine cleanser for dry and oily skin types?

The Ordinary's Glycolipid Cream Cleanser has a Superior Lovi fit for dry skin and a High fit for oily skin, whereas darrow's Actine cleanser has a Caution fit for dry skin and an Average fit for oily skin.

Do any products from The Ordinary or darrow contain fragrance?

Every product on this page from both The Ordinary and darrow lists no fragrance in its ingredients.

Research behind their key ingredients

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.

  • Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Co-founder, Medical Director

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer

  • Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Co-founder, CEO and CTO

    PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex

  • Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Medical Board

    Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine

  • Aishani Shah, MD

    Aishani Shah, MD

    Medical Board

    Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD

  • Asya Zubkova, MS

    Asya Zubkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member

  • Hanna Kurets, MD

    Hanna Kurets, MD

    Medical Board, Medical Advisor

    Dermatology MD

  • Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Medical Board

    Dermatology and diagnostic consultant

  • Victoria Derkova, MS

    Victoria Derkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist

How does it fit your skin?

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