The Ordinary vs Geek & Gorgeous
The Ordinary and Geek & Gorgeous are Canadian and Hungarian skincare brands offering serums, moisturizers, cleansers, toners, and more. The Ordinary is built around hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane, suiting dry and dry sensitive skin best, whereas the latter is driven by thoughtfully crafted formulas that suit sensitive skin and acne-prone skin best. Both brands differ in their standout options and targeted ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid which lengthens the duration of wrinkle reduction, glycerin which significantly increases skin hydration and barrier function, and squalane which increases epidermal thickness and collagen production.
The Ordinary is a Canadian skincare brand founded in 2016 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. since 2021.
This page compares some of the most popular The Ordinary and Geek & Gorgeous products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular The Ordinary vs Geek & Gorgeous products
People Say
Great value and affordable price Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “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%”
- “Great value — Geek & Gorgeous C-Glow Vitamin C Serum”
Lightweight absorption and texture Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “sinks in fast — Geek & Gorgeous Hydration Station”
- “Water-like consistency — Geek & Gorgeous C-Glow Vitamin C Serum”
- “sinks in immediately — Geek & Gorgeous B-Bomb”
- “Sinks in immediately — The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum”
Gentle and non-irritating Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “No irritation or stinging at all — Geek & Gorgeous A-Game 5”
- “doesn't sting eyes — Geek & Gorgeous Jelly Joker”
- “didn't sting my sensitive skin — Geek & Gorgeous B-Bomb”
- “Finally a cleanser that doesn't sting my face. — The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser”
Texture smoothing and improvement Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “glass skin effect — The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution”
- “skin feels baby butt smooth — The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution”
- “skin looks smoother and brighter — The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%”
- “Sinks into the skin fast — Geek & Gorgeous A-Game 5”
Acne clearing and blemish reduction Often MentionedNot 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”
Matte finish and oil control Rarely NotedSometimes Noted
- “T-zone is much less oily — Geek & Gorgeous B-Bomb”
- “no greasy residue — Geek & Gorgeous Hydration Station”
- “controlled my sebum production — The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%”
Drying formulas and lack of moisture Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Skin felt tight an hour later — The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA”
- “incredibly drying — The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%”
- “dried out skin — The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG”
- “not enough for winter — Geek & Gorgeous Hydration Station”
Sticky or tacky finish Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “felt a bit sticky — Geek & Gorgeous Liquid Hydration”
- “feels very sticky — The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5”
Skin stinging, burning and irritation Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “Stinging sensation — Geek & Gorgeous C-Glow Vitamin C Serum”
- “burned my eyes — Geek & Gorgeous Liquid Hydration”
- “stings a little but worth it — The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution”
Makeup pilling and compatibility issues Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “need a separate remover for mascara — Geek & Gorgeous Jelly Joker”
- “crumbles and piles under moisturizer — The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%”
The Ordinary vs Geek & Gorgeous routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Glycolipid Cream Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£8.88
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Hydrating Toner
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Morning
£11.49
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Moisturizer
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£11.40
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SPF
Torriden DIVE-IN Mild Sunscreen
Morning
£22.00
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Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
£13.58
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Serum or Treatment
Lactic Acid 5% + HA
Evening · Once a week
£6.16
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Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
£17.00
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Cleanser
Jelly Joker
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£8.95
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Hydrating Toner
Liquid Hydration
Morning
£8.49
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Moisturizer
Hydration Station
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£8.99
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SPF
Torriden DIVE-IN Mild Sunscreen
Morning
£22.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
£13.58
-
Serum or Treatment
B-Bomb
Evening · Once a week
£8.25
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
£17.00
Buy The Ordinary routine · £90.51 · 97% fit
Buy Geek & Gorgeous routine · £87.26 · 86% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
The Ordinary vs Geek & Gorgeous routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
Glucoside Foaming Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£8.88
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
£13.98
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Moisturizer
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£11.40
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
£11.29
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Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
£17.00
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Cleansing Toner
Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Evening
£9.52
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Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Evening · Once a week
£4.00
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Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
£19.00
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Cleansing Mask
Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
Once a week
£25.00
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Cleanser
Jelly Joker
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£8.95
-
Hydrating Toner
Liquid Hydration
Morning · Once a week
£8.49
-
Moisturizer
Hydration Station
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£8.99
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
£11.29
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
£17.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
£29.00
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Serum or Treatment
B-Bomb
Evening · Once a week
£8.25
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
£19.00
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Cleansing Mask
Dr. Sebagh Deep Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
£61.99
Buy The Ordinary routine · £120.07 · 93% fit
Buy Geek & Gorgeous routine · £172.96 · 88% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
The Ordinary vs Geek & Gorgeous routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Glucoside Foaming Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£8.88
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
£30.37
-
Moisturizer
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£11.40
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Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
£23.92
-
Cleansing Toner
Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Evening
£9.52
-
Serum or Treatment
Lactic Acid 5% + HA
Evening · Once a week
£6.16
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
£19.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
Once a week
£25.00
-
Cleanser
Jelly Joker
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£8.95
-
Hydrating Toner
Liquid Hydration
Morning · Once a week
£8.49
-
Moisturizer
Hydration Station
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£8.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
£23.92
-
Cleansing Toner
REN Clean Skincare Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic
Evening
£30.99
-
Serum or Treatment
B-Bomb
Evening · Once a week
£8.25
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
£19.00
-
Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
£19.00
Buy The Ordinary routine · £134.25 · 92% fit
Buy Geek & Gorgeous routine · £127.59 · 87% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
The Ordinary or Geek & Gorgeous: which is better?
The Ordinary is better overall on this page, offering superior routine fit across most skin types and better value, while Geek & Gorgeous does better for lightweight absorption and oil control.
What is the difference between The Ordinary and Geek & Gorgeous?
The Ordinary offers a much larger variety of budget-friendly targeted serums with superior value, while Geek & Gorgeous provides lighter, more easily absorbed formulas that may feel gentler on the skin.
The Ordinary or Geek & Gorgeous for dry skin?
The Ordinary is superior for dry skin because Lovi rates its routine fit as Superior compared to High for Geek & Gorgeous. The Ordinary products on this page also feature targeted options like Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA and Glycolipid Cream Cleanser that help dry skin.
The Ordinary or Geek & Gorgeous: which cleanser is better?
The Ordinary offers better cleanser choices for most shoppers with a Superior routine fit for dry skin, whereas Geek & Gorgeous features the Jelly Joker cleanser which is well-loved for its gentle and lightweight feel on the skin.
Which is more affordable, The Ordinary or Geek & Gorgeous?
The Ordinary is more affordable and offers better value for the products on this page.
The Ordinary or Geek & Gorgeous for oily skin?
The Ordinary is a better fit for oily skin, earning a Superior routine fit compared to the High fit level of Geek & Gorgeous. The Ordinary also does better for oil control and acne clearing based on reviewer feedback.
The Ordinary or Geek & Gorgeous: which moisturizer is better?
The Ordinary offers a superior fit for dry skin compared to Geek & Gorgeous, supported by a wider range of deeply moisturizing formulations on this page.
The Ordinary or Geek & Gorgeous for sensitive skin?
Both The Ordinary and Geek & Gorgeous achieve a Superior fit for sensitive skin on Lovi. Every product from both brands on this page lists no fragrance in its ingredients.
The Ordinary or Geek & Gorgeous for acne-prone skin?
The Ordinary is a better fit for acne-prone skin, as the products on this page achieve a Superior routine fit compared to Geek & Gorgeous. Reviewers note that The Ordinary offers great value for acne-clearing serums.
The Ordinary or Geek & Gorgeous for mature skin?
The Ordinary is a better fit for mature skin, achieving a Superior routine fit compared to the High fit of Geek & Gorgeous. The Ordinary products on this page offer extensive options for aging skin, such as serums that help smooth texture and address fine lines.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000Archives of Dermatology, 2007
The Ordinary or Geek & Gorgeous for dry sensitive skin?
The Ordinary is a better fit for dry sensitive skin because the products on this page achieve a Superior routine fit compared to the High fit from Geek & Gorgeous. The Ordinary also offers superior value and hydration options.
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
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
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
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Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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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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