Both La Roche-Posay and The Ordinary offer effective skincare solutions, but cater to different priorities. La Roche-Posay is ideal for those seeking dermatologist-recommended, sensitive-skin-focused products and are willing to pay a premium. The Ordinary is better for budget-conscious consumers seeking science-backed, single-ingredient treatments, but users should be aware of potential irritation and texture issues.
| Attribute | La Roche-Posay | The Ordinary |
|---|---|---|
| Price Point | Mid-range (Cleansers start around $15, retinols around $50) | Under $15 |
| Cruelty-Free Status | Not cruelty-free (tests on animals through suppliers or third parties) | Cruelty-free, certified by Leaping Bunny and PETA, but owned by Estée Lauder, which is not a cruelty-free brand. |
| Skin Type Suitability | Sensitive, dry, oily, acne-prone, and allergy-prone skin | Offers products for various skin types, with specific products recommended for oily, dry, combination, and sensitive skin. |
| Product Range | Cleansers, moisturizers, serums, sunscreens, treatments (Toleriane, Effaclar, Lipikar, Anthelios, Cicaplast) | Diverse range including serums, toners, moisturizers, and oils, addressing concerns like dullness, blemishes, fine lines, and dehydration. |
| Efficacy | Improvements in hydration, skin tone, and reduction of blemishes | Emphasizes science-backed formulations and active ingredients for effective solutions. |
| Packaging | Practical packaging, post-consumer recycled materials, reducing plastic | Uses minimalist packaging. |
| Availability | Drugstores, pharmacies, online retailers (Target, Walgreens, Amazon, Ulta Beauty) | Available at Sephora, Ulta, and Priceline, among other retailers. |
| Formulation Quality | Minimal ingredients, optimal concentrations, allergy-tested, non-comedogenic, clinically studied | Focuses on science-backed formulations with quality, microbiology, and regulatory assessments. |
| Dermatologist Tested | Yes, 9/10 UK dermatologists recommend La Roche-Posay. | Formulations are created by an in-house team and undergo clinical testing. |
| Specific Skin Concerns Addressed | Acne, dryness, eczema, sensitivity, redness, dark spots, and aging | Addresses various skin concerns, including dullness, blemishes, fine lines, dehydration, dark spots, uneven skin tone, acne, redness, and enlarged pores. |
| Pros | Effective for sensitive skin, Hydrating and non-irritating, Lightweight, non-greasy feel, Wide range of products for various skin concerns, Dermatologist recommended, Practical packaging | Affordable, Effective for many users, Wide range of products, Science-backed formulations, Addresses various skin concerns |
| Cons | Not cruelty-free, Some users experienced breakouts, Considered a 'fancier version of CeraVe' by some | Some products may cause irritation or breakouts, Some products have sticky textures, Owned by a non-cruelty-free brand (Estée Lauder) |