Skincare brands > Youth To The People vs. The Ordinary
When selecting skincare, consumers often weigh ingredient philosophy against budget. Youth To The People and The Ordinary represent distinct approaches, catering to different priorities and price sensitivities. This comparison highlights the key differences to aid in making an informed decision.
This comparison analyzes real-world performance, user feedback, and key differentiators to help you make an informed decision.
Quick Verdict
For those prioritizing vegan and sustainable skincare with a willingness to invest, Youth To The People is a strong choice. The Ordinary is ideal for budget-conscious consumers seeking effective, ingredient-focused solutions.
- Youth To The People emphasizes clean, vegan formulations and sustainability at a higher price point.
- The Ordinary prioritizes affordability and transparent ingredient lists, but isn't fully vegan.
Who Should Choose Which?
Choose Youth To The People if:
Consumers who value clean, vegan ingredients, sustainable practices, and are willing to pay a premium for it.
Choose The Ordinary if:
Budget-conscious individuals seeking effective, ingredient-focused skincare with transparent formulations.
Key features – Side-by-Side
| Attribute | Youth To The People | The Ordinary |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients Quality | Clean, plant-based, superfood-focused | Transparent, active ingredient-driven formulations |
| Cruelty-Free Status | Certified by PETA and Leaping Bunny | Certified by Leaping Bunny and PETA |
| Vegan Options | 100% Vegan | Not 100% vegan, some products contain animal-derived ingredients |
| Price Range | Mid-to-high ($36-$68 per product) | Very affordable (many products under $10) |
| Product Line Variety | Comprehensive range (cleansers, serums, moisturizers, etc.) | Expanding into haircare and body care |
| Packaging Sustainability | Prioritizes sustainable packaging (glass, recycled materials) | Focusing on reducing plastic waste, recycling program, aims for recyclable packaging by 2025 |
| Skin Type Suitability | Suitable for various skin types, offers a skin quiz | Offers targeted solutions for various skin concerns and types |
| Efficacy for Skin Concerns | Addresses acne and aging signs | Effective for blemishes, acne scars, and aging signs |
| Accessibility | Widely available online and at retailers like Sephora | Widely available online and in stores like Ulta, Sephora, and Priceline |
Overall Comparison
Pros and Cons
Youth To The People
- Effective products (e.g., Superfood Cleanser, Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask)
- Commitment to clean, vegan skincare
- Sustainable practices
- Wide availability
- Suitable for various skin types
- Higher price point
- Occasional ineffectiveness of certain products
- Potential for irritation or allergic reactions for sensitive skin
- Some scents may be overpowering
The Ordinary
- Effective for many users
- Affordable
- Transparent formulations
- Clear display of active ingredients
- Cruelty-free
- Offers solutions for various skin concerns
- Widely available
- Easy to incorporate into routine
- Perfect brand for those who want to target specific needs without superfluity
- Not 100% vegan (some products contain animal-derived ingredients)
- Some products can cause irritation, redness, and breakouts for sensitive skin
- Some products have a tacky or oily texture
- Still relies heavily on virgin plastic for its own containers
User Experiences and Feedback
Youth To The People
- Effective for addressing skin concerns
- Lightweight and quick-absorbing textures
- Environmentally friendly packaging
- Noticeable results such as increased hydration and radiance
- Easy to incorporate into a daily skincare routine
- Ineffective for some users
- Irritation, redness, or allergic reactions
- Not worth the higher price point compared to similar products
- Issues with pilling or stickiness when layering products
- Overpowering scents
- Some find it more effective than similar products
- Some believe it is comparable to other products
- Some believe it is not worth the higher price point
- Some users have found the products effective for addressing their skin concerns, while others have not noticed significant results.
- Textures vary across the product line. Some products are lightweight and absorb quickly, while others are thicker and more moisturizing.
- Some users with sensitive skin have reported irritation or allergic reactions, while others have not experienced any adverse effects.
- Some reviewers find Youth To The People products to be more effective than other similar products, while others believe they are comparable or not worth the higher price point.
- Some users report seeing immediate effects, such as increased hydration and radiance, while others require more extended use to observe significant changes.
- Most products are designed to be compatible with other skincare products. However, some users have reported issues with pilling or stickiness when layering certain products.
- Some products have a fresh, natural scent, while others have a stronger, sweeter scent that some users find overpowering.
- Some reviewers highly recommend specific products, while others suggest trying a different brand or product.
The Ordinary
- Effective for acne, fading acne scars, and improving skin texture (AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution)
- Dries up whiteheads overnight without irritation or scarring (Salicylic Acid 2% Solution)
- Hydrating, making skin soft, plump, and renewed (Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5)
- Comparable to more expensive retinal products with equally noticeable results (Retinal 0.2% Emulsion)
- Acne marks fade considerably after a month (Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%)
- Skin looked brighter after using Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% for 2 weeks
- Noticeable results after the first time using Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
- Some users with sensitive skin have experienced irritation, redness, and breakouts from certain products
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 serum can be a little tacky on the face
- Mandelic Acid 10% + HA has a slightly oily texture that leaves a bit of a residue
- Vitamin C Suspension 30% in Silicone can sting a little for about 30 seconds each time you use it
- Azelaic Acid 10% can cause burns, even on skin that isn't typically sensitive
- Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% shouldn't be used with topical Vitamin C serums
- Very affordable option compared to other hyaluronic acid serums on the market (Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5)
- The Ordinary is a perfect brand for those who want to target specific needs without superfluity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are both brands cruelty-free?
Yes, both Youth To The People and The Ordinary are certified cruelty-free.
Which brand is better for sensitive skin?
Both brands offer products suitable for sensitive skin, but individual reactions may vary. Always patch-test new products.
Which brand is more sustainable?
Youth To The People places a greater emphasis on sustainable packaging and ethical sourcing.
Sources & Citations
- Official product specifications
- Expert reviews from tech publications
- User feedback from online forums
Information gathered through AI-assisted web search and analysis. Last updated: September 2025
Methodology & Transparency
Our comparison methodology combines multiple data sources to provide comprehensive, unbiased analysis:
- Data Collection: We gather information from official specifications, user reviews, and independent testing
- AI-Assisted Analysis: Advanced AI helps process large amounts of data while maintaining accuracy
- Human Oversight: All comparisons are reviewed for accuracy and relevance
- Regular Updates: Content is refreshed to reflect new information and user feedback
- Bias Mitigation: We strive for objectivity by considering multiple perspectives and sources
Versusly.ai uses AI-assisted content generation combined with human oversight to deliver comprehensive comparisons. We are transparent about our process and continuously work to improve accuracy and usefulness.