The Ordinary vs Paula's Choice: Detailed Brand Comparison
The Ordinary and Paula's Choice comparison. Price, formulation, ingredient quality, product variety, and which brand is right for you? Detailed analysis.
The Ordinary vs Paula's Choice: Which Brand Is Right for You?
The two most compared brands in the skincare world, The Ordinary and Paula's Choice, stand out with different philosophies and price points. One offers affordable actives with the motto "democratic beauty," while the other offers premium formulas with the "research-backed beauty" approach.
In this comprehensive comparison, we'll examine both brands from different angles, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and help you choose the right one for you. To learn skincare basics, you can also check out our Skin Type Guide.
Affiliate Disclosure
Brand Profiles
The Ordinary
Founded: 2016 (under Deciem) Origin: Canada Philosophy: "Clinical formulations with integrity" - Transparency, affordability, active ingredients Price Range: $5-15
The Ordinary entered the market with the idea that "active ingredients don't have to be expensive" and revolutionized the skincare world. With minimalist packaging, transparent ingredient lists, and remarkably low prices, it quickly became a cult brand.
The Ordinary's Revolutionary Approach
In 2016, selling a 23% Vitamin C serum for $6 caused major controversy in the industry. The Ordinary proved that luxury skincare is unnecessary and pushed for pricing transparency.
Paula's Choice
Founded: 1995 Origin: USA Philosophy: "Research-backed beauty, honest advice" Price Range: $10-50
Paula Begoun (nicknamed the "Cosmetics Cop") has been questioning the exaggerated claims of the beauty industry for decades. Paula's Choice offers formulas based on scientific evidence, fragrance-free and free from irritating ingredients.
Paula's Choice Pioneering
The 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is the best-selling BHA product worldwide. Paula's Choice is one of the pioneers of the "active ingredients really work" era.
Comparison Criteria
| Criterion | The Ordinary | Paula's Choice |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Excellent - Very affordable | Good - Premium |
| Formulation | Very Good | Excellent |
| Product Variety | Excellent - Very wide | Very Good - Wide |
| Ease of Use | Good - Requires knowledge | Excellent - Easy |
| Cosmetic Elegance | Good - Minimal | Excellent - Luxurious |
Price Comparison
Price comparison of products with same or similar ingredients:
| Product Type | The Ordinary | Paula's Choice | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2% BHA/Salicylic Acid | $7 (30ml) | $32 (118ml) | PC more economical (per ml) |
| Niacinamide Serum | $6 (30ml) | $44 (20ml) | TO 68% cheaper |
| Vitamin C Serum | $12 (30ml) | $49 (15ml) | TO 77% cheaper |
| AHA/BHA Peel | $8 (30ml) | $35 (30ml) | TO 54% cheaper |
| Retinol Serum | $7 (30ml) | $42 (30ml) | TO 63% cheaper |
Tip
Paula's Choice products are usually sold in larger sizes. When price per ml is calculated, the price difference decreases in some categories (especially BHA).
In Terms of Price
Pros
- The Ordinary: Low entry cost to start
- The Ordinary: Cheap to try different actives
- Paula's Choice: Large sizes economical long-term
- Paula's Choice: Promotions and loyalty program
Cons
- The Ordinary: Some products run out quickly (small size)
- Paula's Choice: High initial investment
Formulation and Ingredient Quality
The Ordinary Approach
Single Actives: The Ordinary generally focuses on one active ingredient. For example:
- "Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%"
- "Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5"
- "Retinol 0.5% in Squalane"
Advantages:
- You know exactly what you're using
- You can combine actives as you wish
- Easy to identify which ingredient is working
Disadvantages:
- May require multiple products
- Requires combination knowledge
- Some formulas may be unstable
Warning
Be careful when combining The Ordinary products! Some actives should not be used together. Check the brand's "Regimen Guide" page.
Paula's Choice Approach
Multi-Ingredient Formulas: Paula's Choice combines multiple actives in one product. For example:
- BHA Liquid: Salicylic acid + green tea + bisabolol
- C15 Super Booster: Vitamin C + E + ferulic acid + peptide
- Clinical Niacinamide: Niacinamide + vitamin C + licorice
Advantages:
- Synergistic effect (ingredients strengthen each other)
- Fewer products needed
- Formulation expertise
- More stable formulas
Disadvantages:
- Hard to identify which ingredient is working
- Less customization option
Expert Opinion
— Formulation ExpertPaula's Choice formulas are generally more "sophisticated." Ingredients are selected to support each other and balance potential irritation effects. The Ordinary embraces the "pure power" approach.
Product Category Comparisons
BHA/Salicylic Acid
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
2% salicylic acid, minimalist formula. Effective for blackheads and pores. Light, watery texture.
✓ Most affordable price
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid
2% salicylic acid + green tea + bisabolol. Clears pores, soothes, provides antioxidant protection. Cult product.
✓ World's #1 BHA
Result: Paula's Choice offers a more sophisticated formula with additional soothing and antioxidant ingredients. However, if you're only looking for BHA effect, The Ordinary is sufficient. For detailed review, check our Paula's Choice BHA Review. For more information about salicylic acid, also check our Salicylic Acid (BHA) ingredient analysis.
Niacinamide
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
10% niacinamide + 1% zinc. Sebum control, pore appearance, tone evening. Best-selling TO product.
✓ Bestseller, affordable price
Paula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster
10% niacinamide + vitamin C + licorice extract. Powerful formula for pores, tone, and radiance.
✓ Enhanced formula
Result: The Ordinary version may "pill" on some skin types. Paula's Choice is more cosmetically elegant and offers additional brightening ingredients.
Vitamin C
The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2%
8% L-ascorbic acid + 2% alpha arbutin. Brightening focused, watery formula.
✓ Low vitamin C starter
Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster
15% L-ascorbic acid + vitamin E + ferulic acid + peptide. Stabilized formula, maximum antioxidant.
✓ CE Ferulic alternative
Result: Paula's Choice stands out as an affordable alternative to SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic. Vitamin E and ferulic acid increase vitamin C's effectiveness by up to 8 times.
Retinol
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
0.5% retinol, squalane-based. Medium strength retinol, moisturizing base.
✓ Affordable retinol
Paula's Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol
0.3% retinol + 2% bakuchiol + peptides. Stabilized formula, less irritation.
✓ Retinol + Bakuchiol combination
Result: Paula's Choice strengthens retinol effectiveness while reducing irritation risk by adding bakuchiol. More suitable for sensitive skin. For detailed information about The Ordinary retinol, check our The Ordinary Retinol Review. For comprehensive information about retinol usage, our Retinol Usage Guide will also be helpful.
AHA/BHA Exfoliant
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
30% AHA + 2% BHA. Strong weekly peel, red-colored formula known as Blood Mask.
✓ Powerful at-home peel
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel
8% glycolic acid, suitable for daily use. Gentle but effective exfoliation.
✓ Daily AHA
Result: Completely different approaches. TO is stronger (1-2 times a week), PC is gentler (daily). Choose based on your skin tolerance.
Ease of Use
The Ordinary
Challenges:
- You need to know which products to combine
- Some actives should not be used together
- Application order matters
- "Conflicts" can confuse you
Brand's Solution:
- Regimen Builder (on website)
- Detailed product descriptions
- Chat support
Warning
Pay attention to The Ordinary's "Conflicting" warnings. For example: Strong acids + peptides, Direct acids + EUK 134 should not be used together.
Paula's Choice
Advantages:
- Formulas are already balanced
- Most products are compatible with each other
- Clear usage instructions
- Less "decision-making" required
Brand's Support:
- Skincare Quiz
- Product matching recommendations
- Comprehensive content library (Ingredient Dictionary)
Tip
If you're new to skincare, Paula's Choice may be less confusing. Experienced users can create customized routines with The Ordinary.
Recommendations by Skin Type
Oily / Acne-Prone Skin
For Oily Skin
The Ordinary Recommendation:
- Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
- Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
- Alpha Arbutin 2% (for dark spots)
Paula's Choice Recommendation:
- 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
- 10% Niacinamide Booster
- Clear Regular Strength (acne line)
Suggestion: Paula's Choice BHA may give better results on oily skin thanks to its soothing ingredients. If budget is limited, The Ordinary BHA is also effective. Our comprehensive guide for oily skin: Serum Recommendations for Oily Skin.
Dry / Mature Skin
For Dry Skin
The Ordinary Recommendation:
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
- Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
- Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion
Paula's Choice Recommendation:
- Omega+ Complex Serum
- Clinical 0.3% Retinol + Bakuchiol
- Skin Balancing Moisturizer
Suggestion: Paula's Choice moisturizers and gentler retinol formulas are generally more comfortable for dry skin.
Sensitive Skin
For Sensitive Skin
The Ordinary Recommendation:
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
- Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
- Squalane Cleanser
Paula's Choice Recommendation:
- Calm Redness Relief Line
- 1% BHA Lotion (gentler)
- Omega+ Complex Moisturizer
Suggestion: Paula's Choice is generally safer for sensitive skin. The "Calm" line is specifically formulated for sensitive skin.
Combination Skin
For Combination Skin
The Ordinary Recommendation:
- Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (T-zone)
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (cheeks)
- Lactic Acid 5% + HA (light exfoliation)
Paula's Choice Recommendation:
- 2% BHA Liquid (T-zone)
- Skin Balancing Serum
- 8% AHA Gel (general)
Suggestion: Combination skin can benefit from The Ordinary's modular approach. Easy to apply different products to different areas.
Best Products from Each Brand
The Ordinary Must-Haves
The Ordinary Top 5
Best-selling TO product. For sebum control and pores.
$6 - Essential for oily/combination skin.
Strong weekly exfoliant. Nicknamed 'Blood Mask'.
$8 - Near-professional results.
Basic moisturizing serum. All skin types.
$7 - Should be in everyone's routine.
Under-eye serum. For puffiness and dark circles.
$7 - Unmatched price-performance.
Gentle oil-based cleanser.
$8 - Removes makeup and sunscreen.
Paula's Choice Must-Haves
Paula's Choice Top 5
World's #1 BHA. Pores and blackheads.
$32 - Gold standard, cult product.
CE Ferulic-like formula. Brightening and protection.
$49 - SkinCeuticals alternative.
Strong but gentle retinol. Anti-aging.
$52 - Including sensitive skin.
Daily glycolic acid. Brightening and exfoliation.
$35 - Gentle but effective.
Omega fatty acids. For dry and mature skin.
$42 - Moisture and barrier repair.
Conclusion: Which Brand Is Right for You?
The Ordinary Is Right for You If:
- Your budget is limited
- You want to try different actives
- You have skincare knowledge
- You want to create a customized routine
- You prefer "pure" active formulas
- You're not afraid to take risks
Paula's Choice Is Right for You If:
- You want to invest long-term
- You're looking for formulation perfection
- You're new to skincare
- You want to avoid decision fatigue
- You have sensitive skin
- Cosmetic elegance is important
Use Both Together!
For many people, the best strategy is to use products from both brands:
| Category | Recommended Brand |
|---|---|
| BHA | Paula's Choice (better formula) |
| Niacinamide | The Ordinary (very affordable) |
| Vitamin C | Paula's Choice (stability) |
| Hyaluronic Acid | The Ordinary (price) |
| Retinol | Paula's Choice (sensitive skin) or The Ordinary (budget) |
| AHA Peel | The Ordinary (strong) |
| Daily AHA | Paula's Choice (gentle) |
Final Words
There is no "best brand" - there is "the best brand for you." Your budget, skin type, experience, and expectations determine the right choice. Both brands offer quality products and take a scientific approach to skincare.
If you found this comparison helpful, also check out our Paula's Choice BHA Review, The Ordinary Retinol Review, and Vitamin C Serum Guide articles.
The Ordinary and Paula's Choice Products
Discover the most popular products from both brands
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