Paula’s Choice vs The Ordinary 2023 (The Definitive Guide)

We’re positive you’ve seen (or at the very least heard of) Paula’s Choice and The Ordinary before. But which should you choose for your skin?

Feel free to skip ahead to the category you're most interested in (where we'll help you find the best products for you and your skin), but we recommend sticking around and reading the Overview section first to get a proper feel for what these brands are all about.

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About the brands

Paula’s Choice

Smart, safe beauty; this is the philosophy behind Paula’s Choice. The ingredients need to be good for the skin with no exceptions and the products are to be backed by science. The company has been on the beauty scene since 1995 when Paula Begoun - the company founder - launched the skincare line in Seattle, USA.

Paula’s Choice skincare products are verified by extensive research. Each product is formulated with active ingredients that have proven results. In addition, all products are tested to ensure they are non-irritating and fragrance-free. It is no wonder that the skincare brand has a cult following with award-winning skincare miracles such as the Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant featured in this article.

If you are worried about the ingredients in your skincare range, which may be harmful to your health or the environment, Paula’s Choice products are free from a number of ingredients including but not limited to abrasive particles, alcohol, essential oils, nanoparticles, fragrant plant extracts, talc, synthetic dyes, and synthetic fragrance.

The Ordinary

The Ordinary is highly regarded as a no-fuss, simple, skincare line that is affordable and most importantly, effective. The brand is owned by an umbrella company called DECIEM; The Abnormal Beauty Company. The Ordinary has been certified vegan by PETA and cruelty-free by The Leaping Bunny. The Ordinary have only been around since 2006, but don’t let that turn you away. The sometimes overtly-scientific names can be confusing for those new to The Ordinary, but this is one of the brand's notable efforts to be straightforward with the ingredients in each product.

High-quality products at affordable prices is exactly what The Ordinary are out to achieve, their Salicylic Acid 2% Solution being exemplary in this regard. With most of the product line costing $30.00 or less, the brand has put the active ingredients over luxurious packaging, and the minimal look has done very well for DECIEM.

Paula’s Choice vs The Ordinary BHA

BHA stands for Beta Hydroxy Acid. BHAs are commonly found in skincare products that are designed for acne, clogged pore, dead skin, and dullness. BHAs like salicylic acid works to exfoliate the dead skin cells, unclog stubborn pores, and even out the skin's complexion

Salicylic Acid is a key ingredient in both The Ordinary and Paula’s Choice exfoliating range. It is one of the most common BHAs and is derived from willow bark. Willow bark extract has the ability to sooth irritated skin. It is a highly effective ingredient in skin care products because it can clear pores, reduce redness and has antibacterial properties.

With consistent use of BHAs, the results should reflect a more even skin tone, improved texture, smaller pores, and a clearer complexion. BHAs are fantastic for acne-prone skin because the product can go deep into hair follicles to remove excess oil. If you have oily to combination skin, BHAs are a key ingredient to bring into your skincare routine.

Paula’s Choice vs The Ordinary Niacinamide

Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3. This powerhouse of an ingredient works in so many ways to help protect the skin from environmental stressors. Niacinamide can be added to your skincare routine if you are looking to improve hydration and even out the skin's complexion. Furthermore, research has shown that Niacinamide can aid in the production of collagen. One main skin concern that B3 is popular for is pigmentation and dark spots. It can reduce dark spots by slowing the production of melanin, a pigment responsible for sun damage.

Paula’s Choice vs The Ordinary Azelaic Acid

If you have never heard of Azelaic Acid, we don’t blame you, but that doesnt mean it is not already in use in a variety of skincare products. Azelaic Acid is most often used in the treatment of skin conditions such as acne and rosacea. It may also work to reduce dark spots and treat pigmentation concerns such as brown spots that form as a result of blemishes. Azelaic Acid is derived from grains such as wheat, rye and barley and has natural antibacterial and anti inflammatory properties.

Paula’s Choice vs The Ordinary Conclusion

In summary, both brands try to reduce the number of ingredients used in each product. Both brands are also notably cruelty-free. For those looking for a certified vegan option, The Ordinary is PETA certified. The Ordinary is the more affordable option relative to Paula’s Choice in terms of price.

In addition, there are variations in the strength of the active ingredients, so be sure to check which product is best suited for your skin type.

There is no doubt that these popular skincare ingredients, Salicyclic Acid, Niacinamide, and Azelaic Acid, have incredible skin health benefits. They feature in several of Paula’s Choice and The Ordinary’s formulas. In addition, they are instrumental in targeting stubborn and difficult skin concerns such as blemishes, dark spots, and uneven skin tone.

Paula’s Choice Best-Sellers

For brightening:
Try the C15 Super Booster

For anti-aging:
Try the Retinol Treatment

For acne:
Try the CLEAR Range

The Ordinary Best-Sellers

For skin texture:
Try the Peeling Solution

For hydration:
Try Hyaluronic Acid

For tired eyes:
Try the Caffeine Solution

This post was written by guest author, Cherie Julie, and edited by Calum Torrington.