If you're obsessed with crafting the perfect skincare routine, you’re almost certainly familiar with The Ordinary. Known for its science-backed, single-ingredient formulas and ridiculously good prices, the brand made it easy to target specific skin concerns - from fine lines to dark spots - without spending a fortune.
But part of the fun of skincare is discovering new things. If you love The Ordinary’s effective, no-nonsense approach and are looking for other brands that deliver real results, we’ve got you covered. Here are 18 similar skincare brands worth a spot on your shelf.
Often seen as The Ordinary’s closest competitor, The Inkey List shares the same philosophy: deliver powerful, single-ingredient products at impressively low prices, mostly under $15. Their goal is to demystify skincare, with simple packaging and names that tell you exactly what you’re getting (think Hyaluronic Acid Serum or Retinol Eye Cream).
Where The Inkey List shines is its user-friendly approach. They often provide clear instructions on how to layer products, making them especially great for beginners who feel overwhelmed by building a routine. If you want The Ordinary's price point with a little more guidance, this is your brand.
Shop now at theinkeylist.com
If you’re ready to graduate to a slightly more premium, clinically-focused brand, meet Paula’s Choice. Famous for its cult-favorite 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, this brand is all about research-backed formulas that are potent and fragrance-free. The price point is higher, with most products falling between $20 and $50, but each formulation is packed with effective actives.
Unlike The Ordinary's single-note serums, Paula's Choice often creates complex formulas that address multiple concerns in one product. It's the perfect step-up for anyone who loves results-driven skincare and is willing to invest a bit more in powerful, tried-and-true products.
Shop now at paulaschoice.com
While The Ordinary is brilliant for its high-potency treatments, CeraVe is the master of the basics. This dermatologist-recommended brand is a non-negotiable for anyone looking to support their skin barrier with gentle cleansers and deeply hydrating moisturizers. Everything is affordable (usually under $20) and enriched with essential ceramides.
Instead of competing with The Ordinary’s actives, CeraVe complements them perfectly. Use your favorite acid or retinoid from The Ordinary, then follow it up with a soothing, barrier-restoring cream from CeraVe. It’s a simple, reliable choice for sensitive skin types or anyone whose skin needs a "less is more" day.
Shop now at cerave.com
Good Molecules is another excellent alternative offering scientifically-backed formulas at drugstore prices. Just like The Ordinary, they focus on transparency, even showing the percentage of key ingredients right on the bottle. Their products, which rarely cost more than $15, are designed to be both safe and effective for a wide range of skin types.
What sets them apart is their commitment to creating stable, high-quality formulations at a low cost, giving shoppers access to things like Niacinamide Serum and Discoloration Correcting Serum that deliver visible results. They are a direct, and equally impressive, alternative for ingredient-savvy skincare lovers on a budget.
Shop now at goodmolecules.com
Found at Target, Versed is a clean, vegan, and cruelty-free brand that delivers effective results without a complicated routine. Their products fall in the affordable $10-$25 range and are formulated to high standards, skipping common irritants and wasteful packaging. Their vibe is minimalist, fun, and easy to understand.
Versed balances The Ordinary’s scientific directness with a touch of “clean beauty” consciousness. If you're looking for powerful treatments like the Doctor's Visit Instant Resurfacing Mask or the Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum but prefer a brand with a strong focus on sustainability and non-toxic formulas, Versed is your match.
Shop now at versedskin.com
For those feeling adventurous, NIOD is The Ordinary's highly advanced older sibling, created by the same parent company, DECIEM. NIOD stands for “Non-Invasive Options in Dermal Science” and is all about cutting-edge, next-generation skincare technology. Think of it as a science lab for your skin.
The prices are significantly higher (around $30-$80), but you’re paying for seriously innovative formulas with complex names like "Copper Amino Isolate Serum." While The Ordinary offers foundational building blocks, NIOD provides sophisticated, multi-functional products for the committed skincare enthusiast ready to explore the far reaches of ingredient science.
Shop now at deciem.com/niod
Naturium sits comfortably between the stripped-down science of The Ordinary and the more luxe feel of premium brands. Co-founded by skincare influencer Susan Yara, the brand is known for its elegant, clinically-effective formulas that feature both lab-made and natural ingredients. They focus on biocompatibility, ensuring products work in harmony with your skin.
Products like their Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2% and Vitamin C Complex Serum offer similar concepts to The Ordinary but are often formulated with additional botanical extracts for a more soothing experience. Prices generally hover between $15-$30, making it an accessible upgrade for those who want science with a side of skincare elegance.
Shop now at naturium.com
This cult-favorite European brand is a must-know for anyone who loves potent, fragrance-free skincare. Geek & Gorgeous was born from a desire to create clinically effective products inspired by brands like Paula’s Choice, but at a price point much closer to The Ordinary. Their exfoliants and serums have a huge following for a reason.
Known for products like C-Glow (a 15% Vitamin C serum) and A-Game (a retinal powerhouse), Geek & Gorgeous focuses purely on what works, leaving out any irritating fluff. It’s the perfect brand for skincare nerds who prioritize stellar formulations over everything else and don’t want to break the bank.
Shop now at geekandgorgeous.com
A superstar in the K-beauty world, COSRX is renowned for its simple, effective, and BHA-packed solutions for acne-prone skin. While their ingredient lists are often short and focused, you'll find star players like snail mucin, propolis, and chemical exfoliants that deliver incredible results without fuss.
COSRX shares The Ordinary's affordable ethos, with many in the $15-$25 range. Where The Ordinary is clinical and lab-based, COSRX uses unique, proven ingredients rooted in Korean skincare philosophy. If you’re dealing with texture, dullness, or breakouts, their Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence or BHA Blackhead Power Liquid are game-changers.
Shop now at cosrx.com
Another French pharmacy hero, La Roche-Posay delivers dermatologist-backed solutions for sensitive, acne-prone, and reactive skin. While they offer a broad range of products, their core philosophy is rooted in minimalist formulas that are highly effective and safe for even the most delicate skin types.
Similar to CeraVe, this brand complements The Ordinary by offering incredibly gentle cleansers, SPFs, and barrier-repairing moisturizers. Their Cicaplast Balm B5 is a holy grail for soothing irritated skin after using strong actives, and their acne treatments rival those of premium brands. Look here for basics you can truly rely on.
Shop now at laroche-posay.us
If you love The Ordinary's minimalist vibe but wish the packaging was chic enough for a magazine spread, look no further than Typology. This French brand champions stripped-back, high-quality, and vegan formulas housed in beautiful, sustainable packaging. They focus on using a high concentration of active ingredients, from retinoids to Vitamin C.
Typology is a step up in price, with serums hovering around $20-$40, but the aesthetic and quality give it a more luxurious feel. They offer the same nerdy transparency - clearly labeled bottles tell you exactly what you’re getting - but with an effortless Parisian cool. Perfect for a #shelfie upgrade.
Shop now at us.typology.com
If you've found some of The Ordinary's actives a bit too harsh, Klairs is your gentle K-beauty savior. While still focused on creating effective products, their motto is "Simple but enough," prioritizing calming, soothing, and hydrating formulas suitable for extremely sensitive skin. Their Supple Preparation Facial Toner is a hydration hero loved by many.
Prices are moderate, usually in the $15-$30 range. Klairs offers a softer approach, using botanicals and comforting ingredients to achieve a healthy glow, making it a great alternative for those who need effectiveness without the potential for irritation.
Shop now at klairsusa.com
Based in the UK, Revolution Skincare is an unabashedly direct competitor to The Ordinary, offering dupes and similar concepts at rock-bottom prices. You'll find a massive range of serums, toners, and treatments focused on specific ingredients like Glycolic Acid, Niacinamide, and Retinol, often for under $10.
While the, ahem, "inspiration," is obvious, Revolution also brings a bit of fun to the category with colorful packaging and frequent new product drops. If you want to experiment with a wide array of ingredients without any C-suite pricing, this is a fun and ultra-affordable place to start.
Shop now at ulta.com
Driven by the science of skin barrier care, Byoma is instantly recognizable for its bright, blocky packaging and affordable price tag. Everything the brand makes is centered around its proprietary Tri-Ceramide Complex to help rebuild the skin barrier, which is often compromised by over-exfoliation from - you guessed it - potent actives.
Byoma’s hydrating serums, gel-creams, and mists are perfect companions to The Ordinary’s stronger treatments. With most products priced under $20, it’s a brilliant, budget-friendly way to make sure your skin stays happy and balanced while you target specific concerns.
Shop now at byoma.com
For those who prefer a natural-leaning approach to potent skincare, Mad Hippie is a fan favorite. They combine science-backed actives like Vitamin C and alpha hydroxy acids with soothing naturals and antioxidants. The vibe is a bit more earthy but the commitment to results is just as strong.
The price point is mid-range, typically $20-$35. Mad Hippie is perfect for a shopper who appreciates the efficacy of ingredients like Vitamin A but wants them in a cleaner, gentler formula packed with comforting botanicals. Their Vitamin C Serum, in particular, has a huge following.
Shop now at madhippie.com
Known for its ethical sourcing and community-focused mission, The Body Shop also has a range of surprisingly powerful skincare. While they lean heavily on natural ingredients like tea tree oil and Vitamin E, they also offer science-driven serums, peels, and masks that deliver targeted results.
Unlike The Ordinary's pure lab-born approach, The Body Shop blends nature and science, appealing to consumers who want eco-consciousness along with their skincare. Their price point is in the mid-range ($15-$40), and their Tea Tree Oil line has been a holy grail for blemish-prone skin for decades.
Shop now at thebodyshop.com
Before The Ordinary, there was Garden of Wisdom. This under-the-radar brand has been offering affordable, science-led, single-ingredient serums for years. Their website is no-frills, but their product library is massive, allowing you to custom-build a routine from a huge variety of actives, hydrators, and oils.
Garden of Wisdom offers many of the same ingredients as The Ordinary but also has more unique and niche options. It’s a fantastic indie brand for the discerning skincare lover who wants to dive deep into custom routines without a marketing markup tagging along.
Shop now at gardenofwisdom.com
While not a single brand, The Detox Market is a must-shop destination for anyone drawn to The Ordinary for its transparency and ingredient focus. As a top editor of "clean" skincare, they curate a wide range of brands that create effective, non-toxic products. You’ll find everything from potent serums and oils to masks and cleansers.
The Detox Market is the perfect place to explore multiple brands that share a similar philosophy of ingredient-led efficacy, but with an emphasis on "clean" and natural formulations. It’s like a playground for discovering your next favorite non-toxic skincare hero.
Shop now at thedetoxmarket.com
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