Paula’s Choice vs The Ordinary – Comparing the Bestsellers

As a dedicated skincare enthusiast, two of the brands that I became familiar with first were Paula’s Choice and The Ordinary. They’re so popular and actively used, that they were among the first brands that I decided to test and experiment with.

I’m sure that if the skincare space interests you at all, you’ll also have some basic knowledge of these names.

But they offer such a wide diversity of products that it could be hard to choose the right ones for yourself. There’s also Paula’s Choice vs The Ordinary debate, where people weigh one against the other.

In this article, I’ll explain the nuts and bolts of The Ordinary vs Paula’s Choice discussion and I’ll share with you the best of both.

About the brands

Paula’s choice focuses on the creation of intelligently formulated skincare products. The brand relies heavily on scientific research for the manufacturing process, which makes them one of the safest brands to use.

Every product they create consists of active ingredients and at the same time, they’re specifically formulated to ensure they’re free from fragrance and don’t cause any irritation. The brand stands out with alcohol-free, essential oil-free, nanoparticle-free, talc-free, dye-free, and synthetic fragrance-free products.

On the other hand, The Ordinary is loved by consumers for its simplistic approach to skincare, affordable products, and effective solutions. Here, you’ll find straightforward skincare consisting of basic ingredients, fuss-free.

As a PETA-certified brand, TO doesn’t test on animals and offers vegan skincare. The brand is popular for always being transparent about the use of ingredients in its products, which is another reason to love and rely on it.

So what differentiates The Ordinary and Paula’s Choice the most?

Paula’s Choice vs The Ordinary – how do they compare?

For starters, Paula’s Choice offers products with rather complex, but effective formulas. It’s not rare to see their ingredient lists with several carefully mixed compounds that work together to solve a skincare problem or provide the desired effect.

This inevitably leads to faster results when it comes to seeing your skin concerns solved.

However, a diverse ingredient list and a more complicated production process lead to pricier products.

The brand is usually a go-to for users who are experienced in skincare and know what they’re looking for.

So what about The Ordinary?

Compared to Paula’s Choice, The Ordinary is much simpler, providing products with a rather minimalistic and straightforward formula.

The brand normally creates solutions with a single focus ingredient in a certain concentration to deal with a skincare problem. This makes it very easy for users to laser-target particular problems with certain ingredients.

The simpler formulas also make the products more affordable.

As a result, you can see a lot of newbies who are just entering the skincare world choose The Ordinary as a starting point in their journey.

Paula’s Choice BHA vs The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2%

The first comparison I’ll make is Paula’s Choice BHA vs The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2%.

BHA or Beta Hydroxy Acid is a common ingredient used for the treatment of acne, clogged pores, removal of dead skin, and skin dullness. The main role of salicylic acid, which is a BHA, is to exfoliate the skin, clear out the pores, and even out the skin tone.

The star ingredient in both of these products is precisely salicylic acid – one of the most popular BHAs used in skincare. Apart from its core unclogging abilities, it can also soothe irritations, eliminate redness, and provide antibacterial properties.

price of each per oz/ml: The Ordinary’s product costs $0.20/ml, while Paula’s Choice comes at $0.29/ml.

amount of product in each: Paula’s Choice BHA comes in a bottle of 4 oz or 118ml, while The Ordinary’s Salicylic Acid 2% comes in a much smaller package, containing 30ml or 1 oz of product.

skin types suitable to use: Paula’s Choice serum is mainly designed for combination skin and oily skin, although anyone can use it, while The Ordinary’s counterpart is suitable for all skin types, even acne-prone.

texture comparison: When it comes to texture, Paula’s Choice feels a lot more liquid-y and resembles a toner. Some people share that the product feels a bit gooey or dehydrating.

On the other hand, The Ordinary’s texture is oily and isn’t as quickly absorbed by the skin. However, once absorbed, the skin feels well-moisturized and soft.

ingredient comparison: Apart from the powerful salicylic acid, Paula’s choice BHA serum contains green tea extract, which acts as an antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Where The Ordinary differs is that it uses Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Water – a liquid distilled from the hazelnut-bush-like tree – Witch Hazel. It is astringent, soothes the skin, acts as an antioxidant, and has antibacterial properties.

The Ordinary Niacinamide vs Paula’s Choice

Next up, Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster vs The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% Zinc 1% Serum.

Before going into The Ordinary niacinamide vs Paula’s Choice debate from the perspective of their differences, let’s start with their similarities.

They both have the same key ingredient – niacinamide.

Niacinamide is a version of Vitamin B3. It aims to shield the skin against a range of environmental factors while hydrating the skin and evening out the skin tone. In addition, it stimulates the production of collagen and it’s actively used to treat dark spots and pigmentation.

price of each per oz/ml: The Ordinary’s universal niacinamide serum has a price of $0.20/ml, while Paula’s Choice costs $2.45/ml, making it much more expensive.

amount of product in each: Paula’s Choice niacinamide booster comes in a 20ml or 0.67 oz bottle, while The Ordinary’s niacinamide serum is available both in a bottle of 30ml and 60ml or 1 oz and 2 oz.

skin types suitable to use each: both are suitable for all skin types.

texture comparison: When I tried The Ordinary’s niacinamide product, I couldn’t help but notice how difficult it was to work with it. It’s a challenge to apply the serum evenly on the skin as it shifts.

It does take a while to be absorbed and even then, it leaves behind a sticky feeling. Although this is the desired effect if you’re going to continue with makeup after the serum, overall it can be off-putting for a lot of people.

On the contrary, Paula’s Choice niacinamide is much more pleasant in terms of experience. Because it’s water-based, the serum is extremely easy to apply and is very watery and light. You can combine it with other products in your routine and use it under makeup without it shifting.

ingredient comparison: There are a few ingredients that separate these two products.

The Ordinary’s Niacinamide contains Zinc PCA, which is a powerful active recommended for oily or acne-prone skin. It can help regulate sebum production and prevent bacteria that lead to acne.

On the other hand, Pauls’ Choice has a much more complex formula and contains key ingredients like panthenol (pro-vitamin B5 that moisturizes the skin), Licorice root extract (has skin-lightening properties), ascorbyl glucoside (a form of Vitamin C with anti-aging properties and stimulates the production of collagen), genistein (an antioxidant that protects from UVB damage), sodium hyaluronate (a type of hyaluronic acid that locks in moisture), and glycerin (hydrates and protects the skin’s lipids).

The Ordinary vs Paula’s Choice Retinol

Before going into a comparison of Paula’s Choice vs The Ordinary in regards to retinol, I’d like to note that there are many different formulations available by both brands.

However, I’ll compare two specific products that are the most appropriate for new retinoid users who are just getting started.

These are: The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane & Paula’s Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment

The common ingredient here is retinol – a form of Vitamin A that is often included in skincare products like serums, lotions, and creams. It offers powerful anti-aging properties and helps treat acne.

In addition, it helps reduce signs of aging by minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Furthermore, retinol stimulates collagen production, gently exfoliates the skin, and offers a nice, plump effect.

price of each per oz/ml: The Ordinary’s retinol comes at $0.24/ml, while Paula’s Choice is on the pricier end, costing $2.07/ml.

amount of product in each: Both The Ordinary’s retinol serum and Paula’s Choice product come in bottles of 30ml or 1 oz.

skin types suitable to use each: both are suitable for all skin types.

texture comparison: When testing both products, it’s easy to feel the differences.

The Ordinary’s product is water-free and is rather oily. This makes it a bit slower to absorb in the skin and is especially challenging for people with oily skin.

Paula’s Choice is easily absorbed and comes in the form of a yellowish lotion. A lot of people use it as a moisturizer because the texture is thick enough to lock in water and hydrate the skin.

ingredient comparison: As with most other products, Paula’s Choice comes with a complex and multi-layered formula, consisting of numerous ingredients.

Some of the key ones that stand out in the product include bakuchiol (a natural retinol “alternative”, it improves skin turnover, reduces fine lines, and evens out skin texture), Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (a form of Vitamin C that offers antioxidant properties and protects the skin against free radicals), Ceramide NG (protects the skin barrier and moisturizes), Sodium Hyaluronate, and oat extract (a fast-absorbing oil that is enriched with linoleic fatty acids, sterols, ceramides, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory agents).

When it comes to The Ordinary, the key ingredients are tomato extract (which protects against sunburns and skin cancer, has anti-aging properties, exfoliates, and improves collagen production) and squalane (a powerful moisturizing agent).

Paula’s Choice vs The Ordinary Azelaic Acid 10%

The main ingredient of interest for these two products is Azelaic acid.

Azelaic acid is a powerful natural ingredient derived from wheat, rye, and barley that is often used in skin care products designed to treat conditions like rosacea and acne. It’s also useful for reducing brown spots, tackling pigmentation, and eliminating blemishes. In addition, azelaic acid offers strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

price of each per oz/ml: The Ordinary’s azelaic acid comes at $0.26/ml, while Paula’s Choice is on the pricier end, costing $1.30/ml.

amount of product in each: The Ordinary’s Azelaic acid is available in tubes of 30ml or 100ml (1 oz or 3.4 oz), while Paula’s Choice azelaic acid is sold in packs of 30ml or 1 oz.

skin types suitable to use each: both are suitable for all skin types.

texture comparison: In terms of texture, The Ordinary’s azelaic acid is often associated with controversial opinions. Some users adore it, while others find it difficult to use.

For me, personally, it’s easy to apply but it does leave behind a slight silky residue. It can also be a bit drying and won’t play well with some other skincare products.

I’ve discussed how to use The Ordinary Azelaic Acid in another post, make sure to check it if you have the product.

When layering it, you can experience pilling. This is why I’d recommend using it as a final step in your routine, after applying moisturizer. It’s also best to incorporate it into your evening routine due to its texture specifics which make it hard to put on anything else after.

When it comes to Paula’s Choice azelaic acid, I can’t say anything bad. It has a smooth, easy-to-apply texture and feels a lot like a gentle moisturizer. It sits well underneath other skincare and makeup.

ingredient comparison: Paula’s Choice azelaic acid contains licorice root extract and salicylic acid. In a nutshell, they brighten the skin and unclog pores.

On the other hand, The Ordinary’s product is infused with Tocopherol, a combo of Vitamin C and Vitamin E that provides superior antioxidant quality to the skin.

Paula’s Choice vs The Ordinary Vitamin C

Just like with their retinol products, both brands produce a lot of different Vitamin C products, with diverse formulations.

However, these two choices are loved by most Paula’s Choice and The Ordinary enthusiasts:

The Ordinary 100% L-Ascorbic Acid Powder & Paula’s Choice C25 Super Booster

As you can probably guess, Vitamin C (also known as ascorbic acid) is the key ingredient here that puts these two products under the same denominator.

Although often met with controversy in the skincare space, Vitamin C is extremely hydrating, brightens the skin, eliminates redness, and evens out the skin tone. It’s often used to treat hyperpigmentation and can also be used to reduce dark circles under the eyes.

In addition, it can help the body produce more collagen, preventing skin sagging and slowing down skin aging. However, for some skin types, it can be irritating.

price of each per oz/ml: The Ordinary’s powder comes at $0.30/ml, while Paula’s Choice is a lot more expensive, costing $3.93/ml.

amount of product in each: The Ordinary’s Vitamin C concentrate comes in a package of 20ml or 0.67 oz, while Paula’s Choice is slightly smaller, with a bottle of 15m or 0.5 oz.

skin types suitable to use each: both are suitable for all skin types.

texture comparison: The price and size are not the only points of differentiation between these two products.

The Ordinary’s Vitamin C is a topical powder that can be added to skin care products like toners, serums, and moisturizers. In other words, the product you receive in the end is customizable and the texture will vary depending on how you choose to use it.

Because it is sold in powder form, this version of Vitamin C is incredibly stable, which is a huge advantage for an ingredient that is well-known for its instability. The biggest advantage here is that the product is multifunctional and extremely cheap.

However, since you can’t exactly control how much you use, it can be a bit irritating, so sensitive skins – beware!

On the other hand, Paula’s Choice is not only much more expensive but fundamentally different.

The serum has a silicone base, which also makes it much safer to use when compared to traditional Vitamin C products. At the same time, it’s as strong as the TO’s product and can cause stinging for some users.

I’d recommend mixing it with another serum or moisturizing cream to prevent this feeling.

It’s easily absorbed and can be conveniently used together with other products as part of your skincare routine.