NIOD vs The Ordinary (The Definitive Guide)

We’re positive you’ve seen (or at the very least heard of) The Ordinary before. We'd wager that fewer people know of its sister brand, NIOD, but their products are supposed to be just as good!

Come with us as we compare a pair of their best-selling serums side-by-side to help you decide which is best for you and your skincare routine. Enjoy!

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NIOD Copper Amino Isolate Serum vs The Ordinary Buffet + Copper Peptides 1%

First and foremost, it is great to know that both of the products we are going to discuss within this article are alcohol, oil, silicone, nut and gluten free. They are both also vegan and cruelty free.

Before we get into the comparison, it is important to note that both of these serums' main ingredient is Copper Peptides (GHK-Cu). Copper is a fantastic ingredient to fight the signs of ageing. Copper peptides have the ability to penetrate through the epidermis, straight to the dermis where collagen and elastin are produced.

Collagen and elastin are responsible for keeping the skin firm and plump. Because of copper's collagen and elastin enhancing abilities, it is often used within skincare to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and to tone and firm the skin.

Let’s start with NIOD’s Copper Amino Isolate Serum 3. This is the 3rd generation of this multi award winning, water based serum. The previous generation of this serum was sold in two separate bottles, the activator and the serum. The new generation comes in just one bottle! Along with copper, NIOD has included a few extra collagen boosting peptides in this updated version, as well as skin plumping hyaluronic acid.

The Ordinary Buffet + Copper Peptides is a water based serum that provides advanced anti-ageing benefits. Just like NIOD’s serum, this serum contains copper peptides and hyaluronic acid. An added benefit to this serum is that it includes matrixyl synthe 6. Matrixyl synthe 6 is able to soften wrinkles by rebuilding collagen and elastin fibres. This ingredient is known to work exceptionally well across the forehead and the crows feet.

With all that ingredient information in mind, it is no surprise that these products are perfect for treating ageing skin. Those who are starting to notice the signs of ageing would also benefit from using these serums, to prevent dynamic wrinkles from occurring. Both of these products would also be suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

As we know, The Ordinary pride themselves on cheaper skincare that actually works. So it is no wonder that The Ordinary’s Buffet + Copper Peptide Serum retails for much less than NIOD’s version. The Ordinary serum comes in a 30ml glass bottle with a dropper lid and retails for $30. NIOD’s serum comes in two different sizes, 15ml and 30ml. They each cost $62 and $93. They, too, come in glass bottles with dropper lids.

Whilst NIOD (which stands for Non Invasive Options in Dermal Science) and The Ordinary are two separate companies, they both operate under Brandon Truaxe’s Deciem brand. So what does this mean? Essentially, NIOD is The Ordinary’s big sister. The Ordinary, whose slogan is ‘Clinical formulations with integrity’ is all about offering the best ingredients to those who are perhaps on a smaller budget.

This means these products usually contain a small number of active ingredients per product meaning it can treat a smaller range of concerns. NIOD’s formulations are much more elegant and typically include more active ingredients meaning their products can be used to treat a number of concerns.

Copper Amino Isolate Serum 3 1:1 by NIOD

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Our rating: ★★★★★

Price: $$$$

1% GHK and 1% GHK-Cu by Weight

What makes it special? As a highly-focused effort to maintain healthy-looking skin, this pro-repair, pro-collagen serum offers a novel approach to target all visible signs of skin aging indirectly. This indirect approach departs from the traditional thinking of addressing visible aspects of skin aging individually and instead forms a foundation to respect skin health.

Which skin types? For all skin types.

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"Buffet" + Copper Peptides 1% by The Ordinary

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Our rating: ★★★★★

Price: $$$$

An advanced age-supporting serum with additional antioxidant support.

What makes it special? “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% is a universal formula which utilizes multiple skin support technologies that target multiple signs of aging at once. The formula incorporates five well-studied peptide technologies, skin-friendly amino acids, and multiple hyaluronic acids. For those looking for an all-in-one solution for skin care, this serum helps to improve the appearance of fine and dynamic lines and supports your skin’s overall elasticity, smoothness and firmness. And because this advanced serum contains direct copper peptides, it also targets signs of aging that are typically associated with oxidative stress, resulting in radiant, healthier-looking skin.

Which skin types? For all skin types.

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