Olay vs Lancome (The Definitive Guide)

We're positive you've seen Olay and Lancome on the shelves at your local beauty store before. But which is best? And which brand should you choose?

Come with us as we compare their best-sellers side-by-side to help you decide which is best for you and your skincare routine.

This post contains affiliate links; as an Amazon Associate we earn commission from qualifying purchases.

Olay vs. Lancome

Regardless of your skin type or goals, it’s no secret that a good moisturizer goes a looong way when it comes to anti-aging. But do you necessarily have to pay more for better quality?

The obvious answer might seem like a yes. However, we thought it might be worth comparing a drug store favorite aside a luxury go-to to test out this theory.

So, let’s take a look at how Olay’s Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream measures up to Lancôme’s Renergie Lift Multi-Action Ultra Face Cream With SPF 30.

Formulated with niacinamide, glycerin, amino peptide, and hyaluronic acid, Olay’s cream is designed to help skin retain moisture and promote cell turnover. That means hydration and exfoliation for smoother, firmer looking skin. (In other words, those fine lines and wrinkles don’t stand a chance.) The best part? This super cream is ideal for most skin types: oily, normal, combination, dry, wrinkled, uneven, and sagging. Lastly, as a result of 23,366 reviews, this moisturizer’s earned a respectable - but a tad underwhelming - 3.9 stars.

If you’re looking for more overall *radiance*, Lancôme has the cream for you. Hyaluronic acid, LHA, linseed extract, and jojoba oil work together to lift and firm the skin (and it reduces the appearance of dark spots in the process). We’d be remiss to not mention the fact that this moisturizer is also SPF 30—and we all know sunscreen is the anti-aging and harmful skin condition preventing MVP. Thus, it’s no wonder that after 2,050 reviews, Lancôme’s incredible cream has a 4.6-star rating.

Now, Olay’s cream may have a lower rating, but the price is also much cheaper. For a 1.7oz jar, it’s only $27.49. On the other hand, a 1.7oz jar of Lancôme’s moisturizer is $135. (Thankfully, they do offer smaller sizes for less!)

What we know so far: Olay is cheaper; Lancôme appears to work better. But before you decide solely based on cost or quality, let’s examine each company’s business ethics.

According to Ethical Elephant, Olay isn’t cruelty-free or 100% vegan. Apparently, they allow their products or ingredients to be tested on animals when required by law (including when selling in stores in mainland China). However, Olay claims to support the Humane Society’s #BeCrueltyFree campaign to ban animal testing by 2023. Moreover, their philanthropic efforts are quite impressive. They’ve committed $5 million to #TakeOnRace, which supports organizations fighting systemic bias and inequality. Regarding sustainability, though, we weren’t able to find much on their stance or initiatives with that.

Well, Cruelty-Free Kitty reports that Lancôme isn’t 100% cruelty-free either nor do they market themselves as offering vegan-friendly options. As far as philanthropy is concerned, Lancôme funds their “Write Her Future” program, which partners with the NAACP to provide mentorship, workshops, and scholarships to young, college-bound women of color. Sustainability-wise, they allow refilling and recycling of Lancôme products in their stores. Not to mention, they’re also in the process of committing to greener chemistry when formulating their products, including implementing regenerative agricultural practices, sustainable sourcing, and improving their packaging.

Though neither company is cruelty-free or vegan, it does appear that Lancôme’s ethics take a step further in the right direction than Olay’s. So, if you’re willing to dish out a bit more, you can rest assured that it’s a good investment across the board - especially for your skin.