Paula’s Choice vs The Ordinary 2024 (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? That's what we're going to find out together in this comprehensive comparison guide.

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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. It is a highly effective ingredient in skin care products because it can clear pores, reduce redness and has antibacterial properties.

Let's compare the Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant and The Ordinary's Salicylic Acid 2% Solution.

As you'll see from the breakdowns below, both Paula’s Choice and The Ordinary offer high-quality salicylic acid serums that cater to different needs and preferences. Your choice between Paula's Choice and The Ordinary should ideally be guided by your skin type and personal preferences:

For Combination or Oily Skin: If your skin tends towards oily or combination and you value products that leave your skin feeling soft and smooth, Paula's Choice would be the preferable option. Its formula is tailored to control oiliness and enhance skin texture.

For a Minimalist Approach: If you have varied skin types or prefer a product with fewer ingredients, The Ordinary’s Salicylic Acid 2% Solution is the way to go. It's versatile, effective for a wide range of skin issues, and is ideal for those who appreciate simplicity in their skincare regimen.

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.

Allow us to introduce you to Paula's Choice Clinical Niacinamide 20% and The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%.

Both products are suitable for all skin types, but given the specific ingredients (listed below in the full product detail sections) and their concentrations, Paula’s Choice is more suited for addressing more advanced skincare concerns like blocked pores and bumpy texture, while The Ordinary is ideal for those with acne-prone, oily skin or for those new to using niacinamide.

Choose Paula’s Choice Clinical Niacinamide 20% if you are looking for a higher concentration of niacinamide to tackle more advanced skin issues, and if you are interested in the additional benefits of vitamin C and acetyl glucosamine.

Alternatively, choose The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% if you are new to niacinamide, have acne-prone or oily skin, or are looking for a vegan, alcohol-free, and silicone-free option. This product is also more suitable for those preferring a lighter serum.

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.

Two of the better Azelaic Acid products on the market are the Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster and The Ordinary's Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%.

Both products are effective for all skin types in general, but the additional ingredients in each offer specific benefits that may align better with different skin concerns.

If you have sensitive, rosacea-prone, or breakout-prone skin, or are sensitive to common acne treatments like benzoyl peroxide, Paula's Choice might be the better option due to its additional soothing ingredients (licorice extract, bisabolol, and adenosine) and versatility in addressing multiple skin issues.

If your primary concern is skin brightening and texture improvement, and you do not have acne-prone or oily skin, The Ordinary would be more suitable due to its focus on brightening and texture.

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.

Final Verdict

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 article was originally published on February 21st 2022, but it has been reviewed and updated with the latest available information on January 31st 2024 by Sara Mckay, MA.