I think it's fair to say that everyone's recent favourite budget skincare brand is The Ordinary! I myself own quite a lot of their products and I'm keen to own more.
They focus on key ingredients that work, which is why they are often compared to much higher priced products!
Whether you simply like to know you're picking up a product that is duping a higher priced one or want to save some money by opting for The Ordinary instead of a high-end brand then look no further as I have the ultimate dupe list for you.
Please bear in mind that I'm no skincare expert and while I've tried all of The Ordinary products featured I haven't tried all of higher priced products mentioned.
If you want to discover more amazing products you can read about my favourite products from The Ordinary that I can't get enough of.
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid (£6.80/240ml here) vs. Pixi Glow Tonic (£18/250ml here)
Possibly the most compared two skincare products in the past year! While The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Solution contains 2% more GA than Pixi Glow Tonic I feel these two products work is very similar ways!
When used long-term both acid solutions soften and brighten the skin. Pixi Glow Tonic will always tip it for me as the formulation is a little more sophisticated and gives better brightening effects but I have now ditched it in favour of The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Solution as it works in such a simple way but for a fraction of the cost!
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% (£6.00/30ml here) vs. Sunday Riley Good Genes (£85/30ml here)
If you are looking for an effective overnight acid exfoliation serum containing Lactic Acid then The Ordinary have you covered. However, if you are looking for an all-around skin perfector with added beneficial ingredients then it's Sunday Riley.
Like the above dupe, I have used both products and do prefer SR Good Genes as it transforms the skin practically overnight, however, the smell is awful?! Like really awful. So for that reason, I do prefer my trusty Lactic Acid 10% from The Ordinary on a more regular basis as it's effective at renewing the skin yet mild.
The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil (£9.00/30ml here) vs. Trilogy Organic Rosehip Oil (£19.50/20ml here)
Another set of products I've had the pleasure of trying out. Firstly, I have only good things to say about Trilogy's Rosehip Oil, it's deeply moisturising and works well to fad scars, which is why I initially purchased it.
It also doesn't clog the pores and works well on sensitive skin. The Ordinary version is also highly moisturising and mixes well with day moisturiser and even hand cream for extra nourishment! However, this did cause me to breakout as it was too thick to use alone, although drier skin types should get on with it well.
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution (£6.30/30ml here) vs. Drunk Elephant T.L.C Sukari Babyfacial ($80/50ml here)
This really is a fab dupe as it The Ordinary Peeling Solution is definitely like a peel in a bottle! When compared to T.L.C Sukari Babyfacial, The Ordinary Peeling Solution contains a higher concentrate of AHA by 5% at 30% and the same BHA at 2% so this budget product really does pack some punch!
I absolutely love The Ordinary's Peeling solution to give instant results however it isn't for the faint-hearted!
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (£5.90/30ml here) vs. Dr Sebagh Serum Repair Hyaluronic Acid (£69/20ml here)
This dupe was highlighted to me by the skincare expert that is Nadine Baggott. While I have only tried The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 I feel strongly about using HA products as all skin benefits from hydration!
The Ordinary HA is a watery formula that really is an amazing price point especially as it's a HA that penetrates deep into the skin layers to give longer lasting hydration. Although I cannot compare this against Dr Sebagh Serum Repair I can say The Ordinary HA is very similar to the NIOD Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex!
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (£5.00/30ml here) vs. Glossier Super Pure (£25/15ml here)
Niacinamide was a skincare ingredient I discovered last year to tackle my oily/overactive sebum skin type. Not only does this daily serum regulate sebum but it tackles breakouts should they appear. I basically couldn't be without this stuff!
This has been duped for Glossier Super Pure many times as it's also a Niacinamide and Zinc Serum, however, my problem with it is that Glossier don't release the percentage of their ingredients, so I'd be tempted to say that the % may be the same or less than The Ordinary's offering! So I really would save yourself some money here and go for The Ordinary.
The Ordinary 100% Cold Press Virgin Marula Oil (£8.10/30ml here) vs. Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil ($72/30l here)
If you are looking for a glow-enhancing oil that will moisturise and rejuvenate the skin then you should be looking at Marula. While I use The Ordinary Marula Oil on my hair I've heard great things about it when used on the skin.
As both The Ordinary and Drunk Elephant's versions of Marula Oil contain only 100% Unrefined Sclerocraya Birrea (Marula) Kernel Oil I really can't see how they would differ. So there's an amazing saving to had here!
The Ordinary Advanced Retinol 2% (£8.00/30ml here) vs. Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil (£85/30ml here)
Lastly, a dupe I'm not sure about!The Ordinary Retinoid 2% contains the same active retinoid ingredient as Luna – Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate. However, Luna really is a sophisticated oil that tackles ageing, sun damage, the pore and more. The formula of these products varies dramatically as well.
Of course, if you are wanting to try an affordable retinoid then The Ordinary is a great call, I've just started using one myself, but I wouldn't go thinking The Ordinary's offering will be similar to Sunday Riley Luna, sadly.
