Good Molecules Vs The Ordinary
The Ordinary has become one of the most successful affordable skincare brands globally.
The skincare industry is constantly evolving, and now almost everyone has high-quality formulations at an astonishingly low price point, thanks to The Ordinary.
However, a new kid on the block is giving The Ordinary a run for their money.
Good Molecules is a fresh and Gen Z-friendly brand that initially launched on Beautylish.
Their products and price points are very similar to The Ordinary.
Because The Ordinary and Good Molecules share many similarities, it can be challenging to distinguish between them, especially if you aren’t familiar with skincare ingredients.
It will always come down to the formula.
So, what is the difference between Good Molecules and The Ordinary?
Besides their stark packaging differences, both these brands formulate their products with different concentrations. In addition, their parent company shares contrasting values and ethics.
Regardless of their differences, Good Molecules and The Ordinary are popular skincare brands that offer high-performing products at accessible prices.
You can’t go wrong with either brand, but follow our breakdown to find out more!
Good Molecules
Good Molecules hasn’t been around for long, but it has made a massive impact on the skincare community in just two years.
Now, they are the number one competitor to The Ordinary.
So how did Good Molecules gain so much traction so quickly?
For starters, Good Molecules was brought to life by the co-founder of the beauty retail platform Beautylish, Nils Johnson.
So we have a fantastic team of beauty advisors at Beautylish to thank for the creation of Good Molecules.
Good Molecules targets our most significant skin issues and helps us find a solution at a low price point, comparable to The Ordinary.
Their fun, vibrant packaging intrigues customers everywhere, and the products are easy to understand and beginner-friendly.
In addition, Good Molecules has a mission to create high-performing skincare without the insane list of unnecessary ingredients that luxury brands are guilty of adding.
They are reaching out to a younger audience or anyone looking for affordable, cruelty-free products.
The Ordinary
Within the past five years, it seems that everyone has been raving about The Ordinary.
Deciem is the company behind The Ordinary and is also responsible for the brand’s worldwide blow-up thanks to its budget-friendly skincare.
Recently, Estee Lauder purchased Deciem and all its brands, including The Ordinary.
This sparked controversy among advocates for cruelty-free, vegan products and other ethical concerns. However, it hasn’t stopped the brand’s success.
The Ordinary is known for its scientific packaging and labels that list the percentage of unfamiliar ingredients in its skincare products.
For anyone who doesn’t know much about skincare, it can be unclear what each product is supposed to do.
Its medical-grade-looking packaging and formulation have become recognizable worldwide. In addition, their price point is accessible to virtually anyone.
As a result, The Ordinary has been a gateway brand for many consumers into the skincare industry.
Good Molecules & The Ordinary
While sharing many similarities, such as ingredients, price point, and target audience, a few characteristics set The Ordinary and Good Molecules apart.
We’ll do a deep dive into formulations, variety, packaging, and more.
1. Formulation
The number one characteristic to look at between these brands is their formulation.
Both The Ordinary and Good Molecules offer the same products with Niacinamide and Peptide serums, but the percentages and formulations differ entirely.
Unfortunately for The Ordinary, they frequently change formulas, which leads to inconsistency.
On the other hand, Good Molecules has a more sustainable ingredient list for its products, and its percentages are sometimes more tolerable.
However, both The Ordinary and Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum are formulated with 10% Niacinamide, which is generally considered high, so there is a chance of irritation.
The Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum contains more hydrating components like Glycerin, while The Ordinary’s is less hydrating and more geared for oily skin because it has 1% Zinc.
So, when in doubt, read the ingredients list.
In addition, The Ordinary’s formulas tend to focus on a single ingredient.
In contrast, Good Molecules will formulate with the same main ingredient but add other components to support that ingredient’s efficacy.
Overall, most skincare enthusiasts say Good Molecules has more substantial formulas that are less likely to change.
In addition, these enthusiasts have also stated that The Ordinary’s formulas can feel cheap, sticky, and unfulfilling.
Regardless, both are high-performing brands you can’t go wrong with.
It will be up to you to choose which formulation suits you best between these brands.
2. Packaging
The simplest observation between The Ordinary and Good Molecules is the packaging.
For starters, Good Molecules has vibrant, enticing, and colorful packaging/design.
You will feel excited to reach for their products day and night.
On the other hand, The Ordinary’s packaging has a simple, medical feel. However, if the product is good inside, who cares about packaging?
They’ve come this far without updating their test-tube dropper-like bottles and plain labels because they offer great products without gimmicks.
Most of The Ordinary products have an almost overwhelming amount of information on the label, with a small bottle and a dropper.
Good Molecules offers various products in different packaging, labeling, and designs.
Plus, they make skincare easy to comprehend.
Of course, the packaging isn’t the most crucial factor when shopping for high-quality skincare, but it can definitely help.
Most of us can agree that we want to feel like we are using an exciting, luxurious product, even if it’s budget-friendly.
3. Price
Now, the reason we are all here is to find out what gives us the better bang for our buck.
Yes, both The Ordinary and Good Molecules are highly affordable, and the price difference is minor. In addition, it varies by product and formulation.
In addition, both The Ordinary and Good Molecules can share the same price point, depending on what product you are looking at.
It’s also common for The Ordinary to have a slightly higher price for a better formula.
For example, comparing each brand’s Peptide Serums, they have similar amounts of peptides, but Good Molecules formulates theirs with Citrus Oil, which can be irritating.
Again, it will come down to your personal preference, skin needs, budget, and sensitivity levels.
4. Product Line Variety
Most consumers agree that The Ordinary has more products to choose from.
However, it’s essential to take note that they have been around for much longer than Good Molecules.
On the other hand, Good Molecules has an innovative product line.
Each brand has its own “exclusive” product that the others don’t have.
For example, The Ordinary has an antioxidant serum containing 3% Resveratrol and 3% Ferulic Acid.
Resveratrol is one of the only scientifically proven antioxidants to reverse aging.
Good Molecules has its Caffeine Energizing Hydrogel Eye Patches.
While The Ordinary also has a caffeine-infused eye product, this one from Good Molecules is an actual eye-gel patch, not just a stand-alone serum.
While The Ordinary offers a broader selection of products, Good Molecules has a more exciting, unique product line.
Each has its own products that stand out, but some products are virtually the same.
5. Ethics/Values
The Ordinary has been under some fire since its parent company, Deciem, was bought by Estée Lauder.
While The Ordinary is seemingly cruelty-free, Estée Lauder isn’t.
In addition, The Ordinary is always questioned about why its formulas constantly change and lack consistency.
They have even been accused of choosing cheaper formula alternatives for their products.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of gray areas with The Ordinary.
However, it seems the brand is still expanding worldwide, and its products remain effective.
Good Molecules is owned by Beautylish, which doesn’t test on animals, and strives for sustainability and clean formulas that don’t compromise quality.
Both The Ordinary and Good Molecules claim to be cruelty-free.
In addition, most products are listed as vegan when they don’t have animal derivatives, but those that do aren’t listed as vegan.
Also, both brands are part of the sustainability movement.
Overall, both these science-first-based brands are striving to push the skincare world in the same direction.
However, the values and actions of their parent companies seem pretty different.
Again, it will be up to you to decide what fits your preferences.
6. Beginner-Friendly
Now, if you are entirely new to skincare or think of yourself as a beginner, which brand is easier to start with?
Both brands are beginner-friendly due to price and accessibility, but it may be easier to start your skincare journey with Good Molecules.
Good Molecules has simpler labeling than The Ordinary.
The Ordinary can feel overwhelming when you aren’t familiar with terms like Niacinamide, Azelaic Acid, Resveratrol, and their percentages.
How do you know what each product does?
Good Molecules will have a simple name that precisely identifies its product and the area of the face it’s intended for.
In addition, Good Molecules’ packaging reflects what you will see in drugstores.
Overall, Good Molecules is more beginner-friendly, but both brands are great options for anyone starting on a budget.
7. Popularity
When it comes to which brand is more popular, The Ordinary will be the strongest in this category.
The Ordinary is highly accessible, available at multiple retailers worldwide and online. They continue to expand globally.
Good Molecules is a relatively new brand. For a long time, they could only be found on Beautylish’s website.
This makes sense since Beautylish is the founder and creator of Good Molecules.
However, recently Good Molecules expanded into Ulta retailers across the USA.
Unfortunately, they have yet to have the same global impact as The Ordinary.
Product Breakdown
Now, let’s break down the most common and popular products from The Ordinary and Good Molecules and what makes them different.
Some of the most versatile and most used ingredients are Niacinamide and Peptides.
1. Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B that helps support the skin’s barrier, control oil, and support acne-prone skin.
In addition, this ingredient should improve your overall skin texture.
Both The Ordinary and Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum are formulated with 10% Niacinamide, which is relatively high.
However, their supporting ingredients differ.
As mentioned above, the Good Molecules serum is much more hydrating because it’s formulated with Glycerin, while The Ordinary supports oily skin with its 1% Zinc formulation.
Their price difference is minor for the same amount of product.
2. Peptides
Peptides help protect and improve your skin’s elasticity.
In addition, it can combat various signs of aging, like fine lines and wrinkles.
Like Niacinamide, Peptides can also improve your skin texture.
We briefly mentioned the difference between The Ordinary’s Buffet Peptide Serum and Good Molecules’ Super Peptide Serum.
For starters, The Ordinary is formulated with Glycerin, which offers more hydration.
Although The Ordinary Peptide serum is found to feel cheap and sticky to most consumers, Good Molecules formulated theirs with Citrus Oil.
Sometimes, essential oils or fragrances in skincare can irritate certain skin types.
The Ordinary’s Buffet Peptide Serum is slightly more expensive for the same amount of product as Good Molecules’ Super Peptide Serum.
Final Thoughts
Both The Ordinary and Good Molecules are fantastic brands for anyone to start with, no matter if you are on a budget or a beginner.
Their affordable price points, high-quality formulas, and accessibility make them ideal for anyone to shop.
Good Molecules formulates its products with high-performing, sustainably sourced ingredients.
In addition, their formulas and products can feel more high-end than The Ordinary, thanks to their ingredients and fun packaging.
Because they are a newer brand, they don’t have as many products to choose from as The Ordinary does.
While they are accessible, Good Molecules is only available in a few select countries.
However, they are the more beginner-friendly option.
The Ordinary has extremely simple formulations that often focus on a single ingredient.
In addition, their products tend to feel basic and oversimplified, even though they work well and get the job done.
In addition, they are much more popular globally than Good Molecules.
The Ordinary also has a wide product selection; you’ll definitely find some unique ingredients like Resveratrol.
Unfortunately, if you are new to skincare, it can take a lot of time and energy to learn about their product line because of their scientific labeling.
However, The Ordinary is available at multiple retailers globally and is an ideal stepping stone into the world of skincare.
They aren’t the most exciting brand, but their products are effective and offer real results.
Overall, Good Molecules and The Ordinary offer something for everyone.
In addition, you don’t always have to stick to one brand.
However, it’s crucial to assess your needs and analyze which brand or product will work best.
Other factors, like packaging, accessibility, ethics, values, and formulation, can help you choose what fits into your routine.
So, what brand are you most excited to try?
