Good Molecules vs The Ordinary (2025 Buyer’s Guide)Which Vegan Skincare Star Truly Shines?

If you’re shopping for vegan skincare, chances are you’ve stood in front of your screen asking, “Should I go with Good Molecules or The Ordinary?” You’re not alone! These two beloved beauty brands are known for their straightforward ingredients, clean formulations, and totally budget-friendly price tags. But when it comes to picking the one that’s perfect for your skin, it’s all about the details.

Both Good Molecules and The Ordinary are favorites in the world of affordable vegan skincare—and for good reason. They’re cruelty-free, transparent about what goes into their bottles, and focused on results without fluff. Whether you’re targeting acne, brightening dark spots, or just trying to keep your glow going strong, this comparison is here to help you choose confidently.

Best For Summary:

• Good Molecules: Great for sensitive skin, transparency lovers, and those who appreciate clean, colorful branding.
• The Ordinary: Perfect for skincare minimalists, ingredient purists, and price-conscious buyers.

Quick Comparison Table

Feature	Good Molecules	The Ordinary
Product Type	Vegan Skincare	Vegan Skincare
Key Highlights	Colorful packaging, fragrance-free, pH-balanced formulas	Clinical packaging, high-potency actives, minimalist design
Price Range	$6 – $18	$5 – $17
Ingredients	Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, arbutin, peptides	Retinoids, niacinamide, alpha arbutin, glycolic acid
Certifications	Cruelty-Free, Leaping Bunny	Cruelty-Free, Leaping Bunny
Average Star Rating	4.5 (Amazon, Ulta)	4.4 (Sephora, Ulta, Amazon)

Winner: Good Molecules — More beginner-friendly and transparent formulation at a great price.

Brand Overview

Good Molecules is a relatively newer brand under the Beautylish umbrella, known for their simple, no-BS approach to skincare. What sets them apart? Their full ingredient transparency and easy-to-understand labels. They even tell you what percentage of each ingredient is in the product (how refreshing!). Their products are made in Korea, and they’re committed to sustainability with recyclable glass bottles and no outer packaging on many items.

The Ordinary, a Deciem brand, is basically the pioneer of ingredient-led skincare. They’ve set the gold standard for accessible, science-based beauty. While they sometimes get a rep for being confusing to newbies, they have a wide range of potent actives and serious skincare lovers swear by them. The brand is also committed to clean formulations and has been cruelty-free since day one.

Winner: Good Molecules — Slightly edges out with ingredient transparency and sustainable packaging.

Features & Functionality

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty.

Good Molecules focuses on gentle actives that target skin concerns like dullness, uneven tone, and fine lines. Their Discoloration Correcting Serum and Niacinamide Serum are crowd favorites—perfect for anyone dealing with dark spots or redness. Plus, their formulas are pH balanced and great for sensitive skin.

The Ordinary goes heavy on powerful actives. Their Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum is a top seller and fantastic for oily, acne-prone skin. And if you’re looking to target multiple skin concerns, they’ve got everything from retinoids to AHAs and BHAs—but you’ll need to know how to layer!

Sustainability-wise, Good Molecules has a cleaner footprint, while The Ordinary still relies heavily on plastic components.

Winner: Good Molecules — Easier to use, gentler on skin, and beginner-friendly.

Durability & Materials

Both brands use quality packaging, but Good Molecules often opts for recyclable glass, which is great for sustainability and shelf appeal. Products hold up well over time, and their shelf life is comparable. However, The Ordinary includes detailed usage guidelines to help you avoid spoilage, especially with actives like retinoids.

Good Molecules stands out for minimizing unnecessary packaging. You won’t find extra boxes or wasteful inserts.

Winner: Good Molecules — Durable glass packaging and low-waste approach win here.

Price & Value

Both brands are incredibly affordable for what they deliver. The Ordinary has slightly cheaper options for single-ingredient formulas, which appeals to minimalist skincare fans. But Good Molecules often bundles ingredients into one product, meaning you might buy fewer products overall.

Also, keep an eye out for Ulta or Beautylish sales on Good Molecules products!

Winner: The Ordinary — Slight edge for ultra-low pricing across more actives.

Customer Feedback

Let’s see what real users are saying!

Good Molecules reviews consistently highlight how calming and effective the products are. The Discoloration Correcting Serum has thousands of rave reviews, especially for fading acne scars and brightening overall tone. One Amazon reviewer shared: “I’ve spent hundreds on dark spot treatments, and this $12 serum outperformed them all.”

The Ordinary gets major love for its powerful, budget-friendly formulations. But some reviews mention confusion with how to use their serums properly. If you’re skincare-savvy, you’ll love them. If you’re a beginner, expect a learning curve.

Winner: Good Molecules — Slightly higher satisfaction ratings and fewer usability complaints.

Final Verdict – Winner

Category	Winner
Quick Comparison	Good Molecules
Brand Backgrounds	Good Molecules
Features & Functionality	Good Molecules
Durability & Materials	Good Molecules
Price & Value	The Ordinary
Customer Reviews	Good Molecules

Overall Winner: Good Molecules

Good Molecules clearly dominates in most categories—from ingredient transparency and sustainable packaging to user satisfaction and beginner-friendly formulations. It’s a brand that consistently delivers gentle but effective skincare with a modern, clean-beauty edge. For anyone dealing with dark spots, uneven tone, or sensitive skin, this is the go-to line that makes skincare feel empowering rather than intimidating.

Final Thoughts

Honestly? You can’t go wrong with either of these amazing skincare brands. If you want something ultra-targeted, clinical, and don’t mind a little DIY layering, The Ordinary could be your skincare soulmate.

But if you’re looking for a no-fuss, results-driven routine that’s kind to your skin and the planet, Good Molecules is a standout pick. Their formulas are easy to use, wonderfully gentle, and impressively effective for dark spots, uneven tone, and sensitive skin. Plus, the affordable pricing and recyclable packaging make them a feel-good purchase.

Go with Good Molecules if you prioritize ingredient transparency, gentle formulations, and eco-friendly values.
Choose The Ordinary if you want powerful actives at rock-bottom prices and you don’t mind doing a bit of ingredient research.

Not Sold on Either?

Check out our review of Versed Skincare or our Top 10 Best Vegan Skincare Brands in 2025 roundup for more amazing cruelty-free options!

FAQs

Is Good Molecules better than The Ordinary for dark spots?
Yes, especially for beginners! The Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum is a favorite for treating dark spots gently but effectively.

Which is better for acne: Good Molecules or The Ordinary?
The Ordinary may be better for oily, acne-prone skin due to its higher concentration of actives like niacinamide and salicylic acid.

Are both Good Molecules and The Ordinary cruelty-free?
Yes! Both brands are 100% cruelty-free and proudly Leaping Bunny certified.

What’s the difference in ingredients between Good Molecules and The Ordinary?
The Ordinary typically uses more potent, single-ingredient formulas. Good Molecules blends actives into simplified, pre-balanced products.

Ready to upgrade your skincare routine?

Shop Good Molecules on Amazon →
Perfect for sensitive skin, dark spots, and glowing results—without the guesswork.

Browse The Ordinary on Amazon →
Affordable actives for savvy skincare lovers who know their way around ingredients.