Good molecules and The Ordinary are the same types of brands that sell affordable actives which is fantastic. I’m going to compare side by side similar products and at the end of this post, I will review unique products from Good molecules. For clarity, today’s post is about formula-breakdowns. I haven’t tried yet Good molecules.
Good molecules Hyaluronic serum versus THe Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
The Good Molecules Hyaluronic serum doesn’t disclose the concentration of hyaluronic acid. It contains one form of hyaluronic acid (Sodium Hyaluronate) and glycerin. The hyaluronic acid appears at the end of the formula after the preservatives. On the contrary, The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 contains two forms of hyaluronic acid notably the hyaluronic cross polymer that is more hydrating than the Sodium Hyaluronate. I also love the fact that it has panthenol a skin-soothing ingredient.
Who wins? The Ordinary
Good molecules Daily brightening serum
It uses Arbutin an effective brightening ingredient and hyaluronic acid and that’s it. However, The ordinary has 8% Ascorbic Acid + HA. I prefer the one from The Ordinary because you pay for 2% Alpha Arbutin that is the proper concentration to get results. If you want even better results, opt for The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2%. It couples the power of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) with Arbutin
Who wins? The Ordinary
Good molecules Niacinamide serum versus The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Both of them are very similar and contains 10% of Niacinamide. I would choose the one from The Ordinary if you have acne or else I would choose the one from Good molecules.
Who wins? Both
Good molecules Overnight exfoliating serum versus The Ordinary Glycolic toner 7%
Both are exfoliating solutions that I always prefer to use in the PM because it’s important to moisturize a lot when you use those products. The Good molecules use 8% of glycolic acid, 1% of lactic acid and 0.1% of Salicylic acid (pretty useless at this concentration) but it has 5 essential oils! That’s a No. On the contrary, The Ordinary glycolic toner contains 7% of glycolic acid, is fragrant free and has nice humectants: glycerin and amino acid. You also get a lot for the price.
Who wins? The Ordinary
Good molecules Super peptide serum versus The Ordinary Buffet
Good molecules Super peptide serum has two peptides: Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline, supposedly botox like), Acetyl Octapeptide-3 Copper Tripeptide-1. It contains bergamot essential oils. With the ordinary Buffet, you get 6 peptides plus a lot of amino acids and 9 if you opt for the version that has copper peptides.
I am not a big believer in peptides unless you already have an excellent anti-aging routine and you want more. But peptides are not primary actives in my book, retinoids are.
Who wins? The Ordinary of course
Good Molecules Instant cleansing balm versus The Ordinary Squalane cleanser
This one seems to be a good pick. It looks to be a dupe for the fantastic Clinique Take the Day off. I love a good cleansing balm especially in the cold months of the year. It used Ethylhexyl Palmitate a rich emollient that gives a buttery feel and melts away impurities, makeup, sunscreens and so on. It contains essential oils and it is a bit pricey. For $15 you get 75g (2.5oz) the price point is not far from the Clinique Take the day off balm that I love. It has essential oils so be aware. The Ordinary has a similar product the Squalane cleanser. I’ve never tried it yet but it is fragrance-free. I have read online that it is not very efficient to lift the impurities. I could make a skincare battle between the two.
Who wins? Maybe the one from Good molecules but I have to try them
Good molecules Niacinamide Brightening toner
This toner seems very promising. It is a glycerin-based toner free of fragrance and alcohol that combines the powerhouse niacinamide, 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid, and Arbutin. All of them are known to be skin brightening ingredients. The Ordinary doesn’t have an equivalent. This toner also has hyaluronic acid, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, licorice (skin soothing), and two botanical extracts. Overall it is worth to try it.
Good Molecules Discoloration corrective serum
It features niacinamide and tranexamic acid (here to know more). Both are wonderful skin brightening ingredients. Niacinamide has to be formulated around 5% and tranexamic acid at 4% to obtain visible results. Again, Good Molecules don’t disclose the concentration. Still, it is interesting and it is worth a try especially for the price. The Ordinary doesn’t have any serums with tranexamic acid. If you want a better option, choose the Hada Labo Shirojyun whitening cream.
What I would personally get?
I would try the ultra-hydrating facial oil that has tea seed oil and the cleansing balm. The Cleansing balm is a bit small but seems perfect when I travel. There are essential oils but I don’t mind them because I will rinse it and I’m not allergic to them. Check my post about perfumes and essential oils here.
My conclusions
Overall I am not impressed by Good Molecules. Good molecules seems to be a pretty dupe for The Ordinary without the quality still some products seem very promising.
If you want to know more you can watch me.
Thank you for your time.
Cyrille
