Biore vs SK-II
Biore and SK-II are Japanese skincare brands founded in 1980 that offer distinct paths to a refreshed complexion. The first brand is known for thoughtful sunscreens, cleansers, masks, and makeup removers, while the latter is celebrated for transformative moisturizers, targeted serums, restorative masks, and balancing toners driven by signature pitera. Both lines suit sensitive skin, oily skin, acne-prone skin, and dry sensitive skin through gentle, clarifying, and balancing formulations. They differ primarily in their core offerings and specific targeted solutions, such as the UV Aqua Rich or the Facial Treatment Essence.
Biore is a Japanese skincare brand founded in 1980 and owned by Kao Corporation.
SK-II is a Japanese skincare brand founded in 1980 and owned by The Procter & Gamble Company since 1991.
en.wikipedia.orgdiscoversk-ii.wixsite.comglossy.co
This page compares some of the most popular Biore and SK-II products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Biore vs SK-II products
People Say
Lightweight and watery texture Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “melts into skin — Biore UV Aqua Rich”
- “drinks right into the skin — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
- “Absorbs into the skin quickly. — SK-II Genoptics Ultraura Essence”
Effective debris and deep clean removal Mostly MentionedNot noted
- “Gets the gunk out — Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips”
- “Face feels squeaky clean — Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser”
Makeup base and removal Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “primer-like — Biore UV Aqua Rich”
- “Removes waterproof mascara, eyeliner, foundation. — Biore Makeup Remover Perfect Oil”
- “Dissolves waterproof mascara, melts stubborn makeup, removes sunscreen easily. — SK-II Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil”
Radiance and glow Not notedMostly Mentioned
- “gives a glass skin look — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
- “leaves me with a red carpet glow — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
- “My skin is glowing now. — SK-II Genoptics Ultraura Essence”
Clear complexion and gentle rinse Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “No greasy film, leaves skin fresh, rinses easily. — Biore Makeup Remover Perfect Oil”
- “Helped clear my blackheads — Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser”
- “Leaves skin soft, doesn't dry out face. — Biore Makeup Remover Perfect Oil”
- “Emulsifies well, rinses off completely, leaves no oily residue. — SK-II Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil”
Hydrating and dewy finish Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “feels like a moisturizer — Biore UV Aqua Rich”
- “Leaves skin soft, feels moisturized, does not dry out skin. — SK-II Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil”
- “balanced my oily T-zone — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
Exorbitant and high price Not notedMostly Mentioned
- “way too expensive — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
Strong alcohol or unpleasant scent Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “smells like alcohol — Biore UV Aqua Rich”
- “smells like dirty feet — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
- “smells slightly like saliva — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
Inconsistent or poor performance Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Doesn't get all blackheads — Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips”
- “Doesn't contour to crevices — Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips”
- “did absolutely nothing — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
- “No visible difference — SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion”
Skin irritation and redness Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “Face burns — SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence”
- “Nose was irritated — Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips”
Biore vs SK-II routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 32.95
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Moisturizer
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 34.80
- SPF UV Aqua Rich Morning
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Pre-Cleanser
Makeup Remover Perfect Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 95.00
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Cleansing Toner
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water
Evening
AED 38.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 168.76
-
Enzyme Powder
VT Cica Mild Powder Wash
Once a week
AED 47.62
-
Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
AED 65.00
-
Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 32.95
-
Moisturizer
Facial Treatment Essence
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 374.99
-
SPF
Dr.G Green Mild Up Sun+
Morning
AED 81.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 297.91
-
Cleansing Toner
Facial Treatment Clear Lotion
Evening
AED 317.77
-
Serum or Treatment
Genoptics Ultraura Essence
Evening · Once a week
AED 980.23
-
Enzyme Powder
VT Cica Mild Powder Wash
Once a week
AED 47.62
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Nourishing Mask
Facial Treatment Mask
Once a week
AED 337.63
Buy Biore routine · AED 483.12 · 83% fit
Buy SK-II routine · AED 2,470.10 · 82% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Biore vs SK-II routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 49.95
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 49.99
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 33.40
- SPF UV Aqua Rich Morning
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Pre-Cleanser
Makeup Remover Perfect Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 95.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
AED 120.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 168.76
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
-
Cleansing Mask
Revision Skincare Black Mask
Once a week
AED 204.00
-
Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 49.95
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 49.99
-
Moisturizer
Facial Treatment Essence
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 374.99
-
SPF
d'Alba UVessence Mild Waterfull Sun Cream SPF 50
Morning
AED 92.70
-
Pre-Cleanser
Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 297.91
-
Cleansing Toner
Facial Treatment Clear Lotion
Evening
AED 317.77
-
Serum or Treatment
Genoptics Ultraura Essence
Evening · Once a week
AED 980.23
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
-
Cleansing Mask
Revision Skincare Black Mask
Once a week
AED 204.00
Buy Biore routine · AED 822.19 · 89% fit
Buy SK-II routine · AED 2,468.63 · 88% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Biore vs SK-II routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 84.53
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 145.00
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 33.40
- SPF UV Aqua Rich Morning
-
Pre-Cleanser
Makeup Remover Perfect Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 95.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
AED 53.12
-
Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 168.76
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
-
Cleansing Mask
KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
AED 122.93
-
Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 84.53
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 145.00
-
Moisturizer
Facial Treatment Essence
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 374.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 297.91
-
Cleansing Toner
Facial Treatment Clear Lotion
Evening
AED 317.77
-
Serum or Treatment
Genoptics Ultraura Essence
Evening · Once a week
AED 980.23
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
-
Cleansing Mask
KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
AED 122.93
Buy Biore routine · AED 803.83 · 89% fit
Buy SK-II routine · AED 2,424.45 · 88% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
Biore or SK-II: which is better?
Both brands offer solid options depending on your specific needs, with Biore excelling in deep cleaning and makeup removal while SK-II stands out for radiance and glow. Lovi rates Biore as High for sensitive skin routines, while SK-II achieves a Superior fit level for acne-prone skin routines.
What is the difference between Biore and SK-II?
Biore and SK-II are both Japanese skincare brands founded in 1980, but they differ in ownership and performance strengths. On the products on this page, Biore excels at effective debris and deep clean removal as well as makeup removal, while SK-II is noted for providing radiance and glow.
Biore or SK-II for dry skin?
Both Biore and SK-II achieve a High routine fit level for dry skin. Every product on this page for both brands lists no fragrance in its ingredients.
Which is more affordable, Biore or SK-II?
Biore is the more affordable brand, as SK-II faces a review theme for having an exorbitant and high price. Every product on this page for both brands lists no fragrance in its ingredients.
Biore or SK-II for oily skin?
For oily skin, both Biore and SK-II achieve a High routine fit level on the products on this page. Reviewers note that Biore does better for effective debris and deep clean removal, while SK-II does better for radiance and glow.
Biore or SK-II for sensitive skin?
For sensitive skin, Biore is a superior fit on this page, while SK-II is a high fit. Reviewers note that SK-II may cause skin irritation and redness, whereas the products on this page list no fragrance.
Biore or SK-II for acne-prone skin?
For acne-prone skin, SK-II is the better choice because Lovi rates its routine fit as Superior, whereas Biore achieves a High fit level.
Biore or SK-II for mature skin?
Both Biore and SK-II achieve a High Lovi fit for mature skin among the products on this page. SK-II provides better radiance and glow, while Biore offers a more effective debris and deep clean removal.
Biore or SK-II for skin with dark spots?
For skin with dark spots, both Biore and SK-II are good options since Lovi rates the routine fit for this skin type as High for both brands on the products on this page. Reviewers note that SK-II is better for radiance and glow, while Biore is better for a clear complexion and gentle rinse.
Biore or SK-II for dry sensitive skin?
For dry sensitive skin, both Biore and SK-II achieve a High routine fit level on the products on this page. Every product on this page for both brands lists no fragrance in its ingredients.
Research behind their key ingredients
Psychophysical study of the effects of topical application of menthol in healthy volunteers
Effects of ascorbic acid on gingival melanin pigmentation in vitro and in vivo
In vivo and in vitro evaluation of octyl methoxycinnamate liposomes
Three clinical studies showing the anti-aging benefits of sodium salicylate in human skin
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
Behind this comparison
Lovi compares products by their fit scores, calculated from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
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Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
How does it fit your skin?
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