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NIVEA vs SK-II

Rated by Lovi · Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes · How the Fit score works

NIVEA and SK-II are beloved skin care brands originating in Germany and Japan, respectively, that offer gentle sunscreens, targeted serums, nourishing moisturizers, and balancing toners. The German brand uses hydrating glycerin to support oily and sensitive skin, whereas the Japanese brand relies on signature pitera to suit acne-prone and dry sensitive skin. Through thoughtful formulations, both improve the stratum corneum, pore area, and barrier function.

NIVEA is a German skincare brand founded in 1911 and owned by maxingvest GmbH & Co. KGaA since 2004.

beiersdorf.comen.wikipedia.org

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 NIVEA and SK-II products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.

Popular NIVEA vs SK-II products

People Say

NIVEASK-II
  • Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “Smoothed out dry flaky scales on my cheeks overnight — NIVEA Creme”
    • “It's lightweight on the skin and leaves a bit of subtle sheen. — NIVEA Soft”
    • “Makes my face feel smooth and soft. — NIVEA Soft”
    • “flooded my skin with moisture — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
  • Texture and Absorption Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “Use it on face, body, hands, and feet — NIVEA Creme”
    • “Applying is easy, you can use on your face, hands, and body. — NIVEA Soft”
    • “drinks right into the skin — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
    • “pores became miraculously invisible — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
  • 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”
    • “Skin looks brighter — SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence”
  • Additional Skincare Benefits Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “packet is absolutely drenched — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
    • “reducing the appearance of fine lines — SK-II Skinpower Advanced Cream”
    • “Pump dispenser is convenient. — SK-II Genoptics Ultraura Essence”
    • “didn't burn once — NIVEA Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+”
  • Cleansing and Blemish Control Often MentionedRarely Noted
    • “cleared my complexion in 7 days — NIVEA DERMA SKIN CLEAR”
    • “unclogs pores — NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub”
    • “reduces blackheads — NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub”
    • “Dissolves waterproof mascara, melts stubborn makeup, removes sunscreen easily. — SK-II Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil”
  • Value for Money Often MentionedNot noted
    • “Works better than expensive luxury creams — NIVEA Creme”
    • “Best affordable vegan moisturizer. — NIVEA Soft”
    • “absolute steal for the price — NIVEA DERMA SKIN CLEAR”
  • Value and Pricing Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “way too expensive — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
  • Formula Changes and Weak Results Often MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “not super gritty — NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub”
    • “HATE NEW FORUMULA... Leaves my skin dryer and does not provide with the same amount of moisture. — NIVEA Soft”
    • “did absolutely nothing — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
    • “No visible difference — SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion”
  • Scents and Fragrance Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “Scent is too overpowering for sensitive noses — NIVEA Creme”
    • “Has a heavy, baby powder smell. — NIVEA Soft”
    • “smells like dirty feet — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
    • “smells slightly like saliva — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
  • Breakouts and Skin Reactions Often MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “caused tiny red bumps — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
    • “Small bumps — SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion”
    • “did break out some while adjusting — SK-II Skinpower Advanced Cream”
    • “Clogged my pores and caused bad acne — NIVEA Creme”

NIVEA vs SK-II routines for dry skin

Buy NIVEA routine · AED 322.59 · 82% fitBuy SK-II routine · AED 2,470.10 · 82% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit

NIVEA vs SK-II routines for oily skin

Buy NIVEA routine · AED 817.21 · 88% fitBuy SK-II routine · AED 2,468.63 · 88% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit

NIVEA vs SK-II routines for combination skin

Buy SK-II routine · AED 2,424.45 · 88% fitBuy NIVEA routine · AED 798.85 · 87% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit

Questions and answers

NIVEA or SK-II: which is better?

Both brands offer solid options, as NIVEA provides a great value with strong blemish-clearing and hydration benefits, while SK-II delivers superior radiance and fragrance-free formulas. Reviewers note that NIVEA fits best for oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin, whereas SK-II stands out for acne-prone skin and dry sensitive skin on the products on this page.

What is the difference between NIVEA and SK-II?

NIVEA, founded in Germany in 1911, and SK-II, founded in Japan in 1980, differ mainly in their key ingredients, country of origin, and fragrance profiles, with SK-II listing no fragrance across the products on this page while several NIVEA products include it.

NIVEA or SK-II for dry skin?

Both NIVEA and SK-II achieve a High routine fit level for dry skin. The products on this page for both brands feature high-performing moisturizers and cleansers tailored to keep dry skin hydrated and comfortable.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

NIVEA or SK-II: which moisturizer is better?

Both brands offer moisturizers with High Lovi fit levels for several skin types on the products on this page. Reviewers note that NIVEA provides intense deep hydration with versatile multi-use moisturizers, while SK-II features options like the Facial Treatment Essence with no added fragrance listed.

Which is more affordable, NIVEA or SK-II?

NIVEA is more affordable than SK-II. Reviewers on this page indicate that NIVEA does better for value for money.

Between NIVEA and SK-II, which brand offers better radiance and glow according to reviewers?

SK-II does better for radiance and glow according to reviewers.

How do the founding years and corporate parent companies of NIVEA and SK-II compare?

NIVEA was founded in 1911 in Germany and is owned by maxingvest GmbH & Co. KGaA, while SK-II was founded in 1980 in Japan and is owned by The Procter & Gamble Company.

Which products from NIVEA and SK-II are formulated without fragrance?

For NIVEA, 3 of the 9 products on this page list no fragrance, while every SK-II product on this page lists no fragrance in its ingredients.

NIVEA or SK-II for oily skin?

Both NIVEA and SK-II offer a High Lovi fit for oily skin with their routines on this page. NIVEA delivers value for money and cleansing benefits, while SK-II features fragrance-free formulas.

NIVEA or SK-II for sensitive skin?

Both NIVEA and SK-II products on this page have a High routine fit for sensitive skin, though NIVEA offers better value for money while SK-II formulas contain no fragrance.

NIVEA or SK-II for acne-prone skin?

Both NIVEA and SK-II achieve a High Lovi fit for acne-prone skin, with SK-II reaching a Superior fit level for this skin type with the products on this page.

Research behind their key ingredients

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.

  • Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Co-founder, Medical Director

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer

  • Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Co-founder, CEO and CTO

    PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex

  • Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Medical Board

    Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine

  • Aishani Shah, MD

    Aishani Shah, MD

    Medical Board

    Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD

  • Asya Zubkova, MS

    Asya Zubkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member

  • Hanna Kurets, MD

    Hanna Kurets, MD

    Medical Board, Medical Advisor

    Dermatology MD

  • Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Medical Board

    Dermatology and diagnostic consultant

  • Victoria Derkova, MS

    Victoria Derkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist

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