Some By Mi vs SK-II
Some By Mi and SK-II are prominent skincare brands offering serums, cleansers, toners, and moisturizers built around specialized ingredients like niacinamide, salicylic acid, and pitera. The Korean brand features soothing elements suited for sensitive skin, dry sensitive skin, and acne-prone skin, while the Japanese brand utilizes its signature ferment to restore balance and improve texture. Both brands address specific concerns such as dark spots and signs of aging, yet they differ in their heritage, foundational compounds, and precise product formulations.
Some By Mi is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2016 and owned by JKL Partners since 2021.
kedglobal.compreqin.comtracxn.com
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 Some By Mi and SK-II products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Some By Mi vs SK-II products
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AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
AED 42.28
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Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum
AED 46.72
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AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Acne Clear Foam
AED 111.68
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AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum
AED 59.40
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Retinol Intense Advanced Triple Action Eye Cream
AED 34.15
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Super Matcha Pore Clean Clay Mask
AED 86.49
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Beta Panthenol Repair Cream
AED 49.97
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Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream
AED 91.81
People Say
Hydrating and Lightweight Formulations Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “flooded my skin with moisture — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
- “skin feels deeply hydrated, plump, and smoother — SK-II Skinpower Advanced Cream”
- “drinks right into the skin — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
- “absorbs quickly — Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream”
Skin Texture and Smoothing Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Skin became smoother — Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner”
- “Surprisingly gentle — Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner”
- “skin feels soft as butter — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
- “pores became miraculously invisible — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
Brightening and Glow Often MentionedMostly 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”
- “Fades dark spots — Some By Mi Galactomyces Pure Vitamin C Glow Serum”
Gentleness and Sensitivity Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “Zero irritation or redness — Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum”
- “doesn't strip dry my skin — Some By Mi Super Matcha Pore Clean Clay Mask”
- “didn't find this irritating — Some By Mi Retinol Intense Advanced Triple Action Eye Cream”
- “Watery consistency — SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion”
Acne and Blemish Control Often MentionedNot noted
- “Reduces pimples — Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner”
- “cleared my cystic acne — Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Acne Clear Foam”
- “flattened my cystic acne — Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum”
Refreshing and Soothing Often MentionedNot noted
- “Calmed my retinol burn overnight — Some By Mi Beta Panthenol Repair Cream”
- “nice cooling effect — Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Acne Clear Foam”
- “calmed my angry red skin — Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum”
Product Value and Pricing Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
- “expensive — Some By Mi Super Matcha Pore Clean Clay Mask”
- “Too expensive for 50ml — Some By Mi Beta Panthenol Repair Cream”
- “way too expensive — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
Scents and Fragrance Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “smells like dirty feet — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
- “smells slightly like saliva — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
- “Fermented smell — SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion”
- “overwhelming citrus fragrance — Some By Mi V10 Hyal Air Fit Sunscreen”
Overhyped and Slow Results Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “didn't do much for old scars — Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Anti Blemish Serum”
- “not noticed any significant changes — Some By Mi Retinol Intense Advanced Triple Action Eye Cream”
- “did absolutely nothing — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
- “No visible difference — SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion”
Dryness and Dehydration Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “Need extra moisturizer — SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence”
- “not moisturizing enough — Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream”
Some By Mi vs SK-II routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Low pH Gel Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 44.75
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Hydrating Toner
Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning
AED 49.99
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Moisturizer
Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 91.81
-
SPF
V10 Hyal Air Fit Sunscreen
Morning
AED 58.99
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Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
AED 35.29
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Cleansing Toner
AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
Evening
AED 42.28
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Serum or Treatment
Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 49.98
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Enzyme Powder
VT Cica Mild Powder Wash
Once a week
AED 47.62
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Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
AED 65.00
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Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 32.95
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Moisturizer
Facial Treatment Essence
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 374.99
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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
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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 Some By Mi routine · AED 485.71 · 87% fit
Buy SK-II routine · AED 2,470.10 · 82% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Some By Mi 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
Facial Treatment Essence
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 374.99
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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
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Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
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Cleansing Mask
Revision Skincare Black Mask
Once a week
AED 204.00
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Cleanser
Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Low pH Gel Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 44.75
-
Hydrating Toner
Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 49.99
-
Moisturizer
Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 91.81
-
SPF
V10 Hyal Air Fit Sunscreen
Morning
AED 58.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 179.45
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Cleansing Toner
AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
Evening
AED 42.28
-
Serum or Treatment
AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 59.40
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
-
Cleansing Mask
Super Matcha Pore Clean Clay Mask
Once a week
AED 86.49
Buy SK-II routine · AED 2,468.63 · 88% fit
Buy Some By Mi routine · AED 714.25 · 87% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Some By Mi vs SK-II routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Low pH Gel Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 44.75
-
Hydrating Toner
Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 49.99
-
Moisturizer
Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 91.81
-
SPF
V10 Hyal Air Fit Sunscreen
Morning
AED 58.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 179.45
-
Cleansing Toner
AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
Evening
AED 42.28
-
Serum or Treatment
AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 59.40
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
-
Cleansing Mask
Super Matcha Pore Clean Clay Mask
Once a week
AED 86.49
-
Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 84.53
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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 Some By Mi routine · AED 714.25 · 88% fit
Buy SK-II routine · AED 2,424.45 · 88% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
Some By Mi or SK-II: which is better?
Some By Mi is better for sensitive skin, skin with dark spots, and dry sensitive skin, while SK-II is better for acne-prone skin. Both brands offer equal routine fits for dry, oily, combination, mature, and oily acne-prone skin types.
What is the difference between Some By Mi and SK-II?
Some By Mi is better for gentleness, sensitivity, acne, and dark spots, while SK-II does better with hydrating and lightweight formulations, brightening, and glow. Both brands have no fragrance listed across the products on this page.
Some By Mi or SK-II for dry skin?
Both Some By Mi and SK-II achieve a High Lovi fit level for dry skin. The products on this page for both brands offer reliable hydration options, such as the Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream from Some By Mi and the Facial Treatment Essence from SK-II.
Some By Mi or SK-II: which moisturizer is better?
Both Some By Mi and SK-II offer moisturizers with a high Lovi fit for dry skin, and every product on this page for both brands lists no fragrance in its ingredients. Reviewers note that SK-II does better for hydrating and lightweight formulations, while Some By Mi tends to be better for product value and pricing.
Which is more affordable, Some By Mi or SK-II?
Some By Mi is more affordable than SK-II, as indicated by review themes noting better product value and pricing for Some By Mi.
Between Some By Mi and SK-II, which brand performs better for skin with dark spots?
Some By Mi performs better for skin with dark spots, with Lovi fit levels reaching Superior compared to SK-II reaching High. The products on this page feature key ingredients like niacinamide, which helps reduce cutaneous pigmentation.
How do the key ingredients differ between Some By Mi and SK-II skincare products?
Some By Mi products rely on key ingredients like niacinamide, centella asiatica, and salicylic acid, whereas SK-II products feature Pitera as their signature ingredient.
Which brand is better suited for mature skin, Some By Mi or SK-II?
Both Some By Mi and SK-II are well suited for mature skin, offering an equal fit level of High across their brand routines. Reviewers note that SK-II tends to do better for hydrating and lightweight formulations as well as brightening and glow.
Some By Mi or SK-II for oily skin?
Both Some By Mi and SK-II are a High fit for oily skin. The products on this page help provide good hydration without heavy textures, while key ingredients like niacinamide and salicylic acid help balance oil production.
Some By Mi or SK-II for sensitive skin?
Some By Mi fits sensitive skin better than SK-II, as Lovi rates Some By Mi as Superior and SK-II as High for this skin type.
Some By Mi or SK-II for acne-prone skin?
Some By Mi and SK-II both work well for acne-prone skin, with Lovi rating Some By Mi High and SK-II Superior. Some By Mi stands out for acne and blemish control on this page, while SK-II features key ingredients like Pitera across its formulations.
Research behind their key ingredients
The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer
Topical menthol--a human model for cold pain by activation and sensitization of C nociceptors
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
Topical palmitoyl pentapeptide provides improvement in photoaged human facial skin
Effects of ascorbic acid on gingival melanin pigmentation in vitro and in vivo
HelixComplex snail mucus as a potential technology against O3 induced skin damage
Vitamin C-squalene bioconjugate promotes epidermal thickening and collagen production in human skin
Ethosomes of Phenylethyl Resorcinol as Vesicular Delivery System for Skin Lightening Applications
The use of green tea extract in cosmetic formulations: not only an antioxidant active ingredient
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
Allergy to oxidized limonene and linalool is frequent in the U.K
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Three clinical studies showing the anti-aging benefits of sodium salicylate in human skin
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens
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
-

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
-

Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
-

Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
-

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
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