Good Molecules vs SK-II
Good Molecules and SK-II are skincare brands founded in the United States and Japan that offer thoughtfully formulated serums, moisturizers, and more for dry skin and acne-prone skin. The American brand relies on glycerin and hyaluronic acid, whereas the Japanese brand anchors its products in its signature ingredient, pitera. While both manufacturers suit similar complexions, they differ through their distinct heritage, standout treatments, and core active components.
Good Molecules is an American skincare brand founded in 2019 and owned by Beautylish, Inc..
beautymatter.comgoodmolecules.compitchbook.compreqin.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 Good Molecules and SK-II products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Good Molecules vs SK-II products
People Say
Texture and Consistency Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “absorbs quickly... zero irritation or tacky feeling — Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum”
- “practically invisible on skin — Good Molecules PIMPLE PATCHES”
- “drinks right into the skin — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
- “pores became miraculously invisible — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
Advanced Performance and Extras Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Removes leftover dirt — SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion”
- “Dissolves waterproof mascara, melts stubborn makeup, removes sunscreen easily. — SK-II Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil”
- “Reduced sun spots — SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence”
- “scar on your chin doesn't look nearly as noticeable — Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum”
Value and Pricing Mostly MentionedNot noted
- “best value for money — Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum”
- “great value — Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum”
Brightening and Radiance Sometimes 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”
- “skin looks more radiant — Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner”
Hydration and Plumping Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “flooded my skin with moisture — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
- “skin feels deeply hydrated, plump, and smoother — SK-II Skinpower Advanced Cream”
- “Leaves skin soft, feels moisturized, does not dry out skin. — SK-II Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil”
- “skin appears smooth and supple — Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum”
Gentle and Sensitive Care Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “no skin purging — Good Molecules Gentle Retinol Cream”
- “Non-abrasive, suitable for sensitive skin, no stinging — Good Molecules Pineapple Exfoliating Powder”
- “leaves my face feeling clean without the drying — Good Molecules Hydrating Facial Cleansing Gel”
- “Great for sensitive — SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence”
High Price and Cost Not notedMostly Mentioned
- “way too expensive — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
Slow or Ineffective Results Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “didn't really see a difference — Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum”
- “dried my skin out — Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum”
- “did absolutely nothing — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
- “No visible difference — SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion”
Scent and Fragrance Complaints Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Strong bergamot smell — Good Molecules Super Peptide Serum”
- “weird faint smell — Good Molecules Gentle Retinol Cream”
- “smelled of glycolic acid — Good Molecules Overnight Exfoliating Treatment”
- “smells like dirty feet — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
Good Molecules vs SK-II routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$26.59
-
Hydrating Toner
Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner
Morning
A$23.99
-
Moisturizer
Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$21.06
-
SPF
Bioderma Photoderm Mineral Fluide SPF50+
Morning
A$24.49
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
A$27.35
-
Serum or Treatment
Discoloration Correcting Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$54.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Pineapple Exfoliating Powder
Once a week
A$47.76
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
A$28.48
-
Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$26.59
-
Hydrating Toner
Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner
Morning
A$23.99
-
Moisturizer
Facial Treatment Essence
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$358.08
-
SPF
Bioderma Photoderm Mineral Fluide SPF50+
Morning
A$24.49
-
Pre-Cleanser
Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$105.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Genoptics Ultraura Essence
Evening · Once a week
A$667.47
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Nourishing Mask
Facial Treatment Mask
Once a week
A$159.00
Buy Good Molecules routine · A$253.72 · 93% fit
Buy SK-II routine · A$1,400.12 · 90% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Good Molecules vs SK-II routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$13.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$34.66
-
Moisturizer
Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$21.06
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
A$27.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$80.43
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
A$75.95
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$19.90
-
Enzyme Powder
Pineapple Exfoliating Powder
Once a week
A$47.76
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
A$118.35
-
Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$13.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$34.66
-
Moisturizer
Facial Treatment Essence
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$358.08
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
A$27.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$105.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
A$75.95
-
Serum or Treatment
Genoptics Ultraura Essence
Evening · Once a week
A$667.47
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
A$118.35
Buy Good Molecules routine · A$440.09 · 91% fit
Buy SK-II routine · A$1,436.99 · 89% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Good Molecules vs SK-II routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$73.61
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$42.00
-
Moisturizer
Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$21.06
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$30.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
A$29.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$19.90
-
Enzyme Powder
Pineapple Exfoliating Powder
Once a week
A$47.76
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
A$118.35
-
Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$73.61
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$42.00
-
Moisturizer
Facial Treatment Essence
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$358.08
-
Pre-Cleanser
Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$105.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
A$29.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Genoptics Ultraura Essence
Evening · Once a week
A$667.47
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
A$118.35
Buy Good Molecules routine · A$383.57 · 89% fit
Buy SK-II routine · A$1,429.91 · 88% fitSee multi-brand routine · 95% fit
Questions and answers
Good Molecules or SK-II: which is better?
Good Molecules and SK-II are both great choices, with Good Molecules offering better value and sensitive skin care while SK-II excels in hydration, brightening, and advanced performance based on the products on this page.
What is the difference between Good Molecules and SK-II?
Good Molecules offers more affordable pricing and better sensitive care, whereas SK-II provides superior hydration, plumping, brightening, and advanced performance. Lovi rates both brands as having a Superior routine fit for acne-prone skin, while Good Molecules achieves a Superior fit for dry skin, sensitive skin, and skin with dark spots compared to SK-II's High fit for those types.
Good Molecules or SK-II for dry skin?
Both Good Molecules and SK-II achieve a Superior Lovi routine fit level for dry skin. Reviewers note that Good Molecules offers affordable and hydrating moisturizers, while SK-II delivers better hydration and plumping.
Good Molecules or SK-II: which moisturizer is better?
Both Good Molecules and SK-II offer moisturizers, but Good Molecules provides superior routine fit levels for dry skin with products like its Lightweight Daily Moisturizer. Reviewers frequently note that Good Molecules delivers affordable and hydrating moisturizers, while SK-II tends to be a higher-priced option.
Which is more affordable, Good Molecules or SK-II?
Good Molecules is more affordable and offers better value, whereas SK-II is noted for higher pricing.
How do Good Molecules and SK-II compare regarding brightening and radiance?
When it comes to brightening and radiance, SK-II does better than Good Molecules. Reviewers note that SK-II provides superior advanced performance and extra brightening effects.
Which brand performs better for gentle and sensitive skin care?
Good Molecules performs better for gentle and sensitive skin care, offering products with very gentle serums and no added fragrance. Lovi rates Good Molecules as Superior for sensitive skin, while SK-II is rated High.
What are the founding years and home countries of Good Molecules and SK-II?
Good Molecules was founded in 2019 in the United States, while SK-II was founded in 1980 in Japan.
Good Molecules or SK-II for oily skin?
For oily skin, Good Molecules has a Superior routine fit while SK-II reaches a High fit on Lovi. Reviewers note that Good Molecules offers affordable and great value serums as well as effective hydration.
Good Molecules or SK-II for sensitive skin?
For sensitive skin, Good Molecules is a better fit because Lovi rates its routine as Superior, while SK-II achieves a High level.
Good Molecules or SK-II for acne-prone skin?
Both Good Molecules and SK-II achieve a Superior Lovi routine fit for acne-prone skin, with the products on this page offering great options like the Overnight Exfoliating Treatment and Genoptics Ultraura Essence.
Research behind their key ingredients
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
Effects of ascorbic acid on gingival melanin pigmentation in vitro and in vivo
Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation by topical N-acetyl glucosamine
Preparation and evaluation of anti-wrinkle cream containing saffron extract and avocado oil
Chemical peels for acne vulgaris: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Moisturizing Effects of Diglycerol Combined with Glycerol on Human Stratum Corneum
Three clinical studies showing the anti-aging benefits of sodium salicylate in human skin
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Hippophae rhamnoides oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion improves barrier function in healthy human subjects
Development and efficacy assessments of tea seed oil makeup remover
Effects of fermented tea seed oil on the skin lipid barrier and microbiome of sensitive 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
-

Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
-

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
-

Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
-

Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
How does it fit your skin?
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