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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 heritage skincare names, with the German brand founded in 1911 and the Japanese house established in 1980. The former is cherished for its versatile sunscreens, targeted serums, and nourishing moisturizers formulated with glycerin, while the latter is adored for its moisturizers, nourishing serums, rejuvenating masks, and refreshing toners anchored by pitera. Both labels suit acne-prone skin, but the first brand also caters best to sensitive and oily skin with lightweight hydration, whereas the second nurtures dry skin with time-tested efficacy. They differ fundamentally in their core ingredients and distinct approaches, as the first focuses on barrier function and stratum corneum hydration, while the second actively improves pores, skin roughness, and redness.

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 SK-II routine · A$1,400.12 · 90% fitBuy NIVEA routine · A$176.64 · 83% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit

NIVEA vs SK-II routines for oily skin

Buy SK-II routine · A$1,436.99 · 89% fitBuy NIVEA routine · A$394.61 · 87% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit

NIVEA vs SK-II routines for combination skin

Buy SK-II routine · A$1,429.91 · 88% fitBuy NIVEA routine · A$366.08 · 86% fitSee multi-brand routine · 95% fit

Questions and answers

NIVEA or SK-II: which is better?

NIVEA and SK-II are both strong options, with NIVEA leading in value for money and cleansing benefits, while SK-II excels in providing radiance and extra skincare benefits. Glycerin helps moisturize the skin for NIVEA products on this page.

What is the difference between NIVEA and SK-II?

NIVEA and SK-II differ mainly in their formulation focus, with NIVEA utilizing glycerin across the products on this page while SK-II relies on pitera. Reviewers find that NIVEA delivers better hydration and value, whereas SK-II offers superior radiance and glow.

NIVEA or SK-II for dry skin?

For dry skin, SK-II has a superior routine fit compared to NIVEA, which has a high fit on this page. Reviewers note that SK-II helps deliver better radiance and glow, while the products on this page list no fragrance.

NIVEA or SK-II: which moisturizer is better?

When it comes to moisturizers on this page, both NIVEA and SK-II offer strong options, but SK-II earns a superior routine fit for dry skin compared to NIVEA's high fit. Glycerin in NIVEA helps maintain moisture, while Pitera in SK-II helps improve overall skin radiance and glow.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

Which is more affordable, NIVEA or SK-II?

NIVEA is more affordable, as the products on this page offer better value for money compared to SK-II.

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

NIVEA was founded in Germany in 1911 and has been owned by maxingvest GmbH & Co. KGaA since 2004, whereas SK-II was founded in Japan in 1980 and is owned by The Procter & Gamble Company.

Which brand has more fragrance-free products between NIVEA and SK-II?

SK-II has more fragrance-free products on this page, as every SK-II product lists no fragrance in its ingredients compared to only 3 of the 9 NIVEA products.

What are the main key ingredients used across NIVEA and SK-II products?

NIVEA mainly uses glycerin across its products, whereas SK-II relies on Pitera as its key ingredient.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

NIVEA or SK-II for oily skin?

Both NIVEA and SK-II are good options for oily skin, as the products on this page achieve a High fit level for this skin type. NIVEA offers strong value for money and effective blemish-clearing products, while SK-II relies on its key ingredient Pitera.

NIVEA or SK-II for sensitive skin?

For sensitive skin, both NIVEA and SK-II achieve a High routine fit on the products on this page. Reviewers note that NIVEA offers intense deep hydration, while SK-II features fragrance-free formulas across all its products.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

NIVEA or SK-II for acne-prone skin?

SK-II is better for acne-prone skin because Lovi rates its routine fit as Superior, whereas NIVEA's routine fit is High. Reviewers also note that SK-II has fewer issues with breakouts and skin reactions than NIVEA.

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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