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Shiseido vs SK-II

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

Shiseido and SK-II are Japanese skincare brands beloved for their sophisticated moisturizers, gentle cleansers, protective sunscreens, nourishing serums, refreshing toners, and rejuvenating masks formulated with key ingredients like glycerin and pitera. The former suits sensitive skin and oily skin best, while the latter suits acne-prone skin and dry skin best, gently nurturing delicate complexions with time-tested efficacy. Both offer standout solutions for targeted concerns, though the brands differ in their founding history, corporate ownership, and specific active compounds that research demonstrates significantly improve stratum corneum hydration, pore area, skin roughness, and redness.

Shiseido is a Japanese skincare brand founded in 1872 and owned by Shiseido Company, Limited.

corp.shiseido.comen.wikipedia.orgmarketscreener.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 Shiseido and SK-II products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.

Popular Shiseido vs SK-II products

People Say

ShiseidoSK-II
  • Deep hydration Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “Immediate sensation of comfort — Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream”
    • “Lightweight, silky, non-sticky, sinks in instantly. — Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate”
    • “skin feels plump, soft and nourished, eliminates dryness, bouncy feel — Shiseido VITAL PERFECTION”
    • “flooded my skin with moisture — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
  • Radiant glow 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”
    • “My skin is glowing now. — SK-II Genoptics Ultraura Essence”
    • “Skin looks brighter, more radiant, and "glowy." — Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate”
  • Luxurious texture Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “silky smooth, rich but non-greasy, absorbs quickly, melts into skin — Shiseido VITAL PERFECTION”
    • “Velvety, rich cream texture — Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream”
    • “Velvety texture — Shiseido FUTURE SOLUTION LX”
    • “silky texture that absorbs quickly — SK-II Skinpower Advanced Cream”
  • Lightweight texture Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “drinks right into the skin — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
    • “Absorbs into the skin quickly. — SK-II Genoptics Ultraura Essence”
    • “Absorbs quickly — SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence”
    • “Airy-soft texture — Shiseido Essential Energy Hydrating Cream”
  • Smoother skin and texture Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
    • “skin feels soft as butter — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
    • “pores became miraculously invisible — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
    • “Smoother skin — SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion”
    • “makes skin baby soft — Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Cream Enriched”
  • Makeup compatibility and prep Rarely NotedSometimes Noted
    • “Removes leftover dirt — SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion”
    • “Dissolves waterproof mascara, melts stubborn makeup, removes sunscreen easily. — SK-II Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil”
    • “Great base for makeup — Shiseido Essential Energy Hydrating Cream”
  • High price point Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “Very expensive for the size — Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream”
    • “Expensive, pricey, high cost for the amount. — Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate”
    • “expensive, investment piece, pricey for the amount, luxury cost — Shiseido VITAL PERFECTION”
    • “way too expensive — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
  • Strong fragrance and scent Often MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “old lady smell — Shiseido Eudermine Revitalizing Essence”
    • “overpowering scent, too perfumed, smell lingers, headache-inducing — Shiseido VITAL PERFECTION”
    • “smells like dirty feet — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
    • “smells slightly like saliva — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
  • Lack of results Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
    • “No change in deep wrinkles — Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream”
    • “No noticeable difference, not moisturizing enough on its own. — Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate”
    • “no visible lifting, just a moisturizer, didn't erase deep wrinkles — Shiseido VITAL PERFECTION”
    • “did absolutely nothing — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”

Shiseido vs SK-II routines for dry skin

Buy SK-II routine · A$1,400.12 · 90% fitBuy Shiseido routine · A$515.52 · 74% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit

Shiseido vs SK-II routines for oily skin

Buy SK-II routine · A$1,436.99 · 89% fitBuy Shiseido routine · A$737.92 · 84% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit

Shiseido vs SK-II routines for combination skin

Buy SK-II routine · A$1,429.91 · 88% fitBuy Shiseido routine · A$614.44 · 81% fitSee multi-brand routine · 95% fit

Questions and answers

Shiseido or SK-II: which is better?

Both brands perform well on this page, but SK-II has a superior routine fit for dry skin and acne-prone skin, while Shiseido offers deeper hydration and luxurious textures. Hyaluronic acid helps maintain moisture in the skin.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

What is the difference between Shiseido and SK-II?

Shiseido is known for deep hydration and luxurious textures featuring glycerin and hyaluronic acid, whereas SK-II uses Pitera to deliver a lightweight texture and radiant glow. For dry skin, Lovi rates SK-II as having a Superior routine fit compared to Shiseido's Average fit.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Shiseido or SK-II for dry skin?

For dry skin, SK-II has a Superior routine fit on this page, while Shiseido has an Average routine fit. SK-II products on this page help provide a lightweight texture and radiant glow, whereas Shiseido products on this page are known for deep hydration.

Shiseido or SK-II: which moisturizer is better?

Both Shiseido and SK-II offer moisturizers with great benefits, with Shiseido helping deliver deep hydration using ingredients like hyaluronic acid while SK-II features lightweight, fragrance-free formulas. Shiseido's routine fit is Average for dry skin and High for oily skin, whereas SK-II provides a Superior routine fit for dry skin and a High fit for oily skin.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Which is more affordable, Shiseido or SK-II?

Shiseido is noted for having a high price point among the products on this page, but neither brand is typically described as affordable. Reviewers mention Shiseido's high price point frequently.

Shiseido or SK-II: which brand has fragrance-free products?

SK-II has fragrance-free products since every product on this page lists no fragrance in its ingredients, whereas Shiseido features fragrance in most of the products on this page.

Shiseido or SK-II: which is better for mature skin?

Shiseido and SK-II offer an equal Lovi fit level of High for mature skin, with Shiseido featuring luxurious textures and deep hydration, while SK-II delivers a lightweight feel and smoother skin. Topical hyaluronic acid helps improve skin quality and signs of skin aging.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Shiseido or SK-II: what are the key ingredients used across their products?

Shiseido features Glycerin and Hyaluronic acid as key ingredients across the products on this page, while SK-II relies on Pitera.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Shiseido or SK-II for oily skin?

Both Shiseido and SK-II are good options for oily skin, as the products on this page for both brands achieve a High Lovi fit level for this skin type.

Shiseido or SK-II for sensitive skin?

Both Shiseido and SK-II achieve a High Lovi fit for sensitive skin. However, the products on this page from SK-II list no fragrance, while many Shiseido formulas contain added scent which may sometimes lead to skin irritation.

Shiseido or SK-II for acne-prone skin?

For acne-prone skin, SK-II is a better choice because it achieves a Superior routine fit compared to Shiseido's High fit level.

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

How does it fit your skin?

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