# SK-II vs A+

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/sk-ii-vs-a

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for Australia.

SK-II and A+ are distinct skincare brands founded in Japan and India, respectively, that offer thoughtfully formulated moisturizers, nourishing [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/serum), rejuvenating masks, and refreshing toners. The first brand is anchored by its signature ingredient, pitera, while the second is widely beloved for its gentle moisturizers and mild composition. Both brands suit acne-prone skin best, though the Japanese line also suits dry skin, while the Indian line is ideal for sensitive skin. They differ primarily in their standout solutions and targeted active ingredients, ranging from the Genoptics Ultraura Essence and Facial Treatment Essence to the 345 Relief Cream.

SK-II is a Japanese skincare brand founded in 1980 and owned by The Procter & Gamble Company since 1991.

[en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SK-II) [discoversk-ii.wixsite.com](https://discoversk-ii.wixsite.com/home/brand-history) [glossy.co](https://www.glossy.co/beauty/despite-strong-results-in-beauty-in-the-first-quarter-pg-will-eliminate-thousands-of-jobs/)

A+ is an Indian skincare brand founded in 1990.

[pitchbook.com](https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/554388-85)

This page compares some of the most popular SK-II and A+ products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, [use the Lovi app](https://app.pora.ai/vqqJ/j1xj2b6o?af_sub2=compare&af_sub3=selection_note&af_sub4=pg1624786037).

### Popular SK-II vs A+ products

#### SK-II

- [Facial Treatment Essence](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/sk-ii/facial-treatment-essence/for/dry-skin) — High fit — [A$358.08 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B008LB7GXO?tag=lovi-care-web-product-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Facial Treatment Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/sk-ii/facial-treatment-mask/for/dry-skin) — High fit — [A$159.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B078MQP5ZF?tag=lovi-care-web-product-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Facial Treatment Clear Lotion](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/sk-ii/facial-treatment-clear-lotion/for/oily-skin) — High fit
- [Skinpower Advanced Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/sk-ii/skinpower-advanced-cream/for/mature-skin) — High fit — [A$416.95 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0D9BMCYQZ?tag=lovi-care-web-product-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Genoptics Ultraura Essence](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/sk-ii/genoptics-ultraura-essence/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — [A$667.47 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0C6CQK75L?tag=lovi-care-web-product-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/sk-ii/facial-treatment-cleansing-oil/for/dry-skin) — High fit — [A$105.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B084M1R6RH?tag=lovi-care-web-product-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Genoptics Spot Essence](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/sk-ii/genoptics-spot-essence/for/dark-spots) — Average fit

#### A+

- [345 Relief Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/a/345-relief-cream/for/sensitive-skin) — Average fit

## Questions and answers

### SK-II or A+: which is better?

SK-II is the better choice on this page because the products on this page achieve High to Superior Lovi fit levels across multiple skin types, whereas A+ only has one product with an Average or lower fit. Every product from both brands is fragrance-free.

### What is the difference between SK-II and A+?

SK-II has multiple products on this page with High and Superior Lovi fit levels across skin types, whereas A+ has only one moisturizer whose products on this page rate as Average to Low. SK-II's key ingredient is Pitera, and none of the products on this page from either brand list any fragrance in their ingredients.

### SK-II or A+: which moisturizer is better?

For moisturizers, SK-II offers options like Facial Treatment Essence and Skinpower Advanced Cream with a High Lovi fit for dry skin, whereas A+'s 345 Relief Cream has an Average fit for dry skin.

### Which is more affordable, SK-II or A+?

This page does not contain pricing information, so a comparison of affordability between SK-II and A+ cannot be made.

### Which causes fewer breakouts, SK-II or A+?

SK-II has products on this page that rate High or Superior for acne-prone skin, while A+ only has one moisturizer that rates Average for acne-prone skin. Lovi rates SK-II as a better fit for acne-prone skin overall.

### Between SK-II and A+, which brand has products that contain fragrance?

Neither SK-II nor A+ has products that contain fragrance, as every product listed on this page lists no fragrance in its ingredients.

### Which brand has been around longer, SK-II or A+?

SK-II has been around longer, having been founded in Japan in 1980, whereas A+ was founded in India in 1990.

### Which brand is owned by an independent company, SK-II or A+?

A+ is owned by an independent company, whereas SK-II is owned by The Procter & Gamble Company.

## Research behind their key ingredients

- [The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/) Niacinamide · The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002
- [Mechanistic Basis and Clinical Evidence for the Applications of Nicotinamide (Niacinamide) to Control Skin Aging and Pigmentation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34439563/) Niacinamide · Antioxidants, 2021
- [Topical use of dexpanthenol in skin disorders](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12113650/) Panthenol · American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002
- [Effects of ascorbic acid on gingival melanin pigmentation in vitro and in vivo](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19186973/) L-ascorbic acid 2-glucoside, Ascorbyl glucoside · Journal of Periodontology, 2009
- [Ceramide 1 and ceramide 3 act synergistically on skin hydration and the transepidermal water loss of sodium lauryl sulfate-irritated skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18717861/) Ceramide np · International Journal of Dermatology, 2008
- [Clinical, biometric and structural evaluation of the long-term effects of a topical treatment with ascorbic acid and madecassoside in photoaged human skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18503551/) Centella asiatica leaf extract · Experimental Dermatology, 2008
- [The 24-hour skin hydration and barrier function effects of a hyaluronic 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract moisturizing fluid: an intra-subject, randomized, assessor-blinded study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/) Glycerin · Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
- [Randomized controlled study for the anti-aging effect of human adipocyte-derived mesenchymal stem cell media combined with niacinamide after laser therapy](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33103316/) Niacinamide · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021
- [A Double-Blinded, Randomized, Vehicle-Controlled Study of the Efficacy of Moisturizer Containing Licochalcone A, Decanediol, L-Carnitine, and Salicylic Acid for Prevention of Acne Relapse in Asian Population](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33150170/) Salicylic acid · BioMed Research International, 2020
- [A new topical panthenol-containing emollient: Results from two randomized controlled studies assessing its skin moisturization and barrier restoration potential, and the effect on skin microflora](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27425824/) Panthenol · The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017
- [Senomorphic activity of a combination of niacinamide and hyaluronic acid: correlation with clinical improvement of skin aging](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39009698/) Niacinamide · Scientific Reports, 2024
- [Efficacy of a topical gel containing chitosan, chlorhexidine, allantoin and dexpanthenol for pain and inflammation control after third molar surgery: A randomized and placebo-controlled clinical trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32683390/) D-pantothenyl alcohol · Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal, 2020
- [Daily Fluctuation of Facial Pore Area, Roughness and Redness among Young Japanese Women; Beneficial Effects of Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate Containing Antioxidative Skin Care Formula](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34198790/) Galactomyces ferment filtrate, Pitera essence, Galactomyces ferment filtrate pitera ferment filtrate, Pitera ferment filtrate galactomyces ferment filtrate, Pitera ferment filtrate, Sk-ii pitera concentrate, Pitera · Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2021
- [Systematic Study of Paeonol/Madecassoside Co-Delivery Nanoemulsion Transdermal Delivery System for Enhancing Barrier Repair and Anti-Inflammatory Efficacy](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37446936/) Centella asiatica leaf extract · Molecules, 2023
- [Efficacy of a multitargeted, salicylic acid-based dermocosmetic cream compared to benzoyl peroxide 5% in Acne vulgaris: Results from a randomized study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/) Salicylic acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024
- [A Lipid Mixture Enriched by Ceramide NP with Fatty Acids of Diverse Chain Lengths Contributes to Restore the Skin Barrier Function Impaired by Topical Corticosteroid](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34348350/) Ceramide np · Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2022
- [A Salicylic Acid-Based Dermocosmetic is Effective as an Adjunct to Benzoyl Peroxide for Mild to Moderate Acne and as Monotherapy in Maintenance Post Benzoyl Peroxide](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38051857/) Salicylic acid · Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023
- [Efficacy and safety of moisturizer containing 5% panthenol, madecassoside, and copper-zinc-manganese versus 0.02% triamcinolone acetonide cream in decreasing adverse reaction and downtime after ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing: A split-face, double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30945430/) Centella asiatica leaf extract · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019
- [Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation by topical N-undecyl-10-enoyl-L-phenylalanine and its combination with niacinamide](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19958429/) Undecylenoyl phenylalanine · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2009
- [Inhibitory effects of shell of Camellia oleifera Abel extract on mushroom tyrosinase and human skin melanin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31033161/) Butylene glycol · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019
- [A randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled study of a preparation containing undecylenoyl phenylalanine 2% in the treatment of solar lentigines](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19874316/) Undecylenoyl phenylalanine · Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 2010
- [Development of solid lipid microparticles (SLMs) containing asiatic acid for topical treatment of acne: Characterization, stability, in vitro and in vivo anti-acne assessment](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38460769/) Centella asiatica leaf extract · International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2024
- [Influence of vitamin E acetate on stratum corneum hydration](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9706379/) Tocopheryl acetate · Arzneimittel-Forschung, 1998
- [Enhanced Fluctuations in Facial Pore Size, Redness, and TEWL Caused by Mask Usage Are Normalized by the Application of a Moisturizer](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35456214/) Galactomyces ferment filtrate, Pitera essence, Galactomyces ferment filtrate pitera ferment filtrate, Pitera ferment filtrate galactomyces ferment filtrate, Pitera ferment filtrate, Sk-ii pitera concentrate, Pitera · Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2022
- [Three clinical studies showing the anti-aging benefits of sodium salicylate in human skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20883290/) Sodium salicylate · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2010
- [Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of a Panthenol-Enriched Mask for Skin Barrier Recovery After Facial Laser Treatment: Results of a Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40613435/) Panthenol · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025
- [Glycerol crosslinked vitamin E loaded xanthan gum and gellan gum nanoemulgels for topical management of dry skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41224059/) Xanthan gum · International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2025
- [A Double-Blind, 12-Week Study to Evaluate the Antiaging Efficacy of a Cream Containing the NFκB Inhibitor 4-Hexyl-1, 3-Phenylenediol and Ascorbic Acid-2 Glucoside in Adult Females](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27272084/) L-ascorbic acid 2-glucoside, Ascorbyl glucoside · Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2016
- [Significant Reversal of Facial Wrinkle, Pigmented Spot and Roughness by Daily Application of Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate-Containing Skin Products for 12 Months-An 11-Year Longitudinal Skin Aging Rejuvenation Study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36769815/) Galactomyces ferment filtrate, Pitera essence, Pitera ferment filtrate galactomyces ferment filtrate, Galactomyces ferment filtrate pitera ferment filtrate, Pitera ferment filtrate, Pitera · Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2023
- [Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39769217/) L-ascorbic acid 2-glucoside, Ascorbyl glucoside · International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024
- [The Effectiveness of Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Dexpanthenol, and Centella Asiatica Combination Serum in the Treatment of Post-Acne Hyperpigmentation in Subjects with Skin of Color](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33938432/) Galactomyces ferment filtrate, Sk-ii pitera concentrate, Galactomyces ferment filtrate pitera ferment filtrate · Skinmed, 2021
- [Clinical Efficacy of Topical Ascorbic Acid 2-Glucoside in Enhancing Outcomes of Laser Gingival Depigmentation: A Randomized Controlled Trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42147661/) Ascorbyl glucoside · Cureus, 2026

## The brands

- Japanese skincare: [SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/brands/sk-ii)
- Indian skincare: [A+](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/brands/a)

## More comparisons

- [SKIN1004 vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/skin1004-vs-sk-ii)
- [SKIN1004 vs A+](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/skin1004-vs-a)
- [Anua vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/anua-vs-sk-ii)
- [Anua vs A+](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/anua-vs-a)
- [Medicube vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/medicube-vs-sk-ii)
- [Medicube vs A+](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/medicube-vs-a)
- [The Ordinary vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/the-ordinary-vs-sk-ii)
- [The Ordinary vs A+](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/the-ordinary-vs-a)
- [Beauty of Joseon vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/beauty-of-joseon-vs-sk-ii)
- [Beauty of Joseon vs A+](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/beauty-of-joseon-vs-a)
- [COSRX vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/cosrx-vs-sk-ii)
- [COSRX vs A+](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/cosrx-vs-a)
- [CeraVe vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/cerave-vs-sk-ii)
- [CeraVe vs A+](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/cerave-vs-a)
- [La Roche-Posay vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-sk-ii)
- [La Roche-Posay vs A+](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-a)
- [Dr. Althea vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/dr-althea-vs-sk-ii)
- [Dr. Althea vs A+](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/dr-althea-vs-a)
- [Some By Mi vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/some-by-mi-vs-sk-ii)
- [Some By Mi vs A+](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/some-by-mi-vs-a)

## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi compares products by their fit scores, calculated from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its 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. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this comparison: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/sk-ii-vs-a
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/sk-ii-vs-a
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/compare/sk-ii-vs-a
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/compare/sk-ii-vs-a
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/compare/sk-ii-vs-a
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/sk-ii-vs-a
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/sk-ii-vs-a
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/sk-ii-vs-a
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/sk-ii-vs-a
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/sk-ii-vs-a (this page)
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/compare/sk-ii-vs-a
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/sk-ii-vs-a
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/compare/sk-ii-vs-a