# SK-II vs DOT & KEY

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/sk-ii-vs-dot-and-key

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 DOT & KEY are distinct skincare brands founded in Japan in 1980 and India in 2018, respectively. The Japanese brand is known for nourishing [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/serum), rejuvenating masks, and refreshing toners anchored by pitera, while the Indian brand is embraced for sensorially pleasing sunscreens and lightweight textures. Both lines suit acne-prone skin best, though the former also nurtures dry skin with targeted essences and clear lotions, whereas the latter focuses primarily on protective daily care for balanced, combination, and normal skin.

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/)

DOT & KEY is an Indian skincare brand founded in 2018 and owned by FSN E-Commerce Ventures Limited since 2021.

This page compares some of the most popular SK-II and DOT & KEY 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=pg6892c17fea).

### Popular SK-II vs DOT & KEY 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

#### DOT & KEY

- [WATERMELON COOLING SUNSCREEN](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/dot-and-key/watermelon-cooling-sunscreen/for/combination-skin) — Average fit

## Questions and answers

### SK-II or DOT & KEY: which is better?

SK-II stands out as a better choice than Dot & Key on this page because its products offer high and superior Lovi fits for multiple skin types, featuring key ingredients like Pitera. In contrast, Dot & Key only features a single sunscreen with average Lovi fits across the board.

### What is the difference between SK-II and DOT & KEY?

SK-II offers a wide range of products featuring Pitera that fit acne-prone, dry, and oily acne-prone skin best, whereas DOT & KEY features only a watermelon cooling sunscreen on this page. Furthermore, Lovi rates the products on this page for SK-II with high or average fits across most skin types, while the DOT & KEY sunscreen has an average fit across all skin types.

### Which is more affordable, SK-II or DOT & KEY?

I am sorry, but the provided page facts do not contain pricing information to determine whether SK-II or DOT & KEY is more affordable.

### Which causes fewer breakouts, SK-II or DOT & KEY?

SK-II is the better choice for acne-prone skin because the products on this page have a High or Superior Lovi fit level for reducing breakouts, whereas DOT & KEY features only a single sunscreen with an Average fit. Both brands list no fragrance in their ingredients.

### Which brand was founded earlier, SK-II or DOT & KEY?

SK-II was founded earlier, in 1980 in Japan, whereas DOT & KEY was founded in 2018 in India.

### Do any products from either SK-II or DOT & KEY contain fragrance?

Every product on this page from both SK-II and Dot & Key lists no fragrance in its ingredients.

### Which company owns SK-II and when was it acquired?

The Procter & Gamble Company has owned SK-II since 1991.

## 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/) Nicotinamide w, Niacinamide · The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002
- [Skin delivery of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and hyaluronic acid loaded nano-transfersomes for antioxidant and anti-aging effects in UV radiation induced skin damage](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28155509/) Hyaluronic acid · Drug Delivery, 2017
- [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
- [Benefits of topical hyaluronic acid for skin quality and signs of skin aging: From literature review to clinical evidence](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36200921/) Hyaluronic acid · Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
- [Topical use of dexpanthenol in skin disorders](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12113650/) Panthenol, D-pantothenyl alcohol · 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
- [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, D-pantothenyl alcohol · 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
- [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 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
- [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
- [In vivo and in vitro evaluation of octyl methoxycinnamate liposomes](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24376350/) Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate · International Journal of Nanomedicine, 2013
- [Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3819071/) Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane · Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 1987
- [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, D-pantothenyl alcohol · 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
- [Mitigation of ultraviolet-induced erythema and inflammation by para-hydroxycinnamic acid in human skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39138602/) Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2025
- [Facial disbiosis and UV filters](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39499337/) Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate · Archives of Dermatological Research, 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
- [Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40911743/) Ethylhexyl salicylate · Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2025

## The brands

- Japanese skincare: [SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/brands/sk-ii)
- Indian skincare: [DOT & KEY](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/brands/dot-and-key)

## More comparisons

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

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