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Clinique vs SK-II

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

Clinique and SK-II are established skincare names, with the American brand founded in 1968 and the Japanese brand following in 1980. Clinique is known for moisturizers, serums, makeup removers, and eye products featuring hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and caffeine, while SK-II offers luxurious moisturizers, potent serums, soothing masks, and refreshing toners anchored by pitera. The former suits dry sensitive skin and oily skin best, whereas the latter is ideal for dry skin and combination skin. They differ primarily in their ingredient focus and heritage, offering distinct paths to balanced hydration.

Clinique is an American skincare brand founded in 1968 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc..

en.wikipedia.orgelcompanies.combusinesswire.comglossy.co

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 Clinique and SK-II products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.

Popular Clinique vs SK-II products

People Say

CliniqueSK-II
  • 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”
    • “Keeps my dry patches at bay all day — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+”
  • Lightweight and Fast Absorbing Often MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “sinks in immediately — Clinique moisture surge”
    • “sinks in instantly — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel”
    • “drinks right into the skin — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
    • “Absorbs into the skin quickly. — SK-II Genoptics Ultraura Essence”
  • Gentle for Sensitive Skin Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “never irritated my eyes — Clinique All About Eyes”
    • “No stinging eyes — Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm”
    • “doesn't dry out — Clinique all about clean”
    • “Watery consistency — SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion”
  • Smoother Skin and Texture Sometimes 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”
    • “skin feels silky smooth — Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum”
  • 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”
    • “My skin is glowing now. — SK-II Genoptics Ultraura Essence”
  • Makeup Base Compatibility Often MentionedRarely Noted
    • “Melts waterproof mascara — Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm”
    • “foundation glides on — Clinique moisture surge”
    • “holds concealer in place — Clinique All About Eyes”
    • “Dissolves waterproof mascara, melts stubborn makeup, removes sunscreen easily. — SK-II Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil”
  • High Price Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “jar is too small for the cost — Clinique moisture surge”
    • “quite pricey — Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum”
    • “Expensive for cleanser — Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm”
    • “way too expensive — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
  • Causes Breakouts Sometimes NotedRarely 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”
    • “Woke up with whiteheads on my chin — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+”
  • Lack of Results Not notedOften Mentioned
    • “did absolutely nothing — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”

Clinique vs SK-II routines for dry skin

Buy SK-II routine · CA$783.50 · 93% fitBuy Clinique routine · CA$469.99 · 74% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit

Clinique vs SK-II routines for oily skin

Buy SK-II routine · CA$1,101.33 · 91% fitBuy Clinique routine · CA$386.05 · 78% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit

Clinique vs SK-II routines for combination skin

Buy SK-II routine · CA$1,065.33 · 93% fitBuy Clinique routine · CA$322.06 · 75% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit

Questions and answers

Clinique or SK-II: which is better?

SK-II generally offers superior results for hydration, texture, and radiance across most skin types, including dry and acne-prone skin, while Clinique is better suited for gentle care on sensitive skin. Lovi rates SK-II as a superior routine fit for dry skin, whereas Clinique is rated as average.

What is the difference between Clinique and SK-II?

Clinique is better for sensitive skin and makeup base compatibility, while SK-II performs better for hydration, radiance, and texture. Lovi rates SK-II as Superior for dry skin compared to Clinique's Average fit.

Clinique or SK-II for dry skin?

SK-II is a better fit for dry skin, offering a Superior routine fit compared to Clinique's Average rating. The products on this page from SK-II, such as the Facial Treatment Essence, help deliver strong hydration and plumping benefits.

Clinique or SK-II: which moisturizer is better?

SK-II delivers a Superior routine fit for moisturizers on dry skin compared to Clinique, which provides an Average fit for its matching products on this page. Reviewers note that SK-II stands out for hydration, plumping, and smoother skin texture.

Which is more affordable, Clinique or SK-II?

Clinique is more affordable than SK-II, though high price points are still a frequently noted drawback for the products on this page.

Which brand has a better routine fit for skin with dark spots?

SK-II has a better routine fit for skin with dark spots, rated High compared to Clinique's Average fit. The products on this page for SK-II include treatments like Genoptics Ultraura Essence.

Clinique or SK-II for oily skin?

For oily skin, SK-II achieves a Superior Lovi routine fit while Clinique reaches a High level. Reviewers on this page indicate that SK-II delivers better results for hydration, plumping, smoother skin, and radiance.

Clinique or SK-II for sensitive skin?

Both Clinique and SK-II are good options for sensitive skin, as Lovi rates both brands with a High routine fit level for this skin type. Reviewers note that Clinique does better at being gentle for sensitive skin.

Clinique or SK-II for acne-prone skin?

For acne-prone skin, SK-II achieves a Superior routine fit level while Clinique reaches an Average routine fit level on the products on this page.

Clinique or SK-II for dry sensitive skin?

For dry sensitive skin, SK-II has a Superior routine fit on this page, while Clinique has a High fit. Reviewers note that SK-II delivers better hydration and plumping, whereas Clinique is often praised for being gentle on sensitive skin.

Clinique or SK-II for mature skin?

Clinique and SK-II are both a High fit for mature skin on this page. Reviewers note that Clinique offers great makeup base compatibility while SK-II delivers better results for radiance and glow.

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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