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ISDIN vs SK-II

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

ISDIN and SK-II are established skincare names originating from Spain and Japan respectively. The Spanish brand is known for elegant moisturizers, advanced sunscreens, restorative serums, and targeted eye products that suit dry and sensitive skin, while the Japanese brand is adored for luxurious moisturizers, potent serums, soothing masks, and refreshing toners anchored by pitera that suit dry and combination skin. Both offer standout solutions for concerns like acne-prone skin, dark spots, and mature skin. They differ primarily in their heritage, signature ingredients, and specific formulations designed to maintain a healthy and balanced complexion.

ISDIN is a Spanish skincare brand founded in 1975 and owned by Puig.

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

Popular ISDIN vs SK-II products

People Say

ISDINSK-II
  • Lightweight and fluid texture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “absorbs instantly — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
    • “ultra-light fluid product, which makes it super easy to apply — ISDIN Fusion Water”
    • “drinks right into the skin — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
    • “pores became miraculously invisible — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
  • Hydrating and smoothing Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “Improved moisture and texture — ISDIN Hyaluronic Moisture”
    • “skin looks smooth and healthy — ISDIN K-Ox Eyes”
    • “flooded my skin with moisture — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
    • “skin feels deeply hydrated, plump, and smoother — SK-II Skinpower Advanced Cream”
  • Brightens and evens skin tone Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
    • “skin feels soft as butter — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
    • “gives a glass skin look — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
    • “leaves me with a red carpet glow — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
    • “My hyperpigmentation has lightened and skin looks more even, even shines more. — ISDIN Flavo-C Serum”
  • Gentle on sensitive skin Often MentionedRarely Noted
    • “Sensitive/reactive skin tolerates — ISDIN Hyaluronic Moisture”
    • “no excessive exfoliation — ISDIN Retinal Intense Serum”
    • “doesn't sting eyes — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
    • “Great for sensitive — SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence”
  • Makeup compatibility Often MentionedRarely Noted
    • “acts like a primer — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
    • “My skin felt sooo hydrated and looks so plump and dewey. — ISDIN Fusion Water”
    • “Great under makeup — ISDIN Hyaluronic Concentrate”
    • “Dissolves waterproof mascara, melts stubborn makeup, removes sunscreen easily. — SK-II Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil”
  • High price point Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “very expensive — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
    • “My only wish is that ISDIN would make this product in a bigger size bottle. — ISDIN Fusion Water”
    • “high cost — ISDIN K-Ox Eyes”
    • “way too expensive — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
  • Strong fragrance and scent issues Often MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “smell is overpowering — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
    • “lingering headache inducing effect — ISDIN K-Ox Eyes”
    • “smells like dirty feet — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
    • “smells slightly like saliva — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
  • Lack of results Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
    • “don't see result — ISDIN K-Ox Eyes”
    • “no noticeable changes yet — ISDIN Retinal Intense Serum”
    • “did absolutely nothing — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
  • Skin irritation and breakouts Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “mild redness or irritation — ISDIN K-Ox Eyes”
    • “Not hydrating enough in winter — ISDIN Hyaluronic Concentrate”
    • “I think the serum is too strong for my face as it has burned and left very rough and a peeling face. — ISDIN Flavo-C Serum”
    • “caused tiny red bumps — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”

ISDIN vs SK-II routines for dry skin

Buy ISDIN routine · CA$393.15 · 94% fitBuy SK-II routine · CA$783.50 · 93% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit

ISDIN vs SK-II routines for oily skin

Buy ISDIN routine · CA$400.92 · 91% fitBuy SK-II routine · CA$1,101.33 · 91% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit

ISDIN vs SK-II routines for combination skin

Buy SK-II routine · CA$1,065.33 · 93% fitBuy ISDIN routine · CA$383.00 · 92% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit

Questions and answers

ISDIN or SK-II: which is better?

Both brands are great, but ISDIN is gentler on sensitive skin and offers better makeup compatibility, while SK-II does better at brightening and evening skin tone.

What is the difference between ISDIN and SK-II?

ISDIN is founded in Spain and is a better fit for sensitive skin, while SK-II is founded in Japan and is better at brightening and evening skin tone. Reviewers mention that ISDIN offers makeup-friendly sunscreens but has a high price point.

ISDIN or SK-II for dry skin?

Both ISDIN and SK-II achieve a Superior Lovi routine fit for dry skin, making them equally good options for this skin type.

ISDIN or SK-II: which moisturizer is better?

When it comes to moisturizers, SK-II features options like Facial Treatment Essence which lists no fragrance across all its products, while ISDIN offers products such as Hyaluronic Concentrate where Lovi rates the fit as average for dry skin.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Which is more affordable, ISDIN or SK-II?

Reviewers note that ISDIN has a high price point.

Between ISDIN and SK-II, which brand is better for mature skin?

For mature skin, ISDIN has a Superior Lovi fit level while SK-II has a High fit level.

Which brand has a stronger fragrance across its products, ISDIN or SK-II?

ISDIN has a stronger fragrance across its products, as 5 of its 8 products on this page list fragrance, whereas every SK-II product on this page lists no fragrance.

ISDIN or SK-II: which brand is better for skin with dark spots?

ISDIN has a Superior Lovi fit level for skin with dark spots, whereas SK-II has a High fit level.

ISDIN or SK-II for oily skin?

For oily skin, both ISDIN and SK-II achieve an equal routine fit level of Superior. Reviewers note that the products on this page for both brands offer a lightweight and fluid texture.

ISDIN or SK-II for sensitive skin?

For sensitive skin, ISDIN is a superior fit and does better at being gentle on sensitive skin.

ISDIN or SK-II for acne-prone skin?

For acne-prone skin, both brands offer products on this page with a Lovi fit level of High, and their routines are a Superior fit overall.

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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