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SK-II vs Galderma

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

SK-II and Galderma are established skincare brands offering specialized options for diverse complexions. The Japanese brand provides luxurious moisturizers, potent serums, soothing masks, and refreshing toners anchored by pitera, which suit dry and combination skin best. Conversely, the Swiss brand focuses on serums that fit oily and combination skin best. While both cater to various needs through targeted treatments, their formulations differ fundamentally in ingredients and skin compatibility.

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

Galderma is a Swiss skincare brand founded in 1981 and owned by Galderma Group AG.

en.wikipedia.org

This page compares some of the most popular SK-II and Galderma products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.

Popular SK-II vs Galderma products

People Say

SK-IIGalderma
  • Clears acne and prevents breakouts Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “cleared up my skin — Galderma Benzac AC Mild Strength 2.5% Acne Gel”
    • “cystic acne gone — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
    • “stops new pimples — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
  • Improves texture and smoothness Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “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 smooth — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
  • Radiance and glow Mostly MentionedNot noted
    • “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”
  • Deep hydration and moisture Mostly MentionedNot noted
    • “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”
  • Lightweight and absorbent Often MentionedNot noted
    • “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”
  • Anti-aging and brightening Often MentionedNot noted
    • “Skin looks brighter — SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence”
    • “Reduced sun spots — SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence”
    • “reducing the appearance of fine lines — SK-II Skinpower Advanced Cream”
  • Intense burning and severe dryness Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “face on fire — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
  • High price Mostly MentionedNot noted
    • “way too expensive — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
  • Breakouts and skin purging Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “caused tiny red bumps — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
    • “dried to a tacky finish — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
    • “Small bumps — SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion”
    • “got worse first — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
  • Redness, irritation, and stinging Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “red as tomato — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
  • Bleaches fabrics Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “bleached my towel — Galderma Benzac AC 5”
  • Lack of results or underwhelming effect Often MentionedNot noted
    • “did absolutely nothing — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”

SK-II vs Galderma routines for dry skin

Buy SK-II routine · CA$783.50 · 93% fitBuy Galderma routine · CA$341.56 · 89% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit

SK-II vs Galderma routines for oily skin

Buy Galderma routine · CA$347.28 · 94% fitBuy SK-II routine · CA$1,101.33 · 91% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit

SK-II vs Galderma routines for combination skin

Buy Galderma routine · CA$314.37 · 94% fitBuy SK-II routine · CA$1,065.33 · 93% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit

Questions and answers

SK-II or Galderma: which is better?

SK-II and Galderma both fit oily, combination, sensitive, and acne-prone skin at equal levels, but they suit different needs. SK-II products on this page help improve texture, radiance, and deep hydration, while Galderma products clear acne and prevent breakouts effectively.

What is the difference between SK-II and Galderma?

SK-II focuses on deep hydration, anti-aging, and improving texture with products centered around Pitera, whereas Galderma specializes in effective acne-clearing serums that may cause severe dryness and peeling.

SK-II or Galderma for dry skin?

For dry skin, SK-II is a better choice because Lovi rates its routine fit as Superior, whereas Galderma is rated High. Reviewers also note that SK-II excels in deep hydration and moisture compared to Galderma.

Which is more affordable, SK-II or Galderma?

Galderma is more affordable, whereas SK-II has a high price according to the review themes on this page.

Which brand is better for mature skin, SK-II or Galderma?

For mature skin, SK-II is better suited overall, as Lovi rates its routine fit as High while Galderma's is Superior. Reviewers note that SK-II excels at anti-aging and brightening, whereas Galderma's products on this page are more focused on clearing acne and can sometimes cause severe dryness and peeling.

Do SK-II products or Galderma products contain fragrance?

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

What are the main negative reviews for Galderma skincare products?

Galderma's products on this page receive negative reviews mainly for causing severe dryness, peeling, irritation, and discomfort.

SK-II or Galderma for oily skin?

For oily skin, both SK-II and Galderma fit equally well at a Superior level according to Lovi. Galderma is known for effective acne-clearing serums, while the products on this page from SK-II rely on Pitera and list no fragrance.

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 2021

SK-II or Galderma for sensitive skin?

Both SK-II and Galderma fit sensitive skin well, with Lovi giving them both a High fit level. The products on this page list no fragrance in their ingredients.

SK-II or Galderma for acne-prone skin?

Both brands achieve a Superior fit for acne-prone skin on Lovi. Galderma is known for effective acne-clearing serums, while SK-II products on this page help improve texture and smoothness.

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 2021

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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