# SK-II vs grace & stella

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/sk-ii-vs-grace-and-stella

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

SK-II and grace & stella are two distinct skincare lines offering targeted daily care for varying complexions. The Japanese heritage brand features luxurious moisturizers, potent [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/serum), soothing masks, and refreshing toners anchored by pitera, which suit dry skin and combination skin best to improve pore area, roughness, and redness. Conversely, the Canadian brand is celebrated for nourishing eye products and moisturizers designed for daily self-care that suit all skin types best by offering gentle hydration. While both provide standout solutions for acne-prone skin and dark spots, they differ fundamentally in their signature formulations and specific target audiences.

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/)

grace & stella is a Canadian skincare brand founded in 2016 and owned by Gravitiq since 2022.

[graceandstella.com](https://www.graceandstella.com/pages/faq) [tracxn.com](https://tracxn.com/d/companies/gravitiq/__cAcLAYVXizPoeM7P-lpcSTukNbDz1463zb8cbxeIerY) [pitchbook.com](https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/484071-94) [preqin.com](https://www.preqin.com/data/profile/asset/gravitiq-holdings--inc-/454659)

This page compares some of the most popular SK-II and grace & stella 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=pg0963eb4bc3).

### Popular SK-II vs grace & stella products

#### grace & stella

- [Under Eye Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/grace-and-stella/under-eye-mask/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — [CA$27.95 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B014E2D6BY?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Hyaluronic Acid Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/grace-and-stella/hyaluronic-acid-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — High fit

#### SK-II

- [Facial Treatment Essence](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/sk-ii/facial-treatment-essence/for/dry-skin) — High fit — [CA$285.49 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B008LB7GXO?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Facial Treatment Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/sk-ii/facial-treatment-mask/for/dry-skin) — High fit — [CA$135.00 at Sephora](https://www.sephora.com/ca/en/product/facial-treatment-mask-P375852?skuId=1448463)
- [Facial Treatment Clear Lotion](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/sk-ii/facial-treatment-clear-lotion/for/oily-skin) — High fit — [CA$179.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0126UZL3W?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Skinpower Advanced Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/sk-ii/skinpower-advanced-cream/for/mature-skin) — High fit — [CA$259.93 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CFWMMR9M?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Genoptics Ultraura Essence](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/sk-ii/genoptics-ultraura-essence/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — [CA$393.84 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0C6CQK75L?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/sk-ii/facial-treatment-cleansing-oil/for/dry-skin) — High fit
- [Genoptics Spot Essence](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/sk-ii/genoptics-spot-essence/for/dark-spots) — Average fit

## Questions and answers

### SK-II or grace & stella: which is better?

Both brands offer solid options on this page, with SK-II fitting dry, combination, and dry sensitive skin best using Pitera across its fragrance-free line. Grace & stella also has fragrance-free products like its Under Eye Mask, which has a superior fit for oily skin.

### What is the difference between SK-II and grace & stella?

SK-II has a wide range of products with Lovi fit levels reaching Superior for acne-prone skin and High for dry skin, while grace & stella offers fewer items where the Under Eye Mask has a Superior fit for oily skin and the [Hyaluronic Acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/hyaluronic-acid) [Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/serum) reaches a High fit for dry skin.

### SK-II or grace & stella: which moisturizer is better?

For moisturizers, SK-II Facial Treatment Essence has a High Lovi fit for dry and mature skin, while grace & stella Hyaluronic Acid Serum has a High Lovi fit for dry and dry sensitive skin. Both brands list no fragrance in their products on this page.

### Which is more affordable, SK-II or grace & stella?

This page does not provide pricing information to compare the affordability of SK-II and grace & stella.

### Which causes fewer breakouts, SK-II or grace & stella?

For acne-prone skin, the products on this page by SK-II and grace & stella both achieve High or Superior Lovi fit levels. SK-II features a specialized Genoptics Ultraura Essence with a Superior fit, while grace & stella offers its Under Eye Mask and Hyaluronic Acid Serum with High fits.

### When was SK-II founded compared to grace & stella?

SK-II was founded earlier in 1980 in Japan, while grace & stella was founded later in 2016 in Canada.

### Which brand has been owned by its parent company longer, SK-II or grace & stella?

SK-II has been owned by its parent company longer, since 1991, while grace & stella has been owned by Gravitiq since 2022.

### Which brand's products contain Pitera?

SK-II products on this page contain Pitera as a key ingredient, whereas grace & stella products do not list it.

## 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
- [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/) Sodium hyaluronate · Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
- [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
- [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
- [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
- [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
- [Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38606717/) Trehalose · Skin Research and Technology, 2024
- [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/ca/brands/sk-ii)
- Canadian skincare: [grace & stella](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/brands/grace-and-stella)

## More comparisons

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

## 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-grace-and-stella
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/sk-ii-vs-grace-and-stella
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/compare/sk-ii-vs-grace-and-stella
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- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/sk-ii-vs-grace-and-stella (this page)
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/sk-ii-vs-grace-and-stella
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- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/compare/sk-ii-vs-grace-and-stella