# SK-II vs Menarini

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/sk-ii-vs-menarini

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 Menarini are renowned skincare labels offering targeted solutions for diverse complexions. SK-II is a Japanese brand founded in 1980 and owned by The Procter & Gamble Company since 1991, celebrated for luxurious moisturizers, potent [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/serum), soothing masks, and refreshing toners anchored by the signature ingredient pitera. Meanwhile, Menarini is beloved for advanced serums and thoughtful formulas that deliver reliable care. Both brands differ in their specific formulations, as the former suits dry skin and combination skin best while helping improve pore area, roughness, and redness, and the latter suits sensitive, dry, and combination skin best due to gentle yet effective compositions.

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/)

This page compares some of the most popular SK-II and Menarini 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=pg60066d98b6).

### Popular SK-II vs Menarini products

#### 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

#### Menarini

- [A-Ret Gel](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/menarini/a-ret-gel/for/oily-skin) — High fit

## Questions and answers

### SK-II or Menarini: which is better?

SK-II is better because the products on this page have a High fit for dry skin, whereas Menarini carries a Caution for dry skin.

### What is the difference between SK-II and Menarini?

SK-II offers a wide range of products featuring Pitera and fits dry, combination, and dry sensitive skin best, whereas Menarini features a single product on this page, A-Ret Gel, which contains [tretinoin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/tretinoin) that helps restore [collagen](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/collagen) formation in photodamaged human skin.

[The New England Journal of Medicine, 1993](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8336752/)

### Which is more affordable, SK-II or Menarini?

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

### Which causes fewer breakouts, SK-II or Menarini?

For acne-prone skin, the products on this page by SK-II have a High Lovi fit for several items like the Facial Treatment Essence and Genoptics Ultraura Essence, while Menarini features A-Ret Gel with an Average Lovi fit.

### Which brand has more fragrance-free products, SK-II or Menarini?

Both SK-II and Menarini have fragrance-free products, as every product listed on this page for both brands contains no fragrance in its ingredients.

### Which company has been around longer, SK-II or Menarini?

Menarini has been around much longer, having been founded in 1886 compared to SK-II which was founded in 1980.

### How does the Lovi fit level for oily skin compare between SK-II's Facial Treatment Clear Lotion and Menarini's A-Ret Gel?

For oily skin, Lovi rates SK-II's Facial Treatment Clear Lotion as High and Menarini's A-Ret Gel as High.

## 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
- [Restoration of collagen formation in photodamaged human skin by tretinoin (retinoic acid)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8336752/) Tretinoin · The New England Journal of Medicine, 1993
- [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
- [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
- [Clinical Assessment of New Topical Cream Containing Two Essential Oils Combined with Tretinoin in the Treatment of Acne](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32210603/) Tretinoin · Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2020
- [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, Concentrated 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
- [Efficacy assessments of tretinoin-loaded nano lipid carriers in acne vulgaris: a double blind, split-face randomized clinical study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34146120/) Tretinoin · Archives of Dermatological Research, 2022
- [Topical tretinoin for treating photoaging: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35620028/) Tretinoin · International Journal of Women's Dermatology, 2022
- [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, 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
- [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)
- Skincare: [Menarini](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/brands/menarini)

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- [The Ordinary vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/the-ordinary-vs-sk-ii)
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- [CeraVe vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/cerave-vs-sk-ii)
- [CeraVe vs Menarini](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/cerave-vs-menarini)
- [La Roche-Posay vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-sk-ii)
- [La Roche-Posay vs Menarini](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-menarini)
- [Dr. Althea vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/dr-althea-vs-sk-ii)
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- [Some By Mi vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/some-by-mi-vs-sk-ii)
- [Some By Mi vs Menarini](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/some-by-mi-vs-menarini)

## 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

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- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/sk-ii-vs-menarini (this page)
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