Some By Mi vs Elemis
Some By Mi and Elemis are two distinct skincare lines known for thoughtful formulations, with the Korean brand offering serums, cleansers, toners, and moisturizers built around niacinamide, centella asiatica, and salicylic acid, while the British brand is celebrated for nourishing serums, rich moisturizers, gentle cleansers, and refreshing toners anchored by hydrating glycerin and softening shea. The former brand fits dry skin and dry sensitive skin best, while the latter suits mature skin and dry skin best with formulas designed to restore suppleness. They differ primarily in their core ingredients and geographic origins, as the first relies on blemish-targeting actives like salicylic acid and niacinamide, whereas both feature products tailored to address acne-prone skin, dark spots, and mature skin.
Some By Mi is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2016 and owned by JKL Partners since 2021.
kedglobal.compreqin.comtracxn.com
Elemis is a British skincare brand founded in 1989 and owned by L'Occitane Group since 2019.
elemis.comau.elemis.comen.wikipedia.org
This page compares some of the most popular Some By Mi and Elemis products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Some By Mi vs Elemis products
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AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
CA$65.99
- Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum
- AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Acne Clear Foam
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AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum
CA$39.99
- Retinol Intense Advanced Triple Action Eye Cream
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Super Matcha Pore Clean Clay Mask
CA$27.50
- Beta Panthenol Repair Cream
- Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream
People Say
Hydrating and Moisturizing Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “doesn't strip dry my skin — Some By Mi Super Matcha Pore Clean Clay Mask”
- “Lasts 100 hours as claimed — Some By Mi Beta Panthenol Repair Cream”
- “The cream really hydrates and my face looks amazing. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Night Cream”
- “Quenches thirsty skin... immediate improvement. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
Skin Brightening and Glow Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Fades dark spots — Some By Mi Galactomyces Pure Vitamin C Glow Serum”
- “skin looks visibly brighter — Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Anti Blemish Serum”
- “brightens dull skin — Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream”
- “healthy glow — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads”
Skin Texture Improvement Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Skin became smoother — Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner”
- “Skin feels baby soft — Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum”
- “baby soft — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads”
- “skin feels baby soft — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
Gentle Formula Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Zero irritation or redness — Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum”
- “doesn't strip dry my skin — Some By Mi Super Matcha Pore Clean Clay Mask”
- “no stinging or redness — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
- “non-stripping formula — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash”
Lightweight and Fast Absorbing Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “absorbs quickly — Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream”
- “absorbs quickly — Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Serum”
- “absorbs instantly — Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Anti Blemish Serum”
- “Absorbs almost immediately, and my skin feels well hydrated all day. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
Product Texture and Feel Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “whipped silk feel — Elemis Superfood Midnight Facial”
- “texture is light — Elemis Peptide4 Eye Recovery Cream”
- “The texture is rich and creamy without feeling heavy or greasy. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Night Cream”
- “spreads soft on my skin — Some By Mi Super Matcha Pore Clean Clay Mask”
Strong Scent and Fragrance Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “The smell is very strong... could not handle for long. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
- “smell is too strong — Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm”
- “Only small negative is the smell is quite strong. — Elemis Superfood Facial Oil”
- “overwhelming citrus fragrance — Some By Mi V10 Hyal Air Fit Sunscreen”
Product Price Point Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
- “expensive — Some By Mi Super Matcha Pore Clean Clay Mask”
- “Too expensive for 50ml — Some By Mi Beta Panthenol Repair Cream”
- “Complete waste of money for me. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
Overhyped or Slow Results Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “didn't see a difference — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
- “didn't see difference — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash”
- “Verdict still out. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Night Cream”
- “didn't do much for old scars — Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Anti Blemish Serum”
Some By Mi vs Elemis routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Low pH Gel Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$24.83
-
Hydrating Toner
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Morning
CA$27.99
-
Moisturizer
Tata Harper Repairative Moisturizer
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$162.00
-
SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
CA$38.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
CA$17.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Galactomyces Pure Vitamin C Glow Serum
Evening · Once a week
CA$32.93
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
CA$29.99
-
Cleanser
Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$66.49
-
Hydrating Toner
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Morning
CA$27.99
-
Moisturizer
Pro-Collagen Night Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$131.00
-
SPF
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning
CA$154.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
CA$26.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Pro-Collagen Glow Boost Exfoliator
Evening · Once a week
CA$34.00
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
CA$29.99
Buy Some By Mi routine · CA$333.73 · 96% fit
Buy Elemis routine · CA$278.47 · 88% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
Some By Mi vs Elemis routines for oily skin
-
Cleanser
Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Low pH Gel Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$24.83
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$29.98
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
CA$35.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$23.99
-
Cleansing Toner
AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
Evening
CA$65.99
-
Serum or Treatment
AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum
Evening · Once a week
CA$39.99
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Super Matcha Pore Clean Clay Mask
Once a week
CA$27.50
-
Cleanser
Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$66.49
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
Pro-Collagen Night Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$131.00
-
SPF
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning
CA$154.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
CA$26.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
CA$28.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Pro-Collagen Glow Boost Exfoliator
Evening · Once a week
CA$34.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Tatcha The Clarifying Clay Mask
Once a week
CA$95.00
Buy Some By Mi routine · CA$315.33 · 89% fit
Buy Elemis routine · CA$411.49 · 74% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Some By Mi vs Elemis routines for combination skin
-
Cleanser
Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Low pH Gel Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$24.83
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$29.98
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
CA$20.96
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$23.99
-
Cleansing Toner
AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
Evening
CA$65.99
-
Serum or Treatment
AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum
Evening · Once a week
CA$39.99
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Super Matcha Pore Clean Clay Mask
Once a week
CA$27.50
-
Cleanser
Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$66.49
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
Pro-Collagen Night Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$131.00
-
SPF
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning
CA$154.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
CA$26.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
CA$31.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Pro-Collagen Glow Boost Exfoliator
Evening · Once a week
CA$34.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay
Once a week
CA$50.00
Buy Some By Mi routine · CA$300.34 · 91% fit
Buy Elemis routine · CA$369.58 · 77% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
Some By Mi or Elemis: which is better?
Some By Mi generally comes out better than Elemis for value and brightening, while Elemis stands out for luxurious textures despite a higher price point. For routine fit, Some By Mi achieves Superior levels for dry, combination, sensitive, dry sensitive, and oily acne-prone skin, whereas Elemis reaches High for those same types. Both brands tie at Superior fit levels for mature skin and High for acne-prone skin.
What is the difference between Some By Mi and Elemis?
Some By Mi is more affordable and better suited for skin brightening, while Elemis is positioned at a higher price point and focuses on luxurious textures with a stronger scent profile. Both brands offer products that help improve skin texture and hydration, but Some By Mi is generally fragrance-free across its range, whereas most Elemis products contain added fragrance.
Some By Mi or Elemis for dry skin?
Some By Mi fits dry skin better than Elemis, earning a Superior routine fit compared to Elemis's High level. Both brands feature dry skin and dry sensitive skin as best-fit categories in their routines, but Some By Mi has fragrance-free products on this page while Elemis mostly includes fragrance.
Some By Mi or Elemis: which cleanser is better?
Some By Mi cleansers on this page offer deep pore cleansing and fit oily acne-prone skin at a High level, whereas Elemis cleansers are generally rated High for mature skin.
Which is more affordable, Some By Mi or Elemis?
Some By Mi is more affordable than Elemis, as high product price points are mostly noted for Elemis while Some By Mi offers a lower price point.
Which brand has better fragrance-free options, Some By Mi or Elemis?
Some By Mi offers better fragrance-free options because every single product on its page lists no fragrance in its ingredients, whereas most Elemis products contain added fragrance.
Some By Mi or Elemis for oily skin?
Some By Mi is the better choice for oily skin, as Lovi rates its overall routine fit as High compared to Average for Elemis. Reviewers also note that Some By Mi offers better lightweight and fast-absorbing products.
Some By Mi or Elemis: which moisturizer is better?
Some By Mi delivers a superior routine fit for dry skin compared to Elemis, which has a high fit. Both brands feature hydrating moisturizers, but Some By Mi has fragrance-free products on this page while Elemis uses fragrance in most of its formulas.
Some By Mi or Elemis for sensitive skin?
For sensitive skin, Some By Mi achieves a Superior Lovi fit level, whereas Elemis reaches a High fit level. Reviewers note that Some By Mi is fragrance-free across its products on this page, while Elemis often features added fragrances that may cause skin irritation.
Some By Mi or Elemis for acne-prone skin?
Both Some By Mi and Elemis achieve a High Lovi fit level for acne-prone skin. Some By Mi frequently features niacinamide, which may help reduce blemishes and skin inflammation.
Some By Mi or Elemis for mature skin?
Both Some By Mi and Elemis fit mature skin, with Lovi rating Some By Mi as Superior and Elemis as Superior. Reviewers note that Some By Mi helps with brightening, while Elemis is often mentioned for its luxurious textures.
Some By Mi or Elemis for skin with dark spots?
Some By Mi is the better choice for skin with dark spots, where Lovi rates its products as Superior overall compared to Elemis at High. Niacinamide, a key ingredient featured across Some By Mi products, helps reduce cutaneous pigmentation.
Research behind their key ingredients
The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer
Topical menthol--a human model for cold pain by activation and sensitization of C nociceptors
Bacterial cellulose membranes as drug delivery systems: an in vivo skin compatibility study
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
Topical palmitoyl pentapeptide provides improvement in photoaged human facial skin
HelixComplex snail mucus as a potential technology against O3 induced skin damage
Vitamin C-squalene bioconjugate promotes epidermal thickening and collagen production in human skin
Ethosomes of Phenylethyl Resorcinol as Vesicular Delivery System for Skin Lightening Applications
The use of green tea extract in cosmetic formulations: not only an antioxidant active ingredient
Microneedling by dermapen and glycolic acid peel for the treatment of acne scars: Comparative study
Topical beta-carotene protects against infra-red-light-induced free radicals
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
Allergy to oxidized limonene and linalool is frequent in the U.K
A Rose Extract Protects the Skin against Stress Mediators: A Potential Role of Olfactory Receptors
Comparative measurement of hydration effects of herbal moisturizers
Topical Almond Oil for Prevention of Pressure Injuries: A Single-Blinded Comparison Study
Skin recovery by Lavandula angustifolia leaf callus extract: Redox control of Nrf2 signaling
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Formulation and evaluation of exotic fat based cosmeceuticals for skin repair
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Effects of fermented tea seed oil on the skin lipid barrier and microbiome of sensitive skin
Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens
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.
-

Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
-

Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
-

Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
-

Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
-

Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
-

Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
-

Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
-

Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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