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NIVEA vs SK-II

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

NIVEA and SK-II are established skincare brands offering distinct approaches to daily care, with the German line founded in 1911 and the Japanese house established in 1980. The former is known for reliable sunscreens, targeted serums, and nourishing moisturizers formulated with glycerin, suiting oily skin and sensitive skin best. Conversely, the latter is cherished for luxurious moisturizers, potent serums, clarifying toners, and restorative masks anchored by pitera, which suit dry skin and acne-prone skin best. While both improve complexion health through thoughtful formulations, they differ in their heritage, signature ingredients, and specific target audiences.

NIVEA is a German skincare brand founded in 1911 and owned by maxingvest GmbH & Co. KGaA since 2004.

beiersdorf.comen.wikipedia.org

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

Popular NIVEA vs SK-II products

People Say

NIVEASK-II
  • Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “Smoothed out dry flaky scales on my cheeks overnight — NIVEA Creme”
    • “It's lightweight on the skin and leaves a bit of subtle sheen. — NIVEA Soft”
    • “Makes my face feel smooth and soft. — NIVEA Soft”
    • “flooded my skin with moisture — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
  • Texture and Absorption Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “Use it on face, body, hands, and feet — NIVEA Creme”
    • “Applying is easy, you can use on your face, hands, and body. — NIVEA Soft”
    • “drinks right into the skin — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
    • “pores became miraculously invisible — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
  • Radiance and Glow Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “gives a glass skin look — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
    • “leaves me with a red carpet glow — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
    • “Skin looks brighter — SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence”
  • Additional Skincare Benefits Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “packet is absolutely drenched — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
    • “reducing the appearance of fine lines — SK-II Skinpower Advanced Cream”
    • “Pump dispenser is convenient. — SK-II Genoptics Ultraura Essence”
    • “didn't burn once — NIVEA Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+”
  • Cleansing and Blemish Control Often MentionedRarely Noted
    • “cleared my complexion in 7 days — NIVEA DERMA SKIN CLEAR”
    • “unclogs pores — NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub”
    • “reduces blackheads — NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub”
    • “Dissolves waterproof mascara, melts stubborn makeup, removes sunscreen easily. — SK-II Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil”
  • Value for Money Often MentionedNot noted
    • “Works better than expensive luxury creams — NIVEA Creme”
    • “Best affordable vegan moisturizer. — NIVEA Soft”
    • “absolute steal for the price — NIVEA DERMA SKIN CLEAR”
  • Value and Pricing Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “way too expensive — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
  • Formula Changes and Weak Results Often MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “not super gritty — NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub”
    • “HATE NEW FORUMULA... Leaves my skin dryer and does not provide with the same amount of moisture. — NIVEA Soft”
    • “did absolutely nothing — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
    • “No visible difference — SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion”
  • Scents and Fragrance Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “Scent is too overpowering for sensitive noses — NIVEA Creme”
    • “Has a heavy, baby powder smell. — NIVEA Soft”
    • “smells like dirty feet — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
    • “smells slightly like saliva — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
  • Breakouts and Skin Reactions Often MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “caused tiny red bumps — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
    • “Small bumps — SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion”
    • “did break out some while adjusting — SK-II Skinpower Advanced Cream”
    • “Clogged my pores and caused bad acne — NIVEA Creme”

NIVEA vs SK-II routines for dry skin

Buy SK-II routine · $591.97 · 91% fitBuy NIVEA routine · $119.46 · 82% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit

NIVEA vs SK-II routines for oily skin

Buy SK-II routine · $713.54 · 89% fitBuy NIVEA routine · $297.86 · 88% fitSee multi-brand routine · 98% fit

NIVEA vs SK-II routines for combination skin

Buy SK-II routine · $714.65 · 89% fitBuy NIVEA routine · $289.45 · 87% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit

Questions and answers

NIVEA or SK-II: which is better?

Both brands perform well, but NIVEA is better for value for money and blemish control, while SK-II does better for radiance and glow and additional skincare benefits.

What is the difference between NIVEA and SK-II?

NIVEA products on this page often feature glycerin and come with fragrance options, whereas SK-II relies on Pitera and lists no fragrance in any of its products. Reviewers note that NIVEA does better for hydration, cleansing, and value, while SK-II leads in radiance and additional skincare benefits.

NIVEA or SK-II for dry skin?

For dry skin, SK-II has a Superior routine fit while NIVEA has a High routine fit on this page. Reviewers note that SK-II does better for radiance and glow, whereas NIVEA offers better value for money.

NIVEA or SK-II: which moisturizer is better?

When it comes to moisturizers, both NIVEA and SK-II have strong options, but SK-II features a Superior routine fit for dry skin with products like the Facial Treatment Essence. NIVEA offers versatile multi-use moisturizers on this page that provide intense deep hydration, though reviewers note they may sometimes cause a greasy or oily residue.

Which is more affordable, NIVEA or SK-II?

NIVEA is more affordable than SK-II, as the products on this page show NIVEA does better for value for money and value and pricing.

Between NIVEA and SK-II, which brand offers better hydration and moisture?

NIVEA offers better hydration and moisture for the products on this page, as review themes show it does better in this category. Lovi rates its routine fit for dry skin as High, while SK-II rates as Superior.

Which brand uses fragrance in its products, NIVEA or SK-II?

NIVEA includes fragrance in some of its products on this page, whereas SK-II lists no fragrance in any of its products. Glycerin helps provide moisture across the products on this page.

How do the founding years and corporate owners of NIVEA and SK-II compare?

NIVEA was founded in Germany in 1911 and is owned by maxingvest GmbH & Co. KGaA, while SK-II was founded in Japan in 1980 and is owned by The Procter & Gamble Company.

NIVEA or SK-II for oily skin?

Both brands offer High fit levels for oily skin through the products on this page. NIVEA features blemish-clearing serums and intense deep hydration, while SK-II uses Pitera across its fragrance-free formulas.

NIVEA or SK-II for sensitive skin?

For sensitive skin, both NIVEA and SK-II have High fit levels according to Lovi. NIVEA features products like Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+ which helps sensitive skin, though some products contain fragrance. SK-II lists no fragrance across its products on this page.

NIVEA or SK-II for acne-prone skin?

For acne-prone skin, both brands offer products on this page with a High fit level, though SK-II achieves a Superior routine fit overall. Reviewers note that NIVEA delivers blemish-clearing serums, while SK-II features formulas that help reduce breakouts and skin reactions.

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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