# SK-II vs ELIDEL

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

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

SK-II and ELIDEL are distinct skincare brands founded in Japan and Switzerland respectively, offering tailored approaches to daily maintenance and targeted care. Cherished for luxurious moisturizers, potent [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/serum), clarifying toners, and restorative masks anchored by pitera, the Japanese brand suits dry skin and acne-prone skin best with standout solutions like the Genoptics Ultraura Essence, Facial Treatment Essence, and Facial Treatment Clear Lotion. Conversely, the Swiss brand is beloved for gentle moisturizers and soothing formulas with balanced compositions, suiting sensitive and dry skin best through options like [Pimecrolimus](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/pimecrolimus). While both provide reliable preparations to improve skin through regular application, they differ in their signature ingredients and specific formulations designed for distinct skin types and concerns.

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/)

ELIDEL is a Swiss skincare brand founded in 2001 and owned by Viatris Inc. since 2016.

[myelidel.ca](https://myelidel.ca/en/) [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viatris) [investor.mylan.com](https://investor.mylan.com/news-releases/news-release-details/mylan-completes-acquisition-meda) [sec.gov](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1114448/000104746904022516/a2139722z6-k.htm)

This page compares some of the most popular SK-II and ELIDEL 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=pge92ffa72f6).

### Popular SK-II vs ELIDEL products

#### SK-II

- [Facial Treatment Essence](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/sk-ii/facial-treatment-essence/for/dry-skin) — High fit — [$99.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000H723LU?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Facial Treatment Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/sk-ii/facial-treatment-mask/for/dry-skin) — High fit — [$100.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078MQP5ZF?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Facial Treatment Clear Lotion](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/sk-ii/facial-treatment-clear-lotion/for/oily-skin) — High fit — [$80.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072C3MCDH?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Skinpower Advanced Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/sk-ii/skinpower-advanced-cream/for/mature-skin) — High fit — [$255.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GMLY2Z6D?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Genoptics Ultraura Essence](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/sk-ii/genoptics-ultraura-essence/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — [$265.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CVR58C7P?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/sk-ii/facial-treatment-cleansing-oil/for/dry-skin) — High fit — [$75.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084M1R6RH?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Genoptics Spot Essence](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/sk-ii/genoptics-spot-essence/for/dark-spots) — Average fit

#### ELIDEL

- [Pimecrolimus](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/elidel/pimecrolimus/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Average fit

## Questions and answers

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

SK-II is the better choice because the products on this page fit dry skin, acne-prone skin, and oily skin best, while ELIDEL has no best-fit skin types listed.

[Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34198790/)

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

SK-II has a wide range of products on this page that fit dry, acne-prone, and oily skin with high levels, whereas ELIDEL only offers a single moisturizer with average to low skin fits.

### SK-II or ELIDEL: which moisturizer is better?

SK-II stands out as the better moisturizer option, offering high Lovi fit levels for dry and sensitive skin across products like Facial Treatment Essence and Skinpower Advanced Cream. In contrast, ELIDEL's [pimecrolimus](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/pimecrolimus) moisturizer only achieves average fits for those skin types and low fits for mature or combination skin. Pitera helps improve daily skin condition as a key ingredient in the SK-II range.

[Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34198790/)

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

This page does not compare prices for SK-II or ELIDEL, so it is unclear which brand is more affordable.

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

SK-II causes fewer breakouts than ELIDEL, as the products on this page for SK-II have High to Superior fit levels for acne-prone skin, while ELIDEL has a Low fit level for acne-prone skin.

### When were SK-II and ELIDEL founded and who owns them?

SK-II was founded in Japan in 1980 and has been owned by The Procter & Gamble Company since 1991, while ELIDEL was founded in Switzerland in 2001 and is owned by Viatris Inc. as of 2016.

### Do SK-II or ELIDEL products contain fragrance?

The products on this page for both SK-II and ELIDEL list no fragrance in their ingredients.

### What is the Lovi fit level of SK-II's Facial Treatment Essence for dry sensitive skin compared to ELIDEL's Pimecrolimus?

Lovi rates SK-II's Facial Treatment Essence as a High fit for dry sensitive skin, whereas ELIDEL's Pimecrolimus is rated as an Average fit for that same skin type.

[Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34198790/)

## 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
- [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
- [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
- [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
- [Clinical Evaluation of a Soap-Free Cleansing Lotion Containing Sodium Cocoyl Apple Amino Acids for Effective Impurity Removal and Skin Barrier Preservation in Healthy Adults With Diverse Skin Types](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40978887/) Cetyl alcohol · Cureus, 2025

## The brands

- Japanese skincare: [SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/sk-ii)
- Swiss skincare: [ELIDEL](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/elidel)

## More comparisons

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

## 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-elidel (this page)
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/sk-ii-vs-elidel
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/compare/sk-ii-vs-elidel
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/compare/sk-ii-vs-elidel
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/compare/sk-ii-vs-elidel
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/sk-ii-vs-elidel
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/sk-ii-vs-elidel
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/sk-ii-vs-elidel
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/sk-ii-vs-elidel
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/sk-ii-vs-elidel
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/compare/sk-ii-vs-elidel
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/sk-ii-vs-elidel
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/compare/sk-ii-vs-elidel