# SK-II vs FANCL

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

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 FANCL are Japanese skincare brands founded in 1980 that offer distinct approaches to complexion care. SK-II is cherished for luxurious moisturizers, potent [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/serum), clarifying toners, and restorative masks anchored by pitera, while the second brand is loved for thoughtful makeup removers and gentle exfoliants crafted from pure formulas. The first brand suits dry skin and acne-prone skin best, featuring standout solutions such as the Genoptics Ultraura Essence, Facial Treatment Essence, and Facial Treatment Clear Lotion to target specific concerns like dark spots and mature skin. Meanwhile, the latter brand suits sensitive, dry, and normal skin types best with mild care, offering standout products like the Facial Washing Powder and Mild Cleansing Oil to help maintain balanced skin.

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/)

FANCL is a Japanese skincare brand founded in 1980 and owned by Kirin Holdings Company, Limited since 2024.

[fancl.jp](https://www.fancl.jp/en/about/outline/index.html) [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FANCL_Corporation) [pitchbook.com](https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/40398-22)

This page compares some of the most popular SK-II and FANCL 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=pgb804a0f77a).

### Popular SK-II vs FANCL products

#### FANCL

- [Mild Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/fancl/mild-cleansing-oil/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — [$25.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09NXN33S8?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Facial Washing Powder](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/fancl/facial-washing-powder/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — [$22.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083GF3GTD?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

#### 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

## Questions and answers

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

Both brands offer fragrance-free formulas, but SK-II fits dry, acne-prone, and oily skin best with products like Genoptics Ultraura Essence, while FANCL features exceptionally high Lovi fits for dry and sensitive skin with Mild Cleansing Oil.

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

SK-II is founded in Japan in 1980 and owned by The Procter & Gamble Company, with products on this page fitting dry, acne-prone, and oily skin best. FANCL is also founded in Japan in 1980 and owned by Kirin Holdings Company, Limited, featuring items like Mild Cleansing Oil and Facial Washing Powder that list no fragrance.

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

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

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

FANCL's Mild Cleansing Oil and Facial Washing Powder show High to Superior Lovi fits for acne-prone and oily skin, while SK-II's products on this page show High to Average fits except for Genoptics Ultraura Essence, which has a Superior fit.

### Which brand offers a facial treatment essence, and what is its Lovi fit level for dry skin?

SK-II offers the Facial Treatment Essence, and Lovi rates its fit level for dry skin as High.

### How do the founding years and current parent companies of SK-II and FANCL compare?

Both SK-II and FANCL were founded in Japan in 1980. However, SK-II is owned by The Procter & Gamble Company, whereas FANCL is owned by Kirin Holdings Company, Limited.

### Which products from both brands are classified as makeup removers and how do their Lovi fit levels differ for dry sensitive skin?

SK-II offers Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil and FANCL offers Mild Cleansing Oil as makeup removers. For dry sensitive skin, Lovi rates the SK-II product as having a High fit level, while the FANCL product achieves a Superior fit level.

## 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
- [Anti-aging and brightening effects of a topical treatment containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and raspberry leaf cell culture extract: A split-face, randomized controlled trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31975502/) Tocopherol, Tocopherol vitamin e · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020
- [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
- [Effect of a topical antioxidant serum containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid after Q-switched 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser for treatment of environment-induced skin pigmentation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32052907/) Tocopherol, Tocopherol vitamin e · Journal of Cosmetic 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 · 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/) Allantoin · 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
- [Effect of seasonal and geographical differences on skin and effect of treatment with an osmoprotectant: Sorbitol](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23752031/) Sorbitol · Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2013
- [Influence of vitamin E acetate on stratum corneum hydration](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9706379/) Tocopheryl acetate · Arzneimittel-Forschung, 1998
- [Why is sodium cocoyl isethionate (SCI) mild to the skin barrier? - An in vitro investigation based on the relative sizes of the SCI micelles and the skin aqueous pores](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17598025/) Sodium cocoyl isethionate · Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2007
- [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/brands/sk-ii)
- Japanese skincare: [FANCL](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/fancl)

## More comparisons

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

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