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SK-II vs Galderma

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

SK-II and Galderma are established skincare brands offering distinct approaches to complexion care. Enthusiasts cherish SK-II for its luxurious moisturizers, potent serums, clarifying toners, and restorative masks anchored by pitera, while Galderma focuses on targeted serums. The former suits dry and acne-prone skin best, whereas the latter fits oily and acne-prone skin best. Ultimately, they differ in their product ranges, signature ingredients, and formulation goals.

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

Galderma is a Swiss skincare brand founded in 1981 and owned by Galderma Group AG.

en.wikipedia.org

This page compares some of the most popular SK-II and Galderma products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.

Popular SK-II vs Galderma products

People Say

SK-IIGalderma
  • Clears acne and prevents breakouts Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “cleared up my skin — Galderma Benzac AC Mild Strength 2.5% Acne Gel”
    • “cystic acne gone — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
    • “stops new pimples — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
  • Improves texture and smoothness Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “skin feels soft as butter — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
    • “pores became miraculously invisible — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
    • “Smoother skin — SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion”
    • “skin feels smooth — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
  • Radiance and glow Mostly MentionedNot noted
    • “gives a glass skin look — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
    • “leaves me with a red carpet glow — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
    • “My skin is glowing now. — SK-II Genoptics Ultraura Essence”
  • Deep hydration and moisture Mostly MentionedNot noted
    • “flooded my skin with moisture — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
    • “skin feels deeply hydrated, plump, and smoother — SK-II Skinpower Advanced Cream”
    • “Leaves skin soft, feels moisturized, does not dry out skin. — SK-II Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil”
  • Lightweight and absorbent Often MentionedNot noted
    • “drinks right into the skin — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
    • “Absorbs into the skin quickly. — SK-II Genoptics Ultraura Essence”
    • “Absorbs quickly — SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence”
  • Anti-aging and brightening Often MentionedNot noted
    • “Skin looks brighter — SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence”
    • “Reduced sun spots — SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence”
    • “reducing the appearance of fine lines — SK-II Skinpower Advanced Cream”
  • Intense burning and severe dryness Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “face on fire — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
  • High price Mostly MentionedNot noted
    • “way too expensive — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
  • Breakouts and skin purging Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “caused tiny red bumps — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
    • “dried to a tacky finish — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
    • “Small bumps — SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion”
    • “got worse first — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
  • Redness, irritation, and stinging Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “red as tomato — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
  • Bleaches fabrics Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “bleached my towel — Galderma Benzac AC 5”
  • Lack of results or underwhelming effect Often MentionedNot noted
    • “did absolutely nothing — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”

SK-II vs Galderma routines for dry skin

Buy SK-II routine · $591.97 · 91% fitBuy Galderma routine · $153.64 · 90% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit

SK-II vs Galderma routines for oily skin

Buy Galderma routine · $326.92 · 96% fitBuy SK-II routine · $713.54 · 89% fitSee multi-brand routine · 98% fit

SK-II vs Galderma routines for combination skin

Buy Galderma routine · $318.51 · 94% fitBuy SK-II routine · $714.65 · 89% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit

Questions and answers

SK-II or Galderma: which is better?

Both brands are great choices depending on your goals, as SK-II excels at deep hydration and anti-aging with Pitera, while Galderma specializes in effective acne-clearing serums. For oily and acne-prone skin, the products on this page show Galderma reaching a Superior Lovi fit level.

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 2021

What is the difference between SK-II and Galderma?

SK-II helps improve skin texture and radiance with key ingredients like Pitera, while Galderma focuses on effective acne-clearing serums that may cause severe dryness.

SK-II or Galderma for dry skin?

Both SK-II and Galderma achieve a Superior routine fit for dry skin. The products on this page for SK-II bring deep hydration and moisture, while Galderma reviewers mostly mention experiencing severe dryness and peeling.

Which is more affordable, SK-II or Galderma?

Galderma is more affordable than SK-II, as high price is listed as a negative review theme for SK-II rather than Galderma.

Which brand is better for improving skin texture and smoothness, SK-II or Galderma?

SK-II is better for improving texture and smoothness. Reviewers note that the products on this page help deliver smoother texture and radiance.

Do SK-II and Galderma products contain any fragrance?

Every product on this page from both SK-II and Galderma lists no fragrance in its ingredients.

How do SK-II and Galderma compare for oily acne-prone skin?

For oily acne-prone skin, both brands work well, with Lovi giving Galderma a Superior fit and SK-II a High fit. Reviewers often mention Galderma for effective acne-clearing serums, though users may also experience severe dryness and peeling.

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2018

SK-II or Galderma for oily skin?

Galderma is a better fit for oily skin, earning a Superior routine fit compared to SK-II's High fit level. The products on this page for Galderma feature effective acne-clearing serums.

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 2021

SK-II or Galderma for sensitive skin?

Both SK-II and Galderma achieve a High fit on Lovi for sensitive skin. Reviewers note that Galderma serums are effective for acne-clearing, but they can also cause severe dryness and peeling.

SK-II or Galderma for acne-prone skin?

Both SK-II and Galderma have a Superior routine fit for acne-prone skin, though Galderma is mostly known for effective acne-clearing serums while SK-II features products like Genoptics Ultraura Essence with a Superior fit on this page.

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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