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Biore vs SK-II

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

Biore and SK-II are Japanese skincare brands founded in 1980 that offer thoughtfully crafted formulas. The former is beloved for its effective sunscreens, gentle cleansers, purifying masks, and efficient makeup removers, while the latter is cherished for its luxurious moisturizers, potent serums, clarifying toners, and restorative masks anchored by pitera. Both brands suit combination skin, mature skin, dry skin, and acne-prone skin best. They differ primarily in their product types, key ingredients, and the specific ways their formulations address varied complexions.

Biore is a Japanese skincare brand founded in 1980 and owned by Kao Corporation.

biore.comkao.com

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

Popular Biore vs SK-II products

People Say

BioreSK-II
  • Lightweight and watery texture Often MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “melts into skin — Biore UV Aqua Rich”
    • “drinks right into the skin — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
    • “Absorbs into the skin quickly. — SK-II Genoptics Ultraura Essence”
  • Effective debris and deep clean removal Mostly MentionedNot noted
    • “Gets the gunk out — Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips”
    • “Face feels squeaky clean — Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser”
  • Makeup base and removal Often MentionedRarely Noted
    • “primer-like — Biore UV Aqua Rich”
    • “Removes waterproof mascara, eyeliner, foundation. — Biore Makeup Remover Perfect Oil”
    • “Dissolves waterproof mascara, melts stubborn makeup, removes sunscreen easily. — SK-II Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil”
  • 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”
    • “My skin is glowing now. — SK-II Genoptics Ultraura Essence”
  • Clear complexion and gentle rinse Often MentionedRarely Noted
    • “No greasy film, leaves skin fresh, rinses easily. — Biore Makeup Remover Perfect Oil”
    • “Helped clear my blackheads — Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser”
    • “Leaves skin soft, doesn't dry out face. — Biore Makeup Remover Perfect Oil”
    • “Emulsifies well, rinses off completely, leaves no oily residue. — SK-II Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil”
  • Hydrating and dewy finish Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
    • “feels like a moisturizer — Biore UV Aqua Rich”
    • “Leaves skin soft, feels moisturized, does not dry out skin. — SK-II Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil”
    • “balanced my oily T-zone — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
  • Exorbitant and high price Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “way too expensive — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
  • Strong alcohol or unpleasant scent Often MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “smells like alcohol — Biore UV Aqua Rich”
    • “smells like dirty feet — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
    • “smells slightly like saliva — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
  • Inconsistent or poor performance Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “Doesn't get all blackheads — Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips”
    • “Doesn't contour to crevices — Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips”
    • “did absolutely nothing — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
    • “No visible difference — SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion”
  • Skin irritation and redness Often MentionedRarely Noted
    • “Face burns — SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence”
    • “Nose was irritated — Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips”

Biore vs SK-II routines for dry skin

See multi-brand routine · 99% fit

Biore vs SK-II routines for oily skin

See multi-brand routine · 96% fit

Biore vs SK-II routines for combination skin

See multi-brand routine · 96% fit

Questions and answers

Biore or SK-II: which is better?

Both brands offer solid options depending on your budget and skin needs. SK-II provides superior anti-aging and brightening benefits with its key ingredient Pitera, while Biore is known for effective deep cleaning and makeup removal at a lower cost.

What is the difference between Biore and SK-II?

Biore and SK-II are both Japanese skincare brands founded in 1980, but Biore is owned by Kao Corporation while SK-II is owned by The Procter & Gamble Company. For the products on this page, SK-II features Pitera as a key ingredient, whereas Biore focuses on straightforward cleansing and sun protection.

Biore or SK-II for dry skin?

For dry skin, both brands offer good options, but SK-II has a superior routine fit overall compared to Biore on this page. Lovi rates the products on this page for dry skin ranging from caution to high for Biore and up to high for SK-II.

Which is more affordable, Biore or SK-II?

Biore is more affordable than SK-II, as SK-II faces a drawback of exorbitant and high pricing. Lovi indicates that the products on this page for both brands offer a range of options, but Biore is notably less expensive.

Which brand has a better routine fit for dry sensitive skin, Biore or SK-II?

For dry sensitive skin, SK-II achieves a Superior Lovi fit level, whereas the products on this page for Biore reach an Average level.

Which brand provides better effectiveness for debris and deep clean removal?

Biore does better for debris and deep clean removal among the products on this page. Reviewers note it as the brand that does better for effective debris and deep clean removal.

Which brand uses Pitera as a key ingredient across its products?

SK-II uses Pitera as a key ingredient across the products on this page.

Biore or SK-II for oily skin?

For oily skin, both Biore and SK-II are great choices, with Lovi rating Biore as High and SK-II as Superior. The products on this page list no fragrance in their ingredients.

Biore or SK-II for sensitive skin?

For sensitive skin, both Biore and SK-II achieve a High fit on Lovi. Makeup Remover Perfect Oil is a standout choice for sensitive skin, earning a High fit level.

Biore or SK-II for acne-prone skin?

For acne-prone skin, SK-II is a Superior fit among the products on this page, while Biore achieves an Average to High fit depending on the specific item. Reviewers note that SK-II may help bring a radiant glow, though it also carries a higher risk of skin irritation and redness compared to Biore.

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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