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ISDIN vs SK-II

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

ISDIN and SK-II are established skincare names, with the Spanish brand founded in 1975 and the Japanese counterpart in 1980. Both offer sophisticated moisturizers, advanced sunscreens, targeted serums, and restorative treatments, though the former is driven by meticulously crafted formulas while the latter is anchored by its signature ingredient, pitera. While ISDIN suits dry skin and combination skin best with standout options like Fusion Water and K-Ox Eyes, SK-II suits dry skin and acne-prone skin best with solutions like the Facial Treatment Essence. Ultimately, they differ through distinct active ingredients and specific formulations that address imbalances and improve pore area, roughness, and redness.

ISDIN is a Spanish skincare brand founded in 1975 and owned by Puig.

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

Popular ISDIN vs SK-II products

People Say

ISDINSK-II
  • Lightweight and fluid texture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “absorbs instantly — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
    • “ultra-light fluid product, which makes it super easy to apply — ISDIN Fusion Water”
    • “drinks right into the skin — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
    • “pores became miraculously invisible — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
  • Hydrating and smoothing Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “Improved moisture and texture — ISDIN Hyaluronic Moisture”
    • “skin looks smooth and healthy — ISDIN K-Ox Eyes”
    • “flooded my skin with moisture — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
    • “skin feels deeply hydrated, plump, and smoother — SK-II Skinpower Advanced Cream”
  • Brightens and evens skin tone Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
    • “skin feels soft as butter — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
    • “gives a glass skin look — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
    • “leaves me with a red carpet glow — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
    • “My hyperpigmentation has lightened and skin looks more even, even shines more. — ISDIN Flavo-C Serum”
  • Gentle on sensitive skin Often MentionedRarely Noted
    • “Sensitive/reactive skin tolerates — ISDIN Hyaluronic Moisture”
    • “no excessive exfoliation — ISDIN Retinal Intense Serum”
    • “doesn't sting eyes — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
    • “Great for sensitive — SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence”
  • Makeup compatibility Often MentionedRarely Noted
    • “acts like a primer — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
    • “My skin felt sooo hydrated and looks so plump and dewey. — ISDIN Fusion Water”
    • “Great under makeup — ISDIN Hyaluronic Concentrate”
    • “Dissolves waterproof mascara, melts stubborn makeup, removes sunscreen easily. — SK-II Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil”
  • High price point Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “very expensive — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
    • “My only wish is that ISDIN would make this product in a bigger size bottle. — ISDIN Fusion Water”
    • “high cost — ISDIN K-Ox Eyes”
    • “way too expensive — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
  • Strong fragrance and scent issues Often MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “smell is overpowering — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
    • “lingering headache inducing effect — ISDIN K-Ox Eyes”
    • “smells like dirty feet — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
    • “smells slightly like saliva — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
  • Lack of results Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
    • “don't see result — ISDIN K-Ox Eyes”
    • “no noticeable changes yet — ISDIN Retinal Intense Serum”
    • “did absolutely nothing — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
  • Skin irritation and breakouts Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “mild redness or irritation — ISDIN K-Ox Eyes”
    • “Not hydrating enough in winter — ISDIN Hyaluronic Concentrate”
    • “I think the serum is too strong for my face as it has burned and left very rough and a peeling face. — ISDIN Flavo-C Serum”
    • “caused tiny red bumps — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”

ISDIN vs SK-II routines for dry skin

See multi-brand routine · 99% fit

ISDIN vs SK-II routines for oily skin

See multi-brand routine · 96% fit

ISDIN vs SK-II routines for combination skin

See multi-brand routine · 96% fit

Questions and answers

ISDIN or SK-II: which is better?

Both ISDIN and SK-II achieve a Superior Lovi fit level for dry skin, oily skin, acne-prone skin, and dry sensitive skin. ISDIN may work better if you prefer makeup-friendly sunscreens, while SK-II is generally better at brightening and evening skin tone.

What is the difference between ISDIN and SK-II?

ISDIN and SK-II are both well-reviewed skincare brands, but ISDIN tends to be better for makeup compatibility and sensitive skin, while SK-II does better at brightening and evening skin tone. Lovi rates ISDIN as having a Superior routine fit for sensitive skin, whereas SK-II has a High fit for that skin type.

ISDIN or SK-II for dry skin?

Both brands are a strong match for dry skin, as Lovi rates ISDIN as Superior and SK-II as Superior for this skin type.

ISDIN or SK-II: which moisturizer is better?

When comparing moisturizers, both ISDIN and SK-II offer effective options, but they differ in formulation and skin suitability as shown by the products on this page. SK-II features fragrance-free formulas with Pitera, while ISDIN includes options like Hyaluronic Concentrate that help hydrate the skin.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Which is more affordable, ISDIN or SK-II?

When it comes to affordability, reviewers on the page often mention a high price point as a downside for ISDIN products. SK-II products on this page are also considered luxury items with premium pricing. Lovi does not explicitly rank the price levels of these brands.

Which brand has fragrances in its products, ISDIN or SK-II?

ISDIN has fragrance in some of its products on this page, while every SK-II product on this page lists no fragrance in its ingredients.

ISDIN or SK-II for oily skin?

Both ISDIN and SK-II are a Superior fit for oily skin. Reviewers find that the products on this page for both brands share a lightweight and fluid texture.

ISDIN or SK-II for sensitive skin?

For sensitive skin, ISDIN reaches a Superior routine fit, whereas SK-II reaches a High routine fit. Reviewers note that ISDIN is gentler on sensitive skin, though some products on this page list fragrance.

ISDIN or SK-II for acne-prone skin?

For acne-prone skin, Lovi rates ISDIN as Superior and SK-II as Superior. Both brands fit this skin type equally well.

ISDIN or SK-II for mature skin?

For mature skin, ISDIN has a Superior Lovi fit level, while SK-II has a High fit level. Reviewers often mention that ISDIN offers ultralight, makeup-friendly, and skin-friendly sunscreens, but note that the brand's products on this page have a high price point and sometimes a strong fragrance.

ISDIN or SK-II for skin with dark spots?

For skin with dark spots, ISDIN is the better choice because Lovi rates its fit as Superior while SK-II gets a High fit level.

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

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