Some By Mi vs SK-II
Some By Mi and SK-II are prominent skincare brands originating from South Korea and Japan, respectively. Some By Mi offers serums, cleansers, toners, and moisturizers built around niacinamide, centella asiatica, and salicylic acid, while the brand is best suited for sensitive skin and skin with dark spots. Conversely, the Japanese counterpart is cherished across the globe for luxurious moisturizers, potent serums, clarifying toners, and restorative masks anchored by its signature ingredient, pitera, fitting dry skin and acne-prone skin best. Ultimately, they differ through their distinct foundational ingredients and targeted formulations.
Some By Mi is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2016 and owned by JKL Partners since 2021.
kedglobal.compreqin.comtracxn.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 Some By Mi and SK-II products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Some By Mi vs SK-II products
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AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
€5.70
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Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum
€28.85
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AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Acne Clear Foam
€14.90
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AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum
€33.50
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Retinol Intense Advanced Triple Action Eye Cream
€16.30
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Super Matcha Pore Clean Clay Mask
€16.79
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Beta Panthenol Repair Cream
€15.78
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Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream
€13.67
People Say
Hydrating and Lightweight Formulations Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “flooded my skin with moisture — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
- “skin feels deeply hydrated, plump, and smoother — SK-II Skinpower Advanced Cream”
- “drinks right into the skin — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
- “absorbs quickly — Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream”
Skin Texture and Smoothing Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Skin became smoother — Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner”
- “Surprisingly gentle — Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner”
- “skin feels soft as butter — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
- “pores became miraculously invisible — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
Brightening and Glow Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “gives a glass skin look — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
- “leaves me with a red carpet glow — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
- “Skin looks brighter — SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence”
- “Fades dark spots — Some By Mi Galactomyces Pure Vitamin C Glow Serum”
Gentleness and Sensitivity Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “Zero irritation or redness — Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum”
- “doesn't strip dry my skin — Some By Mi Super Matcha Pore Clean Clay Mask”
- “didn't find this irritating — Some By Mi Retinol Intense Advanced Triple Action Eye Cream”
- “Watery consistency — SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion”
Acne and Blemish Control Often MentionedNot noted
- “Reduces pimples — Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner”
- “cleared my cystic acne — Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Acne Clear Foam”
- “flattened my cystic acne — Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum”
Refreshing and Soothing Often MentionedNot noted
- “Calmed my retinol burn overnight — Some By Mi Beta Panthenol Repair Cream”
- “nice cooling effect — Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Acne Clear Foam”
- “calmed my angry red skin — Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum”
Product Value and Pricing Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
- “expensive — Some By Mi Super Matcha Pore Clean Clay Mask”
- “Too expensive for 50ml — Some By Mi Beta Panthenol Repair Cream”
- “way too expensive — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
Scents and Fragrance Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “smells like dirty feet — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
- “smells slightly like saliva — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
- “Fermented smell — SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion”
- “overwhelming citrus fragrance — Some By Mi V10 Hyal Air Fit Sunscreen”
Overhyped and Slow Results Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “didn't do much for old scars — Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Anti Blemish Serum”
- “not noticed any significant changes — Some By Mi Retinol Intense Advanced Triple Action Eye Cream”
- “did absolutely nothing — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
- “No visible difference — SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion”
Dryness and Dehydration Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “Need extra moisturizer — SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence”
- “not moisturizing enough — Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream”
Some By Mi vs SK-II routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€19.75
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Hydrating Toner
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Morning
€12.59
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Moisturizer
Facial Treatment Essence
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€235.61
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SPF
Australian Gold Botanical Lotion SPF 30
Morning
€21.04
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Pre-Cleanser
Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€138.08
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Serum or Treatment
Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum
Evening · Once a week
€9.99
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Nourishing Mask
Facial Treatment Mask
Once a week
€89.99
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Cleanser
Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Low pH Gel Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€16.90
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Hydrating Toner
Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning
€16.59
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Moisturizer
Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€13.67
-
SPF
V10 Hyal Air Fit Sunscreen
Morning
€16.90
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
€10.97
-
Serum or Treatment
Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Serum
Evening · Once a week
€21.90
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Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
€19.00
Some By Mi vs SK-II routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€11.75
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
€16.59
-
Moisturizer
Facial Treatment Essence
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€235.61
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SPF
make p:rem UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Cream
Morning
€32.80
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Pre-Cleanser
Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€138.08
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Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
€16.90
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Serum or Treatment
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Evening · Once a week
€5.80
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Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€48.55
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Cleansing Mask
Dr. Sebagh Deep Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
€81.80
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Cleanser
Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Low pH Gel Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€16.90
-
Hydrating Toner
Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
€16.59
-
Moisturizer
Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€13.67
-
SPF
V10 Hyal Air Fit Sunscreen
Morning
€16.90
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€104.00
-
Cleansing Toner
AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
Evening
€5.70
-
Serum or Treatment
AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum
Evening · Once a week
€33.50
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€48.55
-
Cleansing Mask
Super Matcha Pore Clean Clay Mask
Once a week
€16.79
Some By Mi vs SK-II routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€39.99
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Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
€36.00
-
Moisturizer
Facial Treatment Essence
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€235.61
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Pre-Cleanser
Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€138.08
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
€16.98
-
Serum or Treatment
Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum
Evening · Once a week
€9.99
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€48.55
-
Cleansing Mask
Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay
Once a week
€28.50
-
Cleanser
Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Low pH Gel Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€16.90
-
Hydrating Toner
Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
€16.59
-
Moisturizer
Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€13.67
-
SPF
V10 Hyal Air Fit Sunscreen
Morning
€16.90
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€104.00
-
Cleansing Toner
AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
Evening
€5.70
-
Serum or Treatment
AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum
Evening · Once a week
€33.50
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€48.55
-
Cleansing Mask
Super Matcha Pore Clean Clay Mask
Once a week
€16.79
Questions and answers
Some By Mi or SK-II: which is better?
Some By Mi is better for acne-prone skin, sensitive skin, and dark spots, while SK-II is better for hydration, brightening, and oily skin.
What is the difference between Some By Mi and SK-II?
Some By Mi is best for acne-clearing treatments and gentleness on sensitive skin, while SK-II offers superior hydrating formulations and brightening benefits. Both brands offer products with no added fragrance across the range shown on this page.
Some By Mi or SK-II for dry skin?
Both Some By Mi and SK-II achieve a superior routine fit for dry skin on the products on this page. Some By Mi relies on key ingredients like niacinamide and panthenol, which helps hydrate and maintain the skin barrier.
Some By Mi or SK-II: which moisturizer is better?
For moisturizers on this page, SK-II delivers more hydrating and lightweight formulations, while Some By Mi helps with brightening and dark spots. Lovi fit for dry skin is Superior for Some By Mi and Superior for SK-II.
Which is more affordable, Some By Mi or SK-II?
Some By Mi does better than SK-II for product value and pricing, making it the more affordable choice on this page.
Which brand has better review themes for gentleness and sensitivity?
Some By Mi does better for gentleness and sensitivity. Reviewers commonly mention that its products help provide gentle formulations, and Lovi rates the brand as a Superior fit for sensitive skin.
When comparing key ingredients, what does each brand use?
When comparing key ingredients, Some By Mi uses Niacinamide, Centella asiatica, and Salicylic acid across the products on this page, while SK-II uses Pitera.
Some By Mi or SK-II for oily skin?
For oily skin, SK-II offers superior routine fit compared to Some By Mi, which achieves a high fit. Both brands list no fragrance in their products on this page.
Some By Mi or SK-II for sensitive skin?
Some By Mi is the better choice for sensitive skin, achieving a superior Lovi fit level compared to SK-II's high fit level.
Some By Mi or SK-II for acne-prone skin?
Both brands are a strong choice for acne-prone skin, with SK-II achieving a superior Lovi fit level and Some By Mi reaching high. Some By Mi products on this page feature key ingredients like salicylic acid that help manage breakouts.
Some By Mi or SK-II for skin with dark spots?
For skin with dark spots, Some By Mi achieves a Superior Lovi fit level across the products on this page, while SK-II achieves a High fit level. Niacinamide helps reduce cutaneous pigmentation.
Research behind their key ingredients
The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer
Topical menthol--a human model for cold pain by activation and sensitization of C nociceptors
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
Topical palmitoyl pentapeptide provides improvement in photoaged human facial skin
Effects of ascorbic acid on gingival melanin pigmentation in vitro and in vivo
HelixComplex snail mucus as a potential technology against O3 induced skin damage
Vitamin C-squalene bioconjugate promotes epidermal thickening and collagen production in human skin
Ethosomes of Phenylethyl Resorcinol as Vesicular Delivery System for Skin Lightening Applications
The use of green tea extract in cosmetic formulations: not only an antioxidant active ingredient
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
Allergy to oxidized limonene and linalool is frequent in the U.K
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Three clinical studies showing the anti-aging benefits of sodium salicylate in human skin
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens
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.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
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Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
-

Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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