# SK-II skincare

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/brands/sk-ii

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for Spain.

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/)

Skincare enthusiasts deeply appreciate SK-II for its luxurious moisturizers, potent [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/serum), rejuvenating masks, clarifying toners, and other meticulously crafted formulas powered by its signature ingredient, pitera. Its products suit combination, oily, normal, and dry skin best, seamlessly adapting to diverse complexions. To address specific concerns, the standout products include the Genoptics Ultraura Essence for acne-prone skin, the Facial Treatment Essence for skin with dark spots, and the Facial Treatment Clear Lotion for mature skin. Ultimately, the botanical science behind pitera improves pore area, roughness, and redness, bestowing a refined and balanced complexion.

[Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34198790/)

- Pitera

This page covers some of the most popular SK-II products; for the whole SK-II range, with a fit score for every product, [use the Lovi app](https://app.pora.ai/vqqJ/j1xj2b6o?af_sub2=brand&af_sub3=selection_note&af_sub4=pg1a742e5aee).

### Other SK-II products

#### Other products

- [Facial Treatment Essence](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/sk-ii/facial-treatment-essence/for/dry-skin) — High fit
- [Skinpower Advanced Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/sk-ii/skinpower-advanced-cream/for/mature-skin) — High fit
- [Facial Treatment Clear Lotion](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/sk-ii/facial-treatment-clear-lotion/for/oily-skin) — High fit
- [Genoptics Ultraura Essence](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/sk-ii/genoptics-ultraura-essence/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit
- [Genoptics Spot Essence](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/sk-ii/genoptics-spot-essence/for/dark-spots) — Average fit
- [Facial Treatment Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/sk-ii/facial-treatment-mask/for/dry-skin) — High fit
- [Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/sk-ii/facial-treatment-cleansing-oil/for/dry-skin) — High fit

## People Say

★4.4

Overall rating based on 21.8k+ reviews

Reviewers most often praise SK-II for hydrating formulas, radiant glow, and improved skin texture. The most common complaints are high prices and skin irritation or breakouts.

Sources: lovi.care, sk-ii.com, influenster.com, macys.com, bloomingdales.com, sephora.sg, and more

## Questions and answers

### Is SK-II worth it?

SK-II offers formulas that help keep skin feeling soft and smooth, with the SK-II products on this page containing no added fragrance. Lovi rates SK-II-focused routines Superior for dry, oily, sensitive, combination, and acne-prone skin.

[Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34198790/)

### What are SK-II's best products?

Genoptics Ultraura Essence is the top pick, as Lovi rates it Superior for acne-prone skin and oily acne-prone skin. The SK-II products on this page help keep skin smooth and are fragrance-free.

[Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34198790/)

### Which SK-II moisturizer is best for dry skin?

Facial Treatment Essence is the best choice for dry skin, and Skinpower Advanced Cream is another strong option. Lovi rates both High for dry skin.

[Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34198790/)

### Does SK-II cause breakouts?

SK-II is unlikely to cause breakouts, and Lovi rates Facial Treatment Essence High for acne-prone skin while the brand features Pitera to help maintain a smooth skin texture. The SK-II products on this page list no fragrance in their ingredients.

[Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34198790/)

### Is SK-II fragrance-free?

Yes, the SK-II products on this page list no fragrance in their ingredients. Lovi rates the SK-II products as completely free of added scents.

### What are the key ingredients in SK-II products?

The key ingredient across the SK-II products on this page is Pitera, which helps support the skin. Lovi rates the SK-II-focused routine Superior for dry, oily, sensitive, combination, and acne-prone skin.

[Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34198790/)

### How do I build a SK-II skincare routine?

To build an SK-II skincare routine, start by gently removing makeup with Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil, follow with Facial Treatment Clear Lotion to tone, and then apply Facial Treatment Essence to keep your skin smooth and soft. Finish by layering Genoptics Ultraura Essence for dark spots and Skinpower Advanced Cream to lock in moisture, with the Facial Treatment Mask added a few times a week for an extra boost. Lovi rates the SK-II-focused routine Superior for dry, oily, sensitive, combination, and acne-prone skin.

[Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34198790/)

### What are good alternatives to SK-II?

Good alternatives to SK-II with pages on Lovi include Biore, Hada Labo, Shiseido, Shiseido Senka, DHC, and Pair. For dry, oily, sensitive, combination, and acne-prone skin types, the Biore-focused routine is a High fit compared to the Superior fit of the SK-II routines.

### SK-II vs Biore: which is better?

SK-II is better for dry skin and oily skin, where Lovi rates the SK-II-focused routines as Superior compared to High for Biore-focused routines. The SK-II products on this page list no fragrance in their ingredients.

[Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34198790/)

### Who owns SK-II, and where is it from?

SK-II is a Japanese brand founded in 1980, 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/)

### Is SK-II cruelty-free?

PETA, Leaping Bunny, and Cruelty Free International, the registries Lovi checks, do not list SK-II as cruelty-free.

## Research behind SK-II's 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
- [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
- [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, Concentrated 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/) D-pantothenyl alcohol · 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
- [Influence of vitamin E acetate on stratum corneum hydration](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9706379/) Tocopheryl acetate · Arzneimittel-Forschung, 1998
- [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

## Similar brands

- Japanese skincare: [Biore](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/brands/biore)
- Japanese skincare: [Hada Labo](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/brands/hada-labo)
- Japanese skincare: [Shiseido](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/brands/shiseido)
- Japanese skincare: [Shiseido Senka](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/brands/shiseido-senka)
- Japanese skincare: [DHC](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/brands/dhc)
- Japanese skincare: [Pair](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/brands/pair)
- Japanese skincare: [Anessa](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/brands/anessa)
- Japanese skincare: [FANCL](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/brands/fancl)
- Japanese skincare: [Shu Uemura](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/brands/shu-uemura)
- Japanese skincare: [Kose](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/brands/kose)

## Compare SK-II

- [SKIN1004 vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/skin1004-vs-sk-ii)
- [Anua vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/anua-vs-sk-ii)
- [Medicube vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/medicube-vs-sk-ii)
- [The Ordinary vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/the-ordinary-vs-sk-ii)
- [Beauty of Joseon vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/beauty-of-joseon-vs-sk-ii)
- [COSRX vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/cosrx-vs-sk-ii)
- [CeraVe vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/cerave-vs-sk-ii)
- [La Roche-Posay vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-sk-ii)
- [Dr. Althea vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/dr-althea-vs-sk-ii)
- [Some By Mi vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/some-by-mi-vs-sk-ii)
- [Torriden vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/torriden-vs-sk-ii)
- [celimax vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/celimax-vs-sk-ii)
- [Purito vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/purito-vs-sk-ii)
- [Cetaphil vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/cetaphil-vs-sk-ii)
- [Paula's Choice vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/paula-s-choice-vs-sk-ii)
- [Neutrogena vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/neutrogena-vs-sk-ii)
- [Kiehl's vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/kiehl-s-vs-sk-ii)
- [Caudalie vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/caudalie-vs-sk-ii)
- [Dermalogica vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/dermalogica-vs-sk-ii)
- [Good Molecules vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/good-molecules-vs-sk-ii)

## Popular brands

- Korean skincare: [SKIN1004](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/brands/skin1004)
- Korean skincare: [Anua](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/brands/anua)
- Korean skincare: [Medicube](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/brands/medicube)
- Canadian skincare: [The Ordinary](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/brands/the-ordinary)
- Korean skincare: [Beauty of Joseon](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/brands/beauty-of-joseon)
- Korean skincare: [COSRX](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/brands/cosrx)
- American skincare: [CeraVe](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/brands/cerave)
- French skincare: [La Roche-Posay](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/brands/la-roche-posay)
- Korean skincare: [Dr. Althea](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/brands/dr-althea)
- Korean skincare: [Some By Mi](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/brands/some-by-mi)
- Korean skincare: [Torriden](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/brands/torriden)
- Korean skincare: [celimax](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/brands/celimax)
- Korean skincare: [Purito](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/brands/purito)
- Korean skincare: [ROUND LAB](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/brands/round-lab)
- American skincare: [Cetaphil](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/brands/cetaphil)
- American skincare: [Paula's Choice](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/brands/paula-s-choice)
- American skincare: [Neutrogena](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/brands/neutrogena)
- Korean skincare: [AXIS-Y](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/brands/axis-y)
- American skincare: [Kiehl's](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/brands/kiehl-s)
- Korean skincare: [d'Alba](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/brands/d-alba)

## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi rates every product from its 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 these ratings: 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/brands/sk-ii
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/brands/sk-ii
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/brands/sk-ii
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/brands/sk-ii
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/brands/sk-ii
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/brands/sk-ii
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/brands/sk-ii
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/brands/sk-ii (this page)
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/brands/sk-ii
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/brands/sk-ii
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/brands/sk-ii
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/brands/sk-ii
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/brands/sk-ii