Biore and SK-II are Japanese skincare brands founded in 1980 that offer distinct paths to healthy skin. Biore is beloved for sunscreens, cleansers, masks, and makeup removers that suit sensitive and combination skin best. Conversely, SK-II is appreciated for luxurious moisturizers, potent serums , rejuvenating masks, and clarifying toners powered by pitera, which suit combination, oily, normal, and dry skin best. While both deliver reliable daily care through effective formulas, they differ in their core ingredients and target complexions.
Biore is a Japanese skincare brand founded in 1980 and owned by Kao Corporation.
biore.com kao.com
SK-II is a Japanese skincare brand founded in 1980 and owned by The Procter & Gamble Company since 1991.
en.wikipedia.org discoversk-ii.wixsite.com glossy.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
Biore SK-II
+ Lightweight and watery texture
Often Mentioned Often 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 Mentioned Not noted
“Gets the gunk out — Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips” “Face feels squeaky clean — Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser”
+ Makeup base and removal
Often Mentioned Rarely 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 noted Mostly 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 Mentioned Rarely 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 Noted Sometimes 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 noted Mostly Mentioned
“way too expensive — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
– Strong alcohol or unpleasant scent
Often Mentioned Often 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 Noted Often 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 Mentioned Rarely Noted
“Face burns — SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence” “Nose was irritated — Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips”
Questions and answers
Biore or SK-II: which is better?
Biore and SK-II each serve different needs, as Biore is better for effective debris removal and deep cleaning, while SK-II is better for radiance and glow.
What is the difference between Biore and SK-II?
Biore and SK-II differ across several shopper review themes, where Biore does better for effective debris and deep clean removal, makeup base and removal, and clear complexion and gentle rinse, while SK-II does better for radiance and glow. Lovi rates the products on this page across various skin types with different fit levels ranging from Low and Caution to Average, High, and Superior.
Which is more affordable, Biore or SK-II?
Biore is more affordable than SK-II, as SK-II has a review theme of exorbitant and high price.
Which causes fewer breakouts, Biore or SK-II?
For acne-prone skin, the Genoptics Ultraura Essence by SK-II has a Superior Lovi fit level, whereas the products on this page by Biore generally have an Average fit level.
Between Biore and SK-II, which brand has products that contain fragrance?
Neither Biore nor SK-II has products that contain fragrance, as every product on this page lists no fragrance in its ingredients.
Which brand's products provide better performance for radiance and glow?
SK-II does better for radiance and glow according to the review themes on this page.
Which brand was founded in Japan in the year 1980, and which company owns SK-II?
Both Biore and SK-II were founded in Japan in 1980. SK-II is owned by The Procter & Gamble Company.
2 more questions
Research behind their key ingredients
The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer
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
Niacinamide · Antioxidants, 2021 Benefits of topical hyaluronic acid for skin quality and signs of skin aging: From literature review to clinical evidence
Hyaluronic acid · Dermatologic Therapy, 2022 Topical use of dexpanthenol in skin disorders
Panthenol, D-pantothenyl alcohol · American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002 Anti-aging and brightening effects of a topical treatment containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and raspberry leaf cell culture extract: A split-face, randomized controlled trial
Tocopherol · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020
36 more studies
Psychophysical study of the effects of topical application of menthol in healthy volunteers
Menthol · Pain, 2006 Effects of ascorbic acid on gingival melanin pigmentation in vitro and in vivo
L-ascorbic acid 2-glucoside, Ascorbyl glucoside · Journal of Periodontology, 2009 Topical Formulation Containing Naringenin: Efficacy against Ultraviolet B Irradiation-Induced Skin Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Mice
Grapefruit fruit extract · PloS One, 2016 Effect of a topical antioxidant serum containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid after Q-switched 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser for treatment of environment-induced skin pigmentation
Tocopherol · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020 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
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
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
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
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
Niacinamide · Scientific Reports, 2024 High molecular compounds (polysaccharides and proanthocyanidins) from Hamamelis virginiana bark: influence on human skin keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation and influence on irritated skin
Witch hazel leaf extract · Phytochemistry, 2001 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
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
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
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
Salicylic acid · Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023 Challenging the safety and efficacy of topically applied chlorogenic acid, apigenin, kaempferol, and naringenin by HET-CAM, HPLC-TBARS-EVSC, and laser Doppler flowmetry
Grapefruit fruit extract · Frontiers in Chemistry, 2024 Subclinical, non-erythematous irritation with an open assay model (washing): sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) versus sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)
Sodium laureth sulfate · Food and Chemical Toxicology, 2001 Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation by topical N-undecyl-10-enoyl-L-phenylalanine and its combination with niacinamide
Undecylenoyl phenylalanine · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2009 In vivo and in vitro evaluation of octyl methoxycinnamate liposomes
Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate · International Journal of Nanomedicine, 2013 Inhibitory effects of shell of Camellia oleifera Abel extract on mushroom tyrosinase and human skin melanin
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
Undecylenoyl phenylalanine · Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 2010 Effect of seasonal and geographical differences on skin and effect of treatment with an osmoprotectant: Sorbitol
Sorbitol · Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2013 Influence of vitamin E acetate on stratum corneum hydration
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
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
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
Panthenol, D-pantothenyl alcohol · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025 Nanostructured Lipid Carrier Based Gel Containing α-Tocopherol and α-Tocopheryl Acetate for Synergistic Cutaneous Antiaging Efficacy
Tocopheryl acetate · Scientific Reports, 2025 Glycerol crosslinked vitamin E loaded xanthan gum and gellan gum nanoemulgels for topical management of dry skin
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
L-ascorbic acid 2-glucoside, Ascorbyl glucoside · Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2016 Safety assessment on comedogenicity of dermatological products containing d-alpha tocopheryl acetate in Asian subjects: A double-blind randomized controlled trial
Tocopheryl acetate · Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 2021 Mitigation of ultraviolet-induced erythema and inflammation by para-hydroxycinnamic acid in human skin
Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2025 Facial disbiosis and UV filters
Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate · Archives of Dermatological Research, 2024 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
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
L-ascorbic acid 2-glucoside, Ascorbyl glucoside · International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024 Impact of dermal emulsions containing diacyl phospholipids, mono acyl phospholipids, sodium lauryl ether sulfate and polysorbate 80 in combination with UVA irradiation on human skin physiology in vivo: A pilot study
Sodium laureth sulfate · International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2026 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
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
Ascorbyl glucoside · Cureus, 2026
Show fewer
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
Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
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
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
Aishani Shah, MD
Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
Asya Zubkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
Hanna Kurets, MD
Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist