SK-II and KORRES are renowned skincare lines offering specialized daily care for diverse complexions. SK-II provides luxurious moisturizers, potent serums , rejuvenating masks, and clarifying toners powered by pitera, suiting combination, oily, normal, and dry skin best. In contrast, the second brand is warmly loved for its thoughtfully crafted moisturizers and cleansers drawing on botanical formulas, which suit sensitive skin and dry skin best. Ultimately, both differ as the former relies on pitera to refine pores, roughness, and redness, while the latter delivers reliable daily care for a balanced and healthy complexion.
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 SK-II and KORRES products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app .
Popular SK-II vs KORRES products
People Say
SK-II KORRES
+ Skin Texture and Smoothing
Mostly Mentioned Mostly Mentioned
“skin feels soft as butter — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence” “drinks right into the skin — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence” “feels like velvet — KORRES Velvet Skin Drink” “absorbs instantly — KORRES Santorini Grape Poreless Skin Cream”
+ Hydration and Moisture
Mostly Mentioned Mostly Mentioned
“flooded my skin with moisture — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask” “skin feels deeply hydrated, plump, and smoother — SK-II Skinpower Advanced Cream” “saved my dry skin — KORRES Velvet Skin Drink” “extremely moisturizing — KORRES Bounce Firming Moisturizer”
+ Radiance and Glow
Mostly Mentioned Often 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” “brings bounce back — KORRES Bounce Firming Moisturizer”
+ Makeup Removal and Cleansing
Rarely Noted Often Mentioned
“Leaves skin soft — KORRES Foaming Cream Cleanser” “leaves face soft and smooth — KORRES Greek Yoghurt Foaming Cream Cleanser” “removes liquid eyeliner — KORRES Greek Yoghurt Foaming Cream Cleanser” “Dissolves waterproof mascara, melts stubborn makeup, removes sunscreen easily. — SK-II Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil”
+ Gentle Formula
Sometimes Noted Often Mentioned
“Calms redness — KORRES Foaming Cream Cleanser” “calmed my redness — KORRES Santorini Grape Poreless Skin Cream” “Watery consistency — SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion”
– High Price
Mostly Mentioned Often Mentioned
“jar is very small — KORRES Santorini Grape Poreless Skin Cream” “Expensive for cleanser — KORRES Foaming Cream Cleanser” “priciest face cleanser — KORRES Greek Yoghurt Foaming Cream Cleanser” “way too expensive — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
– Unpleasant Scent and Fragrance
Often Mentioned Often Mentioned
“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” “smells like babies — KORRES Greek Yoghurt Foaming Cream Cleanser”
– Breakouts and Skin Reactions
Often Mentioned Often Mentioned
“caused tiny red bumps — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence” “dried to a tacky finish — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask” “felt tight after an hour — KORRES Santorini Grape Poreless Skin Cream” “broke me out — KORRES Greek Yoghurt Foaming Cream Cleanser”
– Lack of Results
Often Mentioned Rarely Noted
“didn't erase pores — KORRES Santorini Grape Poreless Skin Cream” “did absolutely nothing — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
Questions and answers
SK-II or KORRES: which is better?
Both brands perform well, with SK-II achieving a High Lovi fit for radiance and glow on this page. KORRES is often better for gentle formulas and makeup removal, though reviewers frequently mention fragrance and scent complaints.
What is the difference between SK-II and KORRES?
SK-II stands out for radiance and glow with its fragrance-free products on this page, while KORRES does better for a gentle formula and makeup removal and cleansing even though its products on this page include fragrance.
SK-II or KORRES: which moisturizer is better?
When it comes to moisturizers, SK-II offers products on this page like the Skinpower Advanced Cream with a High fit for dry and mature skin, while KORRES features options such as the Bounce Firming Moisturizer with a High fit for dry skin.
Which is more affordable, SK-II or KORRES?
KORRES faces high price and value concerns among reviewers on this page, whereas SK-II does not have this listed as a complaint.
Which causes fewer breakouts, SK-II or KORRES?
Both SK-II and KORRES perform equally regarding breakouts and skin reactions. Review themes show that neither brand stands out as causing fewer or more breakouts than the other.
Which brand has fragrance-free products, SK-II or KORRES?
SK-II has fragrance-free products, as every product on its page lists no fragrance in its ingredients, whereas 0 of 5 KORRES products on this page list no fragrance.
Which brand performs better for makeup removal and cleansing?
KORRES performs better for makeup removal and cleansing according to shopper feedback on this page. Reviewers frequently mention its gentle, rich, and effective cleansing products.
What key ingredient is found across SK-II products?
The key ingredient found across the products on this page for SK-II is Pitera.
3 more questions
Research behind their key ingredients
40 more studies
Effects of ascorbic acid on gingival melanin pigmentation in vitro and in vivo
L-ascorbic acid 2-glucoside, Ascorbyl glucoside · Journal of Periodontology, 2009 Effect of fermentation time on the content of bioactive compounds with cosmetic and dermatological properties in Kombucha Yerba Mate extracts
Saccharomyces xylinum black tea ferment · Scientific Reports, 2021 Efficacy of probiotic-derived lotion from Lactobacillus paracasei MSMC 39-1 in mild to moderate acne vulgaris, randomized controlled trial
Lactobacillus · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022 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 · 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 Evaluation of Cosmetic and Dermatological Properties of Kombucha-Fermented Berry Leaf Extracts Considered to Be By-Products
Saccharomyces xylinum black tea ferment · Molecules, 2022 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 · 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 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 Clay jojoba oil facial mask for lesioned skin and mild acne--results of a prospective, observational pilot study
Jojoba seed oil · Forschende Komplementarmedizin, 2012 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 Prebiotic Colloidal Oat Supports the Growth of Cutaneous Commensal Bacteria Including S. epidermidis and Enhances the Production of Lactic Acid
Prebiotics · Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2021 Antioxidant-based topical formulations influence on the inflammatory response of Japanese skin: A clinical study using non-invasive techniques
Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate · European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, 2017 Topical application of jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis L.) wax enhances the synthesis of pro-collagen III and hyaluronic acid and reduces inflammation in the ex-vivo human skin organ culture model
Jojoba seed oil · Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2024 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 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 Assessment of Cosmetic and Dermatological Properties and Safety of Use of Model Skin Tonics with Kombucha-Fermented Red Berry Extracts
Saccharomyces xylinum black tea ferment · International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2022 Influence of vitamin E acetate on stratum corneum hydration
Tocopheryl acetate · Arzneimittel-Forschung, 1998 Why is sodium cocoyl isethionate (SCI) mild to the skin barrier? - An in vitro investigation based on the relative sizes of the SCI micelles and the skin aqueous pores
Sodium cocoyl isethionate · Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2007 Clinical Efficacy in Skin Hydration and Reducing Wrinkles of Nanoemulsions Containing Macadamia integrifolia Seed Oil
Macadamia seed oil · Nanomaterials, 2024 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 · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025 Enhancing the Cosmetic Potential of Aloe Vera Gel by Kombucha-Mediated Fermentation: Phytochemical Analysis and Evaluation of Antioxidant, Anti-Aging and Moisturizing Properties
Saccharomyces xylinum black tea ferment · Molecules, 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 Clinical efficacy of facial masks containing yoghurt and Opuntia humifusa Raf. (F-YOP)
Yogurt · Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2011 Investigation of Controlled Release Molecular Mechanism of Oil Phase in Spilanthol Emulsion: Development and In Vitro, In Vivo Characterization
Spilanthes acmella flower extract · AAPS PharmSciTech, 2019 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 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 Effects of a Greek Yoghurt-based Complex on the Human Facial Skin Microbiome
Yogurt · In Vivo, 2026 Efficacy and safety of combination cream of stimu-tex AS™ (spent grain wax, Argania Spinosa Kernel oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (shea butter) extract), and saccharide isomerate after fractional CO2 laser procedure: split-face, double blinded, randomized controlled trial
Saccharide isomerate · Lasers in Medical Science, 2025 A novel facial moisturizer containing Saccharide isomerate accelerates skin barrier restoration following intense pulsed light treatment: a randomized split-face study
Saccharide isomerate · The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2025 Saccharide isomerate ameliorates cosmetic scalp conditions in a Chinese study population
Saccharide isomerate · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023
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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