# SK-II vs Menarini

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/sk-ii-vs-menarini

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

SK-II and Menarini are distinct skincare lines offering tailored solutions for diverse complexions. The Japanese brand founded in 1980 features luxurious moisturizers, potent [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/serum), rejuvenating masks, and clarifying toners powered by pitera, suiting combination, oily, normal, and dry skin best. Meanwhile, the second brand provides advanced serums and thoughtful formulas known for gentle care that suits sensitive, dry, and combination skin best. While both support a healthy complexion, they differ through the botanical science of pitera in the first and the targeted compositions of the second.

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/)

This page compares some of the most popular SK-II and Menarini products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, [use the Lovi app](https://app.pora.ai/vqqJ/j1xj2b6o?af_sub2=compare&af_sub3=selection_note&af_sub4=pg3f493e69f5).

### Popular SK-II vs Menarini products

#### SK-II

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

#### Menarini

- [A-Ret Gel](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/menarini/a-ret-gel/for/oily-skin) — High fit

## Questions and answers

### SK-II or Menarini: which is better?

SK-II is generally better for most users because the products on this page achieve High or Superior Lovi fit levels across a wide range of skin types, whereas Menarini offers only a single product with more limited fits. [Tretinoin](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/tretinoin) in Menarini's A-Ret Gel helps restore [collagen](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/collagen) formation in photodamaged skin.

[The New England Journal of Medicine, 1993](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8336752/)

### What is the difference between SK-II and Menarini?

SK-II offers a broad range of fragrance-free products on this page featuring Pitera, such as the Genoptics Ultraura Essence which gets a Superior Lovi fit for acne-prone skin. In contrast, Menarini features just one product on this page, A-Ret Gel, which contains tretinoin and helps with oily skin.

[The New England Journal of Medicine, 1993](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8336752/) [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32210603/)

### Which is more affordable, SK-II or Menarini?

The products on this page do not list pricing information, so a comparison of affordability cannot be made between SK-II and Menarini.

### Which causes fewer breakouts, SK-II or Menarini?

SK-II helps prevent breakouts with its acne-focused products on this page, which earn High to Superior Lovi fit levels for acne-prone skin, while Menarini offers just one [serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/serum) with an average fit.

### How do the founding years and corporate ownerships of SK-II and Menarini compare?

SK-II was founded in 1980 in Japan and has been owned by The Procter & Gamble Company since 1991, whereas Menarini was founded earlier in 1886 and is owned by the Menarini Group.

### Which products from SK-II and Menarini contain no fragrance according to their ingredients lists?

Every product on this page from both SK-II and Menarini lists no fragrance in its ingredients.

### What are the key ingredients featured across the skincare products of SK-II and Menarini?

The products on this page from SK-II feature Pitera as their key ingredient, while no specific key ingredient is highlighted across the single Menarini product listed.

## Research behind their 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
- [Restoration of collagen formation in photodamaged human skin by tretinoin (retinoic acid)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8336752/) Tretinoin · The New England Journal of Medicine, 1993
- [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
- [Clinical Assessment of New Topical Cream Containing Two Essential Oils Combined with Tretinoin in the Treatment of Acne](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32210603/) Tretinoin · Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational 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](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
- [Efficacy assessments of tretinoin-loaded nano lipid carriers in acne vulgaris: a double blind, split-face randomized clinical study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34146120/) Tretinoin · Archives of Dermatological Research, 2022
- [Topical tretinoin for treating photoaging: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35620028/) Tretinoin · International Journal of Women's Dermatology, 2022
- [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

## The brands

- Japanese skincare: [SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/brands/sk-ii)
- Skincare: [Menarini](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/brands/menarini)

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- [The Ordinary vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/the-ordinary-vs-sk-ii)
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- [COSRX vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/cosrx-vs-sk-ii)
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- [CeraVe vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/cerave-vs-sk-ii)
- [CeraVe vs Menarini](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/cerave-vs-menarini)
- [La Roche-Posay vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-sk-ii)
- [La Roche-Posay vs Menarini](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-menarini)
- [Dr. Althea vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/dr-althea-vs-sk-ii)
- [Dr. Althea vs Menarini](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/dr-althea-vs-menarini)
- [Some By Mi vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/some-by-mi-vs-sk-ii)
- [Some By Mi vs Menarini](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/some-by-mi-vs-menarini)

## About the Lovi Fit

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

Lovi compares products by their fit scores, calculated from the 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 this comparison: 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/compare/sk-ii-vs-menarini
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/sk-ii-vs-menarini
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/compare/sk-ii-vs-menarini
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- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/sk-ii-vs-menarini (this page)
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/sk-ii-vs-menarini
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/sk-ii-vs-menarini
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/compare/sk-ii-vs-menarini
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/sk-ii-vs-menarini
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/compare/sk-ii-vs-menarini