# SK-II vs NIOD

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

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 NIOD are distinct skincare brands rooted in different philosophies and regional origins. SK-II is celebrated for its 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 complexions best. Conversely, the Canadian brand is known for its advanced serums and balancing toners featuring sophisticated formulas that suit mature, sensitive, and dry skin types best. While both offer targeted results through meticulous development, they differ in their signature ingredients and the specific skin profiles they most effectively nurture.

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/)

NIOD is a Canadian skincare brand founded in 2015 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. since 2021.

[elcompanies.com](https://www.elcompanies.com/en/news-and-media/newsroom/press-releases/2024/06-03-2024-114511824) [glossy.co](https://www.glossy.co/beauty/estee-lauder-companies-completes-acquisition-of-deciem-the-ordinary-niod-for-1-7-billion/) [niod.com](https://niod.com/en-us/niod-about.html) [beautymatter.com](https://beautymatter.com/articles/niod-beautys-smartest-cult-brand-hits-sephora)

This page compares some of the most popular SK-II and NIOD 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=pg59dd9dc6d9).

### Popular SK-II vs NIOD 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

#### NIOD

- [Modulating Glucosides](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/niod/modulating-glucosides/for/mature-skin) — High fit
- [Superoxide Dismutase Saccharide Mist](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/niod/superoxide-dismutase-saccharide-mist/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Average fit

## Questions and answers

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

Both brands offer solid options, but SK-II stands out on this page with specialized products like Genoptics Ultraura Essence, which achieves a Superior fit for acne-prone skin. NIOD also provides gentle hydration through items such as Modulating Glucosides, which earns a High fit for sensitive skin.

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

SK-II was founded in Japan in 1980 and features Pitera across the products on this page, whereas NIOD was founded in Canada in 2015. Both brands offer fragrance-free formulas, but SK-II provides a wider range of products including essences, masks, and cleansers, while NIOD focuses on targeted [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/serum) and mists.

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

Neither SK-II nor NIOD lists pricing or affordability details for the products on this page.

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

Both brands offer products that help with breakouts, but SK-II has options like the Genoptics Ultraura Essence that Lovi rates as a Superior fit for acne-prone skin.

### Which brand is older, SK-II or NIOD?

SK-II is older than NIOD, having been founded in Japan in 1980, whereas NIOD was founded in Canada in 2015.

### Where are SK-II and NIOD headquartered?

SK-II is headquartered in Japan, while NIOD is headquartered in Canada.

### Which company owns SK-II and which company owns NIOD?

SK-II is owned by The Procter & Gamble Company, while NIOD is owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

## 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
- [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
- [Effects of glyceryl glucoside on AQP3 expression, barrier function and hydration of human skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22584263/) Glucosides · Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2012
- [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 · 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
- [Treatment of xerosis with a topical formulation containing glyceryl glucoside, natural moisturizing factors, and ceramide](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22916312/) Glucosides · The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2012
- [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
- [Topical application of superoxide dismutase mediated by HIV-TAT peptide attenuates UVB-induced damages in human skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27460952/) Superoxide dismutase · European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, 2016
- [Effects of 1,3-propanediol associated, or not, with butylene glycol and/or glycerol on skin hydration and skin barrier function](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37699769/) Propanediol · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2024
- [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
- [Use of the synthetic superoxide dismutase/catalase mimetic EUK-134 to compensate for seasonal antioxidant deficiency by reducing pre-existing lipid peroxides at the human skin surface](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18492138/) Superoxide dismutase · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2004
- [Redefining face contour with a novel anti-aging cosmetic product: an open-label, prospective clinical study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29180884/) Pseudoalteromonas exopolysaccharides · Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
- [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)
- Canadian skincare: [NIOD](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/brands/niod)

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- [Anua vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/anua-vs-sk-ii)
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- [The Ordinary vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/the-ordinary-vs-sk-ii)
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- [Beauty of Joseon vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/beauty-of-joseon-vs-sk-ii)
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- [CeraVe vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/cerave-vs-sk-ii)
- [CeraVe vs NIOD](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/cerave-vs-niod)
- [La Roche-Posay vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-sk-ii)
- [La Roche-Posay vs NIOD](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-niod)
- [Dr. Althea vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/dr-althea-vs-sk-ii)
- [Dr. Althea vs NIOD](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/dr-althea-vs-niod)
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- [Some By Mi vs NIOD](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/some-by-mi-vs-niod)

## 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

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