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SK-II vs Allies of Skin

Rated by Lovi · Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes · How the Fit score works

SK-II and Allies of Skin are two distinct skincare lines known for thoughtful moisturizers, targeted serums, and restorative treatments. The Japanese brand relies on its signature ingredient, pitera, while the other features niacinamide in advanced formulations. Both brands suit dry skin and acne-prone skin best, though they differ in their specific product offerings and targeted solutions.

SK-II is a Japanese skincare brand founded in 1980 and owned by The Procter & Gamble Company since 1991.

en.wikipedia.orgdiscoversk-ii.wixsite.comglossy.co

This page compares some of the most popular SK-II and Allies of Skin products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.

Popular SK-II vs Allies of Skin products

People Say

SK-IIAllies of Skin
  • Improves skin texture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “skin feels soft as butter — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
    • “pores became miraculously invisible — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
    • “sinks easily into damp skin — Allies of Skin Tranexamic & Arbutin Advanced Brightening Serum”
    • “Woke up looking well-rested — Allies of Skin Retinal & Peptides Repair Night Cream”
  • Hydration and balancing Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “flooded my skin with moisture — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
    • “skin feels deeply hydrated, plump, and smoother — SK-II Skinpower Advanced Cream”
    • “nourished and hydrated — Allies of Skin Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream”
    • “more like a spray serum — Allies of Skin Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist”
  • Radiance and glow Mostly MentionedOften 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”
    • “gives skin an instant dewy glow — Allies of Skin Tranexamic & Arbutin Advanced Brightening Serum”
  • Lightweight and gentle absorption Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “Best retinol for sensitive skin — Allies of Skin Retinal & Peptides Repair Night Cream”
    • “feels super soothing, doesn't trigger redness — Allies of Skin Tranexamic & Arbutin Advanced Brightening Serum”
    • “preps skin for better absorption — Allies of Skin Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist”
    • “drinks right into the skin — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
  • Calming redness and acne Not notedOften Mentioned
    • “Redness is less noticeable — Allies of Skin Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum”
    • “Dramatic impact on acne — Allies of Skin Retinal & Peptides Repair Night Cream”
    • “reduces appearance of redness — Allies of Skin Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist”
  • Visible anti-aging and firming Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
    • “fix the fine lines — Allies of Skin Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream”
    • “Tightened the skin in just a few uses — Allies of Skin Peptides & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment”
    • “reducing the appearance of fine lines — SK-II Skinpower Advanced Cream”
  • High price Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “way too expensive — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
    • “Pricey — Allies of Skin Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum”
    • “price definitely hurts — Allies of Skin Tranexamic & Arbutin Advanced Brightening Serum”
  • Breakouts, purging, and skin reactions Often MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “caused tiny red bumps — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
    • “dried to a tacky finish — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
    • “didn't like how sticky face feels — Allies of Skin Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist”
    • “Slightly irritating... when I first started — Allies of Skin Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum”
  • Lack of results or effectiveness Often MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “still not impressed with the results — Allies of Skin Tranexamic & Arbutin Advanced Brightening Serum”
    • “Have not noticed improved skin quality yet — Allies of Skin Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum”
    • “Nothing significant — Allies of Skin Retinal & Peptides Repair Night Cream”
    • “did absolutely nothing — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
  • Unpleasant scent and fragrance Often MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “Distinct rancid smell — Allies of Skin Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum”
    • “gives a weird fermented stench — Allies of Skin Tranexamic & Arbutin Advanced Brightening Serum”
    • “makes me cough during application — Allies of Skin Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist”
    • “smells like dirty feet — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”

SK-II vs Allies of Skin routines for dry skin

See multi-brand routine · 98% fit

SK-II vs Allies of Skin routines for oily skin

See multi-brand routine · 97% fit

SK-II vs Allies of Skin routines for combination skin

See multi-brand routine · 96% fit

Questions and answers

SK-II or Allies of Skin: which is better?

Both brands are great, but Allies of Skin has a Superior routine fit for more skin types on this page, including oily, combination, sensitive, mature, and dry sensitive skin. Allies of Skin is also noted for calming redness and acne, while SK-II does better for radiance and glow.

What is the difference between SK-II and Allies of Skin?

When comparing the products on this page, SK-II features Pitera as a key ingredient and is well-liked for boosting radiance, while Allies of Skin relies on Niacinamide and is often preferred for visible anti-aging and firming. Lovi rates Allies of Skin as Superior for oily skin, whereas SK-II achieves a High fit level for that skin type.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Antioxidants, 2021

SK-II or Allies of Skin for dry skin?

Both brands are great choices for dry skin, as Lovi rates both SK-II and Allies of Skin as having a Superior routine fit for this skin type. Reviewers mention that Allies of Skin provides gentle, hydrating moisturizers, while SK-II features products like the Facial Treatment Essence which lists a High fit for dry skin.

SK-II or Allies of Skin: which moisturizer is better?

When comparing the moisturizers on this page, Allies of Skin is a stronger fit for dry skin, achieving a Superior Lovi fit level, whereas SK-II offers a High Lovi fit. Allies of Skin relies on key ingredients like niacinamide, which helps reduce pigmentation and signs of aging.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Antioxidants, 2021

Which is more affordable, SK-II or Allies of Skin?

Both brands are similarly positioned at a high price point on the products on this page, as high price is an equally reported review theme for both SK-II and Allies of Skin.

Which brand performs better for radiance and glow, SK-II or Allies of Skin?

SK-II performs better for radiance and glow among the products on this page.

What are the key ingredients used across SK-II and Allies of Skin products?

The products on this page from SK-II feature Pitera as their key ingredient, while Allies of Skin products rely on Niacinamide.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Antioxidants, 2021

SK-II or Allies of Skin for oily skin?

For oily skin, Allies of Skin is a better choice because Lovi rates its routine as Superior while SK-II is High. The products on this page from Allies of Skin feature Niacinamide, which may help balance sebum production and improve skin clarity.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Antioxidants, 2021

SK-II or Allies of Skin for sensitive skin?

For sensitive skin, both brands work well, with Lovi giving SK-II a High fit and Allies of Skin a Superior fit. Allies of Skin stands out for calming redness and acne, while every product on this page for both brands lists no fragrance in its ingredients.

SK-II or Allies of Skin for acne-prone skin?

Both brands are great choices for acne-prone skin, with Lovi giving SK-II a Superior routine fit and Allies of Skin a Superior routine fit. Allies of Skin relies on key ingredients like niacinamide to help improve skin condition, while SK-II uses pitera.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Antioxidants, 2021

SK-II or Allies of Skin for mature skin?

For mature skin, Allies of Skin is a better fit with a Superior routine fit compared to SK-II's High fit rating. Reviewers mention that the products on this page offer effective anti-aging and brightening serums.

Research behind their key ingredients

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

    Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Co-founder, Medical Director

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer

  • Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    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

    Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Medical Board

    Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine

  • Aishani Shah, MD

    Aishani Shah, MD

    Medical Board

    Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD

  • Asya Zubkova, MS

    Asya Zubkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member

  • Hanna Kurets, MD

    Hanna Kurets, MD

    Medical Board, Medical Advisor

    Dermatology MD

  • Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Medical Board

    Dermatology and diagnostic consultant

  • Victoria Derkova, MS

    Victoria Derkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist

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