Biore vs SK-II
Biore and SK-II are Japanese skincare brands founded in 1980 that offer thoughtful formulas for daily care. The first is beloved for accessible sunscreens, cleansers, masks, and makeup removers, while the second is cherished for luxurious moisturizers, potent serums, clarifying toners, and restorative masks anchored by its signature ingredient, pitera. Biore suits sensitive skin and mature skin best, whereas the latter suits dry skin and acne-prone skin best. They differ largely in their specific offerings, as both work harmoniously to care for the complexion.
Biore is a Japanese skincare brand founded in 1980 and owned by Kao Corporation.
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 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
Lightweight and watery texture Often MentionedOften 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 MentionedNot noted
- “Gets the gunk out — Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips”
- “Face feels squeaky clean — Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser”
Makeup base and removal Often MentionedRarely 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 notedMostly 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 MentionedRarely 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 NotedSometimes 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 notedMostly Mentioned
- “way too expensive — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
Strong alcohol or unpleasant scent Often MentionedOften 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 NotedOften 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 MentionedRarely Noted
- “Face burns — SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence”
- “Nose was irritated — Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips”
Biore vs SK-II routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€14.68
-
Hydrating Toner
COSRX Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning
€14.28
-
Moisturizer
Facial Treatment Essence
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€174.54
-
SPF
thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+
Morning
€32.81
-
Pre-Cleanser
Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€86.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Genoptics Ultraura Essence
Evening · Once a week
€309.00
-
Nourishing Mask
Facial Treatment Mask
Once a week
€110.00
-
Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€14.68
-
Hydrating Toner
COSRX Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning
€14.28
-
Moisturizer
Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Lift and Firm Night Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€50.82
- SPF UV Aqua Rich Morning
-
Pre-Cleanser
Makeup Remover Perfect Oil
Evening · Once a week
€33.88
-
Serum or Treatment
Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum
Evening · Once a week
€14.94
-
Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
€28.40
Biore vs SK-II routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€21.45
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
€19.99
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€16.50
- SPF UV Aqua Rich Morning
-
Pre-Cleanser
Makeup Remover Perfect Oil
Evening · Once a week
€33.88
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
€34.00
-
Serum or Treatment
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Evening · Once a week
€8.99
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€76.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Dr. Sebagh Deep Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
€82.85
-
Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€21.45
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
€19.99
-
Moisturizer
Facial Treatment Essence
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€174.54
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
€15.64
-
Pre-Cleanser
Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€86.90
-
Cleansing Toner
Facial Treatment Clear Lotion
Evening
€86.40
-
Serum or Treatment
Genoptics Ultraura Essence
Evening · Once a week
€309.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€76.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Dr. Sebagh Deep Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
€82.85
Biore vs SK-II routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€56.86
-
Hydrating Toner
La Mer The Tonic
Morning · Once a week
€115.30
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€16.50
- SPF UV Aqua Rich Morning
-
Pre-Cleanser
Makeup Remover Perfect Oil
Evening · Once a week
€33.88
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
€22.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum
Evening · Once a week
€14.94
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€76.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Sand & Sky Australian Pink Clay Porefining Face Mask
Once a week
€48.22
-
Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€56.86
-
Hydrating Toner
La Mer The Tonic
Morning · Once a week
€115.30
-
Moisturizer
Facial Treatment Essence
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€174.54
-
Pre-Cleanser
Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€86.90
-
Cleansing Toner
Facial Treatment Clear Lotion
Evening
€86.40
-
Serum or Treatment
Genoptics Ultraura Essence
Evening · Once a week
€309.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€76.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Sand & Sky Australian Pink Clay Porefining Face Mask
Once a week
€48.22
Questions and answers
Biore or SK-II: which is better?
Both Biore and SK-II are good options, as Lovi rates both brands as High for dry skin, oily skin, combination skin, and sensitive skin. Reviewers note that SK-II delivers better radiance and glow, while the products on this page for Biore do well with effective debris and deep clean removal.
What is the difference between Biore and SK-II?
Biore is a Japanese brand owned by Kao Corporation, while SK-II is a Japanese brand owned by The Procter & Gamble Company. For the products on this page, Biore does better at effective debris and deep clean removal, makeup base and removal, and clear complexion and gentle rinse, whereas SK-II does better at radiance and glow.
Biore or SK-II for dry skin?
For dry skin, SK-II achieves a Superior routine fit on Lovi, while Biore achieves a High routine fit. The products on this page for SK-II include options like Facial Treatment Essence which has a High fit level for dry skin.
Which is more affordable, Biore or SK-II?
Biore is more affordable than SK-II, as SK-II comes with the drawback of an exorbitant and high price on this page.
Which brand performs better for radiance and glow, Biore or SK-II?
SK-II performs better for radiance and glow. Lovi rates the products on this page as having no fragrance.
Do any products from Biore or SK-II contain fragrance in their ingredients?
Every product from Biore and SK-II on this page lists no fragrance in its ingredients.
Which brand has a superior routine fit for dry skin?
SK-II has a superior routine fit for dry skin compared to Biore, which receives a high fit level for this skin type.
Biore or SK-II for oily skin?
For oily skin, both Biore and SK-II achieve a High Lovi fit level across the products on this page. SK-II features key ingredients like Pitera while offering strong radiance benefits, whereas Biore tends to provide effective debris and deep clean removal.
Biore or SK-II for sensitive skin?
For sensitive skin, both Biore and SK-II products on this page receive a High Lovi fit level. Lovi shows that the products on this page list no fragrance in their ingredients, which helps minimize potential irritation.
Biore or SK-II for acne-prone skin?
For acne-prone skin, both brands offer good options, with Genoptics Ultraura Essence achieving a Superior Lovi fit level on this page. Lovi rates Biore as High for acne-prone skin, while SK-II routines also fit this skin type very well.
Research behind their key ingredients
Psychophysical study of the effects of topical application of menthol in healthy volunteers
Effects of ascorbic acid on gingival melanin pigmentation in vitro and in vivo
In vivo and in vitro evaluation of octyl methoxycinnamate liposomes
Three clinical studies showing the anti-aging benefits of sodium salicylate in human skin
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
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.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
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Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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