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Shiseido vs SK-II

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

Shiseido and SK-II are Japanese skincare brands founded in 1872 and 1980, respectively. Shiseido features nourishing moisturizers, gentle cleansers, protective sunscreens, potent serums, and versatile glycerin formulations that suit mature skin and sensitive skin best with deep moisture. Meanwhile, SK-II offers luxurious moisturizers, potent serums, clarifying toners, and restorative masks anchored by pitera that suit dry skin and acne-prone skin best. While both cater to various complexions through targeted solutions, the first brand relies on rigorous study findings showing its key ingredient glycerin significantly improves stratum corneum hydration, whereas the second brand uses regular application of its key ingredients to actively improve pore area, roughness, and redness.

Shiseido is a Japanese skincare brand founded in 1872 and owned by Shiseido Company, Limited.

corp.shiseido.comen.wikipedia.orgmarketscreener.com

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 Shiseido and SK-II products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.

Popular Shiseido vs SK-II products

People Say

ShiseidoSK-II
  • Deep hydration Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “Immediate sensation of comfort — Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream”
    • “Lightweight, silky, non-sticky, sinks in instantly. — Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate”
    • “skin feels plump, soft and nourished, eliminates dryness, bouncy feel — Shiseido VITAL PERFECTION”
    • “flooded my skin with moisture — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
  • Radiant glow and radiance Sometimes 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”
    • “Skin looks brighter, more radiant, and "glowy." — Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate”
  • Luxurious texture Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “silky smooth, rich but non-greasy, absorbs quickly, melts into skin — Shiseido VITAL PERFECTION”
    • “Velvety, rich cream texture — Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream”
    • “Velvety texture — Shiseido FUTURE SOLUTION LX”
    • “silky texture that absorbs quickly — SK-II Skinpower Advanced Cream”
  • Lightweight texture Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “drinks right into the skin — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
    • “Absorbs into the skin quickly. — SK-II Genoptics Ultraura Essence”
    • “Absorbs quickly — SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence”
    • “Airy-soft texture — Shiseido Essential Energy Hydrating Cream”
  • Smoother skin and texture Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
    • “skin feels soft as butter — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
    • “pores became miraculously invisible — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
    • “Smoother skin — SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion”
    • “makes skin baby soft — Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Cream Enriched”
  • Makeup compatibility and prep Rarely NotedSometimes Noted
    • “Removes leftover dirt — SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion”
    • “Dissolves waterproof mascara, melts stubborn makeup, removes sunscreen easily. — SK-II Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil”
    • “Great base for makeup — Shiseido Essential Energy Hydrating Cream”
  • High price point Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “Very expensive for the size — Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream”
    • “Expensive, pricey, high cost for the amount. — Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate”
    • “expensive, investment piece, pricey for the amount, luxury cost — Shiseido VITAL PERFECTION”
    • “way too expensive — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
  • Strong fragrance and scent Often MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “old lady smell — Shiseido Eudermine Revitalizing Essence”
    • “overpowering scent, too perfumed, smell lingers, headache-inducing — Shiseido VITAL PERFECTION”
    • “smells like dirty feet — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
    • “smells slightly like saliva — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
  • Lack of results Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
    • “No change in deep wrinkles — Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream”
    • “No noticeable difference, not moisturizing enough on its own. — Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate”
    • “no visible lifting, just a moisturizer, didn't erase deep wrinkles — Shiseido VITAL PERFECTION”
    • “did absolutely nothing — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”

Shiseido vs SK-II routines for dry skin

See multi-brand routine · 98% fit

Shiseido vs SK-II routines for oily skin

See multi-brand routine · 96% fit

Shiseido vs SK-II routines for combination skin

See multi-brand routine · 95% fit

Questions and answers

Shiseido or SK-II: which is better?

Shiseido is better for deep hydration and luxurious textures, while SK-II is better for a lightweight feel and radiant glow, though the products on this page for both brands feature high price points.

What is the difference between Shiseido and SK-II?

Shiseido and SK-II are both Japanese skincare brands, but Shiseido features key ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid while SK-II uses Pitera. The products on this page for Shiseido frequently contain fragrance, whereas every product on this page for SK-II lists no fragrance.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Shiseido or SK-II for dry skin?

SK-II has a superior routine fit for dry skin compared to Shiseido, which has an average fit for dry skin on this page. Topical hyaluronic acid helps provide deep hydration to improve skin quality.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Shiseido or SK-II: which moisturizer is better?

Shiseido is often chosen for its luxurious textures and deep hydration, featuring moisturizers like the Essential Energy Hydrating Cream, whereas SK-II offers lightweight options such as the Skinpower Advanced Cream. Topical hyaluronic acid, a key ingredient found in products on this page, helps improve skin quality and signs of aging.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Which is more affordable, Shiseido or SK-II?

Shiseido is often noted by reviewers for a high price point, but this page does not compare the direct pricing or affordability of Shiseido and SK-II.

Between Shiseido and SK-II, which brand offers better options for mature skin?

Both Shiseido and SK-II offer strong options for mature skin, with products on this page achieving High fit levels for that skin type. Shiseido provides deep hydration and firming moisturizers, while SK-II delivers lightweight texture and smoother skin.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

How do Shiseido and SK-II compare regarding fragrance in their products?

Shiseido features fragrance in most of the products on this page, whereas every product from SK-II lists no fragrance in its ingredients.

Which brand performs better for providing a radiant glow according to reviewers?

SK-II performs better for providing a radiant glow according to reviewers.

Shiseido or SK-II for oily skin?

Both brands are well-suited for oily skin, as the products on this page for both Shiseido and SK-II achieve a High Lovi fit level for this skin type. Reviewers note that Shiseido delivers deep hydration and luxurious textures, while SK-II provides a lightweight feel and smoother skin.

Shiseido or SK-II for sensitive skin?

Both Shiseido and SK-II achieve a High routine fit for sensitive skin. Reviewers note that the products on this page for Shiseido feature strong fragrances, while every product on this page for SK-II lists no fragrance.

Shiseido or SK-II for acne-prone skin?

Both Shiseido and SK-II achieve a high routine fit for acne-prone skin on the products on this page. SK-II uses Pitera across its line and every product lists no fragrance, while Shiseido features key ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid alongside widespread fragrance inclusion.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

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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