Beauty of Joseon vs SK-II
Beauty of Joseon and SK-II are prominent skincare brands offering thoughtful serums, moisturizers, masks, and sunscreens tailored to different routines. The Korean line, founded in 2016, features niacinamide, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid to suit dry and sensitive skin, while the Japanese counterpart, established in 1980, centers on pitera to address dry and acne-prone skin. Both brands provide specialized solutions for dark spots, mature concerns, and blemishes through gentle, purposeful formulations. They differ primarily in their cultural heritage, signature ingredients, and specific target audiences.
Beauty of Joseon is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2016 and owned by Goodai Global Inc. since 2019.
kbeautywiki.combeautymatter.comprnewswire.comgoodai-global.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 Beauty of Joseon and SK-II products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Beauty of Joseon vs SK-II products
People Say
Unique or pleasant texture Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “drinks right into the skin — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
- “pores became miraculously invisible — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
- “silky texture that absorbs quickly — SK-II Skinpower Advanced Cream”
- “thick but absorbs quickly — Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum”
Radiance and glow effect 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”
- “Skin looks brighter — SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence”
- “gives a glass skin look — Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum”
Gentle and non-irritating formula Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
- “no irritation at all — Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum”
- “doesn't dry my skin like other cleansers — Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm”
- “cleansed my face gently without making my skin feel irritated — Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser”
- “Watery consistency — SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion”
Deep hydration and moisturization Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “flooded my skin with moisture — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
- “skin feels deeply hydrated, plump, and smoother — SK-II Skinpower Advanced Cream”
- “Leaves skin soft, feels moisturized, does not dry out skin. — SK-II Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil”
- “Saved my dry winter skin — Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream”
Softens and smooths skin Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “skin feels soft as butter — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
- “Smoother skin — SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion”
- “skin feels incredibly smooth — Beauty of Joseon Ground Rice and Honey Glow Mask”
Lightweight texture Often MentionedNot noted
- “feels like a light moisturizer — Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics”
- “sinks in instantly — Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water”
- “sinks in immediately — Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Water Gel”
Exorbitant and high price Not notedMostly Mentioned
- “way too expensive — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
Scent and fragrance issues Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “smells like cooking oil — Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil”
- “smells like cheese — Beauty of Joseon Ground Rice and Honey Glow Mask”
- “smells like dirty feet — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
- “smells slightly like saliva — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
Causes breakouts and skin reactions Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “caused tiny red bumps — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
- “Small bumps — SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion”
- “did break out some while adjusting — SK-II Skinpower Advanced Cream”
- “Broke me out in cystic acne — Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream”
Beauty of Joseon vs SK-II routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€9.19
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Hydrating Toner
Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner
Morning
€15.16
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Moisturizer
Facial Treatment Essence
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€173.08
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SPF
thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+
Morning
€37.19
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Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
€15.90
-
Serum or Treatment
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Fresh Ampoule
Evening · Once a week
€16.60
-
Nourishing Mask
Facial Treatment Mask
Once a week
€440.61
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Cleanser
Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€9.75
-
Hydrating Toner
Ginseng Essence Water
Morning
€14.39
-
Moisturizer
Revive Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€12.75
-
SPF
Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics
Morning
€25.68
-
Pre-Cleanser
Ginseng Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€14.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Glow Serum
Evening · Once a week
€23.49
-
Nourishing Mask
Centella Asiatica Calming Mask
Once a week
€36.45
Beauty of Joseon vs SK-II routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€24.75
-
Hydrating Toner
La Mer The Tonic
Morning · Once a week
€103.91
-
Moisturizer
Facial Treatment Essence
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€173.08
-
SPF
make p:rem UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Cream
Morning
€40.49
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€40.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
€19.50
-
Serum or Treatment
L'Oreal Paris Revitalift 12% Vitamin C + E + Salicylic Serum
Evening · Once a week
€14.21
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Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€49.00
-
Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
€19.79
-
Cleanser
Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€9.75
-
Hydrating Toner
Ginseng Essence Water
Morning · Once a week
€14.39
-
Moisturizer
Revive Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€12.75
-
SPF
Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics
Morning
€25.68
-
Pre-Cleanser
Ginseng Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€14.90
-
Cleansing Toner
Green Plum Refreshing Toner
Evening
€15.49
-
Serum or Treatment
Glow Serum
Evening · Once a week
€23.49
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€49.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Red Bean Refreshing Pore Mask
Once a week
€15.00
Beauty of Joseon vs SK-II routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Dr. Althea Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€13.50
-
Hydrating Toner
La Mer The Tonic
Morning · Once a week
€103.91
-
Moisturizer
Facial Treatment Essence
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€173.08
-
SPF
make p:rem UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Cream
Morning
€40.49
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€40.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
€17.15
-
Serum or Treatment
NEOGEN Dermalogy Real Niacinamide 15% Firming Serum
Evening · Once a week
€37.99
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€49.00
-
Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
€19.79
-
Cleanser
Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€9.75
-
Hydrating Toner
Ginseng Essence Water
Morning · Once a week
€14.39
-
Moisturizer
Revive Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€12.75
-
SPF
Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics
Morning
€25.68
-
Pre-Cleanser
Radiance Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
€14.25
-
Cleansing Toner
Green Plum Refreshing Toner
Evening
€15.49
-
Serum or Treatment
Glow Serum
Evening · Once a week
€23.49
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€49.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Red Bean Refreshing Pore Mask
Once a week
€15.00
Questions and answers
Beauty of Joseon or SK-II: which is better?
Beauty of Joseon offers gentler, more budget-friendly formulas, while SK-II provides superior hydration and glow effects across most skin types.
What is the difference between Beauty of Joseon and SK-II?
Beauty of Joseon and SK-II both fit dry skin well, but Beauty of Joseon is noted for gentle, non-irritating formulas and lightweight textures, whereas SK-II offers superior deep hydration and moisturization. Niacinamide helps reduce skin pigmentation.
Beauty of Joseon or SK-II for dry skin?
For dry skin, Beauty of Joseon and SK-II are both great choices because Lovi rates the routine fit for both brands as high. Beauty of Joseon helps provide deep hydration and moisturization using key ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
Beauty of Joseon or SK-II: which moisturizer is better?
Both brands offer moisturizers, with Beauty of Joseon featuring options like the Dynasty Cream and Red Bean Water Gel, while SK-II includes the Facial Treatment Essence and Skinpower Advanced Cream. SK-II generally achieves superior routine fit ratings across most skin types compared to Beauty of Joseon.
Which is more affordable, Beauty of Joseon or SK-II?
Beauty of Joseon is more affordable, whereas SK-II has exorbitant and high prices.
Between Beauty of Joseon and SK-II, which brand performs better for mature skin?
SK-II performs better for mature skin, achieving a Superior routine fit compared to Beauty of Joseon which has an Average fit. SK-II provides better results for this skin type through its specialized products and targeted formulas.
How do the founding countries and parent companies of Beauty of Joseon and SK-II compare?
Beauty of Joseon was founded in South Korea in 2016 and is owned by Goodai Global Inc., whereas SK-II was founded in Japan in 1980 and is owned by The Procter & Gamble Company.
Which brand has better reviewer ratings for providing deep hydration and moisturization?
SK-II has better reviewer ratings for providing deep hydration and moisturization among the products on this page. Reviewers frequently note that SK-II delivers superior deep hydration and moisturization compared to Beauty of Joseon.
Beauty of Joseon or SK-II for oily skin?
Both brands fit oily skin well, but SK-II has a Superior routine fit compared to Beauty of Joseon's High fit on this page.
Beauty of Joseon or SK-II for sensitive skin?
Beauty of Joseon fits sensitive skin with a High level according to Lovi, offering gentle and non-irritating formulas across its products on this page. SK-II also achieves a Superior routine fit for sensitive skin on Lovi.
Beauty of Joseon or SK-II for acne-prone skin?
Both brands fit acne-prone skin well, with Beauty of Joseon scoring High and SK-II scoring Superior for this skin type. Reviewers note that Beauty of Joseon offers gentle formulas, while SK-II provides deep hydration and texture benefits.
Research behind their key ingredients
The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer
Safety evaluation of topical applications of ethanol on the skin and inside the oral cavity
Cutaneous photoprotection from ultraviolet injury by green tea polyphenols
Bacterial cellulose membranes as drug delivery systems: an in vivo skin compatibility study
Effects of ascorbic acid on gingival melanin pigmentation in vitro and in vivo
Panax ginseng induces human Type I collagen synthesis through activation of Smad signaling
Microneedling by dermapen and glycolic acid peel for the treatment of acne scars: Comparative study
Supramolecular collagen nanoparticles for anti-wrinkle, skin whitening, and moisturizing effects
Novel beads made of alpha-cyclodextrin and oil for topical delivery of a lipophilic drug
A study of anti-wrinkle functions and improvement of cream with Phaseolus angularis
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Three clinical studies showing the anti-aging benefits of sodium salicylate in human skin
Hippophae rhamnoides oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion improves barrier function in healthy human subjects
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
-

Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
-

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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