Biore vs SK-II
Biore and SK-II are Japanese skincare brands founded in 1980 that offer distinct approaches to daily routines. The former is globally loved for sunscreens, cleansers, masks, and makeup removers featuring effective formulas, while the latter is deeply adored for moisturizers, nourishing serums, rejuvenating masks, refreshing toners, and more, anchored by its signature ingredient, pitera. Biore suits sensitive skin and skin with dark spots best, whereas the other brand suits acne-prone skin and dry skin best, gently nurturing delicate complexions with time-tested efficacy. They differ primarily in their specific targeted solutions and core formulations, with both supporting calm, reliable care.
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
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€21.95
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Hydrating Toner
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Morning
€16.89
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Moisturizer
Facial Treatment Essence
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€116.00
-
SPF
Purito Daily Soft Touch Sunscreen
Morning
€20.01
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Pre-Cleanser
Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€88.50
-
Cleansing Toner
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water
Evening · Once a week
€13.99
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Serum or Treatment
Genoptics Ultraura Essence
Evening · Once a week
€268.00
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Nourishing Mask
Facial Treatment Mask
Once a week
€159.00
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Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€21.95
-
Hydrating Toner
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Morning
€16.89
-
Moisturizer
Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Lift and Firm Night Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€48.84
- SPF UV Aqua Rich Morning
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Pre-Cleanser
Makeup Remover Perfect Oil
Evening · Once a week
€33.88
-
Cleansing Toner
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water
Evening · Once a week
€13.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
€86.59
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Nourishing Mask
LANEIGE Water Sleeping Mask_EX
Once a week
€33.90
Biore vs SK-II routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€21.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
€19.90
-
Moisturizer
Facial Treatment Essence
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€116.00
-
SPF
make p:rem UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Cream
Morning
€33.70
-
Pre-Cleanser
Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€88.50
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
€18.05
-
Serum or Treatment
Genoptics Ultraura Essence
Evening · Once a week
€268.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€72.82
-
Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
€15.72
-
Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€21.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
€19.90
-
Moisturizer
SKIN1004 Centella Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€19.20
- SPF UV Aqua Rich Morning
-
Pre-Cleanser
Makeup Remover Perfect Oil
Evening · Once a week
€33.88
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
€18.05
-
Serum or Treatment
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Evening · Once a week
€5.75
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€72.82
-
Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
€15.72
Biore vs SK-II routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Dr. Althea Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€16.50
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
€36.00
-
Moisturizer
Facial Treatment Essence
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€116.00
-
SPF
make p:rem UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Cream
Morning
€33.70
-
Pre-Cleanser
Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€88.50
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening · Once a week
€16.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Genoptics Ultraura Essence
Evening · Once a week
€268.00
-
Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
€15.72
-
Cleanser
Dr. Althea Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€16.50
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
€36.00
-
Moisturizer
SKIN1004 Centella Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€19.20
- 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 · Once a week
€16.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
€86.59
-
Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
€15.72
Questions and answers
Biore or SK-II: which is better?
Both Biore and SK-II offer fragrance-free products on this page, but they serve different skin concerns and budgets. SK-II provides superior options for acne-prone skin, while the products on this page for Biore tend to come at a high price according to reviewer themes.
What is the difference between Biore and SK-II?
Biore and SK-II are both Japanese skincare brands founded in 1980, but the products on this page show that SK-II features key ingredients like Pitera while Biore focuses on everyday accessible cleansing and sun protection. Reviewers note that SK-II excels in delivering radiance and glow, whereas Biore offers effective debris removal and deep clean performance.
Biore or SK-II for dry skin?
For dry skin, Lovi rates SK-II as Superior and Biore as High for routine fit. The products on this page show that SK-II includes items with a High fit for dry skin, such as the Facial Treatment Essence and Skinpower Advanced Cream.
Which is more affordable, Biore or SK-II?
Biore is more affordable than SK-II, as SK-II is noted for having an exorbitant and high price among the products on this page.
Between Biore and SK-II, which brand performs better for providing a radiance and glow?
When it comes to radiance and glow, SK-II performs better than Biore according to reviewer themes on the products on this page. Lovi rates the products on this page for radiance and glow with SK-II delivering strong results.
How do Biore and SK-II compare regarding skin irritation and redness?
When comparing skin irritation and redness, SK-II tends to do better on the products on this page according to reviewer themes.
Which brand has products that are better suited for effective debris and deep clean removal?
Biore does better for effective debris and deep clean removal among the products on this page.
Biore or SK-II for oily skin?
For oily skin, both Biore and SK-II products on this page have a High fit level according to Lovi ratings. Reviewers note that Biore helps with effective debris and deep clean removal as well as a clear complexion and gentle rinse, while SK-II helps provide radiance and glow.
Biore or SK-II for sensitive skin?
For sensitive skin, both brands offer good options, as Lovi rates sensitive skin as High for the products on this page for Biore and High for SK-II. Reviewers note that Biore is better for a clear complexion and gentle rinse, while SK-II may cause skin irritation and redness.
Biore or SK-II for acne-prone skin?
For acne-prone skin, SK-II is the better choice because Lovi rates its Genoptics Ultraura Essence as Superior. Reviewers note that Biore helps with debris and deep clean removal, while SK-II may provide a radiant and glowing finish.
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
How does it fit your skin?
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