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Clinique vs SK-II

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

Clinique and SK-II are established skincare brands offering thoughtful moisturizers, nourishing serums, and more, with the American creator incorporating hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and caffeine, and the Japanese house centered on pitera. The former suits dry sensitive skin and oily skin best through comforting, balancing ingredients, while the latter nurtures acne-prone skin and dry skin best with time-tested efficacy. Both present standout solutions for targeted concerns, though they differ in their heritage, foundational compounds, and precise textural benefits.

Clinique is an American skincare brand founded in 1968 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc..

en.wikipedia.orgelcompanies.combusinesswire.comglossy.co

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

Popular Clinique vs SK-II products

People Say

CliniqueSK-II
  • Hydration and Plumping Often MentionedMostly 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”
    • “Keeps my dry patches at bay all day — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+”
  • Lightweight and Fast Absorbing Often MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “sinks in immediately — Clinique moisture surge”
    • “sinks in instantly — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel”
    • “drinks right into the skin — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
    • “Absorbs into the skin quickly. — SK-II Genoptics Ultraura Essence”
  • Gentle for Sensitive Skin Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “never irritated my eyes — Clinique All About Eyes”
    • “No stinging eyes — Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm”
    • “doesn't dry out — Clinique all about clean”
    • “Watery consistency — SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion”
  • Smoother Skin and Texture Sometimes 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”
    • “skin feels silky smooth — Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum”
  • 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”
  • Makeup Base Compatibility Often MentionedRarely Noted
    • “Melts waterproof mascara — Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm”
    • “foundation glides on — Clinique moisture surge”
    • “holds concealer in place — Clinique All About Eyes”
    • “Dissolves waterproof mascara, melts stubborn makeup, removes sunscreen easily. — SK-II Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil”
  • High Price Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “jar is too small for the cost — Clinique moisture surge”
    • “quite pricey — Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum”
    • “Expensive for cleanser — Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm”
    • “way too expensive — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
  • Causes Breakouts Sometimes NotedRarely 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”
    • “Woke up with whiteheads on my chin — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+”
  • Lack of Results Not notedOften Mentioned
    • “did absolutely nothing — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”

Clinique vs SK-II routines for dry skin

See multi-brand routine · 98% fit

Clinique vs SK-II routines for oily skin

See multi-brand routine · 95% fit

Clinique vs SK-II routines for combination skin

See multi-brand routine · 94% fit

Questions and answers

Clinique or SK-II: which is better?

SK-II achieves a Superior routine fit for dry and acne-prone skin, while Clinique fits dry sensitive, oily, and mature skin best. Reviewers highlight SK-II for hydration and radiance, and Clinique for gentle formulas and makeup base compatibility.

What is the difference between Clinique and SK-II?

Clinique is an American brand founded in 1968, whereas SK-II is a Japanese brand founded in 1980. For dry skin routines, Lovi rates SK-II as Superior and Clinique as Average, while reviewers note that SK-II delivers better hydration and plumping.

Clinique or SK-II for dry skin?

Both brands are suitable for dry skin, with Lovi giving SK-II a Superior routine fit and Clinique an Average routine fit. Reviewers note that SK-II provides better hydration and plumping for this skin type.

Clinique or SK-II: which moisturizer is better?

Both brands offer effective moisturizers, but SK-II achieves a superior routine fit for dry skin compared to Clinique's average fit. Clinique's products on this page feature hydrating and lightweight moisturizers, while review themes highlight SK-II for better hydration, plumping, and radiance.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Which is more affordable, Clinique or SK-II?

Clinique is more affordable, though reviewers often note its high price point as well.

Clinique or SK-II for oily skin?

Both Clinique and SK-II are good options for oily skin, as Lovi rates both brands with a High fit level for this skin type. Reviewers note that the products on this page offer lightweight and fast-absorbing formulas for both brands.

Clinique or SK-II for sensitive skin?

Clinique is better for sensitive skin, offering high fit levels for gentle cleansers and targeted routines. Lovi rates Clinique as having a High fit for sensitive skin care.

Clinique or SK-II for acne-prone skin?

For acne-prone skin, Lovi rates SK-II as Superior and Clinique as Average, making SK-II the better option. Reviewers indicate that SK-II helps with hydration and plumping, while the products on this page use key ingredients like Hyaluronic acid and Glycerin that help support skin moisture.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Clinique or SK-II for mature skin?

Clinique and SK-II are both a High fit for mature skin according to Lovi, while reviewers note that SK-II does better for radiance and glow. Hyaluronic acid helps hydrate and support skin quality in these formulations.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Clinique or SK-II for skin with dark spots?

SK-II helps skin with dark spots with a High routine fit, whereas Clinique reaches an Average fit on the products on this page.

Clinique or SK-II for dry sensitive skin?

Both Clinique and SK-II have products on this page that fit dry sensitive skin well, with Lovi giving Clinique a High level fit and SK-II a High level fit.

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

How does it fit your skin?

Scan your face, then any product: Lovi shows how well it fits you and what fits even better.

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