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Dermalogica vs SK-II

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

Dermalogica and SK-II are esteemed international skincare lines known for nurturing dry and acne-prone complexions. Founded in the 1980s, the American brand relies on hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and salicylic acid across its targeted serums, cleansers, and moisturizers to balance moisture and reduce blemishes. Conversely, the Japanese house anchors its rejuvenating masks, toners, and essences in its signature ingredient, pitera, to gently soothe delicate skin. Ultimately, the two diverge through their distinct formulations, as the former emphasizes barrier restoration and exfoliation while the latter focuses on time-tested cellular clarity.

Dermalogica is an American skincare brand founded in 1986 and owned by Unilever since 2015.

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

Popular Dermalogica vs SK-II products

People Say

DermalogicaSK-II
  • Brightening 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”
    • “Skin looks brighter — SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence”
    • “immediately brighter looking — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
  • Deep hydration and moisturization Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “Saved my dry skin — Dermalogica Super Rich Repair”
    • “super hydrating — Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque”
    • “skin feels hydrated — Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance”
    • “flooded my skin with moisture — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
  • Lightweight and non-greasy absorption 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”
    • “blends seamlessly — Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50”
  • Gentle exfoliation and texture improvement 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”
    • “gentle enough for daily use — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
  • Customizable or luxurious texture and application Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “silky texture that absorbs quickly — SK-II Skinpower Advanced Cream”
    • “packet is absolutely drenched — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
    • “Pump dispenser is convenient. — SK-II Genoptics Ultraura Essence”
    • “Fizzing formula is cool — Dermalogica Blackhead Clearing Fizz Mask”
  • Soothing, calming, and gentle on sensitive skin Often MentionedRarely Noted
    • “doesn't strip skin — Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel”
    • “helps calm and nourish my skin — Dermalogica Stabilizing Repair Cream”
    • “Calms redness — Dermalogica Super Rich Repair”
    • “Great for sensitive — SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence”
  • High price point and value Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “hefty price tag — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
    • “Expensive for cleanser — Dermalogica Precleanse”
    • “Very expensive — Dermalogica Super Rich Repair”
    • “way too expensive — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
  • Unpleasant scent or fragrance Often MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “smells like puke — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
    • “smells like medicine — Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50”
    • “smells like dirty feet — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
    • “smells slightly like saliva — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
  • Drying sensation or limited effectiveness Rarely NotedSometimes Noted
    • “A bit drying — Dermalogica Blackhead Clearing Fizz Mask”
    • “Didn't clear most blackheads — Dermalogica Blackhead Clearing Fizz Mask”
    • “did absolutely nothing — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”

Dermalogica vs SK-II routines for dry skin

See multi-brand routine · 98% fit

Dermalogica vs SK-II routines for oily skin

See multi-brand routine · 95% fit

Dermalogica vs SK-II routines for combination skin

See multi-brand routine · 94% fit

Questions and answers

Dermalogica or SK-II: which is better?

Both brands perform well, but Dermalogica is a better fit for deep hydration and soothing sensitive skin, while SK-II excels in brightening, radiance, and lightweight absorption.

What is the difference between Dermalogica and SK-II?

Dermalogica provides intense hydration and soothing care with key ingredients like hyaluronic acid, whereas SK-II focuses on brightening and lightweight absorption using Pitera. Topical hyaluronic acid helps improve skin quality and signs of skin aging.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Dermalogica or SK-II for dry skin?

Both Dermalogica and SK-II are a Superior fit for dry skin. Topical hyaluronic acid helps improve skin hydration and signs of aging.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Dermalogica or SK-II: which moisturizer is better?

Both Dermalogica and SK-II offer moisturizers that fit dry skin at a High level, though reviewers note that Dermalogica provides deeper hydration while SK-II delivers lightweight, non-greasy absorption.

Which is more affordable, Dermalogica or SK-II?

When it comes to affordability, reviewers note that both Dermalogica and SK-II have a high price point, so neither stands out as a budget-friendly option.

Dermalogica or SK-II for oily skin?

Both Dermalogica and SK-II are a High fit for oily skin. Reviewers note that SK-II provides better lightweight and non-greasy absorption, while Dermalogica offers strong deep hydration and moisturization.

Dermalogica or SK-II for sensitive skin?

Both Dermalogica and SK-II offer a High routine fit for sensitive skin, but the products on this page help provide soothing, calming, and gentle care that makes Dermalogica a preferred choice. Topical hyaluronic acid, found across the products, may help improve skin quality and signs of skin aging.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Dermalogica or SK-II for acne-prone skin?

Both Dermalogica and SK-II fit acne-prone skin well, with SK-II achieving a Superior Lovi fit level for this skin type compared to Dermalogica's High fit level. Topical hyaluronic acid helps improve skin quality and signs of aging.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Dermalogica or SK-II for mature skin?

Both Dermalogica and SK-II achieve a High Lovi fit for mature skin. Reviewers note that the products on this page from Dermalogica perform better for deep hydration and moisturization, whereas SK-II stands out for brightening and radiance.

Dermalogica or SK-II for skin with dark spots?

Both Dermalogica and SK-II achieve a High Lovi fit level for skin with dark spots, with neither brand outperforming the other overall in this category. The products on this page for both brands feature formulations that help address pigmentation concerns effectively.

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?

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