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Good Molecules vs SK-II

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

Good Molecules and SK-II are skincare brands founded in the United States and Japan that offer thoughtfully formulated serums, moisturizers, and more for dry skin and acne-prone skin. The American brand relies on glycerin and hyaluronic acid, whereas the Japanese brand anchors its products in its signature ingredient, pitera. While both manufacturers suit similar complexions, they differ through their distinct heritage, standout treatments, and core active components.

Good Molecules is an American skincare brand founded in 2019 and owned by Beautylish, Inc..

beautymatter.comgoodmolecules.compitchbook.compreqin.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 Good Molecules and SK-II products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.

Popular Good Molecules vs SK-II products

People Say

Good MoleculesSK-II
  • Texture and Consistency Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “absorbs quickly... zero irritation or tacky feeling — Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum”
    • “practically invisible on skin — Good Molecules PIMPLE PATCHES”
    • “drinks right into the skin — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
    • “pores became miraculously invisible — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
  • Advanced Performance and Extras Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “Removes leftover dirt — SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion”
    • “Dissolves waterproof mascara, melts stubborn makeup, removes sunscreen easily. — SK-II Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil”
    • “Reduced sun spots — SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence”
    • “scar on your chin doesn't look nearly as noticeable — Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum”
  • Value and Pricing Mostly MentionedNot noted
    • “best value for money — Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum”
    • “great value — Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum”
  • 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”
    • “skin looks more radiant — Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner”
  • 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”
    • “skin appears smooth and supple — Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum”
  • Gentle and Sensitive Care Often MentionedRarely Noted
    • “no skin purging — Good Molecules Gentle Retinol Cream”
    • “Non-abrasive, suitable for sensitive skin, no stinging — Good Molecules Pineapple Exfoliating Powder”
    • “leaves my face feeling clean without the drying — Good Molecules Hydrating Facial Cleansing Gel”
    • “Great for sensitive — SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence”
  • High Price and Cost Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “way too expensive — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
  • Slow or Ineffective Results Often MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “didn't really see a difference — Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum”
    • “dried my skin out — Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum”
    • “did absolutely nothing — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
    • “No visible difference — SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion”
  • Scent and Fragrance Complaints Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “Strong bergamot smell — Good Molecules Super Peptide Serum”
    • “weird faint smell — Good Molecules Gentle Retinol Cream”
    • “smelled of glycolic acid — Good Molecules Overnight Exfoliating Treatment”
    • “smells like dirty feet — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”

Good Molecules vs SK-II routines for dry skin

See multi-brand routine · 98% fit

Good Molecules vs SK-II routines for oily skin

See multi-brand routine · 95% fit

Good Molecules vs SK-II routines for combination skin

See multi-brand routine · 94% fit

Questions and answers

Good Molecules or SK-II: which is better?

Good Molecules offers better value and sensitive skin care, while SK-II provides superior brightening, hydration, and advanced performance based on the products on this page.

What is the difference between Good Molecules and SK-II?

Good Molecules and SK-II both offer effective products for various skin types, but Good Molecules is more affordable and better suited for gentle and sensitive care, while SK-II excels in advanced performance, brightening, and hydration.

Good Molecules or SK-II for dry skin?

Both Good Molecules and SK-II achieve a Superior routine fit for dry skin. Reviewers often mention Good Molecules for offering affordable and hydrating moisturizers, while the products on this page list no fragrance in their ingredients.

Good Molecules or SK-II: which moisturizer is better?

Both brands offer solid moisturizer choices, with Good Molecules providing affordable and hydrating moisturizers and SK-II delivering advanced hydration and plumping. Hyaluronic acid helps maintain moisture levels in the skin.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Which is more affordable, Good Molecules or SK-II?

Good Molecules is more affordable, offering budget-friendly and great value serums and moisturizers compared to SK-II.

Between Good Molecules and SK-II, which brand is better for sensitive and gentle care according to reviewer themes?

Good Molecules does better for sensitive and gentle care compared to SK-II according to the reviewer themes on this page.

What are the founding years and parent companies of Good Molecules and SK-II?

Good Molecules was founded in 2019 in the United States and is owned by Beautylish, Inc., while SK-II was founded in 1980 in Japan and is owned by The Procter & Gamble Company since 1991.

Which brand performs better in terms of hydration and plumping?

SK-II performs better in terms of hydration and plumping compared to Good Molecules. Hyaluronic acid helps hydrate and improve skin quality.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Good Molecules or SK-II for oily skin?

Both Good Molecules and SK-II achieve a High routine fit level for oily skin. Reviewers indicate that Good Molecules offers great value, while SK-II delivers better brightening and hydration.

Good Molecules or SK-II for sensitive skin?

For sensitive skin, Good Molecules has a Superior routine fit, whereas SK-II has a High routine fit on the products on this page.

Good Molecules or SK-II for acne-prone skin?

Both Good Molecules and SK-II achieve a Superior fit for acne-prone skin on Lovi. Reviewers note that the products on this page for Good Molecules are affordable and very gentle.

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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