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ISDIN vs SK-II

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

ISDIN and SK-II are esteemed international skincare lines, with the Spanish brand founded in 1975 and the Japanese counterpart established in 1980. The former is celebrated for elegant moisturizers, advanced sunscreens, restorative serums, and targeted eye products that suit dry and sensitive skin best, while the latter is adored for nourishing serums, rejuvenating masks, refreshing toners, and its signature ingredient, pitera, which serve acne-prone and dry skin effectively. Though both deliver balanced complexions through thoughtfully formulated remedies, ISDIN emphasizes reliable daily comfort and dependable protection with standout solutions like Fusion Water, Eryfotona Actinica, and K-Ox Eyes, whereas SK-II relies on time-tested efficacy to improve pores, roughness, and redness using offerings such as Genoptics Ultraura Essence, Facial Treatment Essence, and Facial Treatment Clear Lotion.

ISDIN is a Spanish skincare brand founded in 1975 and owned by Puig.

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

Popular ISDIN vs SK-II products

People Say

ISDINSK-II
  • Lightweight and fluid texture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “absorbs instantly — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
    • “ultra-light fluid product, which makes it super easy to apply — ISDIN Fusion Water”
    • “drinks right into the skin — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
    • “pores became miraculously invisible — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
  • Hydrating and smoothing Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “Improved moisture and texture — ISDIN Hyaluronic Moisture”
    • “skin looks smooth and healthy — ISDIN K-Ox Eyes”
    • “flooded my skin with moisture — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
    • “skin feels deeply hydrated, plump, and smoother — SK-II Skinpower Advanced Cream”
  • Brightens and evens skin tone Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
    • “skin feels soft as butter — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
    • “gives a glass skin look — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
    • “leaves me with a red carpet glow — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
    • “My hyperpigmentation has lightened and skin looks more even, even shines more. — ISDIN Flavo-C Serum”
  • Gentle on sensitive skin Often MentionedRarely Noted
    • “Sensitive/reactive skin tolerates — ISDIN Hyaluronic Moisture”
    • “no excessive exfoliation — ISDIN Retinal Intense Serum”
    • “doesn't sting eyes — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
    • “Great for sensitive — SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence”
  • Makeup compatibility Often MentionedRarely Noted
    • “acts like a primer — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
    • “My skin felt sooo hydrated and looks so plump and dewey. — ISDIN Fusion Water”
    • “Great under makeup — ISDIN Hyaluronic Concentrate”
    • “Dissolves waterproof mascara, melts stubborn makeup, removes sunscreen easily. — SK-II Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil”
  • High price point Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “very expensive — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
    • “My only wish is that ISDIN would make this product in a bigger size bottle. — ISDIN Fusion Water”
    • “high cost — ISDIN K-Ox Eyes”
    • “way too expensive — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
  • Strong fragrance and scent issues Often MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “smell is overpowering — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
    • “lingering headache inducing effect — ISDIN K-Ox Eyes”
    • “smells like dirty feet — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
    • “smells slightly like saliva — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
  • Lack of results Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
    • “don't see result — ISDIN K-Ox Eyes”
    • “no noticeable changes yet — ISDIN Retinal Intense Serum”
    • “did absolutely nothing — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
  • Skin irritation and breakouts Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “mild redness or irritation — ISDIN K-Ox Eyes”
    • “Not hydrating enough in winter — ISDIN Hyaluronic Concentrate”
    • “I think the serum is too strong for my face as it has burned and left very rough and a peeling face. — ISDIN Flavo-C Serum”
    • “caused tiny red bumps — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”

ISDIN vs SK-II routines for dry skin

See multi-brand routine · 98% fit

ISDIN vs SK-II routines for oily skin

See multi-brand routine · 95% fit

ISDIN vs SK-II routines for combination skin

See multi-brand routine · 94% fit

Questions and answers

ISDIN or SK-II: which is better?

For routine fit, Lovi rates ISDIN as Superior across all skin types, while SK-II ranges from High to Superior depending on the skin type. Reviewers note that ISDIN is better for makeup compatibility and sensitive skin, whereas SK-II does better at brightening and evening skin tone. Every product on the SK-II page lists no fragrance, while several ISDIN products on this page include fragrance.

What is the difference between ISDIN and SK-II?

ISDIN has a Superior Lovi fit level across all skin types on this page, whereas SK-II reaches Superior only for dry, acne-prone, and oily acne-prone skin. The products on this page for SK-II list no fragrance, while several ISDIN products include fragrance.

ISDIN or SK-II for dry skin?

For dry skin, Lovi finds both ISDIN and SK-II are a Superior fit. The products on this page for both brands work well to hydrate and smooth, but ISDIN is noted as gentler on sensitive skin while SK-II features no fragrance across its range.

ISDIN or SK-II: which moisturizer is better?

For moisturizers on this page, ISDIN achieves an Average Lovi fit level for dry skin while SK-II reaches High. The products on this page from SK-II are fragrance-free, whereas some ISDIN moisturizers list fragrance.

Which is more affordable, ISDIN or SK-II?

Both ISDIN and SK-II are luxury brands with high price points, but reviewers note a high price point specifically as a drawback for ISDIN.

Between ISDIN and SK-II, which brand is gentler on sensitive skin?

Between ISDIN and SK-II, ISDIN does better at being gentle on sensitive skin.

Which brand has a stronger fragrance issue, ISDIN or SK-II?

When it comes to fragrance, ISDIN is more likely to have issues because 5 of the products on this page list fragrance, whereas every product on the SK-II page lists no fragrance in its ingredients.

ISDIN or SK-II: which is better for brightening and evening skin tone?

SK-II is better for brightening and evens skin tone on the products on this page. Lovi rates SK-II higher for brightens and evens skin tone.

ISDIN or SK-II for oily skin?

For oily skin, Lovi finds that ISDIN has a Superior routine fit, while SK-II reaches a High fit level.

ISDIN or SK-II for sensitive skin?

For sensitive skin, ISDIN is a better fit with a Superior Lovi rating compared to SK-II which has a High rating. The products on this page for SK-II also list no fragrance, while some ISDIN items may contain fragrance.

ISDIN or SK-II for acne-prone skin?

Both ISDIN and SK-II achieve a Superior Lovi fit for acne-prone skin on the products on this page.

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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