# SK-II vs Asarai

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/sk-ii-vs-asarai

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for the Netherlands.

SK-II and Asarai are distinct skincare lines beloved for transforming daily routines into mindful rituals. The Japanese brand founded in 1980 offers thoughtfully formulated moisturizers, nourishing [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/serum), rejuvenating masks, and refreshing toners anchored by signature pitera, while the latter is cherished for nutrient-rich [clay](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/clay) masks and deeply restorative botanical formulas. Both options suit dry and acne-prone skin best, though the former addresses mature complexions and dark spots through standouts like the Facial Treatment Clear Lotion and Genoptics Ultraura Essence, whereas the latter delivers thoughtful hydration for balanced and combination skin.

SK-II is a Japanese skincare brand founded in 1980 and owned by The Procter & Gamble Company since 1991.

[en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SK-II) [discoversk-ii.wixsite.com](https://discoversk-ii.wixsite.com/home/brand-history) [glossy.co](https://www.glossy.co/beauty/despite-strong-results-in-beauty-in-the-first-quarter-pg-will-eliminate-thousands-of-jobs/)

This page compares some of the most popular SK-II and Asarai products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, [use the Lovi app](https://app.pora.ai/vqqJ/j1xj2b6o?af_sub2=compare&af_sub3=selection_note&af_sub4=pg179e81de13).

### Popular SK-II vs Asarai products

#### SK-II

- [Facial Treatment Essence](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/sk-ii/facial-treatment-essence/for/dry-skin) — High fit — [€116.00 at Notino](https://www.notino.nl/sk-ii/facial-treatment-gezichtsserum-tegen-huidveroudering/p-16254932/)
- [Facial Treatment Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/sk-ii/facial-treatment-mask/for/dry-skin) — High fit — [€159.00 at Notino](https://www.notino.nl/sk-ii/facial-treatment-verstevigende-gezichtsmasker/p-16254656/)
- [Facial Treatment Clear Lotion](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/sk-ii/facial-treatment-clear-lotion/for/oily-skin) — High fit
- [Skinpower Advanced Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/sk-ii/skinpower-advanced-cream/for/mature-skin) — High fit
- [Genoptics Ultraura Essence](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/sk-ii/genoptics-ultraura-essence/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — [€268.00 at Notino](https://www.notino.nl/sk-ii/genoptics-ultraura-essence-verhelderende-serum/p-16254642/)
- [Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/sk-ii/facial-treatment-cleansing-oil/for/dry-skin) — High fit — [€88.50 at Notino](https://www.notino.nl/sk-ii/facial-treatment-cleansing-oil-reinigingsolie-voor-alle-huidtypen/p-16324436/)
- [Genoptics Spot Essence](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/sk-ii/genoptics-spot-essence/for/dark-spots) — Average fit

#### Asarai

- [Earth Tones Face Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/asarai/earth-tones-face-mask/for/oily-skin) — Average fit

## Questions and answers

### SK-II or Asarai: which is better?

SK-II is the better choice for most shoppers on this page, as its products on this page achieve High to Superior Lovi fit levels across multiple skin types, whereas Asarai only offers an Average fit. Furthermore, the products on this page from SK-II feature key ingredients like Pitera and list no fragrance.

### What is the difference between SK-II and Asarai?

SK-II offers a wide range of products featuring Pitera, such as the Facial Treatment Essence which fits dry skin at a High level, whereas Asarai features only the Earth Tones Face Mask on this page, which fits dry skin at an Average level.

### Which is more affordable, SK-II or Asarai?

This page does not provide pricing or affordability information for either SK-II or Asarai.

### Which causes fewer breakouts, SK-II or Asarai?

SK-II helps acne-prone skin with products on this page like the Genoptics Ultraura Essence, which has a Superior Lovi fit level for oily acne-prone skin. Asarai offers fewer options for breakout-prone skin, with its Earth Tones Face Mask earning an Average Lovi fit level.

### Which skin types do SK-II products fit best according to their brand-focused routines?

According to their brand-focused routines, SK-II products fit acne-prone skin, dry skin, and oily acne-prone skin best.

### What key ingredient is found across SK-II products?

The key ingredient found across the products on this page for SK-II is Pitera.

### In what year and country was SK-II founded?

SK-II was founded in 1980 in Japan.

## Research behind their key ingredients

- [The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/) Nicotinamide w, Niacinamide · The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002
- [Mechanistic Basis and Clinical Evidence for the Applications of Nicotinamide (Niacinamide) to Control Skin Aging and Pigmentation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34439563/) Niacinamide · Antioxidants, 2021
- [Formation and stability of oil-in-water nanoemulsions containing rice bran oil: in vitro and in vivo assessments](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21952107/) Rice bran oil · Journal of Nanobiotechnology, 2011
- [Topical use of dexpanthenol in skin disorders](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12113650/) Panthenol, D-pantothenyl alcohol · American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002
- [Effects of ascorbic acid on gingival melanin pigmentation in vitro and in vivo](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19186973/) L-ascorbic acid 2-glucoside, Ascorbyl glucoside · Journal of Periodontology, 2009
- [Treatment of acne with a combination of propolis, tea tree oil, and Aloe vera compared to erythromycin cream: two double-blind investigations](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30588129/) Aloe barbadensis leaf juice · Clinical Pharmacology, 2018
- [The 24-hour skin hydration and barrier function effects of a hyaluronic 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract moisturizing fluid: an intra-subject, randomized, assessor-blinded study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/) Glycerin · Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
- [Randomized controlled study for the anti-aging effect of human adipocyte-derived mesenchymal stem cell media combined with niacinamide after laser therapy](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33103316/) Niacinamide · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021
- [A Double-Blinded, Randomized, Vehicle-Controlled Study of the Efficacy of Moisturizer Containing Licochalcone A, Decanediol, L-Carnitine, and Salicylic Acid for Prevention of Acne Relapse in Asian Population](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33150170/) Salicylic acid · BioMed Research International, 2020
- [A new topical panthenol-containing emollient: Results from two randomized controlled studies assessing its skin moisturization and barrier restoration potential, and the effect on skin microflora](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27425824/) Panthenol, D-pantothenyl alcohol · The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017
- [Senomorphic activity of a combination of niacinamide and hyaluronic acid: correlation with clinical improvement of skin aging](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39009698/) Niacinamide · Scientific Reports, 2024
- [Efficacy of a topical gel containing chitosan, chlorhexidine, allantoin and dexpanthenol for pain and inflammation control after third molar surgery: A randomized and placebo-controlled clinical trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32683390/) D-pantothenyl alcohol · Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal, 2020
- [Daily Fluctuation of Facial Pore Area, Roughness and Redness among Young Japanese Women; Beneficial Effects of Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate Containing Antioxidative Skin Care Formula](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34198790/) Galactomyces ferment filtrate, Pitera essence, Galactomyces ferment filtrate pitera ferment filtrate, Pitera ferment filtrate galactomyces ferment filtrate, Pitera ferment filtrate, Sk-ii pitera concentrate, Pitera · Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2021
- [Efficacy of a multitargeted, salicylic acid-based dermocosmetic cream compared to benzoyl peroxide 5% in Acne vulgaris: Results from a randomized study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/) Salicylic acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024
- [A Salicylic Acid-Based Dermocosmetic is Effective as an Adjunct to Benzoyl Peroxide for Mild to Moderate Acne and as Monotherapy in Maintenance Post Benzoyl Peroxide](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38051857/) Salicylic acid · Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023
- [Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation by topical N-undecyl-10-enoyl-L-phenylalanine and its combination with niacinamide](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19958429/) Undecylenoyl phenylalanine · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2009
- [Inhibitory effects of shell of Camellia oleifera Abel extract on mushroom tyrosinase and human skin melanin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31033161/) Butylene glycol · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019
- [A randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled study of a preparation containing undecylenoyl phenylalanine 2% in the treatment of solar lentigines](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19874316/) Undecylenoyl phenylalanine · Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 2010
- [A retrospective assessment and comparison of the effectiveness of benzoyl peroxide; the combination of topical niacinamide, gallic acid, and lauric acid; and the combination of benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin in acne vulgaris](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32390309/) Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extract · Dermatologic Therapy, 2020
- [Synergetic Effects of Aloe Vera Extract with Trimethylglycine for Targeted Aquaporin 3 Regulation and Long-Term Skin Hydration](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38611819/) Betaine · Molecules, 2024
- [Influence of vitamin E acetate on stratum corneum hydration](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9706379/) Tocopheryl acetate · Arzneimittel-Forschung, 1998
- [The use of different concentrations of betaine as a reducing irritation agent in soaps monitored visually and non-invasively](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12535284/) Betaine · Skin Research and Technology, 2003
- [Enhanced Fluctuations in Facial Pore Size, Redness, and TEWL Caused by Mask Usage Are Normalized by the Application of a Moisturizer](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35456214/) Galactomyces ferment filtrate, Pitera essence, Galactomyces ferment filtrate pitera ferment filtrate, Pitera ferment filtrate galactomyces ferment filtrate, Pitera ferment filtrate, Sk-ii pitera concentrate, Pitera · Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2022
- [Three clinical studies showing the anti-aging benefits of sodium salicylate in human skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20883290/) Sodium salicylate · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2010
- [Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of a Panthenol-Enriched Mask for Skin Barrier Recovery After Facial Laser Treatment: Results of a Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40613435/) Panthenol, D-pantothenyl alcohol · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025
- [Glycerol crosslinked vitamin E loaded xanthan gum and gellan gum nanoemulgels for topical management of dry skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41224059/) Xanthan gum · International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2025
- [A Double-Blind, 12-Week Study to Evaluate the Antiaging Efficacy of a Cream Containing the NFκB Inhibitor 4-Hexyl-1, 3-Phenylenediol and Ascorbic Acid-2 Glucoside in Adult Females](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27272084/) L-ascorbic acid 2-glucoside, Ascorbyl glucoside · Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2016
- [Significant Reversal of Facial Wrinkle, Pigmented Spot and Roughness by Daily Application of Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate-Containing Skin Products for 12 Months-An 11-Year Longitudinal Skin Aging Rejuvenation Study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36769815/) Galactomyces ferment filtrate, Pitera essence, Pitera ferment filtrate galactomyces ferment filtrate, Galactomyces ferment filtrate pitera ferment filtrate, Pitera ferment filtrate, Pitera · Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2023
- [Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39769217/) L-ascorbic acid 2-glucoside, Ascorbyl glucoside · International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024
- [The Effectiveness of Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Dexpanthenol, and Centella Asiatica Combination Serum in the Treatment of Post-Acne Hyperpigmentation in Subjects with Skin of Color](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33938432/) Galactomyces ferment filtrate, Sk-ii pitera concentrate, Galactomyces ferment filtrate pitera ferment filtrate · Skinmed, 2021
- [Clinical Efficacy of Topical Ascorbic Acid 2-Glucoside in Enhancing Outcomes of Laser Gingival Depigmentation: A Randomized Controlled Trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42147661/) Ascorbyl glucoside · Cureus, 2026

## The brands

- Japanese skincare: [SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/brands/sk-ii)
- Skincare: [Asarai](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/brands/asarai)

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- [The Ordinary vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/the-ordinary-vs-sk-ii)
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- [CeraVe vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/cerave-vs-sk-ii)
- [CeraVe vs Asarai](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/cerave-vs-asarai)
- [La Roche-Posay vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-sk-ii)
- [La Roche-Posay vs Asarai](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-asarai)
- [Dr. Althea vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/dr-althea-vs-sk-ii)
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- [Some By Mi vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/some-by-mi-vs-sk-ii)
- [Some By Mi vs Asarai](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/some-by-mi-vs-asarai)

## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi compares products by their fit scores, calculated from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its 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. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this comparison: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/sk-ii-vs-asarai
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- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/compare/sk-ii-vs-asarai
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- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/sk-ii-vs-asarai
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