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SK-II vs Grown Alchemist

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

SK-II and Grown Alchemist are distinct skincare brands, with the Japanese institution founded in 1980 offering thoughtfully formulated moisturizers, nourishing serums, rejuvenating masks, refreshing toners, and more anchored by pitera, while the latter is loved for its cleansers, serums, and formulas. Both brands suit dry skin best, though the first also serves acne-prone skin and the second accommodates sensitive and combination skin. They differ in their standout solutions, ranging from the Genoptics Ultraura Essence, Facial Treatment Essence, and Facial Treatment Clear Lotion for the former, to the Hydra-Restore Cream Cleanser, Instant Smoothing Serum, and Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser for the latter.

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

Popular SK-II vs Grown Alchemist products

People Say

SK-IIGrown Alchemist
  • Improves skin texture Mostly MentionedMostly 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”
    • “silkiest cleanser — Grown Alchemist Hydra-Restore Cream Cleanser”
  • Balances and hydrates Mostly MentionedOften 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 version of chugging water — Grown Alchemist Instant Smoothing Serum”
  • Radiance and glow Mostly MentionedNot noted
    • “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”
  • Effective cleansing and makeup removal Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
    • “Doesn't dry out my skin — Grown Alchemist Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser”
    • “Gets everything nice and clean — Grown Alchemist Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser”
    • “doesn't strip at all — Grown Alchemist Hydra-Restore Cream Cleanser”
    • “Dissolves waterproof mascara, melts stubborn makeup, removes sunscreen easily. — SK-II Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil”
  • Gentle formula Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
    • “Perfect for sensitive skin — Grown Alchemist Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser”
    • “calms my skin down — Grown Alchemist Hydra-Restore Cream Cleanser”
    • “Great for sensitive — SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence”
  • Pleasant scent Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
    • “Smells amazing — Grown Alchemist Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser”
    • “smell is divine — Grown Alchemist Hydra-Restore Cream Cleanser”
    • “Subtle rose fragrance, spa-like scent, not overpowering. — SK-II Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil”
  • High price point Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “expensive for what it is — Grown Alchemist Hydra-Restore Cream Cleanser”
    • “A bit pricey — Grown Alchemist Instant Smoothing Serum”
    • “way too expensive — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
  • Unpleasant or strong scent Often MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “smells like dirty feet — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
    • “smells slightly like saliva — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
    • “Too perfumy notes — Grown Alchemist Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser”
    • “smells medicinal — Grown Alchemist Hydra-Restore Cream Cleanser”
  • Lack of results Often MentionedRarely Noted
    • “Nothing to brag about — Grown Alchemist Instant Smoothing Serum”
    • “did absolutely nothing — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
  • Not for makeup Not notedOften Mentioned
    • “Isn't going to be your makeup remover — Grown Alchemist Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser”

Questions and answers

SK-II or Grown Alchemist: which is better?

SK-II is the better choice for improving skin texture, balance, hydration, and radiance, as the products on this page achieve High to Superior Lovi fit levels for skin types like acne-prone and dry skin. Grown Alchemist does better for gentle and effective cleansing formulas, though reviewers often mention cleanser performance and packaging issues.

What is the difference between SK-II and Grown Alchemist?

SK-II stands out for improving skin texture, radiance, and balance, with the products on this page offering high fit levels for dry, acne-prone, and oily acne-prone skin. Grown Alchemist is noted for providing gentle cleansers and effective makeup removal, though reviewers frequently mention cleanser performance and packaging issues.

Which is more affordable, SK-II or Grown Alchemist?

Grown Alchemist is noted for a high price point among the review themes for the products on this page, while SK-II does not have affordability advantages listed.

Which causes fewer breakouts, SK-II or Grown Alchemist?

SK-II fits acne-prone skin and oily acne-prone skin with High or Superior levels on Lovi across its products on this page, whereas Grown Alchemist ranges from Average to High.

Which brand uses Pitera as a key ingredient across its products?

SK-II uses Pitera as a key ingredient across the products on this page.

How does the Lovi fit level of the Genoptics Ultraura Essence compare for acne-prone skin versus skin with dark spots?

Lovi rates the Genoptics Ultraura Essence as having a Superior fit level for acne-prone skin, while skin with dark spots has an Average fit.

What do reviewers say about the cleansers from Grown Alchemist?

Reviewers note that the cleansers from Grown Alchemist are hydrating, gentle, and pleasant, though some also mention issues with cleanser performance and packaging.

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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