# SK-II vs Sesderma

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

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 Sesderma are distinguished skincare houses from Japan and Spain that offer thoughtfully formulated moisturizers, nourishing [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/serum), rejuvenating masks, refreshing toners, and more. SK-II is beloved for its signature ingredient, pitera, while the second brand is known for advanced serums and meticulously engineered formulas. The Japanese line suits acne-prone and dry skin best, whereas Sesderma is ideal for sensitive, hyperpigmented, and aging skin types. They differ primarily in their heritage and foundational components, with the former centering on time-tested efficacy and the latter utilizing botanical [extracts](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/extract) and active compounds.

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/)

Sesderma is a Spanish skincare brand founded in 1989 and owned by Grupo Sesderma since 2026.

[skinexpert.sesderma.com](https://skinexpert.sesderma.com/en/jb-capital-joins-the-shareholding-of-sesderma-group-as-a-strategic-partner/) [sesderma.com](https://www.sesderma.com/us_en/about-us.html)

This page compares some of the most popular SK-II and Sesderma 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=pgb0cf9626e9).

### Popular SK-II vs Sesderma products

#### Sesderma

- [Azelac RU Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/sesderma/azelac-ru-serum/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit — [€30.28 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B00987RKWW?tag=lovi-care-web-product085-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

#### 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

## Questions and answers

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

SK-II is better for most shoppers on this page, as Lovi rates its products with a High fit across many skin types like dry, acne-prone, and mature skin. In comparison, Sesderma only features one product on the page with varying fit levels, ranging from High for acne-prone skin and skin with dark spots down to Low for dry skin.

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

SK-II offers a wide range of fragrance-free products featuring Pitera with High to Superior Lovi fits for multiple skin types, whereas Sesderma features just one [serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/serum) with fragrance that has a Low to High Lovi fit range. Lovi rates SK-II as a High fit for dry skin and acne-prone skin, while Azelac RU Serum by Sesderma is rated Low for dry skin.

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

I am sorry, but the page facts do not provide pricing information to determine whether SK-II or Sesderma is more affordable.

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

SK-II fits acne-prone skin and oily acne-prone skin with High or Superior Lovi levels across multiple products on this page, whereas Sesderma only features Azelac RU Serum with a High fit for acne-prone skin. Therefore, SK-II helps prevent breakouts more reliably across its range.

### Which brand has been around longer, SK-II or Sesderma?

SK-II has been around longer, having been founded in Japan in 1980, whereas Sesderma was founded in Spain in 1989.

### Do any products from SK-II contain fragrance, unlike Sesderma's Azelac RU Serum?

No, every product on the SK-II page lists no fragrance in its ingredients, unlike Sesderma's Azelac RU Serum which contains fragrance.

### What is the key shared ingredient across the SK-II products listed?

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

## Research behind their key ingredients

- [Vitamin A antagonizes decreased cell growth and elevated collagen-degrading matrix metalloproteinases and stimulates collagen accumulation in naturally aged human skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10692106/) Retinol · The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000
- [The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/) 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
- [Topical use of dexpanthenol in skin disorders](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12113650/) Panthenol, D-pantothenyl alcohol · American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002
- [Improvement of naturally aged skin with vitamin A (retinol)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17515510/) Retinol · Archives of Dermatology, 2007
- [Nicotinic acid/niacinamide and the skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17147561/) Niacin · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2004
- [Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27261203/) Retinol · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2017
- [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
- [Prospective, randomized, double-blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageing](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/) Retinol · The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019
- [Efficacy and Safety of Azelaic Acid Nanocrystal-Loaded In Situ Hydrogel in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33923739/) Azelaic acid · Pharmaceutics, 2021
- [A topical lipophilic niacin derivative increases NAD, epidermal differentiation and barrier function in photodamaged skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17518989/) Niacin · Experimental Dermatology, 2007
- [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, Concentrated 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
- [Effects of 15% Azelaic Acid Gel in the Management of Post-Inflammatory Erythema and Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation in Acne Vulgaris](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38734843/) Azelaic acid · Dermatology and Therapy, 2024
- [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
- [Influence of vitamin E acetate on stratum corneum hydration](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9706379/) Tocopheryl acetate · Arzneimittel-Forschung, 1998
- [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
- [Nanostructured Lipid Carrier Based Gel Containing α-Tocopherol and α-Tocopheryl Acetate for Synergistic Cutaneous Antiaging Efficacy](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41309687/) Tocopheryl acetate · Scientific Reports, 2025
- [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
- [Safety assessment on comedogenicity of dermatological products containing d-alpha tocopheryl acetate in Asian subjects: A double-blind randomized controlled trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34471722/) Tocopheryl acetate · Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 2021
- [The efficacy of enoxolone in reducing erythema and pain after laser treatment: A randomized split-face pilot study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38622995/) Glycyrrhetinic acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 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)
- Spanish skincare: [Sesderma](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/brands/sesderma)

## More comparisons

- [SKIN1004 vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/skin1004-vs-sk-ii)
- [SKIN1004 vs Sesderma](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/skin1004-vs-sesderma)
- [Anua vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/anua-vs-sk-ii)
- [Anua vs Sesderma](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/anua-vs-sesderma)
- [Medicube vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/medicube-vs-sk-ii)
- [Medicube vs Sesderma](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/medicube-vs-sesderma)
- [The Ordinary vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/the-ordinary-vs-sk-ii)
- [The Ordinary vs Sesderma](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/the-ordinary-vs-sesderma)
- [Beauty of Joseon vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/beauty-of-joseon-vs-sk-ii)
- [Beauty of Joseon vs Sesderma](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/beauty-of-joseon-vs-sesderma)
- [COSRX vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/cosrx-vs-sk-ii)
- [COSRX vs Sesderma](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/cosrx-vs-sesderma)
- [CeraVe vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/cerave-vs-sk-ii)
- [CeraVe vs Sesderma](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/cerave-vs-sesderma)
- [La Roche-Posay vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-sk-ii)
- [La Roche-Posay vs Sesderma](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-sesderma)
- [Dr. Althea vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/dr-althea-vs-sk-ii)
- [Dr. Althea vs Sesderma](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/dr-althea-vs-sesderma)
- [Some By Mi vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/some-by-mi-vs-sk-ii)
- [Some By Mi vs Sesderma](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/some-by-mi-vs-sesderma)

## 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-sesderma
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/sk-ii-vs-sesderma
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/compare/sk-ii-vs-sesderma
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/compare/sk-ii-vs-sesderma
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/compare/sk-ii-vs-sesderma
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/sk-ii-vs-sesderma
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/sk-ii-vs-sesderma (this page)
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/sk-ii-vs-sesderma
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/sk-ii-vs-sesderma
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/sk-ii-vs-sesderma
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/compare/sk-ii-vs-sesderma
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/sk-ii-vs-sesderma
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/compare/sk-ii-vs-sesderma