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SK-II Facial Treatment Essence for oily skin

Rated by Lovi · Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence

Average

  • AverageOily Skin Fit
  • HighEffectiveness
  • HighSafety

Works for oily skin; other moisturizers fit it better.

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily skin: shine, enlarged pores, blackheads, and blemishes. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.

Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works

Lovi Assistant explains

  • Offers moderate moisturizing and treatment for your oily skin due to the presence of galactomyces ferment filtrate, which provides moderate exfoliation and sebum control to address oily shine.
  • While galactomyces ferment filtrate offers some seboregulating properties, stronger ingredients for optimal oil control would enhance its suitability for your oily skin.
  • The product is safe for your oily skin, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of prohibited or harsh ingredients.

How to apply

  • Could be used as part of your AM or PM routine every day to keep your face fresh.
  • Apply this moisturizer after cleansing and toning, but right before your SPF in the morning.
  • Gently press a small amount into your skin and let it absorb fully.
  • Apply on clean, slightly dry skin to help control that oily shine.
  • Avoid the eye area and do a quick patch test before your first use.

People Say

★4.4Overall rating based on 12.0k+ reviews

This essence is widely praised for refining skin texture and creating a radiant glow, with many users considering it a holy grail for anti-aging and hydration. However, a notable number of users find the high price point difficult to justify and some report experiencing irritation or breakouts, possibly due to the fermentation process. This summary is based on a very large amount of data and should be definitely taken into account.

Highlights

  • Improves texture Mostly Mentioned
    • “skin feels soft as butter”
    • “bumps and roughness disappeared”
    • “texture is refined and smooth”
    • “makeup applies flawlessly now”
  • Radiance and glow Mostly Mentioned
    • “gives a glass skin look”
    • “lit from within glow”
    • “skin looks translucent”
    • “brightness restored to dull skin”
  • Exorbitant price Mostly Mentioned
    • “way too expensive”
    • “hard to justify the cost”
    • “wallet hurts every time”
    • “luxury price for just water”
  • Lightweight absorption Often Mentioned
    • “drinks right into the skin”
    • “feels like water”
    • “no sticky residue”
    • “absorbs instantly”
  • Unpleasant scent Often Mentioned
    • “smells like dirty feet”
    • “has a yeasty saliva scent”
    • “weird sour smell”
    • “stinks but fades quickly”
  • Balances and hydrates Sometimes Noted
    • “balanced my oily T-zone”
    • “hydration without heaviness”
    • “skin feels plump and quenched”
    • “restored moisture barrier”
  • Lack of results Sometimes Noted
    • “did absolutely nothing”
    • “just expensive water”
    • “no change after finishing the bottle”
    • “overhyped marketing”
  • Breakouts/Purging Rarely Noted
    • “caused tiny red bumps”
    • “triggered fungal acne”
    • “broke me out immediately”
    • “skin did not react well”

Sources: lovi.care, sk-ii.com, influenster.com, macys.com, bloomingdales.com, sephora.sg, and more

Questions and answers

How well does SK-II Facial Treatment Essence work for oily skin?

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence is an average fit for oily skin because it offers moderate moisture and helps control shine, though other products fit this skin type better. A product of this type needs ingredients like Niacinamide to help regulate oil and Allantoin to soothe the skin for an optimal fit.

Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2021Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2022

Which ingredients make this essence a good fit for oily skin?

Galactomyces ferment filtrate makes this essence a fit for oily skin because it provides moderate exfoliation and sebum control to help address oily shine. To work even better for oily skin, a product of this type needs ingredients like Niacinamide to help regulate oil production and hyaluronic acid for hydration.

Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2021Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2022

What does Pitera do for oily skin?

Pitera helps calm redness and balances out oily skin by smoothing texture and minimizing daily changes in pore size. This ingredient supports your skin barrier and helps keep it clear and calm.

Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2021Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2022

What does Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate do for oily skin?

Galactomyces ferment filtrate helps balance oily skin by smoothing texture and keeping pores clear throughout the day. It may also reduce daily redness and control excess shine when used regularly in your skincare routine.

Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2021Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2022

Where does this essence go in a skincare routine for oily skin?

This essence goes in the evening routine after cleansing and toning, and before moisturizing. It is safe for oily skin and helps control shine with galactomyces ferment filtrate, though a product of this type needs stronger oil-controlling ingredients for this skin.

Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2021Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2022

Can I use this essence with retinol, and in what order?

You can use this essence with retinol by applying the essence after cleansing and before your retinol product. It is safe for your oily skin and unlikely to cause irritation. Oily skin used with this type of product also needs stronger ingredients for optimal oil control.

Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2021Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2022

How often should I use this essence?

You can use this treatment in the evening as part of your routine. It is safe for your oily skin and is unlikely to cause irritation.

Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2021Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2022

Can this essence clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily skin?

This essence is unlikely to cause breakouts or purging for oily skin, as its safe formula avoids harsh and irritating ingredients. Reviewers rarely mention breakouts, and studies show it helps keep pores balanced.

Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2021Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2022

Can I use this essence around the eyes or on my body?

You can use this essence around the eyes and on your body, as it is safe and unlikely to cause irritation on oily skin. However, because oily skin needs stronger oil control ingredients for an optimal fit, body and eye areas with different thickness levels may benefit from products specifically tailored to their unique needs.

Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2021

What the research says

  • Saccharomycopsis Ferment Filtrate inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide production and iNOS protein expression in RAW264.7 macrophages and protects artificial epidermis against lipopolysaccharide- or ultraviolet radiation-induced damages.

    Journal of Dermatological Science, 2006

  • A combination serum containing galactomyces ferment filtrate, dexpanthenol, and Centella asiatica effectively treated post-acne hyperpigmentation in subjects with colored skin by significantly increasing lightness scores in Fitzpatrick skin type V and reducing the melanin index in Fitzpatrick skin type IV compared to placebo.

    Skinmed, 2021

  • Application of Galactomyces ferment filtrate skin care formula significantly reduced the net values and daily fluctuation of facial pore area, roughness, and redness in young Japanese women.

    Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2021

  • Galactomyces ferment filtrate promotes epidermal interconnectivity, barrier development, cell adhesion, keratinocyte differentiation and proliferation, and protects cellular bioenergetics against stress in keratinocytes and ex vivo skin explants compared to untreated controls.

    International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2024

  • Exposure of epidermal full-thickness skin equivalents to a blend of betaine, pentylene glycol, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Rhodiola rosea root extract significantly increased antioxidant, skin barrier, and oxidative stress biomarkers while reducing the negative impact of hydrogen peroxide on MMP3, MMP12, FBN2, ANXA1, and HGF, whereas a blend of Narcissus tazetta bulb extract and Schisandra chinensis fruit extract significantly increased 8 growth factors, 7 signaling, 7 structural/barrier function, 7 oxidative stress biomarkers, and specific microRNAs over control levels.

    International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2018

  • Topical application of caffeine sodium benzoate and caffeine provided a sunscreen effect, enhanced UVB-induced apoptosis, and inhibited skin carcinogenesis in SKH-1 mice compared to untreated controls.

    Carcinogenesis, 2007

Ingredients

Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Water, Sodium Benzoate, Methylparaben, Sorbic Acid

Behind this fit score

Lovi calculates every fit score 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

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Prices checked 6 Nov 2026

How does it fit your skin?

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