Anua vs SK-II
Anua and SK-II are skincare brands rooted in different traditions, with the former founded in 2019 and the latter established in 1980. The Korean label features cleansers, moisturizers, toners, and serums powered by heartleaf, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, whereas the Japanese house is cherished for nourishing moisturizers, targeted serums, restorative masks, clarifying toners, and gentle formulations driven by pitera. Both cater well to combination skin, but the first option suits oily acne-prone complexions best, while the second fits dry sensitive skin due to its balancing nature. They differ primarily in their core ingredients and targeted skin types, as well as their parent companies, which are The Founders Inc. and The Procter & Gamble Company.
Anua is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2019 and owned by The Founders Inc..
prnewswire.comkedglobal.comtracxn.comv.daum.net
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 Anua and SK-II products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Anua vs SK-II products
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Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
SAR 62.80
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Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner
SAR 49.00
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Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
SAR 68.00
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PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum
SAR 91.90
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Heartleaf Quercetin Pore Deep Cleansing Foam
SAR 58.12
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Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner
SAR 92.50
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PEACH 70% NIACINAMIDE SERUM
SAR 37.98
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Heartleaf 77% Clear Pad
SAR 30.33
People Say
Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “complexion feels so plump — Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum”
- “leaves skin plump — Anua Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner”
- “flooded my skin with moisture — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
- “skin feels deeply hydrated, plump, and smoother — SK-II Skinpower Advanced Cream”
Lightweight and Fast Absorbing Texture Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “melts into skin — Anua Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream”
- “Feels like water, not heavy oil — Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil”
- “drinks right into the skin — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
- “Absorbs into the skin quickly. — SK-II Genoptics Ultraura Essence”
Glass Skin Glow and Radiance Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “gives a glass skin look — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
- “leaves me with a red carpet glow — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
- “My skin is glowing now. — SK-II Genoptics Ultraura Essence”
- “glass-like glow — Anua Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner”
Improves Skin Texture Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Skin feels super smooth — Anua PEACH 70% NIACINAMIDE SERUM”
- “skin feels so smooth — Anua BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner”
- “skin feels soft as butter — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
- “pores became miraculously invisible — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
Brightening and Dark Spots Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “Significant reduction in hyperpigmentation from acne scarring. — Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum”
- “Gives a nice healthy glow — Anua PEACH 70% NIACINAMIDE SERUM”
- “Skin looks brighter — SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence”
- “Reduced sun spots — SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence”
Soothes Redness and Barrier Support Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “Calms my redness instantly — Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner”
- “calmed my red spots — Anua Heartleaf 77% Clear Pad”
- “didn't sensitize my skin — Anua BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner”
- “Great for sensitive — SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence”
High Price and Value Concerns Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
- “price feels way too high — Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum”
- “small size, the price is expensive — Anua Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder”
- “bottle too small — Anua NANO RETINOL™ 0.3% + NIACIN RENEWING SERUM”
- “way too expensive — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
Visible Results and Slow Efficacy Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Did absolutely nothing — Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner”
- “not instant fix — Anua NANO RETINOL™ 0.3% + NIACIN RENEWING SERUM”
- “Did nothing for my skin. — Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum”
- “did absolutely nothing — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
Breakouts and Acne Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “caused tiny red bumps — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
- “Small bumps — SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion”
- “did break out some while adjusting — SK-II Skinpower Advanced Cream”
- “Wrecked my skin barrier — Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil”
Anua vs SK-II routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 297.00
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Moisturizer
Facial Treatment Essence
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 341.64
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SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
SAR 75.00
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Pre-Cleanser
Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 365.23
-
Cleansing Toner
Facial Treatment Clear Lotion
Evening
SAR 384.94
-
Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 222.00
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Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
SAR 130.30
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Nourishing Mask
Facial Treatment Mask
Once a week
SAR 341.64
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Cleanser
Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Gentle Foaming Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 72.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner
Morning
SAR 92.50
-
Moisturizer
Heartleaf 70% Intense Calming Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 106.64
-
SPF
Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream
Morning
SAR 83.71
-
Pre-Cleanser
Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 62.80
-
Cleansing Toner
BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner
Evening
SAR 55.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 68.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder
Once a week
SAR 39.22
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Nourishing Mask
Heartleaf 77% Soothing Sheet Mask
Once a week
SAR 19.77
Buy SK-II routine · SAR 2,157.75 · 83% fit
Buy Anua routine · SAR 599.64 · 78% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Anua vs SK-II routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 36.33
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 53.04
-
Moisturizer
Facial Treatment Essence
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 341.64
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
SAR 46.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 365.23
-
Cleansing Toner
Facial Treatment Clear Lotion
Evening
SAR 384.94
-
Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 222.00
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Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
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Cleansing Mask
Goldfaden MD Facial Detox Mask
Once a week
SAR 328.29
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Cleanser
Heartleaf Quercetin Pore Deep Cleansing Foam
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 58.12
-
Hydrating Toner
Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder
Morning · Once a week
SAR 39.22
-
Moisturizer
Heartleaf 70% Intense Calming Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 106.64
-
SPF
Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream
Morning
SAR 83.71
-
Pre-Cleanser
Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 62.80
-
Cleansing Toner
BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner
Evening
SAR 55.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 68.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Heartleaf Pore Clay Pack
Once a week
SAR 34.99
Buy SK-II routine · SAR 1,935.93 · 89% fit
Buy Anua routine · SAR 508.48 · 81% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Anua vs SK-II routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 191.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 166.90
-
Moisturizer
Facial Treatment Essence
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 341.64
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
SAR 46.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 365.23
-
Cleansing Toner
Facial Treatment Clear Lotion
Evening
SAR 384.94
-
Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 222.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
SAR 168.77
-
Cleanser
Heartleaf Quercetin Pore Deep Cleansing Foam
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 58.12
-
Hydrating Toner
Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 92.50
-
Moisturizer
Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 39.22
-
SPF
Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream
Morning
SAR 83.71
-
Pre-Cleanser
Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 62.80
-
Cleansing Toner
BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner
Evening
SAR 55.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 68.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Heartleaf Pore Clay Pack
Once a week
SAR 34.99
Buy SK-II routine · SAR 2,044.94 · 90% fit
Buy Anua routine · SAR 494.34 · 82% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
Anua or SK-II: which is better?
Both Anua and SK-II are good options, as both brands achieve a High routine fit for dry skin, oily skin, sensitive skin, mature skin, skin with dark spots, and oily acne-prone skin on the products on this page. Reviewers note that Anua does better for soothing redness and barrier support, while SK-II performs better for glass skin glow and radiance.
What is the difference between Anua and SK-II?
Anua products on this page focus on key ingredients like heartleaf and niacinamide to help soothe redness and brighten skin, whereas SK-II relies on Pitera to deliver a glass skin glow and radiance. Both brands perform equally well for hydration and texture improvement, but Anua is better for soothing support while SK-II takes the lead in glass skin glow.
Anua or SK-II for dry skin?
Anua and SK-II are both a High fit for dry skin on the products on this page. Hydration and moisture performance are rated equal between the two brands.
Anua or SK-II: which moisturizer is better?
Both Anua and SK-II offer moisturizers with a High routine fit for dry skin on the products on this page. Anua focuses on soothing and barrier support, while SK-II features Pitera for radiance.
Which is more affordable, Anua or SK-II?
When it comes to affordability, Anua is the brand that does better, whereas high price and value concerns are noted for Anua.
Between Anua and SK-II, which brand performs better for combination skin?
Both brands are great choices for combination skin, with Anua offering a High Lovi fit level and SK-II offering a Superior Lovi fit level.
Which brand has better options for soothing redness and barrier support, Anua or SK-II?
Anua does better for soothing redness and barrier support among the products on this page. Reviewers note that Anua stands out for its soothing and barrier support in moisturizers.
How do the founding years and countries of origin compare between Anua and SK-II?
Anua was founded in 2019 in South Korea, whereas SK-II was founded earlier in 1980 in Japan.
Anua or SK-II for oily skin?
Anua and SK-II are both a High fit for oily skin. The products on this page list no fragrance in their ingredients.
Anua or SK-II for sensitive skin?
Anua and SK-II are both a High fit for sensitive skin on Lovi. Both brands feature fragrance-free product formulations across the items on this page.
Anua or SK-II for acne-prone skin?
Both Anua and SK-II are good options for acne-prone skin, with the products on this page offering high levels of routine fit for this skin type. Anua features popular soothing ingredients like heartleaf and niacinamide, while SK-II focuses on Pitera.
Research behind their key ingredients
The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer
Effects of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) on Skin Health: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Evidence
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
Effects of ascorbic acid on gingival melanin pigmentation in vitro and in vivo
Apigenin inhibits UVA-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and prevents signs of skin aging in vivo
Effects of glyceryl glucoside on AQP3 expression, barrier function and hydration of human skin
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
Moisturizing Effects of Diglycerol Combined with Glycerol on Human Stratum Corneum
Three clinical studies showing the anti-aging benefits of sodium salicylate in human skin
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Histometric assessment of the age-related skin response to 2-hydroxy-5-octanoyl benzoic acid
Emulgels powered by coco-glucoside: A stable and effective synbiotics delivery system for skin care
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
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.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
-

Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
-

Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
-

Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
-

Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
-

Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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