celimax vs SK-II
celimax and SK-II are esteemed skincare brands originating from Korea and Japan, respectively. The Korean brand, founded in 2019, is known for its serums, moisturizers, toners, and makeup removers featuring carefully selected ingredients, while the Japanese brand, established in 1980, centers its nourishing moisturizers, targeted serums, restorative masks, and clarifying toners around pitera. Both lines suit sensitive skin well, with the former leaning toward acne-prone conditions and the latter serving dry sensitive and combination types best. While the newer label relies on gentle yet effective compositions for daily routines, the heritage label utilizes pitera to improve pore area, roughness, and redness.
celimax is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2019 and owned by ABSORBLAB Co., Ltd..
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 celimax and SK-II products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular celimax vs SK-II products
People Say
Hydration & Glow 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”
- “Skin looks brighter — SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence”
- “gives a very beautiful glow to your skin — celimax Noni Ampoule”
Lightweight Texture Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “silky texture that absorbs quickly — SK-II Skinpower Advanced Cream”
- “Absorbs into the skin quickly. — SK-II Genoptics Ultraura Essence”
- “Absorbs quickly — SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence”
- “absorbs incredibly fast — celimax Pore+Dark Spot Brightening Serum”
Skin Texture & Smoothing Often MentionedOften 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”
- “glass-like smoothness — celimax RETINAL SHOT”
Deep Hydration Sometimes NotedOften 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 stays soft throughout the day — celimax Dual Barrier Creamy Toner”
Gentle & Non-Irritating Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “cleans deeply without stripping — celimax Noni Acne Bubble Cleanser”
- “Doesn't irritate — celimax Dual Barrier Creamy Toner”
- “zero irritation or sensitivity — celimax Pore+Dark Spot Brightening Serum”
- “Great for sensitive — SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence”
Soothing & Calming Often MentionedNot noted
- “calms my face redness upon application — celimax Noni Ampoule”
- “Calms irritation — celimax Dual Barrier Creamy Toner”
- “No stinging on my hypersensitive skin — celimax Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream”
Price vs. Value Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
- “Expensive for only 150ml — celimax Dual Barrier Creamy Toner”
- “way too expensive — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
Lack of Results Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “results take time — celimax Pore+Dark Spot Brightening Serum”
- “didn't see major changes — celimax Pore+Dark Spot Brightening Pad”
- “didn't notice a difference — celimax Noni Ampoule”
- “did absolutely nothing — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
Unpleasant Scent Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “smell is herbaceous... giving me a headache — celimax Noni Ampoule”
- “Faint rubber scent — celimax Dual Barrier Creamy Toner”
- “medicinal smell — celimax Heartleaf BHA Peeling Pad”
- “smells like dirty feet — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
celimax 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
-
SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
SAR 75.00
-
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
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
SAR 130.30
-
Nourishing Mask
Facial Treatment Mask
Once a week
SAR 341.64
-
Cleanser
Noni Acne Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 49.96
-
Hydrating Toner
Dual Barrier Creamy Toner
Morning
SAR 53.05
-
Moisturizer
Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 44.90
-
SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
SAR 75.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Derma Nature Fresh Blackhead Jojoba Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 47.09
-
Cleansing Toner
Ji.Woo.Gae Cica BHA Blemish Toner Pad
Evening
SAR 117.81
-
Serum or Treatment
Noni Ampoule
Evening · Once a week
SAR 34.00
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
SAR 130.30
-
Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
SAR 234.73
Buy SK-II routine · SAR 2,157.75 · 83% fit
Buy celimax routine · SAR 786.84 · 73% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
celimax 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
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
Goldfaden MD Facial Detox Mask
Once a week
SAR 328.29
-
Cleanser
Noni Acne Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 49.96
-
Hydrating Toner
Dual Barrier Creamy Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 53.05
-
Moisturizer
Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 44.90
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
SAR 46.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Derma Nature Fresh Blackhead Jojoba Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 47.09
-
Cleansing Toner
Ji.Woo.Gae Cica BHA Blemish Toner Pad
Evening
SAR 117.81
-
Serum or Treatment
Heartleaf BHA Peeling Pad
Evening · Once a week
SAR 76.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
Goldfaden MD Facial Detox Mask
Once a week
SAR 328.29
Buy SK-II routine · SAR 1,935.93 · 89% fit
Buy celimax routine · SAR 921.56 · 81% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
celimax 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
Noni Acne Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 49.96
-
Hydrating Toner
Dual Barrier Creamy Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 53.05
-
Moisturizer
Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 44.90
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
SAR 46.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Derma Nature Fresh Blackhead Jojoba Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 47.09
-
Cleansing Toner
Ji.Woo.Gae Cica BHA Blemish Toner Pad
Evening
SAR 117.81
-
Serum or Treatment
Heartleaf BHA Peeling Pad
Evening · Once a week
SAR 76.00
-
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
Buy SK-II routine · SAR 2,044.94 · 90% fit
Buy celimax routine · SAR 762.04 · 79% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
celimax or SK-II: which is better?
SK-II generally does better for hydration, glow, and smoothing skin texture, while celimax excels at being gentle and soothing. For routine fit, SK-II achieves a Superior level for dry sensitive, combination, and acne-prone skin on the products on this page.
What is the difference between celimax and SK-II?
When comparing the products on this page, SK-II tends to do better for hydration, glow, and smoothing skin texture, while celimax is noted for being more gentle, soothing, and budget-friendly. For routine fit, SK-II reaches a Superior level for dry sensitive, combination, and acne-prone skin, whereas celimax reaches an Average fit for dry skin and High fit for the other skin types.
celimax or SK-II for dry skin?
For dry skin, SK-II is the better choice because Lovi rates its routine fit as High compared to celimax at Average. Both brands feature fragrance-free products on this page, but SK-II excels particularly in hydration and deep moisture.
celimax or SK-II: which moisturizer is better?
When comparing moisturizers, SK-II tends to provide better hydration, glow, and lightweight texture according to reviewer themes on the products on this page. For dry skin specifically, Lovi rates SK-II as having a High routine fit while celimax is Average.
Which is more affordable, celimax or SK-II?
Comparing the two brands on pricing, celimax tends to be more affordable than SK-II, though reviewers note some concerns regarding price versus value for the products on this page.
Between celimax and SK-II, which brand is better suited for mature skin?
Both celimax and SK-II achieve a High fit level according to Lovi for mature skin, making them equally well-suited. Reviewers note that celimax is particularly appreciated for soothing and calming mature skin.
How do celimax and SK-II compare regarding hydration and glow according to reviewers?
According to reviewers, SK-II does better regarding hydration and glow than celimax. The products on this page for both brands feature no fragrance in their ingredients.
Which brand has a better routine fit for dry sensitive skin: celimax or SK-II?
SK-II has a better routine fit for dry sensitive skin, with a fit level of Superior compared to celimax's fit level of High. Reviewers on the page report that the products on this page by SK-II excel particularly in hydration and glow.
celimax or SK-II for oily skin?
For oily skin, both celimax and SK-II are good options. Lovi rates the routine fit for oily skin as High for celimax and High for SK-II.
celimax or SK-II for sensitive skin?
Both celimax and SK-II achieve a High fit level according to Lovi for sensitive skin. Reviewers note that the products on this page for celimax offer gentle and soothing benefits.
celimax or SK-II for acne-prone skin?
For acne-prone skin, both celimax and SK-II are great options with high routine fit levels. SK-II reaches a Superior fit level for this skin type, while the products on this page for celimax are known for being gentle and non-irritating.
Research behind their key ingredients
Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles in sunscreens: focus on their safety and effectiveness
The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer
Effects of ascorbic acid on gingival melanin pigmentation in vitro and in vivo
Effect of Camellia japonica oil on human type I procollagen production and skin barrier function
Protective effects of Camellia japonica flower extract against urban air pollutants
Morinda citrifolia Linn. (Rubiaceae) leaf extracts mitigate UVB-induced erythema
Three clinical studies showing the anti-aging benefits of sodium salicylate in human skin
Histometric assessment of the age-related skin response to 2-hydroxy-5-octanoyl benzoic acid
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
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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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