Good Molecules vs SK-II
Good Molecules and SK-II are skincare brands that offer thoughtfully formulated serums, moisturizers, and targeted treatments for discerning routines. The American brand, founded in 2019, features ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, suiting sensitive skin and acne-prone skin best with gentle compositions. Conversely, the Japanese brand, founded in 1980, harnesses pitera in its nourishing moisturizers and restorative masks to suit dry sensitive skin and combination skin best. While both cater to distinct complexions, they differ fundamentally in their signature ingredients and geographic heritage.
Good Molecules is an American skincare brand founded in 2019 and owned by Beautylish, Inc..
beautymatter.comgoodmolecules.compitchbook.compreqin.com
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 Good Molecules and SK-II products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Good Molecules vs SK-II products
People Say
Texture and Consistency Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “absorbs quickly... zero irritation or tacky feeling — Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum”
- “practically invisible on skin — Good Molecules PIMPLE PATCHES”
- “drinks right into the skin — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
- “pores became miraculously invisible — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
Advanced Performance and Extras Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Removes leftover dirt — SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion”
- “Dissolves waterproof mascara, melts stubborn makeup, removes sunscreen easily. — SK-II Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil”
- “Reduced sun spots — SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence”
- “scar on your chin doesn't look nearly as noticeable — Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum”
Value and Pricing Mostly MentionedNot noted
- “best value for money — Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum”
- “great value — Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum”
Brightening 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”
- “Skin looks brighter — SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence”
- “skin looks more radiant — Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner”
Hydration and Plumping Often MentionedMostly 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 appears smooth and supple — Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum”
Gentle and Sensitive Care Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “no skin purging — Good Molecules Gentle Retinol Cream”
- “Non-abrasive, suitable for sensitive skin, no stinging — Good Molecules Pineapple Exfoliating Powder”
- “leaves my face feeling clean without the drying — Good Molecules Hydrating Facial Cleansing Gel”
- “Great for sensitive — SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence”
High Price and Cost Not notedMostly Mentioned
- “way too expensive — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
Slow or Ineffective Results Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “didn't really see a difference — Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum”
- “dried my skin out — Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum”
- “did absolutely nothing — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
- “No visible difference — SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion”
Scent and Fragrance Complaints Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Strong bergamot smell — Good Molecules Super Peptide Serum”
- “weird faint smell — Good Molecules Gentle Retinol Cream”
- “smelled of glycolic acid — Good Molecules Overnight Exfoliating Treatment”
- “smells like dirty feet — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
Good Molecules vs SK-II routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Hydrating Facial Cleansing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 163.00
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Moisturizer
Lightweight Daily Moisturizer
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 114.00
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SPF
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
Morning
SAR 113.80
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Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
SAR 65.11
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Cleansing Toner
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water
Evening
SAR 72.64
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Serum or Treatment
Daily Brightening Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 29.44
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Enzyme Powder
Pineapple Exfoliating Powder
Once a week
SAR 137.37
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Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
SAR 234.73
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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
Buy Good Molecules routine · SAR 930.09 · 89% fit
Buy SK-II routine · SAR 2,157.75 · 83% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Good Molecules vs SK-II routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
Hydrating Facial Cleansing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 163.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 53.04
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Moisturizer
Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 78.00
-
SPF
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
Morning
SAR 113.80
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 245.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
SAR 187.00
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Serum or Treatment
Overnight Exfoliating Treatment
Evening · Once a week
SAR 77.61
-
Enzyme Powder
Pineapple Exfoliating Powder
Once a week
SAR 137.37
-
Cleansing Mask
Goldfaden MD Facial Detox Mask
Once a week
SAR 328.29
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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
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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
-
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
Buy Good Molecules routine · SAR 1,384.06 · 89% fit
Buy SK-II routine · SAR 1,935.93 · 89% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Good Molecules 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
Hydrating Facial Cleansing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 163.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 166.90
-
Moisturizer
Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 78.00
-
SPF
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
Morning
SAR 113.80
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 245.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
SAR 64.80
-
Serum or Treatment
Overnight Exfoliating Treatment
Evening · Once a week
SAR 77.61
-
Enzyme Powder
Pineapple Exfoliating Powder
Once a week
SAR 137.37
-
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 Good Molecules routine · SAR 1,216.20 · 89% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
Good Molecules or SK-II: which is better?
Good Molecules offers better value and gentler care for sensitive skin, whereas SK-II excels in hydration, brightening, and advanced performance across the products on this page.
What is the difference between Good Molecules and SK-II?
Good Molecules offers more affordable and gentle options that excel in sensitive care, while SK-II provides superior performance in brightening, radiance, hydration, and advanced extras. Both brands achieve equal routine fit levels across most skin types, such as dry, oily, mature, and acne-prone skin.
Good Molecules or SK-II for dry skin?
Both Good Molecules and SK-II achieve a High routine fit level for dry skin. Topical hyaluronic acid, a key ingredient featured across Good Molecules products, helps improve skin quality and signs of aging.
Good Molecules or SK-II: which moisturizer is better?
Both Good Molecules and SK-II offer highly rated moisturizers, with Good Molecules standing out for affordability and SK-II leading in hydration and plumping performance. Topical hyaluronic acid helps improve skin quality and signs of skin aging.
Which is more affordable, Good Molecules or SK-II?
Good Molecules is more affordable, as reviewers mention its products provide great value and affordable pricing compared to SK-II.
Good Molecules or SK-II for brightening and radiance?
SK-II does better than Good Molecules for brightening and radiance based on reviewer themes. Reviewers note that the products on this page help improve skin brightness and radiance.
What are the key ingredients of Good Molecules and SK-II products?
Good Molecules products feature glycerin and hyaluronic acid as key ingredients, while SK-II products focus on Pitera across the products on this page.
Good Molecules or SK-II for oily skin?
Both Good Molecules and SK-II achieve a High routine fit for oily skin. Good Molecules relies on glycerin and hyaluronic acid across the products on this page, while SK-II uses pitera.
Good Molecules or SK-II for sensitive skin?
Good Molecules fits sensitive skin better, as Lovi rates Good Molecules as Superior and SK-II as High for this skin type. Reviewers also note that Good Molecules offers very gentle serums.
Good Molecules or SK-II for acne-prone skin?
Both Good Molecules and SK-II are a Superior fit for acne-prone skin according to Lovi fit levels. Reviewers mention that Good Molecules offers affordable and gentle serums.
Good Molecules or SK-II for dry sensitive skin?
Both Good Molecules and SK-II are a Superior fit for dry sensitive skin. Good Molecules offers gentle, affordable hydration with key ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which helps improve skin quality.
Research behind their key ingredients
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
Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation by topical N-acetyl glucosamine
Preparation and evaluation of anti-wrinkle cream containing saffron extract and avocado oil
Chemical peels for acne vulgaris: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
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
Hippophae rhamnoides oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion improves barrier function in healthy human subjects
Development and efficacy assessments of tea seed oil makeup remover
Effects of fermented tea seed oil on the skin lipid barrier and microbiome of sensitive skin
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
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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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