ISDIN vs SK-II
ISDIN and SK-II are established skincare names, with the Spanish brand founded in 1975 and the Japanese brand originating in 1980. The former offers advanced moisturizers, sunscreens, serums, and eye products that suit sensitive skin and acne-prone skin best, while the latter is known for nourishing moisturizers, targeted serums, restorative masks, clarifying toners, and pitera-powered formulations that suit dry sensitive skin and combination skin best. Both collections address specific concerns like dark spots and mature skin, yet they differ in their foundational approach and regional heritage.
ISDIN is a Spanish skincare brand founded in 1975 and owned by Puig.
puig.combeautymatter.comuploads.puig.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 ISDIN and SK-II products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular ISDIN vs SK-II products
People Say
Lightweight and fluid texture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “absorbs instantly — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
- “ultra-light fluid product, which makes it super easy to apply — ISDIN Fusion Water”
- “drinks right into the skin — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
- “pores became miraculously invisible — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
Hydrating and smoothing Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Improved moisture and texture — ISDIN Hyaluronic Moisture”
- “skin looks smooth and healthy — ISDIN K-Ox Eyes”
- “flooded my skin with moisture — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
- “skin feels deeply hydrated, plump, and smoother — SK-II Skinpower Advanced Cream”
Brightens and evens skin tone Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
- “skin feels soft as butter — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
- “gives a glass skin look — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
- “leaves me with a red carpet glow — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
- “My hyperpigmentation has lightened and skin looks more even, even shines more. — ISDIN Flavo-C Serum”
Gentle on sensitive skin Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “Sensitive/reactive skin tolerates — ISDIN Hyaluronic Moisture”
- “no excessive exfoliation — ISDIN Retinal Intense Serum”
- “doesn't sting eyes — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
- “Great for sensitive — SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence”
Makeup compatibility Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “acts like a primer — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
- “My skin felt sooo hydrated and looks so plump and dewey. — ISDIN Fusion Water”
- “Great under makeup — ISDIN Hyaluronic Concentrate”
- “Dissolves waterproof mascara, melts stubborn makeup, removes sunscreen easily. — SK-II Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil”
High price point Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “very expensive — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
- “My only wish is that ISDIN would make this product in a bigger size bottle. — ISDIN Fusion Water”
- “high cost — ISDIN K-Ox Eyes”
- “way too expensive — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
Strong fragrance and scent issues Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “smell is overpowering — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
- “lingering headache inducing effect — ISDIN K-Ox Eyes”
- “smells like dirty feet — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
- “smells slightly like saliva — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
Lack of results Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “don't see result — ISDIN K-Ox Eyes”
- “no noticeable changes yet — ISDIN Retinal Intense Serum”
- “did absolutely nothing — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
Skin irritation and breakouts Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “mild redness or irritation — ISDIN K-Ox Eyes”
- “Not hydrating enough in winter — ISDIN Hyaluronic Concentrate”
- “I think the serum is too strong for my face as it has burned and left very rough and a peeling face. — ISDIN Flavo-C Serum”
- “caused tiny red bumps — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
ISDIN 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
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 48.00
-
SPF
Fusion Water
Morning
SAR 75.00
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Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
SAR 65.11
-
Cleansing Toner
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water
Evening
SAR 72.64
-
Serum or Treatment
Flavo-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 848.48
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
SAR 130.30
-
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
-
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
Buy ISDIN routine · SAR 1,771.26 · 92% fit
Buy SK-II routine · SAR 2,157.75 · 83% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
ISDIN 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
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 39.70
-
SPF
Eryfotona Actinica
Morning
SAR 429.81
-
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
-
Serum or Treatment
Flavo-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 848.48
-
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
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
Buy ISDIN routine · SAR 2,326.11 · 93% fit
Buy SK-II routine · SAR 1,935.93 · 89% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
ISDIN 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
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 39.70
-
SPF
Eryfotona Actinica
Morning
SAR 429.81
-
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
Flavo-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 848.48
-
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
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
Buy ISDIN routine · SAR 2,312.92 · 93% fit
Buy SK-II routine · SAR 2,044.94 · 90% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
ISDIN or SK-II: which is better?
ISDIN is better suited overall for sensitive and acne-prone skin, while SK-II tends to be preferred for brightening and evening skin tone. Lovi rates ISDIN as Superior across all main skin types on the products on this page, whereas SK-II receives a mix of Superior and High ratings.
What is the difference between ISDIN and SK-II?
ISDIN tends to be gentler on sensitive skin and offers makeup-friendly sunscreens, while SK-II does better at brightening and evening skin tone. Lovi rates the routine fit for sensitive skin as Superior for ISDIN and High for SK-II.
ISDIN or SK-II for dry skin?
For dry skin, Lovi rates ISDIN as a Superior fit and SK-II as a High fit. The products on this page from ISDIN are known for lightweight moisturizers, while SK-II features fragrance-free formulas.
ISDIN or SK-II: which moisturizer is better?
When it comes to moisturizers, SK-II brightens and evens skin tone better, while the products on this page from ISDIN are sometimes noted for having a strong fragrance.
Which is more affordable, ISDIN or SK-II?
Both ISDIN and SK-II are high-end brands, but reviewers on the products on this page often mention a high price point for ISDIN.
Which brand has a stronger fragrance, ISDIN or SK-II?
ISDIN has a stronger fragrance, with five of the products on this page listing fragrance ingredients. In contrast, every SK-II product on this page lists no fragrance.
ISDIN or SK-II for oily skin?
For oily skin, Lovi finds ISDIN has a Superior routine fit and SK-II has a High routine fit. Reviewers often mention that ISDIN offers ultralight sunscreens and lightweight moisturizers that may help with shine, while SK-II features key ingredients like Pitera across the products on this page.
ISDIN or SK-II for sensitive skin?
For sensitive skin, Lovi gives ISDIN a Superior fit level and SK-II a High fit level.
ISDIN or SK-II for acne-prone skin?
For acne-prone skin, Lovi rates both ISDIN and SK-II as having a Superior routine fit. ISDIN helps with its acne-focused serum options, while SK-II products on this page list no fragrance.
ISDIN or SK-II for dry sensitive skin?
For dry sensitive skin, Lovi finds that both ISDIN and SK-II are a Superior fit. Reviewers note that ISDIN helps with makeup compatibility and sensitive skin, while SK-II features fragrance-free formulas with Pitera.
ISDIN or SK-II for mature skin?
For mature skin, Lovi rates ISDIN as Superior and SK-II as High. Reviewers note that the products on this page for SK-II brighten and even skin tone better.
Research behind their key ingredients
Effects of ascorbic acid on gingival melanin pigmentation in vitro and in vivo
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
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
The clinical efficacy of a new emulsion for acne and conspicuous facial pore amelioration
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens
Targeting Circadian Rhythm for the Regulation of Skin Collagen Metabolism
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
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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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