Neutrogena vs SK-II
Neutrogena and SK-II are prominent skincare brands that offer a variety of nourishing moisturizers, sunscreens, cleansers, toners, serums, and masks. The American brand is widely loved for utilizing glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and dimethicone, while the Japanese brand is cherished for its formulations powered by pitera. The first brand suits mature skin and skin with dark spots best, whereas the second suits dry sensitive skin and combination skin. They differ primarily in their regional heritage, founding eras, and core active ingredients.
Neutrogena is an American skincare brand founded in 1930 and owned by Kimberly-Clark Corporation since 2026.
investor.kimberly-clark.comen.wikipedia.orginvestors.kenvue.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 Neutrogena and SK-II products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Neutrogena vs SK-II products
People Say
Deep and intense hydration Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Skin looked plumper and radiant — Neutrogena HYDRO BOOST WATER CREAM”
- “It also hydrates my skin. This cream has been so easy to add to my routine. — Neutrogena Retinol Regenerating Cream”
- “Quenches dry skin instantly — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Hydrogel Mask”
- “flooded my skin with moisture — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
Lightweight and non-greasy texture Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Absorbs instantly without sticky residue — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel”
- “absorbs instantly — Neutrogena COLLAGEN BANK Moisturizer”
- “Absorbs into skin without residue. — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum”
- “drinks right into the skin — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
Gentle and sensitive skin safe Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
- “leaves skin soft and balanced — Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser”
- “love that it has no scent — Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser”
- “calms my acne prone skin — Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser”
- “Watery consistency — SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion”
Skin texture improvement and anti-aging Sometimes NotedOften 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”
- “Skin is looking smoother — Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream”
Soft skin and radiant glow Rarely 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”
- “Face felt baby soft afterwards — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Hydrogel Mask”
Makeup compatibility and primer qualities Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “Foundation glides right over it — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel”
- “Concealer doesn't cake or get stuck in crevices — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Gel-Cream”
- “Removes leftover dirt — SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion”
- “Dissolves waterproof mascara, melts stubborn makeup, removes sunscreen easily. — SK-II Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil”
Price versus quantity and high cost Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “Jar is too small for the price — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel”
- “Runs out quickly — Neutrogena HYDRO BOOST WATER CREAM”
- “Tube is tiny for the cost — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Gel-Cream”
- “way too expensive — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
Strong fragrance and scent issues Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Smell is too overpowering and lingering — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel”
- “Scent is so off-putting — Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream”
- “smells like dirty feet — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
- “smells slightly like saliva — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
Lack of immediate or underwhelming results Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “Did nothing for wrinkles — Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream”
- “did absolutely nothing — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
Packaging and design concerns Sometimes NotedRarely Noted
- “cotton is too thick and heavy — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
- “Eye holes are too small — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Hydrogel Mask”
Neutrogena 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
-
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
Hydro Boost Water Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 17.19
-
Hydrating Toner
Alcohol-Free Toner
Morning
SAR 97.00
-
Moisturizer
Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 150.91
-
SPF
Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen
Morning
SAR 115.51
-
Pre-Cleanser
HYDRO BOOST WATER CREAM
Evening · Once a week
SAR 99.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Blackhead Eliminating Cleansing Toner
Evening
SAR 72.68
-
Serum or Treatment
Stubborn Marks PM Treatment
Evening · Once a week
SAR 97.00
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
SAR 130.30
-
Nourishing Mask
Hydro Boost Hydrating Hydrogel Mask
Once a week
SAR 74.18
Buy SK-II routine · SAR 2,157.75 · 83% fit
Buy Neutrogena routine · SAR 854.76 · 69% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Neutrogena 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
Hydro Boost Water Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 17.19
-
Hydrating Toner
Alcohol-Free Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 97.00
-
Moisturizer
Hydro Boost+ Niacinamide Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 80.82
-
SPF
Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen
Morning
SAR 115.51
-
Pre-Cleanser
Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover
Evening · Once a week
SAR 69.93
-
Cleansing Toner
Blackhead Eliminating Cleansing Toner
Evening
SAR 72.68
-
Serum or Treatment
Stubborn Marks PM Treatment
Evening · Once a week
SAR 97.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask
Once a week
SAR 103.58
Buy SK-II routine · SAR 1,935.93 · 89% fit
Buy Neutrogena routine · SAR 811.22 · 70% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Neutrogena 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
Hydro Boost Water Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 17.19
-
Hydrating Toner
Alcohol-Free Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 97.00
-
Moisturizer
Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 150.91
-
SPF
Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen
Morning
SAR 51.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover
Evening · Once a week
SAR 69.93
-
Cleansing Toner
Blackhead Eliminating Cleansing Toner
Evening
SAR 72.68
-
Serum or Treatment
Stubborn Marks PM Treatment
Evening · Once a week
SAR 97.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask
Once a week
SAR 103.58
Buy SK-II routine · SAR 2,044.94 · 90% fit
Buy Neutrogena routine · SAR 817.79 · 74% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
Neutrogena or SK-II: which is better?
Neutrogena is better for deep and intense hydration, while SK-II is better for skin texture improvement and a radiant glow. Lovi fit for dry skin is Average for Neutrogena and High for SK-II.
What is the difference between Neutrogena and SK-II?
Neutrogena is a US-based brand offering products on this page that achieve a High routine fit for acne-prone skin, mature skin, and skin with dark spots, whereas SK-II is a Japanese brand achieving a Superior routine fit for acne-prone skin, combination skin, and dry sensitive skin. Reviewers note that Neutrogena delivers deep and intense hydration, while SK-II excels in skin texture improvement, anti-aging, soft skin, and a radiant glow.
Neutrogena or SK-II for dry skin?
For dry skin, SK-II has a High routine fit on the products on this page, whereas Neutrogena has an Average routine fit. Hyaluronic acid in moisturizers helps improve skin hydration.
Neutrogena or SK-II: which moisturizer is better?
Neutrogena is better for deep hydration and lightweight textures, whereas SK-II offers superior results for dry sensitive skin and radiant glow. The products on this page provide key ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which helps improve skin hydration.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
Which is more affordable, Neutrogena or SK-II?
Neutrogena is more affordable than SK-II.
Between Neutrogena and SK-II, which brand performs better for dry sensitive skin according to their routine fit levels?
SK-II performs better for dry sensitive skin, as Lovi rates its routine fit as Superior while rating Neutrogena at Average.
How do the founding countries and corporate owners of Neutrogena and SK-II differ?
Neutrogena was founded in 1930 in the United States and has been owned by the Kimberly-Clark Corporation since 2026. In contrast, SK-II was founded in 1980 in Japan and has been owned by The Procter & Gamble Company since 1991.
Which brand has more fragrance-free products listed on the page compared to Neutrogena?
Neutrogena offers 35 fragrance-free products on the products on this page, whereas SK-II has every product on this page listed as fragrance-free.
Neutrogena or SK-II for oily skin?
For oily skin, SK-II is a better fit with a High routine fit level compared to Neutrogena which has an Average fit level. The products on this page for SK-II help provide oil control while maintaining hydration.
Neutrogena or SK-II for sensitive skin?
For sensitive skin, SK-II has a High Lovi fit level while Neutrogena has an Average Lovi fit level across the products on this page. SK-II offers fragrance-free formulas across all of its products on this page, whereas Neutrogena includes fragrance in some of its items.
Neutrogena or SK-II for acne-prone skin?
For acne-prone skin, SK-II achieves a Superior routine fit, while Neutrogena achieves a High fit for the products on this page.
Research behind their key ingredients
Final report on the safety assessment of Benzyl Alcohol, Benzoic Acid, and Sodium Benzoate
The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review
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
Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation by topical N-acetyl glucosamine
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
Anti-inflammatory activity of parthenolide-depleted Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)
Evaluation of moisturizing and irritation potential of sacha inchi oil
Solid lipid nanoparticles bearing oxybenzone: in-vitro and in-vivo evaluation
Nanostructured Lipid Carrier for Topical Application of N-Acetyl Glucosamine
Safety of a preservative system containing 1,2-hexanediol and caprylyl glycol
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
Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens
Natural Moisturizing Factor-Enriched Formulations Compared to a Ceramide-Based Cream
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
-

Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
-

Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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