# SK-II vs A+

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/sk-ii-vs-a

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for Saudi Arabia.

SK-II and A+ are distinct skincare brands founded in Japan and India in 1980 and 1990, respectively. The Japanese brand is known for nourishing moisturizers, targeted [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/serum), restorative masks, clarifying toners, and gentle formulations powered by pitera, which suits dry sensitive and combination skin best. Conversely, the Indian brand is widely beloved for its gentle moisturizers and thoughtfully calibrated formulas that suit sensitive skin best. While both support daily moisture balance, they differ as the former offers specialized solutions for dark spots, mature skin, and acne-prone skin, whereas the latter features the 345 Relief Cream for acne-prone skin.

SK-II is a Japanese skincare brand founded in 1980 and owned by The Procter & Gamble Company since 1991.

[en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SK-II) [discoversk-ii.wixsite.com](https://discoversk-ii.wixsite.com/home/brand-history) [glossy.co](https://www.glossy.co/beauty/despite-strong-results-in-beauty-in-the-first-quarter-pg-will-eliminate-thousands-of-jobs/)

A+ is an Indian skincare brand founded in 1990.

[pitchbook.com](https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/554388-85)

This page compares some of the most popular SK-II and A+ products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, [use the Lovi app](https://app.pora.ai/vqqJ/j1xj2b6o?af_sub2=compare&af_sub3=selection_note&af_sub4=pgccd987a2b1).

### Popular SK-II vs A+ products

#### SK-II

- [Facial Treatment Essence](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/sk-ii/facial-treatment-essence/for/dry-skin) — High fit — [SAR 341.64 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B000H723LU?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Facial Treatment Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/sk-ii/facial-treatment-mask/for/dry-skin) — High fit — [SAR 341.64 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B078MQP5ZF?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Facial Treatment Clear Lotion](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/sk-ii/facial-treatment-clear-lotion/for/oily-skin) — High fit — [SAR 384.94 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B072C3MCDH?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Skinpower Advanced Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/sk-ii/skinpower-advanced-cream/for/mature-skin) — High fit — [SAR 1,289.20 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B0CFW488TZ?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Genoptics Ultraura Essence](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/sk-ii/genoptics-ultraura-essence/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit
- [Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/sk-ii/facial-treatment-cleansing-oil/for/dry-skin) — High fit — [SAR 365.23 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B084M1R6RH?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Genoptics Spot Essence](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/sk-ii/genoptics-spot-essence/for/dark-spots) — Average fit

#### A+

- [345 Relief Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/a/345-relief-cream/for/sensitive-skin) — Average fit

## Questions and answers

### SK-II or A+: which is better?

SK-II is the better choice on this page, as its products on this page feature High or Superior Lovi fit levels across multiple skin types compared to the lower ratings for A+. Every product from both brands is formulated without fragrance.

### What is the difference between SK-II and A+?

SK-II offers a wide range of fragrance-free products on this page with varying Lovi fit levels across skin types, whereas A+ features only one moisturizer, the 345 Relief Cream.

### SK-II or A+: which moisturizer is better?

SK-II has a superior range of moisturizers compared to A+, as products on this page like Facial Treatment Essence and Skinpower Advanced Cream achieve High fit levels for dry and mature skin, whereas A+'s 345 Relief Cream is rated Low for combination and oily skin.

### Which is more affordable, SK-II or A+?

This page does not contain pricing information, so a comparison of affordability between SK-II and A+ cannot be made.

### Which causes fewer breakouts, SK-II or A+?

SK-II has products on this page rated High for acne-prone skin, such as Facial Treatment Essence, whereas the A+ 345 Relief Cream is rated Average.

### When was SK-II founded compared to A+?

SK-II was founded in 1980 in Japan, whereas A+ was founded later in 1990 in India.

### Which brand has fragrance-free products, SK-II or A+?

Both SK-II and A+ offer fragrance-free products, as every product on this page for both brands lists no fragrance in its ingredients.

### Which brand offers a Facial Treatment Mask, SK-II or A+?

SK-II offers a Facial Treatment Mask, whereas A+ does not carry this product on the page. Lovi rates the Facial Treatment Mask as having a High fit for dry and dry sensitive skin, and an Average fit for sensitive skin, skin with dark spots, acne-prone skin, oily skin, mature skin, combination skin, and oily acne-prone skin.

## Research behind their key ingredients

- [The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/) Niacinamide · The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002
- [Mechanistic Basis and Clinical Evidence for the Applications of Nicotinamide (Niacinamide) to Control Skin Aging and Pigmentation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34439563/) Niacinamide · Antioxidants, 2021
- [Topical use of dexpanthenol in skin disorders](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12113650/) Panthenol · American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002
- [Effects of ascorbic acid on gingival melanin pigmentation in vitro and in vivo](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19186973/) L-ascorbic acid 2-glucoside, Ascorbyl glucoside · Journal of Periodontology, 2009
- [Ceramide 1 and ceramide 3 act synergistically on skin hydration and the transepidermal water loss of sodium lauryl sulfate-irritated skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18717861/) Ceramide np · International Journal of Dermatology, 2008
- [Clinical, biometric and structural evaluation of the long-term effects of a topical treatment with ascorbic acid and madecassoside in photoaged human skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18503551/) Centella asiatica leaf extract · Experimental Dermatology, 2008
- [The 24-hour skin hydration and barrier function effects of a hyaluronic 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract moisturizing fluid: an intra-subject, randomized, assessor-blinded study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/) Glycerin · Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
- [Randomized controlled study for the anti-aging effect of human adipocyte-derived mesenchymal stem cell media combined with niacinamide after laser therapy](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33103316/) Niacinamide · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021
- [A Double-Blinded, Randomized, Vehicle-Controlled Study of the Efficacy of Moisturizer Containing Licochalcone A, Decanediol, L-Carnitine, and Salicylic Acid for Prevention of Acne Relapse in Asian Population](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33150170/) Salicylic acid · BioMed Research International, 2020
- [A new topical panthenol-containing emollient: Results from two randomized controlled studies assessing its skin moisturization and barrier restoration potential, and the effect on skin microflora](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27425824/) Panthenol · The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017
- [Senomorphic activity of a combination of niacinamide and hyaluronic acid: correlation with clinical improvement of skin aging](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39009698/) Niacinamide · Scientific Reports, 2024
- [Efficacy of a topical gel containing chitosan, chlorhexidine, allantoin and dexpanthenol for pain and inflammation control after third molar surgery: A randomized and placebo-controlled clinical trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32683390/) D-pantothenyl alcohol · Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal, 2020
- [Daily Fluctuation of Facial Pore Area, Roughness and Redness among Young Japanese Women; Beneficial Effects of Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate Containing Antioxidative Skin Care Formula](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34198790/) Galactomyces ferment filtrate, Pitera essence, Galactomyces ferment filtrate pitera ferment filtrate, Pitera ferment filtrate galactomyces ferment filtrate, Pitera ferment filtrate, Sk-ii pitera concentrate, Pitera · Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2021
- [Systematic Study of Paeonol/Madecassoside Co-Delivery Nanoemulsion Transdermal Delivery System for Enhancing Barrier Repair and Anti-Inflammatory Efficacy](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37446936/) Centella asiatica leaf extract · Molecules, 2023
- [Efficacy of a multitargeted, salicylic acid-based dermocosmetic cream compared to benzoyl peroxide 5% in Acne vulgaris: Results from a randomized study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/) Salicylic acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024
- [A Lipid Mixture Enriched by Ceramide NP with Fatty Acids of Diverse Chain Lengths Contributes to Restore the Skin Barrier Function Impaired by Topical Corticosteroid](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34348350/) Ceramide np · Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2022
- [A Salicylic Acid-Based Dermocosmetic is Effective as an Adjunct to Benzoyl Peroxide for Mild to Moderate Acne and as Monotherapy in Maintenance Post Benzoyl Peroxide](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38051857/) Salicylic acid · Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023
- [Efficacy and safety of moisturizer containing 5% panthenol, madecassoside, and copper-zinc-manganese versus 0.02% triamcinolone acetonide cream in decreasing adverse reaction and downtime after ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing: A split-face, double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30945430/) Centella asiatica leaf extract · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019
- [Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation by topical N-undecyl-10-enoyl-L-phenylalanine and its combination with niacinamide](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19958429/) Undecylenoyl phenylalanine · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2009
- [Inhibitory effects of shell of Camellia oleifera Abel extract on mushroom tyrosinase and human skin melanin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31033161/) Butylene glycol · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019
- [A randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled study of a preparation containing undecylenoyl phenylalanine 2% in the treatment of solar lentigines](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19874316/) Undecylenoyl phenylalanine · Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 2010
- [Development of solid lipid microparticles (SLMs) containing asiatic acid for topical treatment of acne: Characterization, stability, in vitro and in vivo anti-acne assessment](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38460769/) Centella asiatica leaf extract · International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2024
- [Influence of vitamin E acetate on stratum corneum hydration](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9706379/) Tocopheryl acetate · Arzneimittel-Forschung, 1998
- [Enhanced Fluctuations in Facial Pore Size, Redness, and TEWL Caused by Mask Usage Are Normalized by the Application of a Moisturizer](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35456214/) Galactomyces ferment filtrate, Pitera essence, Galactomyces ferment filtrate pitera ferment filtrate, Pitera ferment filtrate galactomyces ferment filtrate, Pitera ferment filtrate, Sk-ii pitera concentrate, Pitera · Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2022
- [Three clinical studies showing the anti-aging benefits of sodium salicylate in human skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20883290/) Sodium salicylate · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2010
- [Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of a Panthenol-Enriched Mask for Skin Barrier Recovery After Facial Laser Treatment: Results of a Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40613435/) Panthenol · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025
- [Glycerol crosslinked vitamin E loaded xanthan gum and gellan gum nanoemulgels for topical management of dry skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41224059/) Xanthan gum · International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2025
- [A Double-Blind, 12-Week Study to Evaluate the Antiaging Efficacy of a Cream Containing the NFκB Inhibitor 4-Hexyl-1, 3-Phenylenediol and Ascorbic Acid-2 Glucoside in Adult Females](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27272084/) L-ascorbic acid 2-glucoside, Ascorbyl glucoside · Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2016
- [Significant Reversal of Facial Wrinkle, Pigmented Spot and Roughness by Daily Application of Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate-Containing Skin Products for 12 Months-An 11-Year Longitudinal Skin Aging Rejuvenation Study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36769815/) Galactomyces ferment filtrate, Pitera essence, Pitera ferment filtrate galactomyces ferment filtrate, Galactomyces ferment filtrate pitera ferment filtrate, Pitera ferment filtrate, Pitera · Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2023
- [Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39769217/) L-ascorbic acid 2-glucoside, Ascorbyl glucoside · International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024
- [The Effectiveness of Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Dexpanthenol, and Centella Asiatica Combination Serum in the Treatment of Post-Acne Hyperpigmentation in Subjects with Skin of Color](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33938432/) Galactomyces ferment filtrate, Sk-ii pitera concentrate, Galactomyces ferment filtrate pitera ferment filtrate · Skinmed, 2021
- [Clinical Efficacy of Topical Ascorbic Acid 2-Glucoside in Enhancing Outcomes of Laser Gingival Depigmentation: A Randomized Controlled Trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42147661/) Ascorbyl glucoside · Cureus, 2026

## The brands

- Japanese skincare: [SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/brands/sk-ii)
- Indian skincare: [A+](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/brands/a)

## More comparisons

- [SKIN1004 vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/skin1004-vs-sk-ii)
- [SKIN1004 vs A+](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/skin1004-vs-a)
- [Anua vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/anua-vs-sk-ii)
- [Anua vs A+](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/anua-vs-a)
- [Medicube vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/medicube-vs-sk-ii)
- [Medicube vs A+](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/medicube-vs-a)
- [The Ordinary vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/the-ordinary-vs-sk-ii)
- [The Ordinary vs A+](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/the-ordinary-vs-a)
- [Beauty of Joseon vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/beauty-of-joseon-vs-sk-ii)
- [Beauty of Joseon vs A+](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/beauty-of-joseon-vs-a)
- [COSRX vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/cosrx-vs-sk-ii)
- [COSRX vs A+](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/cosrx-vs-a)
- [CeraVe vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/cerave-vs-sk-ii)
- [CeraVe vs A+](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/cerave-vs-a)
- [La Roche-Posay vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-sk-ii)
- [La Roche-Posay vs A+](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-a)
- [Dr. Althea vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/dr-althea-vs-sk-ii)
- [Dr. Althea vs A+](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/dr-althea-vs-a)
- [Some By Mi vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/some-by-mi-vs-sk-ii)
- [Some By Mi vs A+](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/some-by-mi-vs-a)

## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi compares products by their fit scores, calculated from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its 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. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this comparison: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/sk-ii-vs-a
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/sk-ii-vs-a
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/compare/sk-ii-vs-a
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/compare/sk-ii-vs-a
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/compare/sk-ii-vs-a
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/sk-ii-vs-a
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/sk-ii-vs-a
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/sk-ii-vs-a
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/sk-ii-vs-a
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/sk-ii-vs-a
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/compare/sk-ii-vs-a
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/sk-ii-vs-a (this page)
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/compare/sk-ii-vs-a