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Clinique vs SK-II

Rated by Lovi · Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes · How the Fit score works

Clinique and SK-II are esteemed skincare brands from America and Japan, respectively, known for thoughtfully formulated moisturizers, serums, and targeted treatments. The American brand pairs hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and caffeine to balance dry and oily skin, while its counterpart relies on signature pitera to deeply nourish dry and sensitive skin. These distinct approaches allow the former to focus on oil control and barrier restoration, whereas the latter emphasizes gentle soothing and refined texture.

Clinique is an American skincare brand founded in 1968 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc..

en.wikipedia.orgelcompanies.combusinesswire.comglossy.co

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 Clinique and SK-II products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.

Popular Clinique vs SK-II products

People Say

CliniqueSK-II
  • 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”
    • “Keeps my dry patches at bay all day — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+”
  • Lightweight and Fast Absorbing Often MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “sinks in immediately — Clinique moisture surge”
    • “sinks in instantly — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel”
    • “drinks right into the skin — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
    • “Absorbs into the skin quickly. — SK-II Genoptics Ultraura Essence”
  • Gentle for Sensitive Skin Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “never irritated my eyes — Clinique All About Eyes”
    • “No stinging eyes — Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm”
    • “doesn't dry out — Clinique all about clean”
    • “Watery consistency — SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion”
  • Smoother Skin and Texture 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 feels silky smooth — Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum”
  • Radiance and Glow Not 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”
  • Makeup Base Compatibility Often MentionedRarely Noted
    • “Melts waterproof mascara — Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm”
    • “foundation glides on — Clinique moisture surge”
    • “holds concealer in place — Clinique All About Eyes”
    • “Dissolves waterproof mascara, melts stubborn makeup, removes sunscreen easily. — SK-II Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil”
  • High Price Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “jar is too small for the cost — Clinique moisture surge”
    • “quite pricey — Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum”
    • “Expensive for cleanser — Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm”
    • “way too expensive — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
  • Causes Breakouts Sometimes NotedRarely Noted
    • “caused tiny red bumps — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
    • “Small bumps — SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion”
    • “did break out some while adjusting — SK-II Skinpower Advanced Cream”
    • “Woke up with whiteheads on my chin — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+”
  • Lack of Results Not notedOften Mentioned
    • “did absolutely nothing — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”

Clinique vs SK-II routines for dry skin

Buy Clinique routine · S$253.28 · 95% fitBuy SK-II routine · S$606.78 · 93% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit

Clinique vs SK-II routines for oily skin

Buy Clinique routine · S$486.90 · 94% fitBuy SK-II routine · S$820.58 · 88% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit

Clinique vs SK-II routines for combination skin

Buy Clinique routine · S$382.80 · 94% fitBuy SK-II routine · S$716.48 · 89% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit

Questions and answers

Clinique or SK-II: which is better?

Clinique is better for gentle, sensitive care and makeup compatibility, while SK-II excels in hydration, radiance, and smoothing texture. Hyaluronic acid helps maintain skin moisture.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

What is the difference between Clinique and SK-II?

Clinique is an American brand founded in 1968, whereas SK-II is a Japanese brand founded in 1980. The products on this page for Clinique feature key ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, while SK-II products feature Pitera. Reviewers note that Clinique does better for sensitive skin, while SK-II does better for hydration and plumping.

Clinique or SK-II for dry skin?

Both Clinique and SK-II achieve a Superior Lovi fit level for dry skin. Reviewers note that SK-II delivers better hydration and plumping, while Clinique is often mentioned for its hydrating and fast-absorbing moisturizers.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Clinique or SK-II: which moisturizer is better?

Both Clinique and SK-II offer moisturizers with a high Lovi fit for dry skin, though Clinique is generally known for its hydrating and lightweight formulas while SK-II leans toward hydration and plumping benefits. Topical hyaluronic acid, found in the products on this page, helps improve skin quality and signs of aging.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Which is more affordable, Clinique or SK-II?

Reviewers note that Clinique has a high price point, though SK-II is generally known as a luxury brand.

Which brand performs better for radiance and glow, Clinique or SK-II?

SK-II performs better for radiance and glow compared to Clinique. The products on this page help improve skin brightness through key ingredients like Pitera.

What are the founding years and parent companies of Clinique and SK-II?

Clinique was founded in 1968 in the United States and is owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. SK-II was founded in 1980 in Japan and has been owned by The Procter & Gamble Company since 1991.

Which brand uses Pitera as a key ingredient across its products?

SK-II uses Pitera as a key ingredient across the products on this page.

Clinique or SK-II for oily skin?

For oily skin, Clinique provides a Superior routine fit, while SK-II offers a High level fit.

Clinique or SK-II for sensitive skin?

Clinique is rated Superior for sensitive skin, while SK-II achieves a High fit on the products on this page. Reviewers note that Clinique is gentle for sensitive skin, and every product on this page lists no fragrance in its ingredients.

Clinique or SK-II for acne-prone skin?

For acne-prone skin, Lovi rates Clinique as Superior and SK-II as High. Reviewers note that Clinique offers gentle and effective cleansers, while SK-II may occasionally cause breakouts.

Research behind their key ingredients

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.

  • Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Co-founder, Medical Director

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer

  • Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Co-founder, CEO and CTO

    PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex

  • Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Medical Board

    Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine

  • Aishani Shah, MD

    Aishani Shah, MD

    Medical Board

    Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD

  • Asya Zubkova, MS

    Asya Zubkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member

  • Hanna Kurets, MD

    Hanna Kurets, MD

    Medical Board, Medical Advisor

    Dermatology MD

  • Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Medical Board

    Dermatology and diagnostic consultant

  • Victoria Derkova, MS

    Victoria Derkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist

How does it fit your skin?

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