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Dermalogica vs SK-II

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

Dermalogica and SK-II are established skincare brands from America and Japan that offer targeted serums, nourishing moisturizers, gentle cleansers, purifying masks, soothing masks, and refreshing toners. The American brand utilizes hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and salicylic acid to suit sensitive, dry, oily, and aging skin, while the Japanese brand relies on signature pitera formulations to suit dry skin and dry sensitive skin best. Both collections feature standout solutions like the Daily Microfoliant and the Facial Treatment Essence to address concerns such as acne, dark spots, and maturity. Ultimately, they differ through their distinct ingredients and origins, where Dermalogica relies on science and SK-II promotes a balanced complexion.

Dermalogica is an American skincare brand founded in 1986 and owned by Unilever since 2015.

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

Popular Dermalogica vs SK-II products

People Say

DermalogicaSK-II
  • 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”
    • “immediately brighter looking — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
  • Deep hydration and moisturization Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “Saved my dry skin — Dermalogica Super Rich Repair”
    • “super hydrating — Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque”
    • “skin feels hydrated — Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance”
    • “flooded my skin with moisture — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
  • Lightweight and non-greasy absorption Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “drinks right into the skin — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
    • “Absorbs into the skin quickly. — SK-II Genoptics Ultraura Essence”
    • “Absorbs quickly — SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence”
    • “blends seamlessly — Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50”
  • Gentle exfoliation and texture improvement 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”
    • “gentle enough for daily use — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
  • Customizable or luxurious texture and application Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “silky texture that absorbs quickly — SK-II Skinpower Advanced Cream”
    • “packet is absolutely drenched — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
    • “Pump dispenser is convenient. — SK-II Genoptics Ultraura Essence”
    • “Fizzing formula is cool — Dermalogica Blackhead Clearing Fizz Mask”
  • Soothing, calming, and gentle on sensitive skin Often MentionedRarely Noted
    • “doesn't strip skin — Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel”
    • “helps calm and nourish my skin — Dermalogica Stabilizing Repair Cream”
    • “Calms redness — Dermalogica Super Rich Repair”
    • “Great for sensitive — SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence”
  • High price point and value Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “hefty price tag — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
    • “Expensive for cleanser — Dermalogica Precleanse”
    • “Very expensive — Dermalogica Super Rich Repair”
    • “way too expensive — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
  • Unpleasant scent or fragrance Often MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “smells like puke — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
    • “smells like medicine — Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50”
    • “smells like dirty feet — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
    • “smells slightly like saliva — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
  • Drying sensation or limited effectiveness Rarely NotedSometimes Noted
    • “A bit drying — Dermalogica Blackhead Clearing Fizz Mask”
    • “Didn't clear most blackheads — Dermalogica Blackhead Clearing Fizz Mask”
    • “did absolutely nothing — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”

Questions and answers

Dermalogica or SK-II: which is better?

When choosing between Dermalogica and SK-II, Dermalogica tends to do better for deep hydration and soothing sensitive skin, while SK-II excels in brightening and lightweight absorption. Topical hyaluronic acid helps improve skin quality and signs of aging.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

What is the difference between Dermalogica and SK-II?

Dermalogica focuses on deep hydration and soothing sensitive skin with key ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, whereas SK-II stands out for brightening, lightweight absorption, and texture improvement using Pitera. Both brands feature fragrance-free products on their respective pages, but Dermalogica is often noted for a higher price point and occasional drying sensations compared to SK-II.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Dermalogica or SK-II: which moisturizer is better?

When choosing a moisturizer, Dermalogica offers better deep hydration and moisturization, whereas SK-II excels in lightweight and non-greasy absorption. Topical hyaluronic acid helps improve skin quality and signs of skin aging.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Which is more affordable, Dermalogica or SK-II?

When comparing the two brands, Dermalogica has a high price point that reviewers often note as a drawback. SK-II generally offers products that are also considered premium, but review themes indicate that Dermalogica has greater concerns regarding its high price point and overall value.

Which causes fewer breakouts, Dermalogica or SK-II?

When comparing the products on this page, both Dermalogica and SK-II have formulas that are generally well-tolerated, though reviewers occasionally note breakout issues with Dermalogica.

Where and when were Dermalogica and SK-II founded, and who owns them?

Dermalogica was founded in 1986 in the United States and is owned by Unilever. SK-II was founded in 1980 in Japan and is owned by The Procter & Gamble Company.

How do Dermalogica and SK-II products compare for sensitive skin?

For sensitive skin, Dermalogica products on this page have a Lovi fit level ranging from Superior to Caution, while SK-II products on this page generally have a Lovi fit level of High or Average. Review themes indicate that Dermalogica does better for soothing, calming, and being gentle on sensitive skin.

What are the key ingredients featured across Dermalogica and SK-II products?

Dermalogica features key ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, salicylic acid, oat, vitamin E, and lactic acid across its products. Meanwhile, SK-II features Pitera as the key ingredient across its product lineup.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

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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