ISDIN vs SK-II
ISDIN and SK-II are established skincare names, with the Spanish brand founded in 1975 and the Japanese brand founded in 1980. Enthusiasts love ISDIN for elegant moisturizers, advanced sunscreens, restorative serums, and targeted eye products, while they adore SK-II for luxurious moisturizers, potent serums, soothing masks, refreshing toners, and signature pitera formulations. Both brands suit dry skin best, though the former excels for sensitive skin and the latter for dry sensitive skin. They ultimately differ through their standout solutions, key ingredients, and targeted daily support.
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
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$25.06
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Hydrating Toner
COSRX Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning
S$41.07
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Moisturizer
d'Alba First Spray Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$25.94
-
SPF
Eryfotona Actinica
Morning
S$110.01
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Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
S$39.68
-
Serum or Treatment
Flavo-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
S$161.49
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Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Collagen Essential Mask
Once a week
S$62.94
-
Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$25.06
-
Hydrating Toner
COSRX Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning
S$41.07
-
Moisturizer
Facial Treatment Essence
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$236.76
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SPF
thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+
Morning
S$21.09
-
Pre-Cleanser
Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
S$106.79
-
Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
S$63.44
-
Nourishing Mask
Facial Treatment Mask
Once a week
S$112.57
Buy ISDIN routine · S$466.19 · 93% fit
Buy SK-II routine · S$606.78 · 93% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
ISDIN vs SK-II routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$30.40
-
Hydrating Toner
TROIAREUKE H+Cocktail Purifying Ampoule Toner
Morning · Once a week
S$168.51
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Moisturizer
SKIN1004 Centella Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$33.87
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SPF
Eryfotona Actinica
Morning
S$110.01
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Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
S$70.21
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Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening · Once a week
S$36.48
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Serum or Treatment
Flavo-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
S$161.49
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
S$89.14
-
Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$30.40
-
Hydrating Toner
TROIAREUKE H+Cocktail Purifying Ampoule Toner
Morning · Once a week
S$168.51
-
Moisturizer
Facial Treatment Essence
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$236.76
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
S$28.72
-
Pre-Cleanser
Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
S$106.79
-
Cleansing Toner
Facial Treatment Clear Lotion
Evening · Once a week
S$96.82
-
Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
S$63.44
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
S$89.14
Buy ISDIN routine · S$700.11 · 91% fit
Buy SK-II routine · S$820.58 · 88% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
ISDIN vs SK-II routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$30.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Whamisa Organic Flowers Toner Deep Rich
Morning · Once a week
S$64.81
-
SPF
Eryfotona Actinica
Morning
S$110.01
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
S$70.21
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening · Once a week
S$36.48
-
Serum or Treatment
Flavo-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
S$161.49
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
S$89.14
-
Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$30.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Whamisa Organic Flowers Toner Deep Rich
Morning · Once a week
S$64.81
-
Moisturizer
Facial Treatment Essence
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$236.76
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
S$28.72
-
Pre-Cleanser
Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
S$106.79
-
Cleansing Toner
Facial Treatment Clear Lotion
Evening · Once a week
S$96.82
-
Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
S$63.44
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
S$89.14
Buy ISDIN routine · S$562.14 · 92% fit
Buy SK-II routine · S$716.48 · 89% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
ISDIN or SK-II: which is better?
Both brands offer solid routines, but ISDIN is gentler on sensitive skin and better for makeup compatibility, while SK-II does better at brightening and evens skin tone.
What is the difference between ISDIN and SK-II?
ISDIN fits sensitive skin and makeup compatibility better, while SK-II does better at brightening and evening skin tone. Every product on the SK-II page lists no fragrance, whereas 5 of 8 ISDIN products on this page list fragrance.
ISDIN or SK-II for dry skin?
For dry skin, Lovi rates both ISDIN and SK-II as having a Superior routine fit. ISDIN reviewers mostly mention ultralight and makeup-friendly sunscreens, while SK-II products on this page list no fragrance in their ingredients.
ISDIN or SK-II: which moisturizer is better?
When comparing moisturizers, the products on this page show that both ISDIN and SK-II offer options for various skin needs, with SK-II featuring entirely fragrance-free formulas while several ISDIN moisturizers include added fragrance. Both brands help address hydration and smoothness.
Which is more affordable, ISDIN or SK-II?
Reviewers note that ISDIN comes with a high price point.
Which brand has a better fragrance profile, ISDIN or SK-II?
SK-II has a better fragrance profile because every product on the page lists no fragrance, whereas 5 of 8 ISDIN products list fragrance and reviewers sometimes note strong fragrance issues.
Which brand is better for sensitive skin, ISDIN or SK-II?
ISDIN is better for sensitive skin, as Lovi rates its fit as Superior while SK-II reaches a High fit level.
ISDIN or SK-II for oily skin?
For oily skin, Lovi rates ISDIN as Superior and SK-II as High. Reviewers note that ISDIN offers ultralight and makeup-friendly sunscreens, while SK-II features fragrance-free formulas with Pitera.
ISDIN or SK-II for sensitive skin?
For sensitive skin, both brands are good choices, with Lovi rating ISDIN as Superior and SK-II as High. Reviewers note that ISDIN does better at being gentle on sensitive skin.
ISDIN or SK-II for acne-prone skin?
For acne-prone skin, Lovi rates ISDIN as having a Superior routine fit and SK-II as having a High routine fit.
ISDIN or SK-II for dry sensitive skin?
For dry sensitive skin, Lovi finds that both ISDIN and SK-II achieve a Superior fit level. Reviewers note that every product on the SK-II page lists no fragrance, whereas 5 of 8 ISDIN products on this page list fragrance.
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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