Neutrogena vs SK-II
Neutrogena and SK-II are prominent skincare brands originating from America and Japan, offering thoughtfully formulated moisturizers, sunscreens, cleansers, toners, serums, and masks. The American brand utilizes trusted ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and dimethicone to suit sensitive and mature skin best, while the Japanese brand relies on signature pitera formulations to suit dry skin and dry sensitive skin best. Both brands differ in their founding eras and targeted properties, as the former focuses on science-backed barrier function and hydration while the latter emphasizes luxurious, balanced complexions.
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
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
-
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
-
Cleanser
Hydro Boost Water Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$28.51
-
Hydrating Toner
Alcohol-Free Toner
Morning
S$67.90
-
Moisturizer
Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$31.79
-
SPF
Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen
Morning
S$16.08
-
Pre-Cleanser
HYDRO BOOST WATER CREAM
Evening · Once a week
S$28.51
-
Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
S$63.44
-
Nourishing Mask
Hydro Boost Hydrating Hydrogel Mask
Once a week
S$57.28
Buy SK-II routine · S$606.78 · 93% fit
Buy Neutrogena routine · S$265.00 · 82% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
Neutrogena 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
-
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
-
Cleanser
Hydro Boost Water Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$28.51
-
Hydrating Toner
Alcohol-Free Toner
Morning · Once a week
S$67.90
-
Moisturizer
Hydro Boost+ Niacinamide Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$26.64
-
SPF
Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen
Morning
S$16.08
-
Pre-Cleanser
Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover
Evening · Once a week
S$17.59
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening · Once a week
S$36.48
-
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 SK-II routine · S$820.58 · 88% fit
Buy Neutrogena routine · S$345.78 · 77% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Neutrogena vs SK-II routines for combination skin
-
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
-
Cleanser
Hydro Boost Water Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$28.51
-
Hydrating Toner
Alcohol-Free Toner
Morning · Once a week
S$67.90
-
Moisturizer
Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$31.79
-
SPF
Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen
Morning
S$28.35
-
Pre-Cleanser
Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover
Evening · Once a week
S$17.59
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening · Once a week
S$36.48
-
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 SK-II routine · S$716.48 · 89% fit
Buy Neutrogena routine · S$363.20 · 82% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
Neutrogena or SK-II: which is better?
Neutrogena is better for deep hydration and sensitive skin, while SK-II does better for skin texture improvement and a radiant glow. Both brands provide high routine fit for most skin types, though SK-II reaches a Superior fit for dry sensitive skin.
What is the difference between Neutrogena and SK-II?
Neutrogena is a US brand offering budget-friendly, fragrance-free options like hyaluronic acid that helps retain moisture, while SK-II is a Japanese brand known for its Pitera-infused luxury products. Neutrogena is best for sensitive, mature, and dry skin, whereas SK-II fits dry, dry sensitive, and combination skin best.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
Neutrogena or SK-II for dry skin?
Both brands offer solid options, but SK-II has a superior routine fit for dry skin compared to Neutrogena. Hyaluronic acid helps provide deep hydration for dry skin.
Dermatologic Therapy, 2022Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015
Neutrogena or SK-II: which moisturizer is better?
Both brands offer strong moisturizers on this page, but reviewers find that Neutrogena delivers deeper and more intense hydration while SK-II does better for skin texture improvement and anti-aging. Hyaluronic acid helps bind moisture to the skin, and retinol stimulates collagen accumulation in naturally aged human skin.
Which is more affordable, Neutrogena or SK-II?
Neutrogena is generally more affordable than SK-II, which is known as a luxury skincare brand. Reviewers frequently note high costs as a concern for SK-II compared to Neutrogena products.
Which brand has more products containing fragrance, Neutrogena or SK-II?
Neutrogena has more products containing fragrance, with 35 fragrance-free options out of 39 products on this page, whereas SK-II has zero fragrance across all its products listed on this page.
How do the founding years and corporate owners of Neutrogena and SK-II compare?
Neutrogena was founded in 1930 in the United States and has been owned by the Kimberly-Clark Corporation since 2026, whereas SK-II was founded in 1980 in Japan and has been owned by The Procter & Gamble Company since 1991.
Which brand performs better for skin texture improvement and anti-aging according to reviewers?
According to reviewers, SK-II does better for skin texture improvement and anti-aging. Lovi rates the products on this page for mature skin as High for many options across both brands.
Neutrogena or SK-II for oily skin?
Both Neutrogena and SK-II achieve a High routine fit for oily skin, making them strong choices depending on your preferences. Neutrogena offers options featuring salicylic acid that help target blemishes, while SK-II relies on its signature Pitera ingredient to balance skin texture.
Neutrogena or SK-II for sensitive skin?
Neutrogena is a good choice for sensitive skin, as the products on this page achieve a High Lovi fit level for sensitive skin and the brand is recognized for being gentle and sensitive skin safe.
Neutrogena or SK-II for acne-prone skin?
Both Neutrogena and SK-II achieve a High Lovi fit level for acne-prone skin on the products on this page. Reviewers note that Neutrogena delivers deep and intense hydration as well as lightweight textures.
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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