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NIVEA vs SK-II

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

NIVEA and SK-II are heritage skincare brands that embody distinct traditions, with the former founded in Germany in 1911 and the latter established in Japan in 1980. The German brand is known for reliable sunscreens, targeted serums, and nourishing moisturizers formulated with glycerin, while the Japanese brand is adored for luxurious moisturizers, potent serums, soothing masks, refreshing toners, and signature pitera. The former suits combination skin and sensitive skin best, whereas the latter suits dry skin and dry sensitive skin best. They differ primarily because the former relies on glycerin to improve stratum corneum hydration and barrier function, while the latter uses pitera to improve pore area, roughness, and redness.

NIVEA is a German skincare brand founded in 1911 and owned by maxingvest GmbH & Co. KGaA since 2004.

beiersdorf.comen.wikipedia.org

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

Popular NIVEA vs SK-II products

People Say

NIVEASK-II
  • Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “Smoothed out dry flaky scales on my cheeks overnight — NIVEA Creme”
    • “It's lightweight on the skin and leaves a bit of subtle sheen. — NIVEA Soft”
    • “Makes my face feel smooth and soft. — NIVEA Soft”
    • “flooded my skin with moisture — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
  • Texture and Absorption Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “Use it on face, body, hands, and feet — NIVEA Creme”
    • “Applying is easy, you can use on your face, hands, and body. — NIVEA Soft”
    • “drinks right into the skin — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
    • “pores became miraculously invisible — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
  • 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”
    • “Skin looks brighter — SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence”
  • Additional Skincare Benefits Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “packet is absolutely drenched — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
    • “reducing the appearance of fine lines — SK-II Skinpower Advanced Cream”
    • “Pump dispenser is convenient. — SK-II Genoptics Ultraura Essence”
    • “didn't burn once — NIVEA Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+”
  • Cleansing and Blemish Control Often MentionedRarely Noted
    • “cleared my complexion in 7 days — NIVEA DERMA SKIN CLEAR”
    • “unclogs pores — NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub”
    • “reduces blackheads — NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub”
    • “Dissolves waterproof mascara, melts stubborn makeup, removes sunscreen easily. — SK-II Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil”
  • Value for Money Often MentionedNot noted
    • “Works better than expensive luxury creams — NIVEA Creme”
    • “Best affordable vegan moisturizer. — NIVEA Soft”
    • “absolute steal for the price — NIVEA DERMA SKIN CLEAR”
  • Value and Pricing Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “way too expensive — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
  • Formula Changes and Weak Results Often MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “not super gritty — NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub”
    • “HATE NEW FORUMULA... Leaves my skin dryer and does not provide with the same amount of moisture. — NIVEA Soft”
    • “did absolutely nothing — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
    • “No visible difference — SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion”
  • Scents and Fragrance Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “Scent is too overpowering for sensitive noses — NIVEA Creme”
    • “Has a heavy, baby powder smell. — NIVEA Soft”
    • “smells like dirty feet — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
    • “smells slightly like saliva — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
  • Breakouts and Skin Reactions Often MentionedSometimes 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”
    • “Clogged my pores and caused bad acne — NIVEA Creme”

NIVEA vs SK-II routines for dry skin

Buy SK-II routine · S$606.78 · 93% fitBuy NIVEA routine · S$227.16 · 80% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit

NIVEA vs SK-II routines for oily skin

Buy SK-II routine · S$820.58 · 88% fitBuy NIVEA routine · S$458.64 · 84% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit

NIVEA vs SK-II routines for combination skin

Buy SK-II routine · S$716.48 · 89% fitBuy NIVEA routine · S$354.54 · 86% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit

Questions and answers

NIVEA or SK-II: which is better?

When comparing NIVEA and SK-II, NIVEA is better for value and blemish control, while SK-II is better for radiance and glow. Lovi rates SK-II as a superior fit for dry skin and dry sensitive skin, and both brands have high fit levels for all other skin types.

What is the difference between NIVEA and SK-II?

NIVEA and SK-II differ primarily in their ingredients, pricing, and specific brand strengths, with NIVEA utilizing glycerin across its products and leading in value for money, while SK-II features Pitera and scores higher for radiance and glow. Reviewers note that the products on this page for NIVEA excel in cleansing and blemish control, whereas SK-II offers superior results for dry sensitive skin routines.

NIVEA or SK-II for dry skin?

For dry skin, both NIVEA and SK-II are great choices, with Lovi fit levels reaching High for NIVEA and Superior for SK-II. Reviewers mention that NIVEA offers intense deep hydration, while SK-II uses key ingredients like Pitera across its fragrance-free formulas.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

NIVEA or SK-II: which moisturizer is better?

SK-II has a superior routine fit for dry and dry sensitive skin on this page, while NIVEA offers versatile multi-use moisturizers with intense deep hydration. Both brands feature high fit levels for moisturizers like NIVEA Creme and SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, but SK-II lists no fragrance across its products.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

Which is more affordable, NIVEA or SK-II?

NIVEA is more affordable than SK-II, as NIVEA does better for value for money according to the reviewer themes on this page.

Between NIVEA and SK-II, which brand performs better for hydration and moisture?

Between NIVEA and SK-II, NIVEA does better for hydration and moisture based on reviewer feedback on the products on this page. Lovi rates the hydration routine fit as High for NIVEA and Superior for SK-II on dry sensitive skin.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

How do the founding years and corporate ownership of NIVEA and SK-II compare?

NIVEA was founded in Germany in 1911 and has been owned by maxingvest GmbH & Co. KGaA since 2004, whereas SK-II was founded in Japan in 1980 and is owned by The Procter & Gamble Company.

Which brand has better fragrance-free product options among NIVEA and SK-II?

SK-II has better fragrance-free product options since every product on its page lists no fragrance, whereas only 3 of the 9 products on NIVEA's page list no fragrance.

NIVEA or SK-II for oily skin?

For oily skin, both NIVEA and SK-II are great choices, as Lovi rates the routine fit for the products on this page as High for both brands. Glycerin is a key ingredient featured across NIVEG's products, helping to provide hydration.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

NIVEA or SK-II for sensitive skin?

Both NIVEA and SK-II achieve a High fit for sensitive skin on Lovi. Reviewers note that NIVEA offers fragrance-free options alongside fragranced ones, whereas every SK-II product on this page lists no fragrance.

NIVEA or SK-II for acne-prone skin?

Both NIVEA and SK-II are good options for acne-prone skin, as Lovi rates both brands as having a High routine fit for this skin type. NIVEA features blemish-clearing serums on this page, while SK-II offers products that list no fragrance.

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

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