# SK-II vs Carotone

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/compare/sk-ii-vs-carotone

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for Singapore.

SK-II and Carotone are distinct skincare lines offering specialized formulas for diverse complexions. SK-II is a Japanese brand founded in 1980 and owned by The Procter & Gamble Company since 1991, celebrated for luxurious moisturizers, potent [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/serum), soothing masks, refreshing toners, and signature pitera formulations that suit dry and dry sensitive skin best. Meanwhile, Carotone is loved for its targeted serums and carefully crafted formulas that suit dry, normal, and combination skin best. While the former relies on pitera to improve pore area, roughness, and redness, regular use of the latter supports a radiant and even complexion.

SK-II is a Japanese skincare brand founded in 1980 and owned by The Procter & Gamble Company since 1991.

[en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SK-II) [discoversk-ii.wixsite.com](https://discoversk-ii.wixsite.com/home/brand-history) [glossy.co](https://www.glossy.co/beauty/despite-strong-results-in-beauty-in-the-first-quarter-pg-will-eliminate-thousands-of-jobs/)

This page compares some of the most popular SK-II and Carotone products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, [use the Lovi app](https://app.pora.ai/vqqJ/j1xj2b6o?af_sub2=compare&af_sub3=selection_note&af_sub4=pg848e92a651).

### Popular SK-II vs Carotone products

#### SK-II

- [Facial Treatment Essence](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/sk-ii/facial-treatment-essence/for/dry-skin) — High fit — [S$236.76 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sg/dp/B08HZZFKVX?tag=lovi-care-web-product0e-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Facial Treatment Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/sk-ii/facial-treatment-mask/for/dry-skin) — High fit — [S$112.57 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sg/dp/B0DPHLDJQK?tag=lovi-care-web-product0e-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Facial Treatment Clear Lotion](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/sk-ii/facial-treatment-clear-lotion/for/oily-skin) — High fit — [S$96.82 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sg/dp/B072C3MCDH?tag=lovi-care-web-product0e-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Skinpower Advanced Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/sk-ii/skinpower-advanced-cream/for/mature-skin) — High fit — [S$213.13 at YesStyle](https://www.yesstyle.com/en/sk-ii-skinpower-advanced-cream-15g/info.html/pid.1125219532?curr=SGD&rco=SG)
- [Genoptics Ultraura Essence](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/sk-ii/genoptics-ultraura-essence/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit
- [Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/sk-ii/facial-treatment-cleansing-oil/for/dry-skin) — High fit — [S$106.79 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sg/dp/B084M1R6RH?tag=lovi-care-web-product0e-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Genoptics Spot Essence](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/sk-ii/genoptics-spot-essence/for/dark-spots) — Average fit

#### Carotone

- [Brightening Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/carotone/brightening-cream/for/mature-skin) — Average fit

## Questions and answers

### SK-II or Carotone: which is better?

SK-II stands out as the better choice on this page, as its products on this page feature a High fit for dry, dry sensitive, and combination skin types. Carotone offers only a single brightening cream with an average fit across all skin types.

### What is the difference between SK-II and Carotone?

SK-II is a Japanese brand founded in 1980 that features Pitera and fits dry, dry sensitive, and combination skin best, while Carotone is a brand founded in 2009 with only the Brightening Cream on this page. Lovi rates SK-II products up to High or Superior for various skin types, whereas the Carotone product has Average fits across the board.

### Which is more affordable, SK-II or Carotone?

I am sorry, but the provided page facts do not contain pricing or affordability information to compare SK-II and Carotone.

### Which causes fewer breakouts, SK-II or Carotone?

SK-II has products on this page with High or Superior Lovi fit levels for acne-prone skin, whereas Carotone has only an Average fit level. This suggests that SK-II is more likely to help prevent breakouts than Carotone.

### How do the founding years and parent companies of SK-II and Carotone compare?

SK-II was founded in Japan in 1980 and is owned by The Procter & Gamble Company, whereas Carotone was founded in 2009 and is owned by Nouvelle Parfumerie Gandour.

### What are the skin types that SK-II fits best according to its brand-focused routines?

According to its brand-focused routines, SK-II fits dry skin, dry sensitive skin, and combination skin best.

### Which SK-II product achieves a Superior Lovi fit level for acne-prone skin?

Genoptics Ultraura Essence achieves a Superior Lovi fit level for acne-prone skin.

## Research behind their key ingredients

- [The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/) Nicotinamide w, Niacinamide · The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002
- [Mechanistic Basis and Clinical Evidence for the Applications of Nicotinamide (Niacinamide) to Control Skin Aging and Pigmentation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34439563/) Niacinamide · Antioxidants, 2021
- [Topical use of dexpanthenol in skin disorders](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12113650/) Panthenol, D-pantothenyl alcohol · American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002
- [Improvement of naturally aged skin with vitamin A (retinol)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17515510/) Retinol vitamin a · Archives of Dermatology, 2007
- [Anti-aging and brightening effects of a topical treatment containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and raspberry leaf cell culture extract: A split-face, randomized controlled trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31975502/) Ascorbic acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020
- [Effects of ascorbic acid on gingival melanin pigmentation in vitro and in vivo](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19186973/) L-ascorbic acid 2-glucoside, Ascorbyl glucoside · Journal of Periodontology, 2009
- [Prospective, randomized, double-blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageing](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/) Retinol vitamin a · The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019
- [Skin barrier disruption by sodium lauryl sulfate-exposure alters the expressions of involucrin, transglutaminase 1, profilaggrin, and kallikreins during the repair phase in human skin in vivo](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18007579/) Sodium lauryl sulfate · The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2008
- [Effect of a topical antioxidant serum containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid after Q-switched 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser for treatment of environment-induced skin pigmentation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32052907/) Ascorbic acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020
- [The 24-hour skin hydration and barrier function effects of a hyaluronic 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract moisturizing fluid: an intra-subject, randomized, assessor-blinded study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/) Glycerin · Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
- [Randomized controlled study for the anti-aging effect of human adipocyte-derived mesenchymal stem cell media combined with niacinamide after laser therapy](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33103316/) Niacinamide · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021
- [A Double-Blinded, Randomized, Vehicle-Controlled Study of the Efficacy of Moisturizer Containing Licochalcone A, Decanediol, L-Carnitine, and Salicylic Acid for Prevention of Acne Relapse in Asian Population](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33150170/) Salicylic acid · BioMed Research International, 2020
- [A new topical panthenol-containing emollient: Results from two randomized controlled studies assessing its skin moisturization and barrier restoration potential, and the effect on skin microflora](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27425824/) Panthenol, D-pantothenyl alcohol · The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017
- [Senomorphic activity of a combination of niacinamide and hyaluronic acid: correlation with clinical improvement of skin aging](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39009698/) Niacinamide · Scientific Reports, 2024
- [Efficacy of a topical gel containing chitosan, chlorhexidine, allantoin and dexpanthenol for pain and inflammation control after third molar surgery: A randomized and placebo-controlled clinical trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32683390/) D-pantothenyl alcohol · Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal, 2020
- [Daily Fluctuation of Facial Pore Area, Roughness and Redness among Young Japanese Women; Beneficial Effects of Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate Containing Antioxidative Skin Care Formula](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34198790/) Galactomyces ferment filtrate, Pitera essence, Galactomyces ferment filtrate pitera ferment filtrate, Pitera ferment filtrate galactomyces ferment filtrate, Pitera ferment filtrate, Sk-ii pitera concentrate, Pitera · Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2021
- [Efficacy of a multitargeted, salicylic acid-based dermocosmetic cream compared to benzoyl peroxide 5% in Acne vulgaris: Results from a randomized study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/) Salicylic acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024
- [Changes in Skin Barrier Function after Repeated Exposition to Phospholipid-Based Surfactants and Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate In Vivo and Corneocyte Surface Analysis by Atomic Force Microscopy](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33804924/) Sodium lauryl sulfate · Pharmaceutics, 2021
- [A Salicylic Acid-Based Dermocosmetic is Effective as an Adjunct to Benzoyl Peroxide for Mild to Moderate Acne and as Monotherapy in Maintenance Post Benzoyl Peroxide](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38051857/) Salicylic acid · Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023
- [A novel model of inflammatory pain in human skin involving topical application of sodium lauryl sulfate](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20358390/) Sodium lauryl sulfate · Inflammation Research, 2010
- [Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation by topical N-undecyl-10-enoyl-L-phenylalanine and its combination with niacinamide](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19958429/) Undecylenoyl phenylalanine · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2009
- [Inhibitory effects of shell of Camellia oleifera Abel extract on mushroom tyrosinase and human skin melanin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31033161/) Butylene glycol · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019
- [A randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled study of a preparation containing undecylenoyl phenylalanine 2% in the treatment of solar lentigines](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19874316/) Undecylenoyl phenylalanine · Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 2010
- [Influence of vitamin E acetate on stratum corneum hydration](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9706379/) Tocopheryl acetate · Arzneimittel-Forschung, 1998
- [Anatomical site differences of sodium lauryl sulfate-induced irritation: randomized controlled trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30637727/) Sodium lauryl sulfate · The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019
- [Enhanced Fluctuations in Facial Pore Size, Redness, and TEWL Caused by Mask Usage Are Normalized by the Application of a Moisturizer](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35456214/) Galactomyces ferment filtrate, Pitera essence, Galactomyces ferment filtrate pitera ferment filtrate, Pitera ferment filtrate galactomyces ferment filtrate, Pitera ferment filtrate, Sk-ii pitera concentrate, Pitera · Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2022
- [Three clinical studies showing the anti-aging benefits of sodium salicylate in human skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20883290/) Sodium salicylate · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2010
- [Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of a Panthenol-Enriched Mask for Skin Barrier Recovery After Facial Laser Treatment: Results of a Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40613435/) Panthenol, D-pantothenyl alcohol · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025
- [Glycerol crosslinked vitamin E loaded xanthan gum and gellan gum nanoemulgels for topical management of dry skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41224059/) Xanthan gum · International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2025
- [A Double-Blind, 12-Week Study to Evaluate the Antiaging Efficacy of a Cream Containing the NFκB Inhibitor 4-Hexyl-1, 3-Phenylenediol and Ascorbic Acid-2 Glucoside in Adult Females](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27272084/) L-ascorbic acid 2-glucoside, Ascorbyl glucoside · Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2016
- [Significant Reversal of Facial Wrinkle, Pigmented Spot and Roughness by Daily Application of Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate-Containing Skin Products for 12 Months-An 11-Year Longitudinal Skin Aging Rejuvenation Study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36769815/) Galactomyces ferment filtrate, Pitera essence, Pitera ferment filtrate galactomyces ferment filtrate, Galactomyces ferment filtrate pitera ferment filtrate, Pitera ferment filtrate, Pitera · Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2023
- [Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39769217/) L-ascorbic acid 2-glucoside, Ascorbyl glucoside · International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024
- [The Effectiveness of Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Dexpanthenol, and Centella Asiatica Combination Serum in the Treatment of Post-Acne Hyperpigmentation in Subjects with Skin of Color](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33938432/) Galactomyces ferment filtrate, Sk-ii pitera concentrate, Galactomyces ferment filtrate pitera ferment filtrate · Skinmed, 2021
- [Clinical Efficacy of Topical Ascorbic Acid 2-Glucoside in Enhancing Outcomes of Laser Gingival Depigmentation: A Randomized Controlled Trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42147661/) Ascorbyl glucoside · Cureus, 2026

## The brands

- Japanese skincare: [SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/brands/sk-ii)
- Skincare: [Carotone](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/brands/carotone)

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- [La Roche-Posay vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-sk-ii)
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- [Some By Mi vs Carotone](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/compare/some-by-mi-vs-carotone)

## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi compares products by their fit scores, calculated from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its 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. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this comparison: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/sk-ii-vs-carotone
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/sk-ii-vs-carotone
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/compare/sk-ii-vs-carotone
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/compare/sk-ii-vs-carotone
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/compare/sk-ii-vs-carotone
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/sk-ii-vs-carotone
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/sk-ii-vs-carotone
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/sk-ii-vs-carotone
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/sk-ii-vs-carotone
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/sk-ii-vs-carotone
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/compare/sk-ii-vs-carotone (this page)
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/sk-ii-vs-carotone
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/compare/sk-ii-vs-carotone