# SK-II vs Shu Uemura

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

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 Shu Uemura are esteemed Japanese skincare houses celebrated for their luxurious moisturizers, potent [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/serum), soothing masks, refreshing toners, and transformative cleansing oils. While SK-II relies on signature pitera formulations to suit dry and dry sensitive skin best, the brand also offers standout solutions like the Genoptics Ultraura Essence for acne-prone skin, the Facial Treatment Essence for dark spots, and the Facial Treatment Clear Lotion for mature skin. Conversely, Shu Uemura crafts meticulously balanced formulas that suit all skin types best, featuring gentle offerings such as the cleansing oil for acne-prone skin. Ultimately, both brands differ through their distinct hero ingredients and targeted approaches, as the first centers on pitera to refine texture while the latter focuses on makeup removers for everyday comfort.

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/)

Shu Uemura is a Japanese skincare brand founded in 1967 and owned by L'Oréal S.A. since 2003.

[loreal-finance.com](https://www.loreal-finance.com/eng/2024-universal-registration-document/en/article/12/) [pitchbook.com](https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/168869-71) [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shu_Uemura) [sec.gov](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/vprr/0303/03037595.pdf)

This page compares some of the most popular SK-II and Shu Uemura 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=pg27dcc1f8fa).

### Popular SK-II vs Shu Uemura 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

#### Shu Uemura

- [cleansing oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/shu-uemura/cleansing-oil/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Average fit — [S$140.43 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sg/dp/B09T9QDNPH?tag=lovi-care-web-product0e-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

## Questions and answers

### SK-II or Shu Uemura: which is better?

SK-II is the better choice for this page, as the products on this page fit dry, dry sensitive, and combination skin well, whereas Shu Uemura features only a single cleansing oil with average to low fits.

### What is the difference between SK-II and Shu Uemura?

SK-II offers a wide range of moisturizers, masks, toners, and [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/serum) on this page that generally achieve High fit levels for dry and sensitive skin, whereas Shu Uemura features only a single cleansing oil that typically results in Average to Caution fit levels for those same skin types.

### Which is more affordable, SK-II or Shu Uemura?

I am sorry, but the provided page facts do not contain pricing information to determine whether SK-II or Shu Uemura is more affordable.

### Which causes fewer breakouts, SK-II or Shu Uemura?

SK-II is the better choice for acne-prone skin because the products on this page have a High or Superior Lovi fit level for acne-prone skin, whereas Shu Uemura has a Low fit level.

### Between SK-II and Shu Uemura, which brand has products that are older?

Shu Uemura was founded in 1967, making its brand older than SK-II, which was founded in 1980.

### How do the founding years of SK-II and Shu Uemura compare?

SK-II was founded in 1980, whereas Shu Uemura was founded earlier in 1967.

### Which parent company owns SK-II, and which parent company owns Shu Uemura?

SK-II is owned by The Procter & Gamble Company, while Shu Uemura is owned by L'Oréal S.A.

## 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
- [Peroxidated squalene induces the production of inflammatory mediators in HaCaT keratinocytes: a possible role in acne vulgaris](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16778793/) Squalane · The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2006
- [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
- [Effect of Camellia japonica oil on human type I procollagen production and skin barrier function](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17386986/) Camellia japonica seed oil · Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2007
- [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, Concentrated 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
- [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
- [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
- [Squalane as a Promising Agent Protecting UV-Induced Inhibition of Collagen Biosynthesis and Wound Healing in Human Dermal Fibroblast](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40363772/) Squalane · Molecules, 2025
- [Influence of vitamin E acetate on stratum corneum hydration](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9706379/) Tocopheryl acetate · Arzneimittel-Forschung, 1998
- [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)
- Japanese skincare: [Shu Uemura](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/brands/shu-uemura)

## More comparisons

- [SKIN1004 vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/compare/skin1004-vs-sk-ii)
- [SKIN1004 vs Shu Uemura](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/compare/skin1004-vs-shu-uemura)
- [Anua vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/compare/anua-vs-sk-ii)
- [Anua vs Shu Uemura](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/compare/anua-vs-shu-uemura)
- [Medicube vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/compare/medicube-vs-sk-ii)
- [Medicube vs Shu Uemura](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/compare/medicube-vs-shu-uemura)
- [The Ordinary vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/compare/the-ordinary-vs-sk-ii)
- [The Ordinary vs Shu Uemura](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/compare/the-ordinary-vs-shu-uemura)
- [Beauty of Joseon vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/compare/beauty-of-joseon-vs-sk-ii)
- [Beauty of Joseon vs Shu Uemura](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/compare/beauty-of-joseon-vs-shu-uemura)
- [COSRX vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/compare/cosrx-vs-sk-ii)
- [COSRX vs Shu Uemura](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/compare/cosrx-vs-shu-uemura)
- [CeraVe vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/compare/cerave-vs-sk-ii)
- [CeraVe vs Shu Uemura](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/compare/cerave-vs-shu-uemura)
- [La Roche-Posay vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-sk-ii)
- [La Roche-Posay vs Shu Uemura](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-shu-uemura)
- [Dr. Althea vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/compare/dr-althea-vs-sk-ii)
- [Dr. Althea vs Shu Uemura](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/compare/dr-althea-vs-shu-uemura)
- [Some By Mi vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/compare/some-by-mi-vs-sk-ii)
- [Some By Mi vs Shu Uemura](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/compare/some-by-mi-vs-shu-uemura)

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