# SK-II vs Taro

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

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 Taro are respected skincare lines offering specialized solutions for daily routines. The Japanese heritage brand, founded in 1980 and owned by The Procter & Gamble Company since 1991, provides 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, while Taro is warmly embraced for its targeted serums and carefully crafted formulas that suit sensitive, dry, and combination skin best. To target specific concerns, the former offers standout solutions such as the Genoptics Ultraura Essence for acne-prone skin, the Facial Treatment Essence for skin with dark spots, and the Facial Treatment Clear Lotion for mature skin, whereas the latter features the [Tretinoin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/tretinoin) Cream for acne-prone skin. Ultimately, the key ingredient pitera in the former brand improves pore area, roughness, and redness to promote a balanced complexion, while both brands differ through their distinct formulations and tailored product types.

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 Taro 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=pg6fb60005be).

### Popular SK-II vs Taro 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

#### Taro

- [Tretinoin Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/taro/tretinoin-cream/for/combination-skin) — High fit

## Questions and answers

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

SK-II is a better fit for dry, sensitive, and combination skin, as the products on this page feature High fit levels for those types, while Taro's [Tretinoin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/tretinoin) Cream has Low fits for dry and sensitive skin. Tretinoin helps restore [collagen](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/collagen) in photodamaged skin.

[The New England Journal of Medicine, 1993](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8336752/)

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

SK-II fits dry, dry sensitive, and combination skin best with products on this page containing Pitera, while Taro features just Tretinoin Cream for acne-prone and combination skin. Tretinoin helps restore collagen formation in photodamaged human skin.

[The New England Journal of Medicine, 1993](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8336752/)

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

Neither SK-II nor Taro lists pricing or affordability information for the products on this page.

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

For acne-prone skin, the Genoptics Ultraura Essence from SK-II achieves a Superior fit on Lovi, whereas Taro's Tretinoin Cream reaches a High fit and helps manage acne. Both brands feature products that may assist with breakouts.

[The New England Journal of Medicine, 1993](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8336752/) [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32210603/)

### Which brand has been owned by its current parent company for a longer period, SK-II or Taro?

SK-II has been owned by its current parent company since 1991, which is a longer period than Taro, as Taro has been owned by its current parent company since 2010.

### Do products from SK-II and Taro both contain no fragrance in their ingredients?

Yes, every product on this page from both SK-II and Taro lists no fragrance in its ingredients.

### Which brand offers a wider variety of skincare products on this page, SK-II or Taro?

SK-II offers a much wider variety of skincare products on this page, featuring multiple essences, masks, lotions, creams, and cleansers, whereas Taro only lists a single tretinoin cream.

## 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
- [Restoration of collagen formation in photodamaged human skin by tretinoin (retinoic acid)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8336752/) Tretinoin · The New England Journal of Medicine, 1993
- [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
- [Final report on the safety assessment of BHT(1)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12396675/) Butylated hydroxytoluene · International Journal of Toxicology, 2002
- [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
- [Clinical Assessment of New Topical Cream Containing Two Essential Oils Combined with Tretinoin in the Treatment of Acne](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32210603/) Tretinoin · Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational 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, 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
- [Efficacy assessments of tretinoin-loaded nano lipid carriers in acne vulgaris: a double blind, split-face randomized clinical study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34146120/) Tretinoin · Archives of Dermatological Research, 2022
- [Topical tretinoin for treating photoaging: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35620028/) Tretinoin · International Journal of Women's Dermatology, 2022
- [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
- [Nanogel Containing Gamma-Oryzanol-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers and TiO2/MBBT: A Synergistic Nanotechnological Approach of Potent Natural Antioxidants and Nanosized UV Filters for Skin Protection](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37242453/) Xanthan gum · Pharmaceuticals, 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
- [Topical application of highly concentrated water-in-oil emulsions: Physiological skin parameters and skin penetration in vivo - A pilot study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31525444/) Isopropyl myristate · International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2019
- [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)
- Skincare: [Taro](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/brands/taro)

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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 Taro](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/compare/some-by-mi-vs-taro)

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