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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 established skincare names, originating from Germany and Japan respectively, that offer distinct paths to healthy skin. NIVEA is known for dependable sunscreens, targeted serums, and nourishing moisturizers formulated with hydrating glycerin, while SK-II is cherished for luxurious moisturizers, potent serums, clarifying toners, and restorative masks anchored by its signature ingredient, pitera. The former brand suits sensitive skin and skin with dark spots best, whereas the latter suits dry skin and acne-prone skin best. Ultimately, they differ through their foundational ingredients and historical origins, with both providing reliable daily care for various complexion needs.

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 · £225.40 · 91% fitBuy NIVEA routine · £65.81 · 82% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit

NIVEA vs SK-II routines for oily skin

Buy SK-II routine · £339.53 · 88% fitBuy NIVEA routine · £161.96 · 87% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit

NIVEA vs SK-II routines for combination skin

Buy NIVEA routine · £150.97 · 87% fitBuy SK-II routine · £308.34 · 87% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit

Questions and answers

NIVEA or SK-II: which is better?

Both brands offer solid options depending on your budget and skin concerns, with NIVEA known for value and blemish control and SK-II favored for radiance and gentle formulas. Lovi rates both brands as High or Superior across most skin types, though NIVEA products on this page frequently list added fragrance.

What is the difference between NIVEA and SK-II?

NIVEA is owned by maxingvest GmbH & Co. KGaA and was founded in Germany in 1911, while SK-II is owned by The Procter & Gamble Company and was founded in Japan in 1980. Reviewers note that NIVEA focuses on ingredients like glycerin, whereas SK-II relies on Pitera.

NIVEA or SK-II for dry skin?

For dry skin, both NIVEA and SK-II are great choices, with Lovi rating SK-II as Superior and NIVEA as High. Reviewers note that NIVEA excels in hydration and value for money, while SK-II offers fragrance-free formulas.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

NIVEA or SK-II: which moisturizer is better?

When comparing moisturizers, SK-II fits dry skin best with a Superior Lovi fit level, whereas the products on this page for NIVEA reach a High Lovi fit level. Reviewers note that SK-II delivers better radiance and glow, while NIVEA provides intense deep hydration.

Which is more affordable, NIVEA or SK-II?

NIVEA is more affordable, as reviewers on this page note it for offering better value for money. SK-II generally comes at a higher price point by comparison.

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

NIVEA does better for hydration and moisture, according to reviewer themes on the page. Glycerin is a key ingredient across NIVEA products on this page, and a study shows that glycerin-based emollients help improve hydration in dry skin.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

How do the fragrance profiles differ between NIVEA and SK-II products?

NIVEA lists fragrance in six of its nine products on this page, whereas every SK-II product on this page lists no fragrance.

Which brand offers better options for blemish-clearing and cleansing?

NIVEA does better for cleansing and blemish control according to the review themes on this page. Reviewers frequently mention that the products on this page include blemish-clearing serums.

NIVEA or SK-II for oily skin?

For oily skin, both NIVEA and SK-II are great options with high Lovi fit levels for the products on this page. Reviewers note that NIVEA offers better blemish-clearing serums, while SK-II provides great fragrance-free options.

NIVEA or SK-II for sensitive skin?

For sensitive skin, both NIVEA and SK-II achieve a High routine fit level according to Lovi. Reviewers note that NIVEA offers intense deep hydration alongside occasional strong fragrance across some products, whereas every SK-II product on this page lists no fragrance.

NIVEA or SK-II for acne-prone skin?

Both NIVEA and SK-II products on this page show a high fit for acne-prone skin. Reviewers note that NIVEA offers blemish-clearing serums, while SK-II features fragrance-free formulas.

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

How does it fit your skin?

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