# SK-II vs Anessa

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/sk-ii-vs-anessa

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

SK-II and Anessa are revered Japanese skincare brands offering distinct approaches to daily beauty rituals. SK-II delivers luxurious moisturizers, potent [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/serum), clarifying toners, and restorative masks anchored by pitera, making it ideally suited for dry and acne-prone skin. Meanwhile, Anessa provides advanced sunscreens and sophisticated formulas designed to protect all skin types. While both brands share a dedication to thoughtful formulation, they differ in their primary focuses, with the former addressing specific imbalances and the latter ensuring reliable daily defense.

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/)

Anessa is a Japanese skincare brand founded in 1992 and owned by Shiseido Company, Limited.

[anessaco.com](https://anessaco.com/about/) [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiseido) [corp.shiseido.com](https://corp.shiseido.com/en/company/talk/20240625.html) [happi.com](https://www.happi.com/top-company-profile/shiseido/)

This page compares some of the most popular SK-II and Anessa 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=pg767dd8061f).

### Popular SK-II vs Anessa products

#### Anessa

- [Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/anessa/perfect-uv-sunscreen-skincare-milk/for/oily-skin) — High fit — [£21.96 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0792L2PQT?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Gel](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/anessa/perfect-uv-sunscreen-skincare-gel/for/sensitive-skin) — High fit

#### SK-II

- [Facial Treatment Essence](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/sk-ii/facial-treatment-essence/for/dry-skin) — High fit — [£119.99 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08HZZFKVX?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Facial Treatment Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/sk-ii/facial-treatment-mask/for/dry-skin) — High fit — [£63.63 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00J2VUM6A?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Facial Treatment Clear Lotion](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/sk-ii/facial-treatment-clear-lotion/for/oily-skin) — High fit — [£104.99 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B072C3MCDH?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Skinpower Advanced Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/sk-ii/skinpower-advanced-cream/for/mature-skin) — High fit
- [Genoptics Ultraura Essence](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/sk-ii/genoptics-ultraura-essence/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — [£217.00 at Notino](https://www.notino.co.uk/sk-ii/genoptics-ultraura-essence-brightening-serum/p-16254642/)
- [Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/sk-ii/facial-treatment-cleansing-oil/for/dry-skin) — High fit — [£65.50 at Notino](https://www.notino.co.uk/sk-ii/facial-treatment-cleansing-oil-cleansing-oil-for-all-skin-types/p-16324436/)
- [Genoptics Spot Essence](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/sk-ii/genoptics-spot-essence/for/dark-spots) — Average fit

## Questions and answers

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

SK-II is better for dry, acne-prone, and dry sensitive skin, as these are the skin types the products on this page fit best. Lovi gives SK-II a Superior fit for acne-prone skin with Genoptics Ultraura Essence, while Anessa focuses entirely on sunscreens without designated brand-focused routines.

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

SK-II focuses on essences, masks, and moisturizers featuring Pitera that fit dry, acne-prone, and dry sensitive skin best, while Anessa focuses on sunscreens like Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk.

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

The provided page comparison does not contain pricing or affordability information for either SK-II or Anessa.

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

Both SK-II and Anessa feature products on this page that are a High fit for acne-prone skin, such as Genoptics Ultraura Essence and Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk. SK-II also includes Genoptics Ultraura Essence with a Superior fit for acne-prone skin.

### Which brand was founded earlier, SK-II or Anessa?

SK-II was founded earlier in 1980, whereas Anessa was founded later in 1992.

### Which company owns SK-II and which company owns Anessa?

The Procter & Gamble Company owns SK-II, while Shiseido Company, Limited owns Anessa.

### Do either SK-II or Anessa products contain fragrance?

Every product on this page for both SK-II and Anessa lists no fragrance in its ingredients.

## 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
- [Collagen Supplements for Aging and Wrinkles: A Paradigm Shift in the Fields of Dermatology and Cosmetics](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35223163/) Water-soluble collagen · Dermatology Practical & Conceptual, 2022
- [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
- [Skin penetration and stabilization of formulations containing microfine titanium dioxide as physical UV filter](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18503414/) Titanium dioxide · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2000
- [Treatment of acne with a combination of propolis, tea tree oil, and Aloe vera compared to erythromycin cream: two double-blind investigations](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30588129/) Aloe barbadensis leaf extract · Clinical Pharmacology, 2018
- [Use of Collagen in Cosmetic Products](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38534748/) Water-soluble collagen · Current Issues in Molecular Biology, 2024
- [Injectable thermo-sensitive and wide-crack self-healing hydrogel loaded with antibacterial anti-inflammatory dipotassium glycyrrhizate for full-thickness skin wound repair](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35245682/) Dipotassium glycyrrhizate · Acta Biomaterialia, 2022
- [Green tea extract reduces induction of p53 and apoptosis in UVB-irradiated human skin independent of transcriptional controls](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18631247/) Camellia sinensis leaf extract · Experimental Dermatology, 2009
- [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
- [The human stratum corneum layer: an effective barrier against dermal uptake of different forms of topically applied micronised titanium dioxide](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11509913/) Titanium dioxide · Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, 2001
- [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
- [Biomimetic hyaluronic acid-stabilized zinc oxide nanoparticles in acne treatment: A preclinical and clinical approach](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40254135/) Zinc oxide · Journal of Controlled Release, 2025
- [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
- [Antiacne and antiblotch activities of a formulated combination of Aloe barbadensis leaf powder, Garcinia mangostana peel extract, and Camellia sinensis leaf extract](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31239743/) Camellia sinensis leaf extract · Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019
- [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
- [In vivo and in vitro evaluation of octyl methoxycinnamate liposomes](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24376350/) Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate · International Journal of Nanomedicine, 2013
- [Influence of vitamin E acetate on stratum corneum hydration](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9706379/) Tocopheryl acetate · Arzneimittel-Forschung, 1998
- [Topical Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle Formulations for Acne Vulgaris: A Systematic Review of Pre-Clinical and Early-Phase Clinical Evidence](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41007718/) Zinc oxide · Biomedicines, 2025
- [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
- [Facial disbiosis and UV filters](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39499337/) Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate · Archives of Dermatological Research, 2024
- [Mitigation of ultraviolet-induced erythema and inflammation by para-hydroxycinnamic acid in human skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39138602/) Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2025
- [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
- [Efficacy of a Topical Formulation on Skin Hydration and Barrier Function in Individuals With Xerosis: A 28-Day Randomized, Split-Leg, Untreated-Controlled Trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42108609/) Dipotassium glycyrrhizate · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2026

## The brands

- Japanese skincare: [SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/brands/sk-ii)
- Japanese skincare: [Anessa](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/brands/anessa)

## More comparisons

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

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