# SK-II vs Taro

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/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 the United Kingdom.

SK-II and Taro are two distinctive skincare brands celebrated for their thoughtfully formulated offerings. The former is a Japanese line cherished for luxurious moisturizers, potent [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/serum), clarifying toners, and restorative masks anchored by pitera, while the latter is warmly embraced for targeted serums and carefully crafted formulas. Both suit dry skin best, though the first also caters well to acne-prone skin and the second accommodates combination and sensitive skin. They differ primarily in their standout solutions, with the initial brand featuring items like the Genoptics Ultraura Essence, Facial Treatment Essence, and Facial Treatment Clear Lotion, and the alternative offering the [Tretinoin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/tretinoin) Cream.

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=pg1d04e0001f).

### Popular SK-II vs Taro products

#### 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

#### Taro

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

## Questions and answers

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

SK-II has a High or Superior fit for most skin types on this page, while Taro's single product has a High fit mainly for combination and acne-prone skin.

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

SK-II has a wide range of products with Lovi fit levels up to Superior for dry and acne-prone skin, whereas Taro offers a single product, [Tretinoin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/tretinoin) Cream, which has a High fit for combination and acne-prone skin.

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

This page does not provide pricing information for either SK-II or Taro, so affordability cannot be compared here.

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

Both SK-II and Taro help with acne-prone skin, as the products on this page for both brands fit this skin type well. Taro's Tretinoin Cream and SK-II's Genoptics Ultraura Essence and Facial Treatment Essence are both well-suited for keeping breakouts at bay.

[Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32210603/)

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

Taro has been owned by its parent company for a longer period, since 2010, whereas SK-II has been owned by Procter & Gamble since 1991.

### How many products does each brand feature on the comparison page?

The products on this page include 7 from SK-II and 1 from Taro.

### Do any of the products from either SK-II or Taro contain fragrance in their ingredients?

No, every product on this page from both SK-II and Taro 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
- [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/uk/brands/sk-ii)
- Skincare: [Taro](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/brands/taro)

## More comparisons

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- [The Ordinary vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/the-ordinary-vs-sk-ii)
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- [COSRX vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/cosrx-vs-sk-ii)
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- [CeraVe vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/cerave-vs-sk-ii)
- [CeraVe vs Taro](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/cerave-vs-taro)
- [La Roche-Posay vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-sk-ii)
- [La Roche-Posay vs Taro](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-taro)
- [Dr. Althea vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/dr-althea-vs-sk-ii)
- [Dr. Althea vs Taro](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/dr-althea-vs-taro)
- [Some By Mi vs SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/some-by-mi-vs-sk-ii)
- [Some By Mi vs Taro](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/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 (this page)
- 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
- 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