# SK-II vs VR

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

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 VR are two distinctive skincare lines cherished by enthusiasts for their luxurious moisturizers, potent [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/serum), clarifying toners, and restorative masks. SK-II is anchored by its signature ingredient, pitera, while VR is known for the sensory pleasure of its moisturizers and the considered design of its formulas. The former suits dry skin and acne-prone skin best, featuring standout solutions such as the Genoptics Ultraura Essence, the Facial Treatment Essence, and the Facial Treatment Clear Lotion, whereas the latter suits combination, sensitive, and dry skin best, with the [PDRN](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/pdrn) CREAM as its standout solution for acne-prone skin. While both brands continually refine their offerings to meet evolving daily needs, they differ as the former relies on its key ingredients to actively improve pore area, roughness, and redness through regular application.

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 VR 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=pga47865db6a).

### Popular SK-II vs VR 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

#### VR

- [PDRN CREAM](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/vr/pdrn-cream/for/sensitive-skin) — High fit

## Questions and answers

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

SK-II is better because the products on this page provide a broader range of high fit levels across multiple skin types, whereas VR offers only a single moisturizer with mostly average fits.

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

SK-II offers a wide range of products that Lovi rates as a High fit for dry skin and acne-prone skin, whereas VR features just one moisturizer, [PDRN](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/pdrn) CREAM, which has an Average fit for those skin types. Every product on this page from both brands lists no fragrance in its ingredients.

### SK-II or VR: which moisturizer is better?

SK-II offers several moisturizers like Facial Treatment Essence and Skinpower Advanced Cream with High Lovi fit levels for dry and mature skin, whereas VR features PDRN CREAM which has an Average fit for dry skin.

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

This public Lovi page does not provide pricing or affordability information for either SK-II or VR.

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

SK-II is the better choice for breakout-prone skin, as the products on this page achieve a High to Superior fit for acne-prone skin. In contrast, VR only offers a single cream with an Average fit for acne-prone skin.

### When were SK-II and VR founded, and who owns each company?

SK-II was founded in Japan in 1980 and is owned by The Procter & Gamble Company since 1991. VR was founded in 2018 and is independently owned.

### Which brand offers more products on the page, and what are their categories?

SK-II offers more products on the page, consisting of a moisturizer, a mask, a toner, a [serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/serum), and a makeup remover.

### Do SK-II and VR products contain fragrance in their ingredients?

Every product on this page for both SK-II and VR 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
- [Benefits of topical hyaluronic acid for skin quality and signs of skin aging: From literature review to clinical evidence](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36200921/) Hyaluronic acid · Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
- [Topical use of dexpanthenol in skin disorders](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12113650/) Panthenol · American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 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
- [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 · 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 Lipid Mixture Enriched by Ceramide NP with Fatty Acids of Diverse Chain Lengths Contributes to Restore the Skin Barrier Function Impaired by Topical Corticosteroid](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34348350/) 5-ceramide complex · Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2022
- [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
- [Effects of Moringa oleifera Seed Oil on Cultured Human Sebocytes In Vitro and Comparison with Other Oil Types](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37373478/) Moringa oleifera seed oil · International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2023
- [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 · 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
- [Monocentric, Vehicle-Controlled, Double-Blind Study to Assess the Short- and Long-Term Effects of a Ceramide NP C15-Containing Emollient on the Skin Microbiome and the Skin Barrier Function in Sensitive Skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41758783/) 5-ceramide complex · Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2026

## The brands

- Japanese skincare: [SK-II](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/brands/sk-ii)
- Skincare: [VR](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/brands/vr)

## More comparisons

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

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