9 Best SK-II Products, Recommended By A Makeup Artist (2024)
Enrich your skin with nourishing micronutrients of these premium formulations.
Olunife OfomataLicensed Esthetician & Makeup Artist 
Olunife Ofomata, founder and CEO of Sweeter Juice Skin, is an expert in the fields of esthetics, medical esthetics, and makeup artistry with over 14 years of experience. She is a licensed esthetician and certified makeup artist and obtained... more
oyendrila kanjilalMA, Certified Skin Care Coach Experience: 2 yearsOyendrila holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is a certified skin care coach. As a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience,... more
shiboli chakrabortiMA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor,... more
anjali sayeeBTech Experience: 7 yearsAnjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy ... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
SK-II products have been taking the world by storm since the 1980s. This Japanese skin care brand’s proprietary ingredient, PITERA™, is obtained from a special strain of yeast that contains more than 50 micronutrients! People experience remarkable transformations using the best SK II products that work like magic on dark spots, wrinkles, and fine lines. They also provide long-lasting hydration to the skin. Your skin feels supple and soft and looks clear and glowing upon using them regularly. This brand offers face masks, cleansers, serums, creams, essence, and lotions. To get glowing skin, you must include SK-II products in your daily skin care routine. This article lists the 9 best SK-II products that are available online, based on expert reviews and testers’ experiences. But first, what is PITERA™? Scroll down to find out!
In This Article
What Is PITERA™? How Does It Benefit Your Skin?
PITERA™ is a professional-grade signature ingredient that is found in every SK-II product. The highest concentration (more than 90%) of SK II’s formulas is composed of PITERA™. It is a natural bio-ingredient that is derived from a special yeast strain containing over 50 micro-nutrients like vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and organic acids. It helps maintain the skin’s natural functions.
There are three main benefits of PITERA™:
- Retains Skin’s Natural Functions: PITERA™ contains components that are similar to the Natural Moisturising Factors (NMF) found in naturally healthy skin. Thus, it can help your skin stay hydrated and radiant.
- Improves Barrier Function: Your skin is constantly exposed to environmental factors that can cause dryness, dullness, and visible signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. PITERA™ can improve the skin’s barrier function and act against these pollutants.
- Prevents Skin Surface Damage: PITERA™ helps your skin stay radiant and crystal clear. It prevents skin damage caused by external aggressors such as UV rays.
Now, let’s check out the 9 best SK II skin care products available right now!
9 Best SK-II Products Available Right Now
1. Best Long-Lasting Hydration: SK-II Facial Treatment Essence
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence is a lightweight gel for getting clear skin. It is enriched with more than 90% PITERA™ that reverses the signs of aging and reduces the visible skin damage. This clinically-backed skincare essence enhances the skin’s renewal process and provides long-lasting hydration. It provides color-correcting coverage and imparts smoothness with refined skin texture. The aqua BB in this essence illuminates and protects the skin with lightweight coverage. Also, this easy-to-apply gel improves skin elasticity, reduces the appearance of fine lines, and leaves your skin with a radiant glow.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Quick-absorbing formula
- Dermatologist-tested
- Provides long-lasting hydration
- Evens out the skin texture
- Improves skin elasticity
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Easy to apply
Cons
- Expensive
2. Best Anti-Aging Formula: SK-II R.N.A. Radical New Age Power Cream
SK-II RNA Power Radical New Age Cream is an anti-aging cream. It is packed with natural skin care ingredients such as PITERA™ and a radical new age complex that shows visible results in diminishing the multiple signs of aging. This expert-recommended lightweight moisturizing cream boosts skin elasticity and improves its suppleness for a youthful, healthy-looking complexion. This anti-aging product reduces the appearance of fine lines and makes your skin firmer, smoother, and tighter.
Pros
- Anti-aging formula
- Lightweight
- Boosts skin elasticity
- Clinically-proven
- Imparts a healthy-looking complexion
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines
- Moisturizes the skin
- Suitable remedy for dry skin
Cons
- Unpleasant fragrance
- Expensive
3. Best Skin Revitalizing Formula: SK-II Facial Treatment Mask
SK-II Facial Treatment Masks are radiance and moisture-boosting masks. This cult-favorite facial sheet mask offers instant hydration with an exceptional concentration of PITERA™ for a visibly radiant complexion. With this intense hydration, it also revitalizes, comforts, and offers crystal-clear skin. This mask has proven efficacy in replenishing dehydrated skin and leaves it feeling refreshed and cool.
Pros
- Provides instant hydration
- Imparts a radiant glow
- Revitalizes the skin
- Comfortable
Cons
- Expensive
Pro Tip SK-II Facial Treatment Essence Best Long-Lasting Hydration | SK-II R.N.A. Radical New Age Power Cream Best Anti-Aging Formula | SK-II Facial Treatment Mask Best Skin Revitalizing Formula | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 2.4 x 2.4 x 7.9 inches | 1.57 x 1.97 x 1.57 inches | 1.57 x 1.97 x 1.57 inches |
| Weight | 0.63 Ounces | 0.32 Ounces | 3.68 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 160 | 192 | 221 |
| Price | $208.24 | $127.62 | $98.9 |
4. Best For All Skin Types: SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion
SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion is a face toner for all skin types. This clear lotion is formulated with PITERA™ and beneficial ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) that reduce dullness and evens out the skin tone. The silky formula of this clear lotion promotes a healthy skin environment that acts as a base for your skin care regimen to achieve radiant and younger-looking skin. This pore minimizer removes stubborn impurities from your skin and tightens the pores.
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Promotes healthy skin
- Removes stubborn impurities
- Tightens the pores
- Reduces dullness
- Evens out the skin tone
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- Expensive
"This toner is lightweight and gets quickly absorbed into my skin. It helps improve my rough skin texture and tone. It is gentle and perfect for daily use, even on my sensitive skin."
5. Best Moisturizing Formula: SK-II R.N.A. Power Radical New Age Eye Cream
SK-II R.N.A. Power Radical New Age Eye Cream plumps up and restores your eye area’s youthful smoothness. Its silky, easily-absorbed formula is packed with conditioning ingredients to moisturize skin. This nourishing and brightening cream improves firmness by locking in moisture and reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It displays a proven track record in clinical settings to smoothen and plump the skin around the eyes.
Pros
- Gets absorbed easily
- Moisturizes the skin
- Relieves redness
- Improves skin firmness
- Reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines
- Brightens the eye area
Cons
- Expensive
StyleCraze Trivia6. Best Quick-Absorbing Formula: SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence Serum
SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence Serum is a highly reviewed concentrated serum that helps you get an even skin tone. It is infused with spot-resisting ingredients to target and prevent the formation of age spots caused by UV exposure. It brightens and evens out your skin tone. This brightening beauty serum is clinically verified to be absorbed quickly and has a soothing effect on your skin. It helps reduce the appearance of dark spots by inhibiting melanin production.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Quick-absorbing formula
- Reduces dark spots
- Soothes the skin
- Suitable for all skin types
- Easy to apply
Cons
- Expensive
7. Best For Improving Skin Texture: SK-II R.N.A. Power Radical New Age Essence
SK-II R.N.A. Power Radical New Age Essence is a result-driven anti-aging serum. It is packed with nourishing ingredients, clinically examined and confirmed to smooth and lift the skin in 4 weeks. The concentrated formula of this serum gets absorbed into your skin quickly. It has proven efficacy in reducing the appearance of pores and wrinkles. It also refines the skin texture for a pore-less, bouncy appearance. With this product in your kit, you can care for your face without practicing a complex skin care routine
Pros
- Reduces the appearance of pores and wrinkles
- Gets absorbed quickly
- Refines the skin texture
- Imparts a youthful appearance to the skin
Cons
- Expensive
"I love using this anti-aging serum on my mature skin. It helps soften the rough skin texture. It is lightweight but the formula is quite potent. It is quite nourishing and works well on reducing the appearance of enlarged pores around my cheeks."
8. Best For Cleansing Clogged Pores: SK-II Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil
SK-II Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil is a 2-in-1 facial cleanser and makeup remover. It is specially formulated with SK-II’S unique brightening complex called Aura Bright Cocktail Ex that contains PITERA™. It cleanses your pores and helps remove makeup, mascara, and sunscreen. This cleansing oil reveals radiance and promotes skin detoxification by removing impurities from the skin for a clearer and brighter complexion. It reduces age spots and dullness and softens your skin. This semi-translucent toning lotion also gives you a mask-like experience.
Pros
- Removes makeup
- Cleanses pores
- Eliminates impurities
- Reduces age spots
- Softens the skin
Cons
- Expensive
9. Best Oil Control: SK-II Facial Treatment Gentle Cleanser
If you have oily skin, try the SK-II Facial Treatment Gentle Cleanser. It is a foaming cleanser that gently removes dirt and other impurities to give you silky soft and clean skin. This gentle cleanser is formulated with PITERA™ which aids your skin’s natural functions. It also contains white willow extract that contains salicylic acid, which gently exfoliates the dead skin cell and balances its sebum levels. These skin-conditioning ingredients give your skin a healthy, youthful complexion. According to reviews and testing, the product can enhance the overall appearance of the skin within a span of 4 weeks.
Pros
- Removes impurities
- Exfoliates the skin
- Balances the sebum levels
- Imparts a youthful appearance
- Easy to use
- Softens the skin
Cons
- Expensive
"This product is gentle but manages to cleanse my skin thoroughly. I enjoy applying my skin care products post using it, and they absorb really well. It also removes light, every day makeup and sunscreen."
When it comes to beauty, there are certain products that just stand out from the rest. SK-II is one of those brands that have a cult following for good reason – their products work! If you are looking to try out some new SK-II products, here are a few things to look for.
Things To Look For In SK-II Products – Buying Guide
Ingredients To Look For
When it comes to finding the best skin care products for the Asian skincare routine, there are a few key ingredients to look for. As far as SK-II products are concerned, look for the coveted Pitera™, which shows visible results as supported by clinical data. As stated earlier, this powerful ingredient is exclusive to SK-II and is what gives their products their unique efficacy. Pitera™ is a fermented yeast extract that has been shown to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.
Other ingredients in SK-II products include niacinamide, AHAs, and hyaluronic acid. Niacinamide helps brighten the skin and even out skin tone. Alpha-hydroxy acids help exfoliate the skin and keep it looking smooth and radiant. Hyaluronic acid helps hydrate the skin and keep it looking plump and healthy.
Ingredients To Avoid
There are a few key ingredients to avoid when looking for SK-II products to prevent allergic reactions. One is denatured alcohol, which can dry out the skin and cause irritation. Another is fragrance, which can also irritate the skin. Finally, look for products that are non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t clog pores.
Formula
When it comes to finding the right SK-II products, looking for the perfect formula is a great place to start. After all, this is what will ultimately determine how well the product works for your skin. Look for an antibacterial formula for treating acne on inflamed skin.
First and foremost, it should be designed to target your specific skin concerns. Whether you are struggling with dullness, uneven texture, or fine lines and wrinkles, there should be an SK-II product out there that can help.
In addition, pay attention to the ingredients list. Look for formulas that are rich in antioxidants and other beneficial nutrients like vitamins C and E. These will help protect your skin from damage while also providing some much-needed nourishment.
Don’t forget about sunscreen! Many of the best SK-II formulas contain SPF protection to keep your skin safe from the sun’s harmful rays. So, if you are looking for an all-in-one solution, look for an SK-II product that offers broad-spectrum sun protection. Always do a patch test if you have sensitive skin.
Longevity
Make sure the product you use has a combination of scientifically-proven ingredients and traditional herbs. Focus on longevity means that you can expect to see continued results with regular use, you will notice an improvement in the appearance of your skin. Fine lines and wrinkles will be reduced, and your skin will feel softer and smoother.
The Bottom Line
Japanese skin routine and Japanese skin care products have gained popularity recently. These products are specially crafted to keep your skin hydrated, nourished, and well-balanced. There is a wide range of Japanese products available on the market. But the best SK-II products stand apart because their products are infused with PITERA, which helps to maintain the skin’s natural function. This magical ingredient can prevent sun damage caused to the skin by protecting the skin’s outer layer. Elevate your skincare routine with the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, a cult favorite that boasts Pitera essence for radiant and hydrated skin. The SK-II Facial Treatment Mask provides an intensive boost of Pitera and amino acids for instant rejuvenation, and the SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion contains AHAs that prep your beautiful skin for further treatments and minimizes pores. Choose SK-II for a comprehensive approach to radiant, revitalized skin. From facial treatments to cleansers, this brand offers a wide range of products to provide your attractive skin with a youthful complexion.
Infographic: Benefits Of Using SK-II Products
SK-II products are packed with amazing ingredients like AHAs that help improve skin texture, tone, and radiance. The products treat dry, parched, or acne-prone skin and restore its youthful, healthy-looking appearance. Want to know in what ways SK-II products benefit the skin? Scroll down and check out the infographic below.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
Frequently Asked Questions
Does SK-II remove dark spots?
Yes, SK-II products contain pitera that combats the appearance of uneven skin tone and dark spots.
Is SK-II good for mature skin?
Yes, SK-II is suitable for mature skin.
Does SK-II help wrinkles?
Yes, SK-II restores the skin’s natural radiance and helps bind moisture to the skin, making it look plum, supple, and wrinkle-free.
What age should I use SK-II?
The early 20s is the age recommended for using SK-II, but it depends on your skin needs.
How long do you leave the SK-II mask on?
10-15 mins are ideal to leave the Sk-II on the face.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Oyendrila Kanjilal, the author of this article, is a certified skin care coach with a passion for discovering the best products to cater to your skin’s needs and concerns. She believes that the first step to choosing good skin care products is selecting the right brand. This is why she recommends using SK-II products. She scoured through hundreds of reviews and products to bring you this list of the top SK-II products. These products will help keep your skin hydrated, smooth, and healthy.
