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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of La Mer The Tonic versus Sk-II Facial Treatment Essence (Pitera Essence) Original .

Last updated on November 20, 2023. Published on July 17, 2023

Overview

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for dry skin

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, silicones or sulfates

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.

Toner American Brand United States
Essence Japanese Brand Japan

Toner

Toners are used as a “last-step” cleanser, a pH balancer, add moisture to the skin, or may help in reducing impurities on the skin. They have a liquid consistency and are usually used after cleansers but before treatments.

Essence

Essences are used to prep skin for further treatment and may provide extra skin benefits. They are usually used before serum and moisturizers. Essences are thought to have originated in either Japan or Korea and is an essential step in K-Beauty.

Price

Shop

Buy The Tonic

Starts at $95.00
Shop

Buy Facial Treatment Essence (Pitera Essence)

Starts at $75.00

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
ph level
4.5

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Exfoliators (2)
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Hydrating
Dark Spots

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin
Rosacea
Eczema

Benefits

Hydrating

Concerns

Eczema (2)
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Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

1
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.

You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water

La Mer The Tonic contains this as ingredient number 1.

Sk-II Facial Treatment Essence (Pitera Essence) Original contains this as ingredient number 4.

2
What it does: Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

  • It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
  • It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
  • It helps improve product application.

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient. It is unlikely to irritate skin, and works well with pretty much all other ingredients.

La Mer The Tonic contains this as ingredient number 19.

Sk-II Facial Treatment Essence (Pitera Essence) Original contains this as ingredient number 2.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

23% are loved or liked
11% have mixed ratings
37% are disliked or very disliked
29% have no rating yet
29% are loved or liked
29% have mixed ratings
43% are disliked or very disliked
0% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

When to use

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Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

La Mer The Tonic 35 ingredients

3.5 /5
from 2 reviews
TaylorForman_1's Avatar'
Aug 20, 2023

Not for oily skin
My combination oily skin hated this product. It irritated and added texture to my skin. I will not use again. I was surprised given the ingredients. Just not for me.

Not for oily skin
My combination oily skin hated this product. It irritated and added texture to my skin. I will not use again. I was surprised given the ingredients. Just not for me.

Sk-II Facial Treatment Essence (Pitera Essence) 7 ingredients

4.3 /5
from 3 reviews
420plaenit's Avatar'
Apr 7, 2023

IT'S EXPENSIVE BUT WORTH THE MONEY!!!!
I'm the kind of person who is willing to go all out and drop some money for good skincare if I know I will use up every drop and love it. I've tried a lot of snail mucin products (my oily acne-prone...

IT'S EXPENSIVE BUT WORTH THE MONEY!!!!
I'm the kind of person who is willing to go all out and drop some money for good skincare if I know I will use up every drop and love it. I've tried a lot of snail mucin products (my oily acne-prone skin LOVES it) and this one is different! I've tried the COSRX and the Peach Slices and both don't compare to this. Peach Slices have a similar texture while COSRX has a similar result to the SK-II. However, I will say that the SK-II got rid of all my redness and significantly improved my acne and every time I run out I always notice a difference in my skin whenever I don't have it in my routine. The price tag is a little intimidating but there are more reasonable options on Stylevana and Yesstyle.

Type: Original
KatrinaBedford's Avatar'
Apr 18, 2024

It seems to work v well for lots of people. It was a gift so I'm v upset it didn't work so well for me. It gave an amazing glow but irritated my skin whenever I used it.

It seems to work v well for lots of people. It was a gift so I'm v upset it didn't work so well for me. It gave an amazing glow but irritated my skin whenever I used it.

Hydrating
Broke Me Out
Absorbs Well
Strong Scent
Type: Original

Alternatives

We haven't detected any alternatives for La Mer The Tonic.

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