Versus

Lancôme Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate - US Versus Sk-II Facial Treatment Essence (Pitera Essence) - Original

Serum
Essence
French Brand France
Japanese Brand Japan

Updated on October 11, 2024

Overview

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin and sensitive skin

Free From

They both do not contain any sulfates

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

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

What's inside (and what isn't)

What's inside (and what isn't)

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water
Masking, Preservative

Sodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.

Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.

Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.

It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.

Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.

We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.

Learn more about Sodium Benzoate

When to use

299 Routines
49% use in am
51% use in pm
93% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
662 Routines
51% use in am
49% use in pm
97% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Lancôme Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate 24 ingredients

4.8 /5
from 8 ratings
Absorbs Well (2) Expensive (2) Light (2)
mrsmatt12's avatar

mrsmatt12

2 years ago
Review

I've been using this for years and consistently get compliments on my 58 yr old skin

juliebarrett's avatar

julie barrett

9 months ago
Review

It makes my skin feel amazing. I get flaky angry patches sometime, I rub some genefique on at night and by morning it's gone or almost gone. Everyone I know has Said my skin looks so much better. They don't know I started using this. It also cleared up poison ivy that I had on my arms for weeks. I got desperate and used the genifique. It was almost gone the next day. This is expensive but worth Show more

#expensive
#light
#absorbs well
#light scent

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

4.1 /5
from 8 ratings
Hydrating (4) Works Well (3) Expensive (3)
420plaenit's avatar

420plaenit

2 years ago
Review

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 Show more

anemone's avatar

anemone

4 months ago
Review

good product, but i don’t notice a difference between this and the much cheaper COSRX option.

#expensive
#hydrating
#light
#absorbs well