Explore Routine Login

Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Lancôme Advanced Génifique Anti-Aging Face Serum versus Sk-II Facial Treatment Essence (Pitera Essence) Original .

Last updated on November 20, 2023. Published on March 29, 2021

Overview

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for dry 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 need an update? Let us know.

Serum French Brand France
Essence Japanese Brand Japan

Serum

Serums are highly concentrated with ingredients to provide skin with benefits. They should be used after cleansing and before moisturizing.

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 Advanced Génifique Anti-Aging Face Serum

Starts at $46.62
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

Vitamin C
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Hydrating (2)
Redness Reducing
Skin Texture
Anti-Aging (2)
Dark Spots
Scar Healing (2)
Brightening (2)

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin
Irritating
Rosacea (2)
Eczema (2)

Benefits

Hydrating

Concerns

Eczema (2)
Join our community

Build your routine, track which ingredients work for you, and much more with your free account.

Join SkinSort

Ingredients Side-by-side

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

Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are

Loading ingredients...

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

Lancôme Advanced Génifique Anti-Aging Face Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.

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

2
What it does: Masking, Preservative
Community Rating: Disliked

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.

Sodium Benzoate 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

Lancôme Advanced Génifique Anti-Aging Face Serum contains this as ingredient number 10.

Sk-II Facial Treatment Essence (Pitera Essence) Original contains this as ingredient number 5.

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

38% are loved or liked
4% have mixed ratings
50% are disliked or very disliked
8% 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

Loading routine usage...
Loading routine usage...

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Lancôme Advanced Génifique Anti-Aging Face Serum 24 ingredients

4.8 /5
from 5 reviews
mrsmatt12's Avatar'
Aug 6, 2023

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

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

deebeec's Avatar'
Oct 11, 2023

It's just really good. Very expensive though.

It's just really good. Very expensive though.

LaurenElizabethe_177's Avatar'
Oct 28, 2023

The transformation I witnessed my with just 1 bottle made this a permanent staple and a holy grail. My skin is generally smoother, softer, brighter, and just looks healthy. It’s amazing for every age!

The transformation I witnessed my with just 1 bottle made this a permanent staple and a holy grail. My skin is generally smoother, softer, brighter, and just looks healthy. It’s amazing for every age!

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

Our Dupe Finder has found 50 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Lancôme Advanced Génifique Anti-Aging Face Serum.

See 50 alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 20 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Sk-II Facial Treatment Essence (Pitera Essence) Original.

See 20 alternatives
Loading similar comparisons...