Versus

Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Serum Concentrate Versus Sk-II Facial Treatment Essence (Pitera Essence) - Original

Serum
Essence
Japanese Brand Japan
Japanese Brand Japan

Updated on November 20, 2023

Overview

Suited For

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

Free From

They both do not contain any oils or 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
Ultimune Power Infusing Serum Concentrate

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
Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

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

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.

Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.

Learn more about Butylene Glycol
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

173 Routines
55% use in am
45% use in pm
98% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
646 Routines
51% use in am
48% use in pm
97% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Serum Concentrate 37 ingredients

5.0 /5
from 1 rating
KelliStauning_298's avatar

KelliStauning_298

2 years ago
Review

intense moisturizer, smoother, and doesn't peel off

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