5 Affordable Dupes for SK-II Facial Treatment Essence in 2024

• About SK-II Facial Treatment Essence

Let's clear up some confusion first. If you have a bottle of SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, the first ingredient may be named Saccharomicopsis Ferment Filtrate. That's what SK-II thought Pitera was. As it turns out, Pitera actually belongs to the Galactomyces family, hence the new name on the newer bottles.

Infused with 90% PITERA™, a natural bio-ingredient derived from yeast fermentation exclusively in Japan for SK-II. It's rich in over 50 nutrients such as amino acids, proteins, organics and acids that are naturally found in your skin.

The benefits of this key ingredient are nothing short of amazing; not only does it provide anti-aging benefits, but it's also great for moisturizing the skin, enhancing cell turnover, helping balance uneven skin tone, as well as improve skin elasticity and skin barrier function. Plus, SK-II's Facial Treatment Essence is suitable for all skin types, including mature skin, dry skin, sensitive skin and oily skin.

You still can reap the benefits of Pitera without spending a fortune. There are many affordable essences that come with a high percentage of galactomyces. Let's find out more.

• The Best SK-II Facial Treatment Essence Dupes

| COSRX Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence

($21.00, up to 5% cashback at iHerb)

Key Ingredients:

Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate

Niacinamide

Hyaluronic Acid

Adenosine

Comparison & Review: COSRX Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence is one of the best dupes for SK-II Facial Treatment Essence. Both of these products contain powerful ingredients that help to visibly soften texture, reduce the appearance of dark spots and fine lines. While SK-II has trademarked the galactomyces ferment filtrate as PITERA, the CORSX version contains the exact ingredient.

The main ingredient in COSRX's Galactomyses 95% Tone Balancing Essence is galactomyces ferment filtrate, which has been proven to enhance the production of hyaluronic acid in the skin, provide superior moisture to the skin and protect it from free radicals. It also works wonderfully for acne-prone skin.

In addition to this, the Essence also contains niacinamide for sebum control and hyperpigmentation, as well as hyaluronic acid to provide surface hydration to the skin and reinforces the moisture barrier. If you want to get about 12 bottles of Pitera goodness for the price of one SK-II Pitera Essence, then the COSRX Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence may be the one for you.

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| NEOGEN Dermalogy Real Ferment Micro Essence

($24.99, up to 8% cashback at Stylevana)

Key Ingredients:

Bifida Ferment Lysate

Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate

Betula Alba Juice

Aspergillus/Rice Ferment Filtrate

Comparison & Review: Neogen's Real Ferment Micro Essence is known for delivering on a trend called "honey skin" — "the next level glow after healthy skin" which is typically achieved through a routine with a lot of humectant and toning ingredients for maximum glow. It contains more than 93% naturally fermented ingredients, including bifida ferment lysate and 28% saccharomyces ferment filtrate, to deliver instant moisture and skin-plumping benefits. This fragrance-free fermented treatment is also formulated with 17% birch juice to add hydration and 9% rice extracts to illuminate skin from within.

It is actually a better product for those with sensitive skins compared to SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, as the latter also helps with exfoliating. Last thing to highlight - the price! Neogen Real Ferment Micro comes in at a fraction of the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence's price!

| Missha Time Revolution The First Essence 5X

($21.79, up to 8% cashback at Stylevana)

Key Ingredients:

Fermented Cicaenzyme (Yeast) Extract

Niacinamide

Ceramide NP 

Adenosine

Comparison & Review: If you can't afford to commit to a whole bottle of SK-II Pitera Essence, Missha Time Revolution The First Essence 5X is a great option to start, offering all the benefits of SK-II facial serum at a fraction of the price. 

Formulated with 97% Desert Cica Yeast Ferment, this firming and brightening essence helps maintain the skin's pH balance, delivers dense moisture, and offers basic strength care. It also contains niacinamide and adenosine, skin care powerhouse ingredients that brighten, even out skin tone, and energize the skin. Plus, ingredients are fermented with Missha's EXTREME FERMENT α™ Method, a unique three-step fermentation method that stably delivers an extreme boost of active ingredients to the skin.

While you can't call it a real dupe, if you're looking for an essence with probiotics, Missha Time Revolution First Treatment Essence is the right winner.

| Secret Key Starting Treatment Essence

($18.99, up to 8% cashback at Stylevana)

Key Ingredients:

Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate

Centella

Aloe vera extracts

Chamomile

Arbutin

Adenosine

Comparison & Review: Secret Key Starting Treatment Essence moisturises, brightens, and replenishes skin with a formula that rivals SK-II Facial Treatment Essence. For an ingredient packed, wallet-friendly alternative, Secret Key's Starting Treatment Essence contains a whopping 94% galactomyces ferment filtrate to brighten skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines. Plus, this essence also includes centella and aloe vera extracts to soothe redness and boost the overall complexion, chamomile to help calm skin down, arbutin to promotes skin brightness, and adenosine to soothe the skin. 

It also comes in two different editions: the original (featured above) and the rose edition, which is infused with Rosa Centifolia flower water that has anti-inflammatory properties.

| Purito Galacto Niacin 97 Power Essence

($20.70, up to 4% cashback at Yesstyle)

Key Ingredients:

Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate

Niacinamide 

Bifida Ferment Lysate

Comparison & Review: Purito Galacto Niacin 97 Power Essence could very well be the twin sister of SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, except at more than half the price. What's exciting is that this facial essence contains 92% of naturally fermented galactomyces filtrate that control sebum,nourishes skin, improves skin tone and smooths out rugged surfaces, as well as a blend of 5% niacinamide and bifida ferment lysate works to improve the elasticity and texture of the skin while helping to soften and nourish. 

Featuring a lightweight, water-like formula, the essence effortlessly sinks into the skin to promote a healthier-looking appearance. Impressive results, vastly different prices.

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