SK-II Facial Treatment Essence vs. Clear Lotion: Differences and Reviews 2024

• What is in "Pitera"?

PITERA, also known as galactomyces ferment filtrate, is a yeast extract derived from a strictly controlled natural fermentation process. It was discovered incidentally in the 1970s, when scientists noticed the soft tender hands of sake brewers that sharply contrasted with their wrinkled and aged faces.

Then, scientists spent years looking through 350 yeast strains to isolate the Saccharomycopsis yeast strain that produces Pitera. It is a clear liquid that contains over 50 micronutrients and is an excellent source of peptides, proteins, amino acids, carbohydrates, and organic acids. The combination of these nutrients is said to provide powerful anti-aging and hydrating properties, which we will discuss in more detail below.

• The Benefits of PITERA™

The amino acids, peptides, sugars, organic acids, and minerals in PITERA help to replenish the skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF). The NMF is responsible for keeping the skin hydrated, soft, and supple. Unfortunately, the NMF can become depleted with age, and also from routine exposure to sensitizing ingredients. This leads to visibly dry, flaky skin that feels tight and uncomfortable. By using ingredients that help supplement the NMF, like PITERA, signs of aging such as lines, wrinkles, and dry skin, will be reduced. The result is a smoother, moisturized and firmer skin.

PITERA also functions to soothe the skin with its anti-irritant properties. Fermented ingredients reduce the risk of skin irritation by neutralizing toxic substances, such as heavy metals and pesticides that may be present in trace amounts. By neutralizing toxins, PITERA makes the product safer, more effective, and better tolerated for sensitive skin types.

The final way that PITERA benefits the skin is by facilitating the absorption of other skin care ingredients. Active ingredients in skin care products are often too large to penetrate deeply into the skin, so PITERA facilitates the absorption of these ingredients by breaking them down into smaller molecules. Better absorption leads to better results.

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• The Comparison

| SK-II Facial Treatment Essence

($185/160ml, up to 5% cashback at SK-II)

What Is It?

SK-II's signature product and highly awarded best-seller. The formula has remained unchanged for nearly 40 years. This coveted essence combines the power of nature with advanced technology to benefit the overall appearance of skin. Infused with 90% PITERA™, this essence transforms all five dimensions of your skin to crystal clear — spots are less visible, appearance of wrinkles is reduced, skin texture is more refined, firmness is improved, and radiance is beautifully elevated.

Ingredients & Benefits: This formula moisturizes skin while helping to soften and smooth texture, reduce dark spots and fine lines due to dryness, enhance radiance and even the look of skin tone. The lightweight liquid is quickly absorbed into skin, and contains 90% Pitera. Pitera is a natural bio-ingredient derived from yeast fermentation that resembles your skin's natural moisturizing factors. It contains over 50 micronutrients like vitamins, minerals, amino acids and organic acids to condition skin. 

With powerful anti-aging and hydrating properties, Pitera™ is a miracle ingredient and exclusive to SK-II.

Good For: All skin types; ideal for those with signs of aging, dull complexion, dark spots, or rough texture.

Texture: This comes in a very watery consistency, which is why it's frequently dubbed as "miracle water" by so many celebrities and influencers. This essence is so gentle and so safe for sensitive skin. Its lightweight texture also absorbs very fast into the skin, and leaves no residue.

Fragrance: The active ingredient in SK-II's Pitera Facial Treatment Essence is a yeast, so there is a subtle yeasty scent, though it's nothing too off-putting. The formula has no artificial fragrance, so anyone whose skin is sensitive to that can feel good about using it.

How to Use: 

-Pour about two to three shakes (approximately the size of a quarter) of essence into hand. Press palms together to wet both hands.

-Gently smooth and press over your face and neck for one minute, ensuring even coverage.

-Continue patting the essence into skin until fully absorbed.

-Use twice daily, after cleansing and toning, and before serums or moisturizers.

Review: If you're looking for a product that really helps to repair your skin's natural functions, the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence is a great product that's worth investing in. As a luxury brand with a highly secretive formulation and cult-following, it makes sense that the price point for this "miracle" product is high. 

The essence is based off of its patented Pitera, a "strictly controlled natural fermentation process." The benefits of this ingredient are nothing short of amazing, not only does it provide anti-aging benefits, its also great for moisturising the skin, enhancing cell turnover (which helps you get rid of any pigmentation issues like sun spots faster) and evening out the complexion. "It gave my skin a youthful, supple texture and it's evened out my previously combination skin. It has also helped my adult acne. This is why I love this product — it addresses all my issues from aging to acne to texture — which is why it's so worth the purchase," writes one fan.

| SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion

($76/160ml, up to 4% cashback at Sephora)

What Is It?

With the amazing effects of the SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion, even people who hate toners eventually come around. This toner removes all the skin's impurities, visibly transforming the radiance of the skin and makes it a great canvas for all other skincare products to make their magic work. 

Ingredients & Benefits: This product has Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) that removes the dead skin cells, which means all the dullness is removed as well. It also contains PITERA™, which resembles the Natural Moisturizing Factors of the skin, hence conditioning the natural functions of the skin, thanks to its more than 50 micro-nutrient content. 

With a refreshingly light and watery texture that absorbs instantly, Facial Treatment Clear Lotion is the final step in your cleansing ritual, and lets you achieve radiant, youthful-looking skin.

Good For: All skin types, even dry and acne prone skin.

Texture: This product is basically a toner, although Japanese skincare uses the word "lotion" instead, those are actually toners. Which is why this comes in a very watery consistency like any other toner. It's clear and very thin, and absorbs fast without leaving any residue, but unlike some other toners, this product won't dry out your skin.

Fragrance: It has a faint fragrance that doesn't smell of much, and the scent dissipates very quickly once you pour the Clear Lotion out.

How to Use: 

-Use this toner after you cleanse, but before you treat, target, and moisturize.

-Soak a cotton pad with Clear Lotion.

-Apply by wiping the T-zone, taking extra care on sides of nose.

-Wipe the U-zone (cheeks and jaw line) from center, outward.

-Wipe the neck from bottom to the top.

Review: It is like a gentle toner, it does not give you that sticky feel, but still takes care of the dryness post face wash, it slightly moistens your skin but at the same time, skin look fresh and matte. Coming to the best part, this is so gentle for all skin types. Do not expect miracles for pores or acne but still this balances and calms down the skin like their is no tomorrow.

The Difference with the Facial Treatment Essence:

It's actually easy to mix up the 2 products except the color of the essence formula is a bit more yellow compared to the transparent lotion/toner. And the Facial Treatment Essence's consistency is slightly thicker than the Facial Treatment Clear Lotion and its scent is somewhat stronger and could get funkier with time. Since the essence contains the greatest percentage of Pitera, the effectivity of this is much higher and more visible. Of course, the price is also higher.

For people who have never tried SKII though and are only willing to try one item, the Facial Treatment Essence is more recommended.

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