Famed for their ultra luxurious serums and essences packed with efficacious actives, both Shiseido and SK-II are more than worthy of occupying some shelf space in your bathroom.
Come with us as we compare their best-selling anti-aging serums side-by-side to help you decide which is best for you and your skincare routine. Enjoy!
Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate vs SK-II Skinpower Essence
Beyond the obvious similarities and differences between the product names, choice of packaging, and bottles, we're going to have to dive straight into their formulas to start seeing any differences of note.
2024 update: We previously reviewed the RNA Power Radical New Age Essence, which has since been replaced with the SK-II Skinpower Essence.
Both the Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate and SK-II Skinpower Essence (aka Skinpower Essence) claim to improve the skin's elasticity for a firm, bouncy feel, improve the the skin's radiance, and visibly diminish wrinkles and fine lines for a gloriously smooth appearance. Judging by the stellar reviews, they very well could be contenders for the best anti-aging serums out there.
The magic behind their success revolves around skin-nourishing plant extracts in combination with patented anti-aging technologies. Beginning with their botanical ingredients, the Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate contains Iris, Reishi Mushroom, Ginkgo Leaf, and Lotus extracts for their anti-stress, anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. The SK-II Skinpower Essence instead contains a cocktail of Calla Lily, Dokudami, and Peony extracts which they call 'Infinitpower Technology' (due to their ability to "power" the skin and plump from within).
The SK-II Skinpower Essence instead contains PITERA which is a bio-ingredient derived from yeast fermentation. Ferments are packed with micro-nutrients like vitamins, minerals, amino acids and organic acids to condition the skin's natural functions. More importantly, though, they closely resemble your skin's Natural Moisturizing Factors meaning that skin welcomes it in for fast absorption. The Skinpower Essence also contains Niacinamide to improve the skin's barrier function, skin tone, and appearance of firmness.
Results-wise, it's difficult to say for sure which serum comes out on top without stooping into anecdote. That said, Shiseido has published their clinical trial results, showcasing that ~90% of their customers felt that their skin was healthy, renewed, and smooth after 8 weeks of use. SK-II, on the other hand, has only posted a select few testimonials instead of any empirical results—read into that what you will.
The biggest difference of all is price. The SK-II Skinpower Essence is in the order of three times more expensive than Shiseido's Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate per fluid ounce.
Combine this price disparity with Shiseido's impressive trial results, and the fact that it is so popular that they sell 1 every 8.6 seconds, we believe that it's a no-brainer. The Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate has our vote of confidence.
Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate
Shiseido's #1 anti-aging serum with innovative technology.
Pros
Proven clinical results
Cons
Complex ingredient list
What makes it special? Ultimune Serum works with a double anti-aging technology called ImuGenerationRED that works to boost both skin immunity and skin circulation. Rosella extract improves the function of immune cells, Heart Leaf extract helps your skin to be more resilient, Reishi mushroom and Iris extract optimizes the number of Langerhans cells that have an effect against stress, and the Lotus and Ginko creates an ideal environment for your skin and protects it against the effects of pollution.
Pros
- Plumps and firms skin
Cons
- Very expensive price
What makes it special? Restore skin's youthful glow and smoothness with this leading age-defying serum. Skinpower Essence is a pioneering anti-ageing formula that uses Pitera, SK-II's exclusive ingredient loaded with minerals, amino acids, vitamins, and organic acids. This intensely moisturising serum reduces the visibility of pores in the morning for a younger look and a healthy glow. A highly effective serum, it quickly fills gaps in the skin, making it plump and firm.
Calum Torrington is the founder of FEMMENORDIC. He has worked as a beauty editor since 2020 and employs his analytical background in mathematics to thoroughly scrutinize complex INCI lists. Now, he helps over 1 million people per year to find the best beauty products.
