Shiseido vs SK-II 2024 (The Definitive Guide)

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!

This post contains affiliate links; as an Amazon Associate we earn commission from qualifying purchases.

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).

More importantly, though, are their anti-aging ingredients. The Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate contains ImuGenerationRED; unfortunately, they are purposefully obscure about what it is exactly (which is a bit of a red flag, but if it works, it works). A little bit of digging through some old press releases, though, reveals that it apparently helps to deliver moisturizing collagen—specifically Hydroxyproline—to the skin. Collagen, of course, helps to improve the skin's elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

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.

This article was originally published on June 1st 2022, but it has been reviewed and updated with the latest available information on February 7th 2024 by Sara Mckay, MA.