If you're a fan of luxury skincare, you've almost certainly heard of SK-II. Famed for its iconic Facial Treatment Essence, the brand’s secret weapon is Pitera™, a fermented yeast extract that works wonders for achieving clear, radiant skin. It's the kind of product that can truly transform your complexion, which is why it has such a devoted following.
But part of the fun of skincare is discovering new brands that deliver that same incredible glow. If you love SK-II’s science-backed luxury and visible results, you're in luck. Here are 17 similar brands worth exploring for your most radiant skin yet.
La Mer is the gold standard for ultra-luxurious, reparative skincare. Its legendary Crème de la Mer is powered by the Miracle Broth, a fermented sea kelp blend that deeply heals and hydrates. While SK-II is the master of clarity and brightness, La Mer is your holy grail for intense moisture and skin recovery. Their products, which often range from $100 to over $300, deliver a plump, luminous complexion that feels incredibly nourished.
If your skin is feeling dry, stressed, or in need of serious TLC, La Mer offers a decadent experience with proven soothing results. It’s for the person who wants skincare that feels as opulent as it is effective. Shop now at cremedelamer.com
Sulwhasoo beautifully merges traditional Korean herbal medicine with modern science. The brand centers its formulas on the power of ginseng to balance the skin and boost vitality, leading to a healthy, natural glow. Unlike SK-II's focus on a single star ingredient, Sulwhasoo uses a holistic blend of botanicals to achieve harmony and radiance in the skin.
Their products, like the cult-favorite First Care Activating Serum, fall in the $50 to $200 range, offering a luxurious experience rooted in Asian heritage. If you love science-backed results but are drawn to a more natural, herbal approach, Sulwhasoo is a perfect fit. Shop now at sulwhasoo.com
Re-Nutriv is Estée Lauder's most luxurious collection, designed for those seeking visible anti-aging results. With prices from $150 to $300, this line uses rare and precious ingredients like black pearl to deliver incredible firming and lifting benefits. The aesthetic is pure sophisticated glamour.
While SK-II excels at brightening and refining skin texture, Re-Nutriv's superpower is its ability to promote resilience and a youthful lift. It’s perfect for mature skin or anyone wanting to invest in high-performance formulas that tackle firmness and deep wrinkles. Shop now at esteelauder.com
Amorepacific is a pillar of Korean luxury skincare, harnessing the antioxidant power of meticulously cultivated green tea. The Time Response line is its premium anti-aging collection, targeting glow and resilience with nature-inspired science. The price point is generally between $70 and $200 for their highly effective botanical formulas.
If you're drawn to SK-II's efficacy but prefer skincare powered by potent antioxidants and natural extracts, Amorepacific is an excellent choice. Their textures are elegant and their commitment to botanical research sets them apart, offering a luminous complexion through plants. Shop now at amorepacific.com
Known for its potent, clean, and science-driven approach, Dr. Barbara Sturm is skincare for the minimalist who demands results. With products like her famous Hyaluronic Serum typically priced between $100 and $300, the German brand focuses on anti-inflammatory and hydrating ingredients that promote healthy, glowing skin without fuss.
Like SK-II, Dr. Sturm is rooted in advanced science, but with a philosophy of "less is more." Her formulations are perfect for those who want powerful, effective products with a clean, bio-tech edge. It’s chic, smart, and ridiculously effective. Shop now at drsturm.com
Tatcha brings ancient Japanese beauty rituals to the modern world. The brand uses a beautifying trio of Japanese anti-aging superfoods - green tea, rice, and algae - in all its formulas. Priced from $50 to $150, products like The Water Cream provide gentle hydration and a poreless, luminous finish.
While SK-II's magic comes from fermented yeast, Tatcha's comes from the time-tested wisdom of the geisha. It’s a wonderful alternative for those who love the idea of luxury rooted in heritage and gentle, skin-loving ingredients. The entire experience feels like a beautiful, calming ritual. Shop now at tatcha.com
Operating at the pinnacle of scientific luxury, La Prairie is a Swiss brand known for its gravity-defying skincare. They are a true status symbol in the beauty world, famous for using opulent ingredients like caviar extract. With a price point starting around $400 and going up, it is a significant investment in your skin.
La Prairie shares SK-II's dedication to anti-aging science but takes it to another level with a primary focus on lifting, firming, and intense nourishment. If you’re looking for the absolute height of skincare indulgence to visibly combat signs of aging, La Prairie is in a class of its own. Shop now at laprairie.com
Guerlain’s Abeille Royale line harnesses the reparative powers of bee products, like royal jelly and Ouessant Black Bee honey, to rejuvenate the skin. Prices for this collection range from about $120 to $250. This sophisticated French brand creates formulas that work to repair skin from within, promoting a smooth, radiant glow.
Both Guerlain and SK-II are focused on achieving healthy, luminous skin, but Abeille Royale's unique strength lies in regeneration and renewal. It offers a luxurious sensory experience and visible results, making it ideal for those who want their skincare to feel as beautiful as it performs. Shop now at guerlain.com
If you're seeking luxury skincare with a clean, green heart, Odacité is your brand. This California-based brand offers potent, pure formulas with an emphasis on sustainable, organic ingredients. Known for its concentrated serums (often in the $30-$80 range), Odacité allows you to create customized routines that target specific concerns.
Unlike SK-II’s biotech focus on fermentation, Odacité’s power comes directly from nature. It’s a fantastic choice for the eco-conscious consumer who wants high-performance, vibrant skincare that doesn't compromise on purity or effectiveness. Shop now at odacite.com
A jewel in Shiseido's crown, Clé de Peau Beauté is a Japanese luxury brand that blends cutting-edge science with exquisite textures and elegant packaging. Beloved for its brightening and complexion-perfecting serums, with prices typically ranging from $150 to $300, it’s all about achieving a "lit from within" look.
Clé de Peau feels like a direct competitor to SK-II in the brightening and anti-aging space. If you appreciate the advanced science behind SK-II but crave an even more lavish and sensory experience, Clé de Peau delivers that and more. Shop now at cledepeaubeaute.com
Valmont is a Swiss cellular cosmetics expert that draws on the pure, natural resources of Switzerland combined with advanced research. Famous for its collagen-boosting formulas like the Prime Renewing Pack (around $200), Valmont excels at restoring vitality and glow to tired, aging skin.
Similar to SK-II, Valmont is fiercely dedicated to science-backed results. However, its primary focus is on energizing skin cells and firming the complexion. It's a top-tier choice for those targeting loss of elasticity and radiance. Shop now at valmont.com
Fresh combines potent natural ingredients, ancient rituals, and modern science into skincare that’s both effective and a joy to use. With products mostly in the $30-$60 range, like their Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream, Fresh is a more accessible entry into the luxury space. The brand is great at targeting concerns like hydration and dullness.
While SK-II's star is Pitera, Fresh looks to ingredients like rose, kombucha, and soy to achieve a healthy glow. If you want luxury results powered by plant-based goodness, Fresh is an addictive and beautiful starting point. Shop now at fresh.com
Lixirskin is a London-based brand with a refreshingly simple philosophy: less is more. Its chic, minimalist pink tubes contain multi-tasking, high-performance formulas designed to deliver exactly what your skin needs, without unnecessary steps. Priced around $50 to $80, it makes sophisticated skincare accessible.
Much like SK-II, Lixirskin is science-led and focused on efficacy. But it strips away the complexity, appealing to modern skincare enthusiasts who want transparent ingredients and streamlined routines that still pack a luxurious punch. Shop now at lixirskin.com
Exuding opulence and regality, The History of Whoo is another luxury Korean brand that draws inspiration from ancient Eastern empirical beauty secrets. With products priced from $80 to $200, its formulas often center on complex herbal combinations designed to restore balance and beautiful radiance to the skin.
If the heritage-infused luxury of Sulwhasoo appeals to you, The History of Whoo takes it a step further with its incredibly ornate packaging and rich, nourishing textures. It's an immersive experience for those who want their skincare to feel like a treasured ritual. Shop now at thehistoryofwhoo.com
Vintner’s Daughter is built around one hero product: the Active Botanical Serum. At about $185 a bottle, this cult-favorite oil is a powerhouse of 22 of the world’s most nutrient-rich botanicals. The brand’s philosophy is centered on impeccable quality, sourcing, and slow formulation methods to deliver multi-correctional performance.
It resonates with SK-II fans who are willing to invest in a single, high-impact product that delivers visible radiance. However, Vintner's Daughter appeals directly to the luxury clean beauty lover who prioritizes supremely potent, plant-based nutrition for their skin. Shop now at vintnersdaughter.com
Augustinus Bader blew up the beauty scene with its TFC8® technology, a patented complex backed by 30 years of stem-cell research. Products like The Cream and The Rich Cream ($200-$300) are designed to guide your skin's own renewal processes, resulting in a more resilient, youthful, and luminous complexion over time.
Like SK-II, this brand is born from deep scientific innovation and delivers undeniable results. However, Augustinus Bader's specific focus is on cellular communication and skin regeneration, making it a compelling alternative for anyone seeking the absolute latest in anti-aging biotech. Shop now at augustinusbader.com
Orveda is a hyper-luxurious, green-biotech skincare brand that merges cutting-edge science with a focus on skin health. Their formulas are packed with prebiotics, enzymes, and kombucha bio-ferment to work with the skin's natural microflora. Priced around $150 to $250, Orveda provides a truly groundbreaking take on glowing, healthy skin.
The shared link to SK-II is the deep respect for fermentation and enzyme science. However, Orveda's approach is distinctly modern and holistic, aiming to re-balance the skin's entire ecosystem for unparalleled health and luminosity. It's for the skincare aficionado who is looking for the "next big thing" in science-backed beauty. Shop now at orveda.com
At Apart Style, we're obsessed with curating the best in fashion, beauty, and jewelry to help you discover new brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, style, and uniqueness. When you make a purchase through our links, Apart Style may earn a commission - which helps support our small team, and allows us to continue bringing you the best in online style brands.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our full brand directory or check out our curated brand guides to find your new favorite thing.
