SK-II

SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence

Name: SK-II - Genoptics Spot Essence
Brand: SK-II

Efficacy100/100IrritancyMedium

See all ingredients

Works for

Anti-aging

Galactomyces ferment filtrate, Niacinamide + 3 more

Works well

What the product description says

“A spot essence that brightens your skin to combat the signs of ageing.”

Source: Sephora AU

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains niacinamide.

These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: galactomyces ferment filtrate.

Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.

Galactomyces ferment filtrateKey activeEffect: MediumA yeast ferment filtrate (also known as Pitera - a trademarked name for the filtrate reserved by the SK-II brand). It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, can help neutralize antioxidants and can be helpful in evening out the skin tone. It might be somewhat helpful in preventing premature skin aging but solid evidence is lacking. A small manufacturer study also shows that, when used in high concentrations, it can help reduce sebum production and help against blocked pores~5.4–6.6%

NiacinamideKey activeEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~2.3–2.9%

TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.2–0.35%

Laminaria saccharina extractEffect: Low, below effective doseA seaweed extract that contains sugars and can be helpful in attracting water to the upper layers of the skin if used in high enough concentrations~0.2–0.35%

Ascorbyl glucosideUnder-dosedA vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Has a potential to boost collagen production, nutralise free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products~0.2–0.35%

Evens skin tone

Galactomyces ferment filtrate, Niacinamide + 1 more

Works well

What the product description says

“SK-IIs GenOptics Spot Essence is a targeted face serum that tackles visible and hidden age spots with precision, leaving you with even skin tone and a brighter complexion .”

Source: Bluemercury

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: niacinamide

The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually can help even out the skin tone: galactomyces ferment filtrate.

Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.

Anti-oxidation

Side benefit · Galactomyces ferment filtrate, Phytosteryl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate + 2 more

Works well

This product contains antioxidants (galactomyces ferment filtrate) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).

Galactomyces ferment filtrateKey activeEffect: HighA yeast ferment filtrate (also known as Pitera - a trademarked name for the filtrate reserved by the SK-II brand). It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, can help neutralize antioxidants and can be helpful in evening out the skin tone. It might be somewhat helpful in preventing premature skin aging but solid evidence is lacking. A small manufacturer study also shows that, when used in high concentrations, it can help reduce sebum production and help against blocked pores~5.4–6.6%

Phytosteryl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamateEffect: LowA mix of amino acids and plant-based lipids. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce water loss over time~1–1.3%

TocopherolUnder-dosedPure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.2–0.35%

Moisturizing

Side benefit · Niacinamide, Panthenol + 16 more

Works well

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job: galactomyces ferment filtrate, glycerin.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: methicone, phytosteryl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: niacinamide, panthenol

NiacinamideHeroEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~2.3–2.9%

PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~0.45–0.7%

Galactomyces ferment filtrateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA yeast ferment filtrate (also known as Pitera - a trademarked name for the filtrate reserved by the SK-II brand). It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, can help neutralize antioxidants and can be helpful in evening out the skin tone. It might be somewhat helpful in preventing premature skin aging but solid evidence is lacking. A small manufacturer study also shows that, when used in high concentrations, it can help reduce sebum production and help against blocked pores~5.4–6.6%

CyclopentasiloxaneKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin~3.2–3.9%

TriethylhexanoinKey activeEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~1.7–2.1%

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~1.7–2.1%

Phytosteryl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamateKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA mix of amino acids and plant-based lipids. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce water loss over time~1–1.3%

InositolKey active· HumectantEffect: High~0.7–1.05%

PolymethylsilsesquioxaneKey activeEffect: HighA silicone that improves product texture and helps dissolve other ingredients. Can form a non-greasy film on the skin to prevent moisture loss~0.65–1%

HexyldecanolKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.3–0.5%

MethiconeKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA type of silicone that helps soften the upper layer of the skin and reduces the water loss from the skin surface~0.15–0.3%

Zea mays oilKey activeEffect: HighA good moisturizing plant oil. Due to the high linoleic acid content, it helps soften the upper layer of the skin, reduce water loss and support skin barrier function~0.15–0.25%

Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowUsed to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin~4.2–5.1%

Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~1.5–1.9%

C13-14 isoparaffin· EmollientEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin, dissolve other ingredients and create a thicker product consistency~0.3–0.55%

Caprylic/capric triglycerideUnder-dosedA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~0.55–0.85%

Laminaria saccharina extractUnder-dosedA seaweed extract that contains sugars and can be helpful in attracting water to the upper layers of the skin if used in high enough concentrations~0.2–0.35%

Anti-blemish

Side benefit · Niacinamide, Galactomyces ferment filtrate

Works well

This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.

Galactomyces ferment filtrateEffect: LowA yeast ferment filtrate (also known as Pitera - a trademarked name for the filtrate reserved by the SK-II brand). It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, can help neutralize antioxidants and can be helpful in evening out the skin tone. It might be somewhat helpful in preventing premature skin aging but solid evidence is lacking. A small manufacturer study also shows that, when used in high concentrations, it can help reduce sebum production and help against blocked pores~5.4–6.6%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

11 flagged ingredients

Medium risk

We flagged 11 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Benzyl alcoholA preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritatingHigh~0.25–0.45%est.

TriethylhexanoinHelps soften the upper layer of the skinMedium~1.7–2.1%est.

Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~1.5–1.9%est.

Caprylic/capric triglycerideA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerinMedium~0.55–0.85%est.

Peg-20 sorbitan cocoateHelps to create a nice product consistencyMedium~0.5–0.7%est.

Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerMaintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.45–0.65%est.

Peg-11 methyl ether dimethiconeHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.3–0.6%est.

PolyacrylamideUsed to improve product texture and help oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.3–0.6%est.

Laureth-7Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.3–0.55%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

Ascorbyl glucosideA vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Has a potential to boost collagen production, nutralise free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in productsMedium~0.2–0.35%est.

Comedogenic

2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale

2 flagged

These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.

IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount

Laminaria saccharina extractA seaweed extract that contains sugars and can be helpful in attracting water to the upper layers of the skin if used in high enough concentrations3/5~0.2–0.35%est.

Zea mays oilA good moisturizing plant oil. Due to the high linoleic acid content, it helps soften the upper layer of the skin, reduce water loss and support skin barrier function3/5~0.15–0.25%est.

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

numbuzin No. 3 Skin Softening Serum

Cheaper88% match

$15.00

mixsoon Premium Galactomyces Serum

Cheaper86% match

$29.45

View all alternatives

User reviews

Would you recommend?

No community reviews yet.

Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.

Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Galactomyces ferment filtrate~5.4–6.6%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationMoisturizingMattifyingEvens skin toneAnti-agingAnti-blemish

A yeast ferment filtrate (also known as Pitera - a trademarked name for the filtrate reserved by the SK-II brand). It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, can help neutralize antioxidants and can be helpful in evening out the skin tone. It might be somewhat helpful in preventing premature skin aging but solid evidence is lacking. A small manufacturer study also shows that, when used in high concentrations, it can help reduce sebum production and help against blocked pores

More about Galactomyces ferment filtrate

Butylene glycol~4.2–5.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Butylene glycol

Cyclopentasiloxane~3.2–3.9%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingMattifying

A silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin

More about Cyclopentasiloxane

Niacinamide~2.3–2.9%

Hero · Moisturizing, Anti-blemish

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-agingEvens skin toneMoisturizingAnti-blemishReduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryReduces rednessAntibacterial

Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production

More about Niacinamide

Triethylhexanoin~1.7–2.1%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Triethylhexanoin

Glycerin~1.7–2.1%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin

Pentylene glycol~1.5–1.9%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture

More about Pentylene glycol

Nylon-12~1.3–1.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to create a nice product consistency

More about Nylon-12

Phytosteryl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate~1–1.3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A mix of amino acids and plant-based lipids. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce water loss over time

More about Phytosteryl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate

Inositol~0.7–1.05%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

More about Inositol

Polymethylsilsesquioxane~0.65–1%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A silicone that improves product texture and helps dissolve other ingredients. Can form a non-greasy film on the skin to prevent moisture loss

More about Polymethylsilsesquioxane

Boron nitride~0.6–0.9%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps to absord oil and evenly disperse other ingredients (for example, pigment) in product formulation

More about Boron nitride

Caprylic/capric triglyceride~0.55–0.85%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin

More about Caprylic/capric triglyceride

Panthenol~0.45–0.7%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingReduces rednessReduces irritation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function

More about Panthenol

Peg-20 sorbitan cocoate~0.5–0.7%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps to create a nice product consistency

More about Peg-20 sorbitan cocoate

Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer~0.45–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to stabilize product formulations and create a nice product texture

More about Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer

Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.45–0.65%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Maintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix together

More about Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer

Phenoxyethanol~0.35–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Peg-11 methyl ether dimethicone~0.3–0.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Peg-11 methyl ether dimethicone

Polyacrylamide~0.3–0.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Used to improve product texture and help oil and water mix together

More about Polyacrylamide

Laureth-7~0.3–0.55%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Laureth-7

Benzyl alcohol~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating

More about Benzyl alcohol

Aminomethyl propanol~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to adjust the pH in formulations

More about Aminomethyl propanol

C13-14 isoparaffin~0.3–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin, dissolve other ingredients and create a thicker product consistency

More about C13-14 isoparaffin

Disodium edta~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Methylparaben~0.15–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative

More about Methylparaben

Hexyldecanol~0.3–0.5%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Hexyldecanol

Sodium benzoate~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate

Xanthan gum~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Ascorbyl glucoside~0.2–0.35%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-agingEvens skin tone

A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Has a potential to boost collagen production, nutralise free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products

More about Ascorbyl glucoside

Laminaria saccharina extract~0.2–0.35%

Under-dosedComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-aging

A seaweed extract that contains sugars and can be helpful in attracting water to the upper layers of the skin if used in high enough concentrations

More about Laminaria saccharina extract

Tocopherol~0.2–0.35%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself

More about Tocopherol

Zea mays oil~0.15–0.25%

Key activeComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

MoisturizingCleansing

A good moisturizing plant oil. Due to the high linoleic acid content, it helps soften the upper layer of the skin, reduce water loss and support skin barrier function

More about Zea mays oil

Methicone~0.15–0.3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A type of silicone that helps soften the upper layer of the skin and reduces the water loss from the skin surface

More about Methicone

Ci 77492~0.1–0.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A colorant. Usually well-tolerated

More about Ci 77492

Ci 75130~0.1–0.15%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Ci 75130

Ingredient list view

Water, Galactomyces ferment filtrate, Butylene glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Niacinamide, Triethylhexanoin, Glycerin, Pentylene glycol, Nylon-12, Phytosteryl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate, Inositol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Boron nitride, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Panthenol, Peg-20 sorbitan cocoate, Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Peg-11 methyl ether dimethicone, Polyacrylamide, Laureth-7, Benzyl alcohol, Aminomethyl propanol, C13-14 isoparaffin, Disodium edta, Methylparaben, Hexyldecanol, Sodium benzoate, Xanthan gum, Ascorbyl glucoside, Laminaria saccharina extract, Tocopherol, Zea mays oil, Methicone, Ci 77492, Ci 75130

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

Amazon USPrice as of 11/9 03:19 GMT

$265.00

Buy

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
	SK-IIGenoptics Spot EssenceYOUR PRODUCT	numbuzinNo. 3 Skin Softening Serum	mixsoonPremium Galactomyces Serum	TOUN28Galactomyces + Niacinamide Serum
Match	—	88%	86%	84%
Price	$265.00	$15.00−$250.00	$29.45−$235.55	$35.20−$229.80
Shared key ingredients	—	4 of 14	3 of 14	3 of 14
Key difference	—	Adenosine	Alpha-Arbutin	Sodium Hyaluronate
Irritancy	Medium	Low	Low	Low
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop