SK-II Pitera Essence vs Cosrx Galactomyces…

[@tojin]

I think SKII Essence is like Skinceuticals CE Ferulic. They jacked up the price crazily but they are both at the top in their league no matter how many dupes are to follow. Another skincare influencer I like, Kelly, also did a comparison between SKII Essence and the famous dupes like Scinic, Missha etc but was surprised how SKII outperformed all.

[@Quartza_]

It’s about quality over quantity. I tried the Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream. Honestly i hate how my skin loves it. I’ve tried hundreds of moisturisers but the lala works wonders on my acne prone skin. The product is so expensive but it worth it

[@ybell1294]

You're not the first to realize duping SK-II is just not the play...and you won't be the last. I feel like that's a skincare-channel milestone of some kind lol. Still a wonderful video! (And now I want a galactomyces ferment product 👀)

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

🤣😂 yeah it took giving it a very fair chance. That let it show me what it was capable of - and now I’m happy to find such a great product, and sad that it’s so pricey!!

[@dannyc3008]

although they aren't galactomyces based, i have tried SK-II and for my skin type the Missha First Treatment Essence (Yeast Ferment and Bifida-based) and the Neogen Real Ferment Essence (Bifida, Saccharomyces, and Rice Ferment) honestly performed better for my skin and personal skin concerns, especially with the inclusion of other ingredients like niacinamide, ceramides, and amino acids

[@maryarmstrong2231]

Missha worked better for me too!

[@dannyc3008]

@@maryarmstrong2231 for me Missha is THE essence brand, the formulas are so luxurious and cosmetically elegant and deliver benefits that you would expect from something with an SK-II price tag for about a half to a third of the price

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

That makes sense to me for reasons I’d really like to get into in a later video! …as a small spoiler (I’m not good at surprises lol): bifida has compelling research into its barrier boosting properties and saccharomyces might be a great option against dryness. I don’t think the galactomyces genus is best for those concerns, but rather for pores/hyperpigmentation

[@tonyakelso276]

NeoGen for me

[@dannyc3008]

@@AliceintheRabbitHole i feel like im in the minority who didnt see much benefit for pores and oiliness from galactomyces!! i personally prefer other products because i find that the inclusion of niacinamide has always been one of my heavy hitters for regulating sebum production and i infer that that is what boosts these other essences' efficacy for me personally, i do really well with the combo of bifida and niacinamide

[@DivaEagle77]

This is the best SKII video comparison I’ve seen. Thank you. Alas, it looks like I have to take the plunge and invest in SKII. I’m ready!

[@patsusanclegg2473]

I had a sample size of the SK-II, and after trying it, I also came to the conclusion that it was better than any of the other "dupes" that I have tried. Still haven't bought it, tho.

[@blitz3dmusic]

Inconvenient or null results (failed to find a dupe) are usually underreported or get swept under the rug. I appreciate this. Data is data, good or bad and should be presented in a transparent manner. Tho I can already feel my wallet going "don't even think about it" :D

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

Absolutely!

[@oceanbird.]

I love the amorepacific vintage single extract essence for very similar results as the SK-II. It's green tea, so totally different from galactomyces, but it helped so much with redness and irritation within a single week that I kept using it and saw all the great effects on my pores looking smaller and oil balance and a slight help with acne and brightening. Green tea is really great for redness and inflammation so it's my choice for my sensitive rosacea acneic skin. I always keep it stocked up now and use it twice a day. I can't go without it! I see now why these products have such a high price, they really work!

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

I do suspect these products are cult status for a reason!

[@LisaThinksALot]

Thank you for this! I swear my skin has less redness and my pores look better with galactomyces, generally. I will say I first discovered the effect with one of the previous formulations of the Missha FTE, so you might try that. That said: you can get an enormous bottle of SK-II at Costco for under 200. I'm only halfway through and I opened it, well, at Christmas. I know what I'm getting myself every year for the rest of forever

[@das_ein]

I was just about to comment on the Costco availability as I headed over there to contemplate putting it in my cart! 😅

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

…..I’m getting a Costco membership (thank you that is VERY helpful!!)

[@db-gb5xi]

Another channel I watched recommended Secret Key Starting Treatment Essence as a potential dupe.

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

👀 thanks for the heads up!!

[@jkc8407]

Agreed!!! SKII is amazing! I've been using it for approximately 1 year. I will continue to just add it into my budget. There are products that are close, but not the same for me!!!

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

Tbh that’s where I am as well. I am loooooking so hard for a 100% dupe, but nothing quite matches the wonder of SK-II!

[@jkc8407]

@@AliceintheRabbitHole if you find one let me know! I'll jump on that train with you lol

[@sassypineapple]

No worries… we won’t kill the messenger ☺️. Never tried any of these elite toners, but I suspect I will after my no-buy year AND getting through my current ginormous skin care stash. Always appreciate your honest opinions. You are worthy of our trust. ❤️

[@rebeccadarling5894]

I got a deluxe sample of the SK-II toner from Sephora a while back and it was one of the few products I’ve ever tried that my skin screamed ‘take this off NOW’. I still don’t know why, but my wallet is not sad.

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

I’m jealous 🤣 I ended up spending time on the Stylevana website this weekend trying to decide if I need to stock up. WHY did my skin have to love this 😭😭

[@miszdynie]

I'm using skii for 6 years now and happy with it..

[@lilahh]

Another skincare item I didn't know I needed but want very badly, now. 😂

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

God right. I was just supposed to find a dupe, not realize SK-II is that good 😭😭

[@lilahh]

@@AliceintheRabbitHoleI just discovered Costco has this with a "member's only" price. 😱😳 It's 11oz though. YOOGE 😅

[@adminsucks8806]

My mum has been using that for 20 years. She believed it works cause all the rich people buy it. Damn was they right about it.

[@cynthiastlaurent3878]

Oh my word! I never expected that from SKII, that’s fantastic!!! I have lots of redness so this is 💯 something I’m going to look into. My wallet cannot handle this brand but I will search around for sales. Thank you! ☺️

[@RPBSpeaks]

I think the results really depend on skin type and needs. I just watched No BS Beauty and she had opposite results and loved the Cosrx version. That’s why I love watching you all do reviews and I can make decisions based on who is closest to my skin type. I actually got great results with Secret Key galactomyces toner. I missed it in my routine and just ordered the Cosrx. I hope to have similar results. One day I’ll try SKII and see if there’s a difference on my skin. Thanks for doing these fantastic reviews ❤

[@jjayjae_]

They really do have opposite results for a lot of products lol. I was just watching both of their reviews for Peach and Lily Copper Peptides, and while Alice preferred Peach & Lily’s serum to The Ordinary’s, No BS Beauty said The Ordinary worked better for her skin. Really goes to show just how subjective skincare is.

[@realanna45]

im so with you. sk2 is way better although i love exploring affordable skincares.

[@endor8witch]

i think people need to understand that galatomyces is not like other ingredients. it is a lifeform - a fungi that grow from the process of fermenting sugar and rice. as any live ingredients, it depends on the strain and how resilient they are in colonising the skin for it to do its things. they nourish the skin when they are on the skin and give off the byproducts that the skin benefits. maybe sk2 has a better quality galactomyces. that might be why the results are what they are. cosrx may have more but quantity may not equal quality. for me personally, i tried sk2 and i fing the cosrx one does the job well. i use missha time revolution serum too which has galactomyces and other fermented ingredients, so those are more than good enough for my skin. thank god for my wallet lol i do have oily combo skin so maybe that makes a difference as to why cosrx galactomyces perform better on my skin.

[@Momorick]

Ok so I’m not sure if this a dupe. BUT Manyo Galac Niacin is amazing! It has galactomyces ferment as the main ingredient. It brightened up the skin within 2 weeks.

[@sshane1986]

Rob over at Mad About Skin was just saying that he thinks the Secret Key Treatment Starting Essence is a SK-ll dupe. I have no idea but thought I would mention it to you. ❤️

[@pampritchard1179]

Yes SKII patented the pitera form of galactomyacces so unfortunately it clearly is a superior spin from the other 349.

[@johnsskincarereviews]

I love a good SKII comparison!! I haven;'t personally tried it, but right now I am using Papa recipe's blemish serum which is 40% galactomyces i believe with niacinimide and bakuchiol! Lovely huge 5oz bottle too so its gonna take me a while to finish! I see it as an overall complexion booster, but then again I have not tried skii like i said so i cant compare. maybe some day!

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

A big part of why I haven’t committed to Missha is the constant reformulations. I tried it way back (travel size) but I have no idea how many times it’s changed since lol! Thank you, one more day and then the COLDEST ac haha 😂

[@das_ein]

Oh Alice you knew it! 🤭 Saw your spoiler alert comment and I’m looking forward to what you dig up about strains and such. 🤓 I’ve been getting more “regular” pimples on my chin (possibly as a side effect of taking B12, I think I read that’s a potential effect?? ☹️) (“regular” as opposed to the milia/closed type that I normally struggle with). And so of course I’m slathering as many anti-pigmentation actives there... So this is very appealing atm but so are all my expensive hobbies! But knowing it’s available at Costco is probably gonna push me over the edge. I just love that store - they’re like a combo of Nordstrom’s CS and Marshall’s hidden-gem addiction. 🤪 ☮️💟🤗

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

I haven’t been in an entire year, but this…this will do me in. I’ll just accept the oversized cheeses that I will inevitably buy as part of the experience. Me coming up to the checkout with cheese and SK-II 🤣

[@trixiedoll72]

Pitera is a trade marked name by SK II. PITERA is the same as galactomyces ferment filtrate. Possible litigation if use pitera in product not from SK II

[@traceyleeherrera5247]

but why is the SKII so expensive? is "pitera" more expensive than the galactomyces ferment used in products offered by other brands? I understand protecting the integrity of a brand's formulation (like the use of fragrance and the proprietary blends of say, algae, as you have addressed in other videos/reviews) but the price of SKII is almost offensive, definitely a bitter pill to swallow ...thanks for the review though, even if I have heard similar shared opinions, I feel like once I hear it from you it's certifiably verified! Mother's Day is coming maybe I finally found a good gift idea 💝

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

Ooh there is no good answer to that! Well, maybe there is in the beginning, but it certainly does depend on the product’s success So - the research this company initially did had to be very, very costly. Especially given the multiple iterations/perfecting the final product (as is expected from high end brands). It’s a given that SK-II lost a lot of money in that step, and attempted to price the product in order to recover those costs and eventually net a profit Where it gets tricky is that this is an “unchanged” product for all these years. Which means they are continuing to make a lot off of this product. But with how much they protect their formula, they can continue to price it as such-because it works (imo and at least for certain skin issues) So really the price is…what people will pay 😳 (at least I got some comments here that Costco has a HUGE size - thank goodness)

[@traceyleeherrera5247]

@@AliceintheRabbitHole that Costco jumbo size 11oz has been on my radar for quite sometime & does sometimes tempt me 🙈🙉🙊

[@elisabeth0222]

Ahh Alice..seriously my wallet. I feel myself reaching noo. Haha! I have always wanted to try this and Amorepacific!

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

I know, the results didn’t go as *I* hoped they would lol!! Now I’m internally playing this justification game of, “ok well if I finish the bottle, that’s good enough right. One and done Johnson and Johnson SK-II bottle!? 🤔”

[@oceanbird.]

I love the amorepacific! I prefer green tea because I have sensitive rosacea acneic skin, and green tea is good for all of those. And the amorepacific is pretty much the best thing I've put on my face. I can't go without it now! I actually have an even skin tone without red patches, my oil production is balanced out, my pores appear refined, my inflammation and irritation from acne is less, and my skin overall appears brighter and healthier and more hydrated. To me it's worth every penny

[@kimberlykefalas9563]

Gah. I have a bottle of the cosrx to try. I will let you know how it goes! I do not have a bottle of skII, but I guess based on this video I will begin sale stalking. Today I got v v exciting news. An empty storefront within walking distance of my house was leased. IT'S GOING TO BE A TJMAXX. I would only be happier if it were Ulta.

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

Oh WOW I am so jealous!! TJ Maxx is the best 😍

[@sarahcarroll8206]

Maybe someday. For now, I really do like the CosRx.

[@Criticalbeauty411]

Having used few samples of the SK-ll I was always so happy when I saw no improvement because I thought it meant I could save my money lol in the back of my head I knew that that wasn’t really giving it a fair shot. oh well I think I might have to add this to the things to look at next Black Friday list 😅 those results are really pretty awesome! 😍 As someone with hyperpigmentation I am definitely interested!

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

I feel ya!! I was pleased 2-3 weeks in as I didn’t see much difference between the two sides…but I knew to be fair to the products, I had to push it. Now I can’t deny the results though :’) :’)

[@n3r0n3]

The point is that "filtrate" does not mean much and neither does "fermented" so brands play around with these generic terms. For example expresso is a filtrate and American coffee is a filtrate... champain is fermented and beer is fermented... blue cheese is fermented and mozzarella is fermented... same applies to ginseng essences (Donginbi and Beauty of Joseon?) and so on. Is mozzarella better than blue cheese? Nope but they are not the same thing.

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

Yeah tbh it’s not too different from the issue of the word “fragrance” on the INCI - it could mean any number of ingredients behind that word. What’s behind a ferment filtrate? 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️

[@n3r0n3]

@@AliceintheRabbitHole true yes I mean most of the times INCIs are a mix of ultra technical language and vague pseudo scientific words.. this mix is very misleading. Fragrance is a good example as in reality most compounds used in cosmetics are fragrant so there ain't no real reason why we should pick some over others. 4 what about SK2 I like it and I use it but for that price one could probably go for a little botox right? ;) In terms of results botox money would be better spent 4 sure haha

[@BJoyyyful]

😔 I saw overnight results the first time I tried the SK-II essence and the RNA cream. They calmed my breakouts, minimized my pores, and brightened my skin. But $500 for essence and toner every year 😭😭😭😭 I've been looking for a dupe but haven't found any that worked just as well.

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

That is somehow both amazing and saddening to hear lol! I’ve seen others say finding a dupe is nearly impossible too 😭

[@kendalson7100]

Estee Lauder Micro Essence with Sakura extract. Very Very good indeed. Very hydrating too.

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

Hi Ken, hope you’re doing well! I believe that; EL has some very good skincare products

[@kevinjanghj]

The Saem has 100% galactomyces ferment filtrate, and Tony Moly has its own version at 94%. Personally, I find Tony Moly more affordable, although The Saem's version has a more similar scent that resembles SK-II, or should I say 'pungency'.

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

Oh that’s very interesting! I suspect scent is a decent giveaway (but my nose probably wouldn’t be capable of telling the difference LOL)

[@kevinjanghj]

@@AliceintheRabbitHole I am more interested in knowing the extraction process for each brand though. That accounts for a lot of differences in the degree of efficacy.

[@joycemayo9634]

Try the Missa Revolution brand. It's supposed to be a Korean dupe and people love it.

[@Miumiu0404]

Alice, I'm sorry to ask you for another expensive comparison. Can you do isntree green tea toner vs amorepacific vintage single extract essence too? lol

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

I’ve been considering doing that!

[@heathersargent289]

LOL try the RNW renew facial treatment essence the one with 3 the ferments in it . O yea I have been using the Scinic essence and I really like that one I'm almost done with the bottle I ordered the RNW essence waiting for it but excited because it sounds really nice and I really love the brand .

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

Ooooh yes thank you for the rec!!

[@user-ds1fd2rm4p]

Show us how to make homemade pitera

[@lindsaycrystalhealing6063]

Awww dammmm Alice! I’m too poor for this too! Lol

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

RIGHT. Ugh! I really thought it was going to be “ehhhh” for weeks too. When the results started showing, I could hear my wallet sobbing 😭

[@lindsaycrystalhealing6063]

Well I do have a sample of the SK II pitera essence so I will get a little taste of it’s magic lol

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

Definitely! I remember seeing a post of someone who grabbed 6 of those 100pt perks Aaaand now I see why. Well, noted for the future 🤣

[@KellyLudwin]

I love those shelves behind you where you have your skincare products displayed so nicely. Where did you get them?

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

Thank you! It’s actually the stylevana advent calendar haha! 😅 I needed shelving, received the advent calendar, and thought, “….maybe?” I now think companies should make their advent calendars intentionally double as shelving!

[@Its_me--Boo_Radley]

Rats! Here I've been thinking I've been getting away with something all this time. Oh well, I'm probably not going to pop for the super expensive SK-II anyway, so I guess the only thing I'm out is the 20 bucks I spent on the Cosrx. Thanks for the comparison, Alice.

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

And to be fair to the cosrx, it certainly didn’t do NOTHING. I just didn’t expect the SK-II to take charge in the way that it did! 😭

[@heathersargent289]

O also their is a GWP of 45$ for sk11 on Sephora or the expensive ginsing serum that brand u like I have been tempted to make a 50$ order just to try the essence but then I'm like do I really want to fall in love with something that expensive.. 😂

[@aliciaboggs1456]

Have you tried the Neogen real ferment micro essence? It is one of my favorites. Don't know how it compares to the SK-ll bc I've not tried it but it is an amazing essence💙

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

I actually haven’t tried much from Neogen as they have quite a few products with my allergens (😭) buuut I just looked that up and it’s all clear for me! Thanks for the rec (looks like a gorgeous INCI!)

[@aliciaboggs1456]

@@AliceintheRabbitHole you're welcome😊. Hope you like it

[@anonymous6594]

If you are a Costco member, they sell an 11 ounce bottle for $200.

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

Thank you!! PHEW is that ever better than $99/2.5 oz 😅

[@manda_musings8459]

Is it legit though? Why would it be sold at Costco? Idk Edit: ok I looked…they say it’s legit. Damn guess I’m going to Costco again

[@janedough6575]

IMO nothing compares to SK2 essence. When I worked in cosmetics I always took that for my gratis 😄

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

(Me contemplating if I should pick up a third job at Sephora for the SK-II gratis: 🤔🤔🤔)

[@lisasmith7]

Amazing what it did. Wow. Thanks as always Alice. Hope you ac on? ❌⭕

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

Tomorrow! One more day of sitting here fanning myself with a handheld fan 🤣 - I can’t believe it’s a 10 hour install though, sheesh Yeah SK-II floored me that’s for sure!

[@lisasmith7]

@@AliceintheRabbitHole Hang in there. Sending cold vibes! 💞

[@justilou1]

Actually wondering if the lack of airconditioning (which really does suck) has improved your skin though…?

[@noneofurbusiness5223]

Do you think you'll try the "2dupes," 2 of commenters rec?

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

I’ll definitely try dupes, but I’ll have to figure out how to work them individually into my routine. Tbh that is trickier than buying/trying a product at this point 🫠

[@lucywoo5361]

Good thing I snagged the 230 ml from stylvana for $111 Canadian!

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

STYLEVANA HAS SK-II!!!? This changes everything lol

[@SheReaDelSol]

@@AliceintheRabbitHole someone told me this too and I was shook. That’s where i’ll be getting mine from now on.

[@noname-nu6oo]

I heard china sells counterfeits of Skii so be careful.

[@emmagatewood3898]

I wonder why that is though? When you show the ingredients for each product side by side, the cosrx one looks almost better than the sk2- higher % of galactomyces ferment filtrate, plus yummy additions like niacinamide and allantoin...

[@emmagatewood3898]

Ok, I admit I commented before finishing the whole video🙈 apparently the particular strain of galactomyces is what makes the special sauce... Guess I need to find someone with a Costco membership! 🤣

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

Haha same!

[@aliciaboggs1456]

I love finding good products but when they cost alot it's so bittersweet. Like Biossance, I have loved almost everything I've tried from them so I have kept myself from trying more of their products because I don't want another expensive favorite(does that makes sense lol) I still have the CosRx galactomyces essence in my drawer. Waiting to try it when I finally use up all the essences I already have in my routine😅

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

Thoroughly relatable!! I’m so happy this product is amazing, and so sad for my wallet 🥹

[@tophers3756]

I would be more impressed if it were over a longer time.

[@andie1508]

I thought the Secret Key was better than the CosRx, personally. I've only used a sample of SK-II. Dangit I need it now lol

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

Texture wise too, which I realized I forgot to mention in this video. The cosrx is thicker which I think some will like (thought I would like it more!), but I do feel it sometimes pills 😐

[@andie1508]

Oh yeah! I think that was one of the major things I didnt love about the CosRx one, was that thicker serum-y texture. The kind that are like water are a lot easier for my skin, I think.

[@lisasmith7]

Hi. Cooking and watching ❌⭕

[@heathersargent289]

I'm so scared I'm falling in love with it , I don't want too 😩🤑 I still love the RNW renew essence and the Scinic but RNW better then Scinic but I fast falling for this sk11 and don't want too. * I want to try the number zone but scared the ingredients list is so long I may have issues but it's so hyped along with the serum I think it the number 3 serum . Want to try the April skin PHA toner and the PSA herion toner and their other products I was intrigued bye I need to stop being interested in all this stuff . Atleast need to start a shannel to help pay for this stuff soican reveiwit..lmafo * I still can not believe I got 2 onces of sk11 for free. But could seriously cost me in the long running

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

I knowwww I’m so upset but also happy!? But my poor bank and yet my skin 😍😍 it’s some incredible inner conflict. 🤣

[@heathersargent289]

@@AliceintheRabbitHole I know right girl it's crazy it's like do I want to spend that much but I'm loving it we will see near the end I can't believe I got 2 onces for free the 2.5 once bottle is 99$ I wish I was a special influencer like these ones that keep getting this stuff for free Gothemista it's like she gets this stuff gifted to her left an right for free . I got like 3 samples of the sulwasoo concentrate ginsing cream I been using smells funny but I think I like it too..lol 😂 🤑🤑🤑

[@noneofurbusiness5223]

I know Dr. Idriss likes SKI II

[@aprilneilson1163]

Hi

[@amandam6901]

Alice my instagram/Facebook feeds are full of sk-ii ads now. 😂

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

LOL oh how I know that story lmao. I look at one website, see ads for it for weeks 🤣

[@333bctan]

5 mths time line is better

[@rebeccajan5114]

I tried this and my skin started to breakout. 😭

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

Oh nooo, yeah ferments don’t work for everyone sadly 😭

[@Kendralovesskincare]

Darn it ALICE 😩 ALICE!!!!😂

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

I know!! 😭😭

[@C4RYB34R]

yeah but you have more acne.

[@C4RYB34R]

and i have to say you have a pasty complexion. please block me so i dont see you videos in my feed

[@dcdawn]

LOLOLOLOLOL.....poor, literally, me...

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

SAME FEELS!!