SK-II GenOptics Aura Essence vs Ultraura Essence
The SK-II Aura Essence has been my favourite brightening essence for a long time. And there are more reasons than one for this. I’ve never done any reviews on any SKII products before despite having used them for many years. I didn’t think a commentary about such widely acclaimed products was necessary.
But now that I’ve tried both the SK-II GenOptics original Aura Essence and its next generation Ultraura Essence for a period now, it only makes sense for me to compare the two. Truthfully, I have no idea when the Ultraura Essence was released. I had been an SK-II Aura Essence user for more than a decade before discovering its new and improved version in Japan 1.5 years ago. Regrettably, the Ultraura Essence is not offered alongside the Aura Essence but replaces it as a whole. I’d wished it was an enriched option to the O.G. or something.
SK-II Aura Essence Review
Without a doubt, the SK-II Aura Essence is one reliable product whenever my hyperpigmentation acts up. This SKII best-selling brightening essence effectively fades my dark spots and hyperpigmentation in less than two weeks. Besides this, it also enhances my skin translucency and luminosity at a steady day-on-day rate. I have no complaints other than these benefits are not as lasting as I’d hoped. I’d addressed this shortcoming in one of my videos sharing some of my favourite niacinamide products. Take a look at it if you are interested.
Fading of Dark Spots & Hyperpigmentation
The SK-II Genoptics Aura Essence does a better job compared to the Ultraura Essence in reducing the appearance of dark spots as seen in the above photos. The results of the SK-II Aura Essence lightening my hyperpigmentation and age spots are evident from the video above as well. The before and after photos are at the 2:26 mark.
Inevitably, hyperpigmentation comes and goes depending on various factors. Well, they don’t usually ‘go’, especially not without procedures. However, this SK 2 Genoptics Aura essence fades my age spots in the shortest time among the dark spot correctors I’ve tried. The outlines of darker spots and patches are blurred, and age spots have visibly lightened. A close second would be the Chanel Le Blanc Intensive Multi-Spot Treatment which reduces my age spots and dark patches in 3 months.
Skin Translucency & Luminosity
Foremost, there’s a key nuance between skin translucency and luminosity you need to understand. Translucency is about how the skin emits light from within, while luminosity is about the amount of glow reflected off the skin’s surface. I’ve done a visual to best explain what I mean here.
In my opinion, the SK-II Aura Essence gives off more light, while the SK-II Ultraura Essence distributes light on the surface more evenly. I’ll explain more below.
In the said video and the left photo (Aura Essence) above, my skin appears to allow more light to “pass through”, making it look more translucent and luminous. It brings out the pearlescent quality in the skin which creates its subtle depth. The flip side to this is, because the skin seems thinner (may not be structurally so), my skin redness becomes more apparent.
Carry-over Effect
The swift and effective results the SK-2 Aura Essence brings are evident. However, the carry-over effect is short lived as I’d mentioned before. As soon as I stop using it, those age spots would darken, and my skin would look like it needs a pick-me-up again in less than a month.
SK-II Ultraura Essence Review
The SK-II Ultraura Essence has some upsides to it as well. Yet, it produces noticeably different results from its prior edition. As illustrated above, the SK2 Ultraura Essence diffuses light on the skin more, but the Aura Essence creates a more haloed skin surface. As such, it might seem like the SK-II Aura Essence scatters more light from the glow. But the truth is, the Aura Essence is just reflecting more light (luminous). The Ultraura Essence allows light to interact with the skin’s surface, leading to the simultaneous absorption and redistribution of the light within the skin.
Even-toned Skin
In the right photo (Ultraura Essence), you can see that my skin is more even-toned from using the SK2 Ultraura Essence. The redness is more subdued compared to when I was using the Aura Essence. Skin redness, especially in my case of sensitive skin, typically occurs in the superficial layers of the skin. So, as light transmits and travels in these skin layers, they can visibly mask and minimise redness.
Less Effective on Dark Spots & Sallowness
In comparison, the Ultraura Essence wasn’t as effective at fading my dark spots and hyperpigmentation as its predecessor. It is suppose to offer several times more (yellow) dullness reduction and brightening effect compared to the prior formulation. Ultraura stands for “the ultimate aura” for a reason. My dull, yellow undertone is still peeking through as seen in both pictures. And my pigmentation is slightly more apparent as compared to when it did with Aura Essence.
SK-II Aura Essence vs Ultraura Essence Key Ingredients
Both the SK-II Aura Essence and Ultraura Essence contain the common key ingredients – Pitera and Niacinamide, both of which help to brighten skin tones. Pitera, as we know by now, is SK-II’s signature fermented yeast extract famously known for achieving clear, bright skin. Niacinamide is a well-known multi-functional anti-aging ingredient. It can reduce dark spots, redness and fine lines, to name a few.
The updated formula now includes active ingredients of the White Lotus Complex and SDL Pro. White Lotus Complex has a myriad of benefits for the skin. It is able to hydrate, inhibit melanin production, increase skin cell turnover, etc. All of these functions make it a perfect skin brightening ingredient.
SDL Pro is a proprietary key ingredient in Ultraura Essence to combat yellowish dullness and to enhance skin radiance. SDL, which means Sucrose Dilaurate, is not only an emulsifier but also an effective carrier. It facilitates the delivery and penetration of other active ingredients and nutrients by the skin.
Verdict: SK-II Aura Essence Gives New Light to Ultraura Essence
Ngl. The SK-II Ultraura Essence may be the advanced and upgraded formula, but I still miss its former self. For lacklustre skin like mine, a lit-from-within look is hard to achieve with makeup. A truly believable glow must originate from the inside out. And the Aura Essence did that for me, even if it requires consistent application. The Aura Essence is the source of light, not a shadow of the past. The Ultraura Essence takes brightening not to a new level, but a different path to radiance.
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