POLA vs SK-II — side by side, no bias.
Our pick
B.A The Cream
9/10 · POLA
| B.A The Cream | SKINPOWER Advanced Airy Cream | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | POLA | SK-II |
| Category | moisturizer | moisturizer |
| Editor Rating | 9/10 ★ | 8.6/10 |
| Category | moisturizer | moisturizer |
| Texture | Dense, occlusive, luxurious cream | Lightweight whipped cream |
| Finish | Deeply nourished, lifted, luminous | Plumped satin finish |
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| Verdict | The most revered anti-aging cream in Asia. POLA's B.A is what wealthy Japanese women have been reaching for since 1985 — a dense, luxurious cream loaded with proprietary ferments, peptides, and a texture that feels unreasonably good. The sticker shock is real, but this is one of the few $400 creams that genuinely earns it. | SK-II's lighter SKINPOWER twin — same 90%+ Pitera, in an airy whip for combo and oilier skins that found the Advanced Cream too rich for daytime. |
