SK-II's Miracle Ingredient: PITERA™
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SK‑II's PITERA™ — the fermented yeast concentrate in the Facial Treatment Essence 160ml — helps restore skin balance, boost moisture and smooth surface texture. This piece covers PITERA™'s origins, what it is chemically, and the key skin benefits so you can decide if SK‑II fits into your routine.
Top Insights From This Guide
- Choose SK‑II Facial Treatment Essence 160ml to boost moisture and smooth skin texture.
- PITERA™ is a fermented yeast concentrate of vitamins, minerals and amino acids like skin's NMF.
- Use PITERA™ to help balance pH and sebum for clearer, more even-looking skin.
- Its origin: discovered from sake brewers' soft hands and produced via proprietary fermentation.

When you think of SK-II, the first thing you think of is probably their coveted SK-II Facial Treatment Essence 160ml, which is packed with their signature ingredient PITERA™.
Hailed as the key to restoring and maintaining your skin‘s balance and beauty, here’s our ultimate guide to this Japanese brand’s hero ingredient…
The History of PITERA™
The story behind SK-II starts with a search to understand why elderly sake brewers had wrinkled faces, but extraordinarily soft and youthful-looking hands.
It took years of research for scientists to find that it was the ingredient PITERA™ that was keeping the hands of these brewers looking smooth.
This naturally derived ingredient is crafted from a proprietary fermentation process of a unique yeast strain.
What is SK-II's PITERA™?
SK-II PITERA™ is a naturally derived concentrate of vitamins, minerals and amino acids, which closely resembles our own Natural Moisturising Factor (NMF), vital for the healthy function of the skin.
What are the Benefits of SK-II's PITERA™?
- Helps moderate the skin's natural functions
- Replenishes the skin's moisture
- Smooths the skin's surface texture
- Helps balance skin pH level
- Balances sebum
- Clears the skin
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