The Discovery

Pitera, was discovered purely by chance.  About thirty years ago, a scientist noticed that the hands of workers at a Japanese saké brewery looked beautiful and young. This was the inspiration behind five years of research by a team of scientists who screened through over 300 types of yeasts and refined the precise conditions for fermentation, leading to the discovery of SK-II's signature ingredient, Pitera.

Derived from a unique yeast's fermentation, Pitera is a blend of vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and organic acids that work together to allow the skin's natural surface rejuvenation process to function at its prime, enhancing the renewal of the skin's outer layer.  Continued usage of Pitera leads to clearer, softer and smoother skin.

Pitera is the signature ingredient in all SK-II products, and is 'the secret key' to glowing skin.

Facial Treatment Essence, which was also the basis of Cate Blanchett's discovery of the brand is over 90% pure Pitera.   It moisturizes, and works to improve both texture and clarity; to promote a radiant, glowing complexion.

Pitera, the 'Secret Key' to beautiful skin

Pitera is a single blend of vitamins, amino acids, minerals and organic acids that work together to regenerate the appearance of your skin by promoting the renewal of the outer layer, enabling the skin's natural rejuvenation process. Today, scientists continue to marry this miracle of nature with breakthrough science in the advanced skincare line, SK-II - which, like Pitera, combines nature's purity, timeless rituals for body and soul and modern technology to restore the natural rhythm and beauty of your skin.

The Ritual

In the East, it is believed that the key to a balanced life lies in the power of rituals. The SK-II ritual inspires complete devotion to those who practice it. Morning and evening is a time dedicated to caring for oneself. An escape that first begins with getting into a meditative state, clearing your mind and visualising your ideal skin, both now and for the future. This subtle yet powerful step is inspired by the timeless philosophy of the East, which is that the mind and body are one, inextricably linked.

The Experience

Your ritual is yours alone, designed to enhance the natural beauty of your skin, attend to its special needs and fit into your lifestyle. After taking a quiet moment for yourself to visualise your ideal skin, you may begin your skin ritual, which consists of three stages:

Purifying

Thoroughly cleanse and refresh your skin to prepare it to experience the wonders of Pitera.

Renewing

Facial Treatment Essence, the heart of the SK-II ritual, literally drenches your skin with over 90% pure Pitera, raising skin moisture levels and stimulating the renewal of the skin's outer layer to improve texture and clarity. Facial Treatment Essence is the core treatment for all, regardless of age, skin condition or skin type.

Personalised Treatments

Products and massage techniques recommended to you by your SK-II skincare counsellor are designed to address specific needs: brightening, nourishing, anti-ageing and finishing. The benefits of Pitera will gradually reveal themselves by the end of your skin's natural 28-day cycle - marking the beginning of a lifetime of new beauty for your skin.