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What is Pitera in SK-II

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Short answer

Pitera is SK-II's trademarked name for a liquid made by fermentation. On ingredient lists it appears under its INCI name, Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate. SK-II describes it as a naturally derived ingredient discovered through research inspired by sake brewers, and says it contains over 50 micro-nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids and organic acids. Facial Treatment Essence is listed as over 90% Pitera.

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SK-II puts one word at the center of almost every product: PITERA. This page is for anyone who has seen the name on a bottle of Facial Treatment Essence and wants to know what it actually is. It covers the name, the INCI term you will find on the box, how SK-II describes the ingredient and its origin story, which SK-II products in our guides list it, and how to read the label so you know where Pitera sits in each formula. We describe Pitera only in the words SK-II uses and do not repeat any promised results.

Pitera, in SK-II's words

SK-II calls PITERA its proprietary bio-ingredient, derived from fermentation. Its listings say it was discovered through decades of research inspired by sake brewers, and that it is rich in vitamins, amino acids, minerals and organic acids. The Facial Treatment Essence listing says it contains over 50 micro-nutrients.

SK-II's story, repeated on its packaging and site, is that researchers noticed the hands of workers at a sake brewery, and went on to study yeast fermentation to find the ingredient. That is the brand's account of how Pitera came about. We pass it on as the brand tells it.

The INCI name: Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate

PITERA is a brand name, so it does not appear as such in the official ingredient list. Cosmetic ingredient lists use standardized INCI names (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients). On SK-II boxes, Pitera is listed as Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate. In plain terms, that describes a liquid that has been through fermentation with a Galactomyces yeast and then filtered.

Other brands also use ingredients listed as Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate. The INCI name only says what type of ingredient it is. It does not tell you how a specific brand makes it, which is why SK-II uses the PITERA trademark for its own version. Our guide to reading an ingredient list explains how INCI names work.

  • SK-II marketing and front of box

    Name used
    PITERA

  • Ingredient list (INCI)

    Name used
    Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate

  • SK-II listing description

    Name used
    Fermentation-derived bio-ingredient
Names you may see

What over 90% Pitera means

SK-II says Facial Treatment Essence features over 90% PITERA. Ingredient lists run in descending order of concentration for ingredients above 1%, so a product that is mostly Pitera will show Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate as the first ingredient. That is a quick way to check any bottle.

The texture of Facial Treatment Essence is water-like, which follows from a formula that is mostly a filtered liquid. SK-II says to apply it twice daily after cleansing and toning: shake 2 to 3 times into the palms, press hands together, then press over face and neck for 1 minute. Our essence application guide and how to use SK-II Facial Treatment Essence cover the steps.

SK-II products in our guides that mention Pitera

Several SK-II listings name PITERA. Sizes and prices below are from the listings in our SK-II guide; prices change, so check before buying.

  • Facial Treatment Essence

    Size
    228 ml (7.7 oz)
    Listed price
    $245
    Pitera mention on listing
    Over 90% PITERA

  • Timeless Beauty Set (essence plus 2 mini creams)

    Size
    Full-size essence plus 2 x 0.5 oz
    Listed price
    $245
    Pitera mention on listing
    Essence over 90% PITERA; cream with PITERA

  • SKINPOWER Essence

    Size
    50 ml (1.7 oz)
    Listed price
    $205
    Pitera mention on listing
    Check listing and box

  • Facial Treatment Serum

    Size
    50 ml (1.7 oz)
    Listed price
    $209
    Pitera mention on listing
    Check listing and box
SK-II products and Pitera mentions

Note.Not every SK-II listing states the Pitera content. Check the ingredient list on the box for Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate and its position.

See SK-II essences, serums and sets →

How to judge a Pitera product as a buyer

If you are choosing between SK-II and other essences, see SK-II vs Tatcha essence and SK-II LXP vs Facial Treatment Essence.

  • Check the size. The full-size essence is 228 ml, which brings the cost to about $1.07 per ml at the listed $245.
  • Compare per ml, not per bottle. Use the price per ml calculator.
  • Look at the set listings. The Timeless Beauty Set includes the full-size essence plus two mini creams at the same listed price as the essence alone.
  • Buy from the brand's official Amazon storefront or an authorized seller. Our authenticity guide explains what to check.
  • Patch test before using any new product on your whole face.

Storing a large bottle of essence

A 228 ml bottle used twice a day can last a couple of months or more, so storage matters. Keep the cap closed, keep the bottle out of direct sun and away from heat such as a radiator or a hot car, and pour into clean, dry hands. Check the open-jar PAO symbol on the box for how many months the brand intends the product to be used after opening. Our pages on how to store luxury skincare and does skincare expire explain the symbol and batch codes.

Frequently asked questions

Is Pitera the same as Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate? PITERA is SK-II's brand name for its own ingredient, which appears on the ingredient list as Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate.

Does Pitera come from sake? SK-II says it was discovered through research inspired by sake brewers and is derived from fermentation. It is not sake itself.

Which SK-II product has the most Pitera? SK-II says Facial Treatment Essence contains over 90% PITERA, the figure it highlights most.

Do other brands use the same ingredient type? Yes, other brands list Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate. The PITERA name refers only to SK-II's version.

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