Pitera

Pitera is the trademarked name for the yeast ferment filtrate used exclusively by SK-II. It was discovered when scientists noticed that sake brewers had remarkably youthful hands despite decades of work. After isolating and analyzing the fermentation byproducts of a specific yeast strain, they identified a nutrient-rich filtrate containing over 50 micronutrients.

Pitera contains vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and organic acids that closely resemble the composition of the skin natural moisturizing factors (NMF). This biomimetic profile allows it to hydrate, balance, and improve skin texture and radiance. SK-II claims that Pitera promotes cell turnover, improves texture, and enhances skin clarity over time.

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, which is 90% Pitera, is one of the most iconic products in Japanese beauty history. It has a cult following across Asia and has won countless beauty awards. While expensive, many users report visible improvements in skin texture, tone, and radiance. The ingredient is unique to SK-II and cannot be found in other brands.