The Ordinary vs Hada Labo
The Ordinary and Hada Labo are celebrated skin care lines that offer targeted serums, moisturizers, cleansers, and toners. The Canadian brand centers on hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane to suit sensitive and combination skin, while the Japanese brand is beloved for nurturing toners, gentle makeup removers, and nourishing moisturizers crafted from advanced formulas that serve dry and dry sensitive skin best. Both collections provide standout treatments for acne, dark spots, and aging, yet they differ because The Ordinary relies on specific acid and vitamin formulations whereas its counterpart utilizes moisture-binding properties to restore balance.
The Ordinary is a Canadian skincare brand founded in 2016 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. since 2021.
Hada Labo is a Japanese skincare brand founded in 2004 and owned by Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd..
en.wikipedia.orghadalabosa.co.zahadalabotokyo.pl
This page compares some of the most popular The Ordinary and Hada Labo products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular The Ordinary vs Hada Labo products
People Say
Affordable value and great price Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
- “lasts forever — The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution”
- “can't beat the price — The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution”
- “extremely affordable — The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%”
- “bottle lasts forever — Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion”
Gentle and non-irritating formula Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “leaves skin soft and hydrated — Hada Labo Gokujyun Cleansing Oil”
- “never stings my sensitive skin — Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion”
- “No fragrance/alcohol — Hada Labo Gokujun Premium”
- “Leaves my face feeling soft and not tight at all. — The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser”
Deep hydration and plumping Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “skin drinks it up — Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion”
- “Plumps fine lines — Hada Labo Gokujun Premium”
- “leaves skin soft, smooth, and hydrated — Hada Labo Shirojyun Premium Whitening Lotion”
- “skin feels immediately hydrated — The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5”
Lightweight absorption and texture Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “absorbs super quickly — Hada Labo Premium Whitening Lotion (Light)”
- “absorbs super quickly — Hada Labo Shirojyun Premium Whitening Lotion”
- “Sinks in immediately — The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum”
Fades dark spots and marks Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “scars lightened up quite a bit — The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution”
- “Dark spots have faded noticeably — The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA”
- “faded considerably — Hada Labo Shirojyun Premium Whitening Lotion”
- “faded my PIH considerably — Hada Labo Premium Whitening Lotion (Light)”
Clears and improves acne Often MentionedNot noted
- “pimples disappear within a day — The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution”
- “scars and hormonal acne faded — The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%”
- “faded dark spots — The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution”
Sticky or tacky finish Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “feels very sticky — The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5”
- “feels very sticky — The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution”
- “Can feel tacky on the skin — The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA”
- “Tacky residue — Hada Labo Gokujun Premium”
Breakouts and clogging Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “broke me out in cysts — The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%”
- “broke me out in cysts — The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5”
- “gave me cystic acne — The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution”
- “gave me tiny bumps — Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion”
Thick texture and issues Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “Greasy in humidity — Hada Labo Gokujun Premium”
- “foams up like soap — The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution”
The Ordinary vs Hada Labo routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 32.95
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Hydrating Toner
Gokujyun Lotion
Morning
AED 79.50
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Moisturizer
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 34.80
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SPF
Dr.G Green Mild Up Sun+
Morning
AED 81.00
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Pre-Cleanser
Gokujyun Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 134.00
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Cleansing Toner
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water
Evening
AED 38.99
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Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 168.76
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Enzyme Powder
VT Cica Mild Powder Wash
Once a week
AED 47.62
-
Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
AED 65.00
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Cleanser
Glycolipid Cream Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 60.00
-
Moisturizer
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 65.00
-
SPF
Dr.G Green Mild Up Sun+
Morning
AED 81.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
AED 35.29
-
Cleansing Toner
Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Evening
AED 38.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 150.00
-
Enzyme Powder
VT Cica Mild Powder Wash
Once a week
AED 47.62
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Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
AED 65.00
Buy Hada Labo routine · AED 682.62 · 96% fit
Buy The Ordinary routine · AED 542.90 · 89% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
The Ordinary vs Hada Labo routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 49.95
-
Hydrating Toner
Shirojyun Premium Whitening Lotion
Morning · Once a week
AED 92.88
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 33.40
-
SPF
d'Alba UVessence Mild Waterfull Sun Cream SPF 50
Morning
AED 92.70
-
Pre-Cleanser
Gokujyun Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 134.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
AED 120.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 168.76
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
-
Cleansing Mask
Revision Skincare Black Mask
Once a week
AED 204.00
-
Cleanser
Glycolipid Cream Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 60.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 49.99
-
Moisturizer
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 65.00
-
SPF
d'Alba UVessence Mild Waterfull Sun Cream SPF 50
Morning
AED 92.70
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 179.45
-
Cleansing Toner
Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Evening
AED 38.99
-
Serum or Treatment
AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
Evening · Once a week
AED 42.60
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
-
Cleansing Mask
Revision Skincare Black Mask
Once a week
AED 204.00
Buy Hada Labo routine · AED 996.78 · 92% fit
Buy The Ordinary routine · AED 833.82 · 91% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
The Ordinary vs Hada Labo routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Glycolipid Cream Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 60.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 145.00
-
Moisturizer
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 65.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 179.45
-
Cleansing Toner
Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Evening
AED 38.99
- Serum or Treatment Lactic Acid 5% + HA Evening · Once a week
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
-
Cleansing Mask
KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
AED 122.93
-
Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 84.53
-
Hydrating Toner
Premium Whitening Lotion (Light)
Morning · Once a week
AED 92.88
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 33.40
-
Pre-Cleanser
Gokujyun Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 134.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
AED 53.12
-
Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 168.76
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
-
Cleansing Mask
KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
AED 122.93
Buy The Ordinary routine · AED 712.46 · 92% fit
Buy Hada Labo routine · AED 790.71 · 91% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
The Ordinary or Hada Labo: which is better?
Both The Ordinary and Hada Labo are great options, depending on your primary skin goals, as Hada Labo excels at deep hydration while The Ordinary is typically better for acne-clearing serums. Hyaluronic acid helps provide moisture across the products on this page.
What is the difference between The Ordinary and Hada Labo?
The Ordinary offers affordable, targeted serums that help clear acne and fade dark spots, whereas Hada Labo provides lightweight toners that deliver deep hydration and a gentle feel. Both brands feature fragrance-free products on this page and achieve similar fit levels for most skin types, though Hada Labo is superior for dry skin and acne-prone skin.
The Ordinary or Hada Labo for dry skin?
For dry skin, both The Ordinary and Hada Labo are great choices, but Hada Labo provides a superior overall routine fit. Hada Labo is particularly noted for deep hydration and moisturization using ingredients like hyaluronic acid.
The Ordinary or Hada Labo: which moisturizer is better?
Both The Ordinary and Hada Labo offer great moisturizers, with Hada Labo focusing on deep hydration and The Ordinary providing options that fit a wide range of skin types nicely. Hyaluronic acid helps both brands deliver moisture to the skin.
Which is more affordable, The Ordinary or Hada Labo?
The Ordinary offers more affordable value and great price compared to Hada Labo across the products on this page.
The Ordinary or Hada Labo for dark spots?
Both The Ordinary and Hada Labo fit skin with dark spots at a Superior level across the products on this page. Hada Labo provides deep hydration and brightening to help fade marks, while The Ordinary offers targeted serums that help reduce dark spots and even skin tone.
Which brand provides deeper hydration, The Ordinary or Hada Labo?
Hada Labo provides deeper hydration and plumping for the skin compared to The Ordinary. Both brands feature hyaluronic acid as a key ingredient, which helps improve skin moisture.
The Ordinary or Hada Labo for oily skin?
Both The Ordinary and Hada Labo fit oily skin at a Superior level with the products on this page. Niacinamide helps control oil production, while hyaluronic acid provides lightweight hydration without heavy residues.
The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
The Ordinary or Hada Labo for sensitive skin?
Both The Ordinary and Hada Labo fit sensitive skin well, with The Ordinary achieving a Superior routine fit level and Hada Labo achieving a Superior routine fit level on this page. Reviewers report that both brands offer gentle and fragrance-free formulations, though Hada Labo is noted for deep hydration while The Ordinary is praised for its affordable value.
The Ordinary or Hada Labo for acne-prone skin?
Both The Ordinary and Hada Labo help with acne-prone skin, with Hada Labo offering a Superior routine fit and The Ordinary offering a High routine fit on the products on this page. Reviewers report that The Ordinary does better for clearing and improving acne, while Hada Labo provides deep hydration.
The Ordinary or Hada Labo for dry sensitive skin?
Both The Ordinary and Hada Labo fit dry sensitive skin well, as Lovi rates both brands at a Superior level for this skin type. Hada Labo stands out for deep hydration and moisturization, while the products on this page from The Ordinary help with a range of concerns like gentle barrier support and affordable value.
Research behind their key ingredients
The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
Topical palmitoyl pentapeptide provides improvement in photoaged human facial skin
Effects of ascorbic acid on gingival melanin pigmentation in vitro and in vivo
Panax ginseng induces human Type I collagen synthesis through activation of Smad signaling
Vitamin C-squalene bioconjugate promotes epidermal thickening and collagen production in human skin
Preparation and characterization of a lecithin nanoemulsion as a topical delivery system
The moisturizing effects of glycolipid biosurfactants, mannosylerythritol lipids, on human skin
Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation by topical N-acetyl glucosamine
Microneedling by dermapen and glycolic acid peel for the treatment of acne scars: Comparative study
Lycopene and Melatonin: Antioxidant Compounds in Cosmetic Formulations
The synergistic effect of retinyl propionate and hydroxypinacolone retinoate on skin aging
Nanostructured Lipid Carrier for Topical Application of N-Acetyl Glucosamine
The anti-wrinkles properties of sodium acetylated hyaluronate
Topical lycopene emulgel significantly improves biophysical parameters of human skin
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Safety of a preservative system containing 1,2-hexanediol and caprylyl glycol
Moisturizing Effects of Diglycerol Combined with Glycerol on Human Stratum Corneum
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
A bioactive complex to protect proteins from UV-induced oxidation in human epidermis
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
Natural Moisturizing Factor-Enriched Formulations Compared to a Ceramide-Based Cream
Targeting Circadian Rhythm for the Regulation of Skin Collagen Metabolism
Combined Effect of Silybin and Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate on UV-Induced Photoaging
Behind this comparison
Lovi compares products by their fit scores, calculated from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
-

Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
-

Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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