Dr. Althea vs Hada Labo
Dr. Althea and Hada Labo are celebrated Asian skincare brands that offer thoughtful moisturizers, gentle cleansers, makeup removers, and nourishing serums driven by soothing formulas and advanced science. Both brands suit dry skin and acne-prone skin best, providing balanced hydration and calm comfort to support a healthy skin barrier without clogging pores. While Dr. Althea delivers standout solutions like the Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser, the 345 Relief Cream, and the Vitamin C Boosting Serum, the brand relies on Korean skincare traditions. In contrast, Hada Labo features options such as the Gokujyun Lotion, the Shirojyun Premium Whitening Lotion, and the Gokujun Premium, applying Japanese formulation to restore essential moisture and address dark spots or mature skin.
Dr. Althea is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2014 and owned by The Pure Lab Co., Ltd..
doctoraltheaglobal.comdoctoralthea.co.kr
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 Dr. Althea and Hada Labo products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Dr. Althea vs Hada Labo products
People Say
Hydration and Moisture Often MentionedMostly 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”
- “hydrating but light — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
Gentle Formula Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “doesn't dry out my face — Dr. Althea Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser”
- “skin doesn't feel stripped — Dr. Althea Amino Gel Cleanser”
- “great for sensitive skin — Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum”
- “never stings my sensitive skin — Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion”
Soothing and Calming Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
- “calms redness — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
- “instantly calms irritated skin — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”
- “perfect for sensitive skin — Dr. Althea Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser”
- “calms my redness — Hada Labo Premium Whitening Lotion (Light)”
Lightweight and Fast Absorbing Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “absorbs beautifully — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
- “absorbs quickly — Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum”
- “absorbs super quickly — Hada Labo Premium Whitening Lotion (Light)”
- “absorbs super quickly — Hada Labo Shirojyun Premium Whitening Lotion”
Skin Texture and Brightening Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “faded considerably — Hada Labo Shirojyun Premium Whitening Lotion”
- “Makes my skin plump and hydrating. — Hada Labo Gokujyun Perfect Gel”
- “faded my PIH considerably — Hada Labo Premium Whitening Lotion (Light)”
- “faded dark spots — Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum”
Pleasant Texture Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “rich but non-greasy — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”
- “Melts instantly — Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm”
- “foams up well — Dr. Althea Amino Gel Cleanser”
- “Thick serum-like — Hada Labo Gokujun Premium”
Sticky or Tacky Finish Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “leaves a tacky film — Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum”
- “Tacky residue — Hada Labo Gokujun Premium”
Causes Breakouts and Clogging Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “broke me out — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
- “gave me cystic acne — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”
- “broke me out badly — Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum”
- “gave me tiny bumps — Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion”
Insufficient Moisture Rarely NotedSometimes Noted
- “not enough for dry skin — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
- “not enough for dry patches — Hada Labo Premium Whitening Lotion (Light)”
Dr. Althea vs Hada Labo routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$26.59
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Hydrating Toner
Gokujyun Lotion
Morning
A$18.59
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Moisturizer
d'Alba First Spray Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$26.09
-
SPF
Bioderma Photoderm Mineral Fluide SPF50+
Morning
A$24.49
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
A$27.35
-
Serum or Treatment
Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$16.95
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
A$28.48
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Cleanser
Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$25.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner
Morning
A$23.99
-
Moisturizer
345 Relief Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$22.40
-
SPF
Bioderma Photoderm Mineral Fluide SPF50+
Morning
A$24.49
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
A$26.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin C Boosting Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$37.00
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
A$28.48
Buy Hada Labo routine · A$204.04 · 97% fit
Buy Dr. Althea routine · A$223.85 · 91% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Dr. Althea vs Hada Labo routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$13.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Shirojyun Premium Whitening Lotion
Morning · Once a week
A$20.00
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$22.99
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
A$27.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$80.43
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
A$75.95
-
Serum or Treatment
Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$16.95
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
A$118.35
-
Cleanser
Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$25.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$34.66
-
Moisturizer
345 Relief Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$22.40
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
A$27.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
A$26.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
A$75.95
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin C Boosting Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$37.00
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
A$118.35
Buy Hada Labo routine · A$412.15 · 93% fit
Buy Dr. Althea routine · A$403.84 · 89% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Dr. Althea vs Hada Labo routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$73.61
-
Hydrating Toner
Premium Whitening Lotion (Light)
Morning · Once a week
A$49.99
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$22.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$30.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
A$29.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$16.95
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
A$118.35
-
Cleanser
Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$25.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$42.00
-
Moisturizer
345 Relief Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$22.40
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
A$26.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
A$29.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin C Boosting Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$37.00
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
A$118.35
Buy Hada Labo routine · A$378.28 · 93% fit
Buy Dr. Althea routine · A$337.14 · 87% fitSee multi-brand routine · 95% fit
Questions and answers
Dr. Althea or Hada Labo: which is better?
Hada Labo is often the better choice for hydration and brightening, while Dr. Althea tends to excel with soothing and gentle formulas. Reviewers frequently praise Hada Labo for deep moisturization and fast-absorbing toners featuring hyaluronic acid, which helps improve skin quality.
What is the difference between Dr. Althea and Hada Labo?
Hada Labo excels in deep hydration and brightening with hyaluronic acid across the products on this page, whereas Dr. Althea stands out for its gentle and soothing formulas. For routine fit, Hada Labo achieves a Superior level for oily skin, combination skin, and mature skin, while Dr. Althea reaches a High level for those same skin types.
Dr. Althea or Hada Labo for dry skin?
Both Dr. Althea and Hada Labo achieve a Superior routine fit for dry skin. Reviewers note that Hada Labo excels in deep hydration and moisturization with its hyaluronic acid formulations, while Dr. Althea offers very gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and soothing moisturizers.
Dr. Althea or Hada Labo: which moisturizer is better?
When comparing moisturizers, Hada Labo offers Gokujyun Perfect Gel, which achieves a High fit for dry and dry sensitive skin, while Dr. Althea offers 345 Relief Cream, which achieves a Superior fit for acne-prone and oily acne-prone skin alongside a High fit for dry, combination, and mature skin. Reviewers note that Hada Labo is strong in deep hydration and moisturization, whereas Dr. Althea features soothing moisturizers that list no fragrance.
Which is more affordable, Dr. Althea or Hada Labo?
The provided page facts do not contain pricing information to determine whether Dr. Althea or Hada Labo is more affordable.
Between Dr. Althea and Hada Labo, which brand scores better for gentle formulas?
Dr. Althea scores better for gentle formulas, as reviewer feedback highlights its gentle cleansers and soothing moisturizers. Both brands formulate their products on this page without added fragrance.
How do Dr. Althea and Hada Labo compare in routine fit for mature skin?
For mature skin, Hada Labo achieves a Superior routine fit, while Dr. Althea reaches a High routine fit. Hada Labo features deep hydration and moisturization as well as brightening and dark spot reduction, whereas Dr. Althea provides soothing and calming benefits with fragrance-free formulations.
Which brand performs better for hydration and moisture according to reviewers?
According to reviewers, Hada Labo performs better for hydration and moisture. The brand features deep hydration and moisturization as one of its most frequently mentioned benefits.
Dr. Althea or Hada Labo for oily skin?
For oily skin, Hada Labo achieves a Superior routine fit, while Dr. Althea reaches a High fit on this page.
Dr. Althea or Hada Labo for acne-prone skin?
For acne-prone skin, both Dr. Althea and Hada Labo achieve a Superior routine fit level according to Lovi. Reviewers highlight Dr. Althea for its gentle and soothing cleansers and moisturizers, while Hada Labo is noted for deep hydration and brightening.
Research behind their key ingredients
Preparation and characterization of a lecithin nanoemulsion as a topical delivery system
The anti-wrinkles properties of sodium acetylated hyaluronate
Moisturizing Effects of Diglycerol Combined with Glycerol on Human Stratum Corneum
Development and efficacy assessments of tea seed oil makeup remover
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Effects of fermented tea seed oil on the skin lipid barrier and microbiome of sensitive skin
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
-

Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
-

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
-

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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