Hada Labo vs SK-II
Hada Labo and SK-II are Japanese skincare brands known respectively for hydrating toners, gentle makeup removers, and nourishing moisturizers, and for thoughtfully formulated moisturizers, nourishing serums, rejuvenating masks, and refreshing toners. Both brands suit dry skin and acne-prone skin best, as their solutions restore moisture and soothe irritation or gently nurture delicate complexions. They differ primarily in their ingredients, with the former driven by advanced science and the latter anchored by its signature ingredient, pitera.
Hada Labo is a Japanese skincare brand founded in 2004 and owned by Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd..
en.wikipedia.orghadalabosa.co.zahadalabotokyo.pl
SK-II is a Japanese skincare brand founded in 1980 and owned by The Procter & Gamble Company since 1991.
en.wikipedia.orgdiscoversk-ii.wixsite.comglossy.co
This page compares some of the most popular Hada Labo and SK-II products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Hada Labo vs SK-II products
People Say
Deep hydration and moisture Mostly MentionedOften 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”
- “flooded my skin with moisture — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
Lightweight and fast-absorbing texture Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “drinks right into the skin — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
- “Absorbs into the skin quickly. — SK-II Genoptics Ultraura Essence”
- “Absorbs quickly — SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence”
- “absorbs super quickly — Hada Labo Premium Whitening Lotion (Light)”
Other positive benefits Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Removes leftover dirt — SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion”
- “silky texture that absorbs quickly — SK-II Skinpower Advanced Cream”
- “balanced my oily T-zone — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
- “hydrating but not heavy — Hada Labo Premium Whitening Lotion (Light)”
Radiance, glow and brightening Not notedMostly Mentioned
- “gives a glass skin look — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
- “leaves me with a red carpet glow — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
- “Skin looks brighter — SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence”
Gentle formulation Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “never stings my sensitive skin — Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion”
- “No fragrance/alcohol — Hada Labo Gokujun Premium”
- “no irritation, no breakouts — Hada Labo Shirojyun Premium Whitening Lotion”
- “Great for sensitive — SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence”
Fades dark spots and even skin tone Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “faded considerably — Hada Labo Shirojyun Premium Whitening Lotion”
- “faded my PIH considerably — Hada Labo Premium Whitening Lotion (Light)”
- “Reduced sun spots — SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence”
- “My skin appeared more even toned. — SK-II Genoptics Ultraura Essence”
High price and cost concerns Not notedMostly Mentioned
- “way too expensive — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
Slow results or lack of effectiveness Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “takes months to see results — Hada Labo Shirojyun Premium Whitening Lotion”
- “takes time to see results — Hada Labo Premium Whitening Lotion (Light)”
- “did absolutely nothing — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
Sticky or tacky finish Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “dried to a tacky finish — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
- “Tacky residue — Hada Labo Gokujun Premium”
Other product performance issues Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “cotton is too thick and heavy — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
- “Contains fragrance, methylparaben, and benzyl alcohol. — SK-II Genoptics Ultraura Essence”
- “Caused breakouts, small bumps, redness/irritation, fungal acne trigger. — SK-II Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil”
- “makes my vision cloudy — Hada Labo Gokujyun Cleansing Oil”
Hada Labo vs SK-II routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$26.59
-
Hydrating Toner
Gokujyun Lotion
Morning
A$18.59
-
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
-
Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$26.59
-
Hydrating Toner
Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner
Morning
A$23.99
-
Moisturizer
Facial Treatment Essence
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$358.08
-
SPF
Bioderma Photoderm Mineral Fluide SPF50+
Morning
A$24.49
-
Pre-Cleanser
Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$105.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Genoptics Ultraura Essence
Evening · Once a week
A$667.47
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Nourishing Mask
Facial Treatment Mask
Once a week
A$159.00
Buy Hada Labo routine · A$204.04 · 97% fit
Buy SK-II routine · A$1,400.12 · 90% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Hada Labo vs SK-II 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
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$13.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$34.66
-
Moisturizer
Facial Treatment Essence
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$358.08
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
A$27.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$105.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
A$75.95
-
Serum or Treatment
Genoptics Ultraura Essence
Evening · Once a week
A$667.47
-
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 SK-II routine · A$1,436.99 · 89% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Hada Labo vs SK-II 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
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$73.61
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$42.00
-
Moisturizer
Facial Treatment Essence
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$358.08
-
Pre-Cleanser
Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$105.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
A$29.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Genoptics Ultraura Essence
Evening · Once a week
A$667.47
-
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 SK-II routine · A$1,429.91 · 88% fitSee multi-brand routine · 95% fit
Questions and answers
Hada Labo or SK-II: which is better?
Both Hada Labo and SK-II offer effective options, with Hada Labo featuring hyaluronic acid for deep hydration and SK-II relying on Pitera for radiance and glow. Lovi rates both brands as having a Superior routine fit for dry skin, acne-prone skin, and oily acne-prone skin.
What is the difference between Hada Labo and SK-II?
Hada Labo focuses on deep hydration powered by hyaluronic acid with fragrance-free formulas, whereas SK-II centers on radiance and brightening using its signature Pitera ingredient. Lovi rates both brands as having a Superior routine fit for dry skin, acne-prone skin, and oily acne-prone skin.
Hada Labo or SK-II for dry skin?
Both Hada Labo and SK-II are great options for dry skin, offering a Superior routine fit for this skin type. Hada Labo focuses on deep hydration powered by hyaluronic acid, while SK-II features formulas centered around pitera.
Hada Labo or SK-II: which moisturizer is better?
When comparing moisturizers, Hada Labo features hyaluronic acid for deep hydration while SK-II uses Pitera, with Lovi giving the products on this page a High to Superior fit depending on your skin type. Both brands offer fragrance-free options that help nourish the skin.
Which is more affordable, Hada Labo or SK-II?
Hada Labo is more affordable than SK-II. Reviewers note that Hada Labo offers good value, whereas high price and cost concerns are commonly associated with SK-II.
Which brand uses Hyaluronic acid versus Pitera as its key ingredient?
Hada Labo uses hyaluronic acid as its key ingredient across the products on this page, whereas SK-II relies on Pitera. Both brands feature fragrance-free formulations.
How do the founding years and corporate ownership of Hada Labo and SK-II compare?
Hada Labo was founded in Japan in 2004 and is owned by Rohto Pharmaceutical, whereas SK-II was founded in Japan in 1980 and has been owned by Procter & Gamble since 1991.
Which brand's products are noted by reviewers for having a sticky or tacky finish?
Reviewers note that SK-II products on this page have a sticky or tacky finish.
Hada Labo or SK-II for oily skin?
For oily skin, Hada Labo is a great choice as Lovi rates it as Superior, while SK-II is rated as High.
Hada Labo or SK-II for acne-prone skin?
Both Hada Labo and SK-II are great options for acne-prone skin, with Lovi rating both brands as having a Superior routine fit for this skin type. Reviewers note that Hada Labo offers gentle formulations, while the products on this page for both brands feature fragrance-free ingredients.
Research behind their key ingredients
The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer
Effects of ascorbic acid on gingival melanin pigmentation in vitro and in vivo
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
Three clinical studies showing the anti-aging benefits of sodium salicylate in human skin
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
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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