Medicube vs Hada Labo
Medicube and Hada Labo are celebrated Asian skincare lines, with the South Korean pioneer founded in 2016 by APR Corp. and its Japanese counterpart established in 2004 by Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.. Skincare enthusiasts adore the Korean brand for thoughtfully formulated moisturizers, serums, toners, and masks harnessing niacinamide, collagen, and hyaluronic acid, while fans cherish the Japanese creator for hydrating toners, gentle makeup removers, and nourishing moisturizers driven by advanced science. Both brands suit dry skin and acne-prone skin best to balance hydration, soothe irritation, and clarify without clogging pores. They differ primarily in their targeted concerns and active compounds, as the former utilizes peptides and specific gels for hyperpigmentation and aging signs, whereas the latter relies on expert formulations to restore moisture and support a healthy skin barrier.
Medicube is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2016 and owned by APR Corp..
medicubereviews.co.ukglossy.co
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 Medicube and Hada Labo products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Medicube vs Hada Labo products
People Say
Hydration and Moisture Mostly 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”
- “skin feels bouncier and hydrated — Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum”
Convenient and Versatile Application Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “absorbs super quickly — Hada Labo Premium Whitening Lotion (Light)”
- “absorbs super quickly — Hada Labo Shirojyun Premium Whitening Lotion”
- “emulsifies beautifully — Hada Labo Gokujyun Cleansing Oil”
- “tweezers included are hygienic — Medicube Zero Pore Pad”
Soothing and Gentle Formulation Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “never stings my sensitive skin — Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion”
- “No fragrance/alcohol — Hada Labo Gokujun Premium”
- “calms my redness — Hada Labo Premium Whitening Lotion (Light)”
- “refreshing sensation — Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Mask”
Smooth and Plump Skin Texture Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
- “gives my skin a smooth, glass-like finish — Medicube Zero Pore Pad”
- “gave me instant glass skin — Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream”
- “woke up with glowing skin — Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask”
- “Makes my skin plump and hydrating. — Hada Labo Gokujyun Perfect Gel”
Brightening and Fading Spots Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “faded considerably — Hada Labo Shirojyun Premium Whitening Lotion”
- “faded my PIH considerably — Hada Labo Premium Whitening Lotion (Light)”
- “Dark spots go away faster — Medicube Deep Vita C Pad”
Pores and Acne Control Often MentionedNot noted
- “Pores drastically reduced — Medicube Zero Foam Cleanser”
- “Mochi-like foam — Medicube Zero Foam Cleanser”
- “Removes every trace of oil — Medicube Red Foam Cleanser”
Sticky and Heavy Residue Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “hair sticks to my face — Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream”
- “feels way too sticky and tacky — Medicube DEEP VITA-C CAPSULE CREAM”
- “Tacky residue — Hada Labo Gokujun Premium”
- “Texture Sticky, sticky, sticky! If you have sensory issues, beware. — Hada Labo Gokujyun Perfect Gel”
Breakouts and Skin Irritation Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “caused redness and sensitivity — Medicube Zero Pore Pad”
- “woke up with whiteheads — Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask”
- “gave me tiny bumps — Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion”
- “Closed comedones — Hada Labo Gokujun Premium”
Other Performance Complaints Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “didn't notice any pore improvements — Medicube Zero Pore Pad”
- “Greasy in humidity — Hada Labo Gokujun Premium”
Medicube 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
-
Cleanser
Zero Foam Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$27.50
-
Hydrating Toner
Triple Collagen Toner
Morning
A$27.29
-
Moisturizer
AGE-R Booster Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$29.00
-
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
One Day Exosome Shot 2000
Evening · Once a week
A$32.00
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Nourishing Mask
Deep Peptide Radiance Mask
Once a week
A$26.00
Buy Hada Labo routine · A$204.04 · 97% fit
Buy Medicube routine · A$229.13 · 91% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Medicube 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
Red Foam Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$24.50
-
Hydrating Toner
Triple Collagen Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$27.29
-
Moisturizer
AGE-R Booster Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$29.00
-
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
Zero Pore Pad
Evening
A$29.90
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Zero Pore Blackhead Mud Mask
Once a week
A$27.22
Buy Hada Labo routine · A$412.15 · 93% fit
Buy Medicube routine · A$281.83 · 87% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Medicube 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
Red Foam Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$24.50
-
Hydrating Toner
Triple Collagen Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$27.29
-
Moisturizer
AGE-R Booster Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$29.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$30.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Zero Pore Pad
Evening
A$29.90
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Zero Pore Blackhead Mud Mask
Once a week
A$27.22
Buy Hada Labo routine · A$378.28 · 93% fit
Buy Medicube routine · A$204.40 · 85% fitSee multi-brand routine · 95% fit
Questions and answers
Medicube or Hada Labo: which is better?
Both brands are great choices, but they excel in different areas depending on your specific skin concerns. Medicube is the better option for pore and acne control as well as achieving a smooth and plump skin texture. Meanwhile, Hada Labo tends to do better when it comes to deep hydration, gentle and fragrance-free formulations, and brightening or fading dark spots.
What is the difference between Medicube and Hada Labo?
Medicube helps with pores and acne control and smooth and plump skin texture, whereas Hada Labo does better for hydration and moisture, soothing and gentle formulation, and brightening and fading spots.
Medicube or Hada Labo for dry skin?
Both Medicube and Hada Labo fit dry skin equally well, as Lovi rates both brands as Superior for this skin type. Reviewers note that Hada Labo tends to do better for deep hydration, while Medicube products on this page often help with smooth and plump skin texture.
Dermatologic Therapy, 2022Dermatology Practical & Conceptual, 2022
Medicube or Hada Labo: which moisturizer is better?
Both Medicube and Hada Labo offer effective moisturizers, with Hada Labo achieving a Superior Lovi fit level for dry skin compared to Medicube's High fit level for its moisturizers on this page.
Which is more affordable, Medicube or Hada Labo?
The products on this page do not have price comparisons available, but reviewers note value issues for Medicube and value and versatility for Hada Labo.
Medicube or Hada Labo: which brand is better for managing pores and acne control?
Medicube does better for pores and acne control. The products on this page help with skin texture and acne, and ingredients like salicylic acid can help clear pores.
Medicube or Hada Labo: which brand performs better for hydration and moisture?
Hada Labo performs better for hydration and moisture, as review themes show it does better than Medicube in that area. The products on this page help deliver deep hydration and moisturization.
Medicube or Hada Labo: which brand is better suited for achieving a smooth and plump skin texture?
Medicube is better suited for achieving a smooth and plump skin texture, as reviewers note it does better for smooth and plump skin texture.
Medicube or Hada Labo for oily skin?
For oily skin, Hada Labo is a better choice as Lovi rates its routine as Superior, whereas Medicube achieves a High fit level.
Medicube or Hada Labo for acne-prone skin?
For acne-prone skin, both brands work well as Lovi rates Medicube High and Hada Labo Superior. Medicube stands out for its pores and acne control, while Hada Labo provides a gentle, fragrance-free formulation.
Research behind their key ingredients
Topical palmitoyl pentapeptide provides improvement in photoaged human facial skin
Apigenin inhibits UVA-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and prevents signs of skin aging in vivo
Effect of Camellia japonica oil on human type I procollagen production and skin barrier function
Preparation and characterization of a lecithin nanoemulsion as a topical delivery system
Protective effects of Camellia japonica flower extract against urban air pollutants
Microneedling by dermapen and glycolic acid peel for the treatment of acne scars: Comparative study
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
The synergistic effect of retinyl propionate and hydroxypinacolone retinoate on skin aging
Supramolecular collagen nanoparticles for anti-wrinkle, skin whitening, and moisturizing effects
The anti-wrinkles properties of sodium acetylated hyaluronate
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Moisturizing Effects of Diglycerol Combined with Glycerol on Human Stratum Corneum
Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate
Composition characterization and clinical efficacy study of a salmon egg extract
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Anti-Aging Efficacy of Low-Molecular-Weight Polydeoxyribonucleotide Derived from Paeonia lactiflora
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
-

Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
-

Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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