The Ordinary vs Hada Labo
The Ordinary and Hada Labo are distinct skincare lines, with the Canadian brand offering targeted serums and moisturizers centered on active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane, while the Japanese brand is deeply loved for its hydrating toners and nourishing moisturizers driven by advanced science. Both brands suit dry skin best, though the former also fits dry sensitive skin and offers specialized options for acne-prone, dark-spot, and mature concerns, whereas the latter expertly restores moisture for dry and acne-prone skin without clogging pores. Ultimately, they differ through their formulation approaches, as the former relies on single-ingredient transparency to address specific skin needs, while its counterpart delivers harmonious hydration to support a healthy skin barrier.
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
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
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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
Glycolipid Cream Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$19.70
-
Hydrating Toner
Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner
Morning
A$23.99
-
Moisturizer
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$19.90
-
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
Lactic Acid 5% + HA
Evening · Once a week
A$13.50
-
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 The Ordinary routine · A$192.91 · 96% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
The Ordinary 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
Glucoside Foaming Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$19.70
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$34.66
-
Moisturizer
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$19.90
-
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
Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Evening
A$14.20
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Evening · Once a week
A$9.50
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
Once a week
A$43.90
Buy Hada Labo routine · A$412.15 · 93% fit
Buy The Ordinary routine · A$285.78 · 92% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
The Ordinary 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
Glucoside Foaming Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$19.70
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$42.00
-
Moisturizer
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$19.90
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$30.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Evening
A$14.20
-
Serum or Treatment
Lactic Acid 5% + HA
Evening · Once a week
A$13.50
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
Once a week
A$43.90
Buy Hada Labo routine · A$378.28 · 93% fit
Buy The Ordinary routine · A$219.69 · 91% fitSee multi-brand routine · 95% fit
Questions and answers
The Ordinary or Hada Labo: which is better?
Both The Ordinary and Hada Labo are great options, as Lovi rates their routines as equally fitting for dry, oily, combination, and mature skin. The Ordinary stands out for its affordable value and acne-clearing serums, while Hada Labo is often praised for deep hydration and lightweight, fast-absorbing toners.
What is the difference between The Ordinary and Hada Labo?
Both The Ordinary and Hada Labo provide fragrance-free skincare, but Hada Labo excels with deep hydration and fast-absorbing toners, while The Ordinary offers a wider range of affordable serums that help clear acne.
The Ordinary or Hada Labo for dry skin?
Both The Ordinary and Hada Labo provide a Superior routine fit for dry skin. Reviewers note that Hada Labo helps with deep hydration and moisturization, while the products on this page for The Ordinary offer great value and gentle hydration.
The Ordinary or Hada Labo: which moisturizer is better?
Both brands offer moisturizers that help deliver great hydration, with products on this page like The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA and Hada Labo Gokujyun Perfect Gel both receiving high fit ratings for dry skin. Hada Labo tends to do better for deep hydration and plumping, while The Ordinary provides more affordable value and a wider range of targeted formulas.
Which is more affordable, The Ordinary or Hada Labo?
The Ordinary is more affordable and offers better value for budget-conscious shoppers. Reviewers frequently note that the products on this page from The Ordinary provide a great price point compared to Hada Labo.
The Ordinary or Hada Labo for fading dark spots?
Both The Ordinary and Hada Labo are equal for fading dark spots as reviewers find them equally effective. The products on this page help improve skin appearance by delivering key ingredients like niacinamide, which may reduce pigmentation.
Which brand offers better deep hydration and plumping, The Ordinary or Hada Labo?
Hada Labo does better than The Ordinary for deep hydration and plumping because its products on this page focus heavily on lightweight, fast-absorbing hydration.
The Ordinary or Hada Labo for oily skin?
Both The Ordinary and Hada Labo provide a superior routine fit for oily skin. Reviewers note that The Ordinary offers better value, while Hada Labo is often praised for lightweight absorption and texture.
The Ordinary or Hada Labo for acne-prone skin?
Hada Labo is a superior fit for acne-prone skin on this page, while The Ordinary has a high fit. Both brands offer fragrance-free products.
The Ordinary or Hada Labo for oily acne-prone skin?
For oily acne-prone skin, both brands offer good options, though Hada Labo achieves a Superior routine fit compared to The Ordinary's High fit level. The Ordinary provides targeted acne-clearing serums on the products on this page, while Hada Labo excels in deep hydration and lightweight absorption.
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
-

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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