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Hada Labo vs SK-II

Rated by Lovi · Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes · How the Fit score works

Hada Labo and SK-II are esteemed Japanese skincare brands that offer hydrating toners, gentle makeup removers, nourishing moisturizers, potent serums, and restorative masks. The former is deeply loved for its advanced science and standout options like the Gokujyun Lotion, while the latter is cherished globally for its signature ingredient, pitera, and luxury solutions such as the Facial Treatment Essence. Both brands suit dry skin and acne-prone skin best, though they differ through the specific formulations and key ingredients designed to restore moisture, soothe irritation, and address imbalances.

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

Hada LaboSK-II
  • 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

See multi-brand routine · 99% fit

Hada Labo vs SK-II routines for oily skin

See multi-brand routine · 96% fit

Hada Labo vs SK-II routines for combination skin

See multi-brand routine · 96% fit

Questions and answers

Hada Labo or SK-II: which is better?

Both Hada Labo and SK-II are great choices, with Hada Labo focusing on deep hydration with hyaluronic acid and SK-II offering lightweight textures and radiance powered by Pitera. Lovi rates both brands as having a Superior routine fit for dry, oily, acne-prone, and oily acne-prone skin types.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

What is the difference between Hada Labo and SK-II?

Hada Labo focuses on deep hydration using hyaluronic acid, whereas SK-II uses Pitera to deliver lightweight, brightening, and anti-aging benefits.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Hada Labo or SK-II for dry skin?

Both Hada Labo and SK-II are great options for dry skin, as Lovi gives each brand a Superior routine fit for this skin type. Reviewers note that Hada Labo excels at deep hydration and moisture, while SK-II features key ingredients like Pitera across its products on this page.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Hada Labo or SK-II: which moisturizer is better?

Hada Labo is better for deep hydration and dry skin, while SK-II offers a lightweight texture with Pitera. Hyaluronic acid helps maintain skin moisture.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Which is more affordable, Hada Labo or SK-II?

Hada Labo is more affordable, whereas high price and cost concerns are noted as a negative review theme for the brand, while SK-II does not feature affordability among its positive review themes.

Hada Labo or SK-II: which brand provides better deep hydration and moisture?

Hada Labo provides better deep hydration and moisture. Topical hyaluronic acid helps improve skin hydration and moisture levels.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Hada Labo or SK-II: which one is better suited for mature skin?

Hada Labo is better suited for mature skin, achieving a Superior routine fit compared to SK-II's High fit level.

Hada Labo or SK-II: which brand offers a better lightweight and fast-absorbing texture?

SK-II does better than Hada Labo for a lightweight and fast-absorbing texture.

Hada Labo or SK-II for oily skin?

Both Hada Labo and SK-II achieve a Superior Lovi fit level for oily skin. Reviewers note that Hada Labo features gentle formulations, while SK-II provides a lightweight and fast-absorbing texture.

Hada Labo or SK-II for acne-prone skin?

Both Hada Labo and SK-II are great options for acne-prone skin, as Lovi rates their routines as Superior for this skin type.

Research behind their key ingredients

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.

  • Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Co-founder, Medical Director

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer

  • Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Co-founder, CEO and CTO

    PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex

  • Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Medical Board

    Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine

  • Aishani Shah, MD

    Aishani Shah, MD

    Medical Board

    Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD

  • Asya Zubkova, MS

    Asya Zubkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member

  • Hanna Kurets, MD

    Hanna Kurets, MD

    Medical Board, Medical Advisor

    Dermatology MD

  • Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Medical Board

    Dermatology and diagnostic consultant

  • Victoria Derkova, MS

    Victoria Derkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist

How does it fit your skin?

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