Dr. Althea vs Hada Labo
Dr. Althea and Hada Labo are celebrated Asian beauty labels that offer thoughtfully formulated skincare designed to nurture and protect the complexion. The Korean house is widely loved for its nourishing moisturizers, cleansers, makeup removers, and serums, featuring gentle ingredients that suit dry and mature skin best. Meanwhile, the Japanese brand is deeply cherished for its hydrating toners, gentle makeup removers, and nourishing moisturizers driven by advanced science, catering primarily to dry and acne-prone skin. Ultimately, they differ through their distinct product lineups and foundational philosophies, with the former leaning into soothing hydration and the latter focusing on barrier support through specialized lotions.
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
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€8.85
-
Hydrating Toner
Gokujyun Lotion
Morning
€25.57
-
Moisturizer
d'Alba First Spray Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€16.99
-
SPF
Purito Daily Soft Touch Sunscreen
Morning
€12.98
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
€10.97
-
Serum or Treatment
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Fresh Ampoule
Evening · Once a week
€14.98
-
Nourishing Mask
Abib Rice Probiotics Overnight Mask
Once a week
€15.30
-
Cleanser
Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€11.25
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Advanced Replenishing Toner
Morning
€34.00
-
Moisturizer
345 Relief Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€9.99
-
SPF
Purito Daily Soft Touch Sunscreen
Morning
€12.98
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
€15.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin C Boosting Serum
Evening · Once a week
€19.50
-
Nourishing Mask
Abib Rice Probiotics Overnight Mask
Once a week
€15.30
Dr. Althea vs Hada Labo routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€20.50
-
Hydrating Toner
Shirojyun Premium Whitening Lotion
Morning · Once a week
€19.95
-
Moisturizer
SKIN1004 Centella Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€17.49
-
SPF
d'Alba UVessence Mild Waterfull Sun Cream SPF 50
Morning
€16.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€97.52
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
€16.90
-
Serum or Treatment
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Evening · Once a week
€5.20
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€48.55
-
Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
€16.79
-
Cleanser
Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€11.25
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
€36.00
-
Moisturizer
345 Relief Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€9.99
-
SPF
d'Alba UVessence Mild Waterfull Sun Cream SPF 50
Morning
€16.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
€15.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
€16.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin C Boosting Serum
Evening · Once a week
€19.50
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€48.55
-
Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
€16.79
Dr. Althea vs Hada Labo routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€39.80
-
Hydrating Toner
Premium Whitening Lotion (Light)
Morning · Once a week
€19.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€97.52
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
€16.98
-
Serum or Treatment
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Spot Cream
Evening · Once a week
€18.49
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€48.55
-
Cleansing Mask
Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay
Once a week
€28.50
-
Cleanser
Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€11.25
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
€36.00
-
Moisturizer
345 Relief Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€9.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
€15.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
€16.98
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin C Boosting Serum
Evening · Once a week
€19.50
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€48.55
-
Cleansing Mask
Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay
Once a week
€28.50
Questions and answers
Dr. Althea or Hada Labo: which is better?
Both Hada Labo and Dr. Althea are fragrance-free choices, but Hada Labo tends to do better for deep hydration and skin texture, while Dr. Althea is praised more for its gentle and soothing formulas.
What is the difference between Dr. Althea and Hada Labo?
Dr. Althea and Hada Labo are both fragrance-free skincare brands, with Dr. Althea best fitting dry, mature, and oily skin types, while Hada Labo best fits dry, acne-prone, and oily acne-prone skin. Reviewers note that Hada Labo excels in deep hydration and brightening, whereas Dr. Althea stands out for gentle and soothing formulations.
Dr. Althea or Hada Labo for dry skin?
For dry skin, both brands work well, but Hada Labo reaches a Superior routine fit while Dr. Althea reaches a High routine fit. Reviewers note that Hada Labo excels particularly in deep hydration and moisturization.
Dr. Althea or Hada Labo: which moisturizer is better?
Hada Labo Gokujyun Perfect Gel and Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream both provide solid moisturizing options, but Hada Labo is particularly noted for deep hydration and moisturization while Dr. Althea focuses on soothing formulas.
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.
Do Dr. Althea and Hada Labo products contain fragrance?
Dr. Althea and Hada Labo products on this page list no fragrance in their ingredients.
Which brand is better for hydration and moisture, Dr. Althea or Hada Labo?
Hada Labo is better for hydration and moisture, as reviewers mostly mention deep hydration and moisturization for the brand. For dry skin, Lovi rates the routine fit for Hada Labo as Superior and for Dr. Althea as High.
How does the routine fit for dry skin compare between Dr. Althea and Hada Labo?
For dry skin, the routine fit for Dr. Althea is High, while the routine fit for Hada Labo is Superior.
Dr. Althea or Hada Labo for oily skin?
For oily skin, Lovi rates both Dr. Althea and Hada Labo as Superior for their routines, while Dr. Althea also features individual products like the Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser at a Superior fit level.
Dr. Althea or Hada Labo for acne-prone skin?
For acne-prone skin, both brands work well as Lovi rates their routines as High, while Dr. Althea offers superior individual products like the Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser and 345 Relief Cream.
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
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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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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