Medik8 vs Hada Labo
Medik8 and Hada Labo are distinct skincare brands founded respectively in 2009 and 2004, offering serums, moisturizers, eye products, toners, hydrating toners, gentle makeup removers, and nourishing moisturizers built around hyaluronic acid and advanced formulas. The British brand fits dry skin and dry sensitive skin best, with its surface radiance cleanse rated highest for acne-prone skin, oxy-r peptides for skin with dark spots, and total moisture daily facial cream for mature skin. Conversely, the Japanese brand suits dry skin and acne-prone skin best, featuring the gokujyun lotion for acne-prone skin, the shirojyun premium whitening lotion for skin with dark spots, and the gokujun premium for mature skin. Both brands differ primarily in their formulation approaches, as the former utilizes hyaluronic acid to lengthen toxin wrinkle effect duration while the latter relies on expertly crafted solutions to restore moisture and soothe irritation without clogging pores.
Medik8 is a British skincare brand founded in 2009 and owned by L'Oréal Groupe since 2025.
loreal.commedik8.comtracxn.com
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 Medik8 and Hada Labo products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Medik8 vs Hada Labo products
People Say
Gentle and non-irritating formula Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “zero irritation or peeling — Medik8 CRYSTAL RETINAL 3”
- “only Vitamin C my sensitive skin can tolerate — Medik8 C-Tetra Serum”
- “leaves skin soft and hydrated — Hada Labo Gokujyun Cleansing Oil”
- “never stings my sensitive skin — Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion”
Deep hydration 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”
- “Restores moisture — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
Lightweight and elegant texture Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “absorbed effortlessly — Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream”
- “Absorbs fast — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
- “absorbs super quickly — Hada Labo Premium Whitening Lotion (Light)”
- “Thick serum-like — Hada Labo Gokujun Premium”
Brightening and glow Often MentionedNot noted
- “I wake up glowing. It adds back that youthful bloom that I've lost. — Medik8 Sleep Glycolic”
- “unlocked a serious glow — Medik8 C-Tetra Serum”
- “immediate glow — Medik8 Super C Ferulic”
Plumping and smoothing effect Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “My skin was smoother, my skin texture felt more resurfaced. — Medik8 Sleep Glycolic”
- “Reduces fine lines — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
- “smoother skin texture — Medik8 Super C Ferulic”
- “Makes my skin plump and hydrating. — Hada Labo Gokujyun Perfect Gel”
Fades dark spots Rarely NotedSometimes Noted
- “faded considerably — Hada Labo Shirojyun Premium Whitening Lotion”
- “faded my PIH considerably — Hada Labo Premium Whitening Lotion (Light)”
- “pigmentation lightened slightly — Medik8 Oxy-R Peptides”
Sticky or tacky finish Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “Can feel sticky if over-applied — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
- “Tacky residue — Hada Labo Gokujun Premium”
High price point Often MentionedNot noted
- “Expensive per bottle — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
Slow or patience-requiring results Rarely NotedSometimes Noted
- “Not as effective as retinol — Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides”
- “no difference yet — Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye 3”
- “Subtle initial changes — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
- “takes months to see results — Hada Labo Shirojyun Premium Whitening Lotion”
Medik8 vs Hada Labo routines for dry skin
-
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
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€8.85
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Advanced Replenishing Toner
Morning
€34.00
-
Moisturizer
Hydr8 B5 Intense
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€78.95
-
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
Bakuchiol Peptides
Evening · Once a week
€50.76
-
Nourishing Mask
Abib Rice Probiotics Overnight Mask
Once a week
€15.30
Medik8 vs Hada Labo routines for oily skin
-
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
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€20.50
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
€36.00
-
Moisturizer
Hydr8 B5 Intense
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€78.95
-
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
Press & Glow
Evening
€33.50
-
Serum or Treatment
Oxy-R Peptides
Evening · Once a week
€76.50
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€48.55
-
Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
€16.79
Medik8 vs Hada Labo routines for combination skin
-
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
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€39.80
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
€36.00
-
Moisturizer
Hydr8 B5 Intense
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€78.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€97.52
-
Cleansing Toner
Press & Glow
Evening
€33.50
-
Serum or Treatment
Oxy-R Peptides
Evening · Once a week
€76.50
-
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
Medik8 or Hada Labo: which is better?
Both brands are great choices depending on your budget and skin goals, as Hada Labo tends to offer better value for deep hydration, while Medik8 excels in brightening and anti-aging results. For dry skin, both brands share a Superior routine fit.
What is the difference between Medik8 and Hada Labo?
Medik8 and Hada Labo both feature hyaluronic acid across the products on this page, but they differ in pricing and specific performance strengths. Medik8 provides a superior plumping effect and glow, whereas Hada Labo delivers better deep hydration and fading of dark spots. Reviewers often mention high prices for Medik8 and sticky finishes for Hada Labo.
Medik8 or Hada Labo for dry skin?
Both Medik8 and Hada Labo are great options for dry skin, matching at a Superior routine fit level. Reviewers mention that Hada Labo provides deep hydration and moisturization, while Medik8 offers luxurious textures and gentle serums.
Medik8 or Hada Labo: which moisturizer is better?
Both brands offer solid options, but Medik8 stands out for targeted anti-aging and brightening benefits, while Hada Labo focuses heavily on deep hydration. Specifically, Hada Labo's Gokujyun Perfect Gel helps deliver great moisture, whereas Medik8's Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream provides high Lovi fit levels for dry and mature skin types.
Which is more affordable, Medik8 or Hada Labo?
Hada Labo is more affordable, whereas reviewers often mention Medik8 has a high price point.
Medik8 or Hada Labo: which brand is better for brightening and glow?
Medik8 does better for brightening and glow compared to Hada Labo. Reviewers often mention its visible brightening effects alongside smoother skin.
Which brand uses fragrance in its products, Medik8 or Hada Labo?
Medik8 offers one fragranced product among the products on this page, whereas every product from Hada Labo lists no fragrance.
Medik8 or Hada Labo: which is better for mature skin?
For mature skin, Hada Labo achieves a Superior routine fit, whereas Medik8 reaches a High fit. Both brands offer products with hyaluronic acid, which helps provide hydration and anti-aging benefits.
Medik8 or Hada Labo for oily skin?
For oily skin, Hada Labo achieves a Superior Lovi routine fit while Medik8 reaches a High fit level. Both brands offer lightweight hydration, but Hada Labo is more often noted for its deep moisture and value.
Medik8 or Hada Labo for acne-prone skin?
For acne-prone skin, Hada Labo achieves a Superior routine fit compared to the High fit of Medik8. Both brands help deliver deep hydration with hyaluronic acid across the products on this page.
Research behind their key ingredients
Topical anti-inflammatory effects of isorhamnetin glycosides isolated from Opuntia ficus-indica
Vitamin C-squalene bioconjugate promotes epidermal thickening and collagen production in human skin
Effects of glyceryl glucoside on AQP3 expression, barrier function and hydration of human skin
Preparation and characterization of a lecithin nanoemulsion as a topical delivery system
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
Evaluation of moisturizing and irritation potential of sacha inchi oil
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
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
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.
-

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
How does it fit your skin?
Scan your face, then any product: Lovi shows how well it fits you and what fits even better.












































