Hada Labo vs SK-II
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
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
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Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€7.50
-
Hydrating Toner
Gokujyun Lotion
Morning
€30.78
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Moisturizer
Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Lift and Firm Night Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€76.29
-
SPF
Purito Daily Soft Touch Sunscreen
Morning
€12.98
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
€16.10
-
Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
€86.15
-
Nourishing Mask
Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Sheet Mask
Once a week
€19.90
-
Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€7.50
-
Hydrating Toner
COSRX Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning
€18.55
-
Moisturizer
Facial Treatment Essence
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€105.74
-
SPF
Purito Daily Soft Touch Sunscreen
Morning
€12.98
-
Pre-Cleanser
Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€126.95
-
Serum or Treatment
Genoptics Ultraura Essence
Evening · Once a week
€259.99
-
Nourishing Mask
Facial Treatment Mask
Once a week
€92.31
Hada Labo vs SK-II routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€11.35
-
Hydrating Toner
Shirojyun Premium Whitening Lotion
Morning · Once a week
€18.20
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€17.47
-
SPF
make p:rem UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Cream
Morning
€34.30
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€40.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
€29.29
-
Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
€86.15
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€49.00
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
€79.97
-
Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€11.35
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
€19.99
-
Moisturizer
Facial Treatment Essence
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€105.74
-
SPF
make p:rem UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Cream
Morning
€34.30
-
Pre-Cleanser
Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€126.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Facial Treatment Clear Lotion
Evening
€85.59
-
Serum or Treatment
Genoptics Ultraura Essence
Evening · Once a week
€259.99
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€49.00
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
€79.97
Hada Labo vs SK-II routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Paula's Choice Perfectly Balanced Foaming Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€32.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Premium Whitening Lotion (Light)
Morning · Once a week
€18.20
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€17.47
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€40.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
€17.15
-
Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
€86.15
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€49.00
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
€79.97
-
Cleanser
Paula's Choice Perfectly Balanced Foaming Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€32.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
€36.00
-
Moisturizer
Facial Treatment Essence
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€105.74
-
Pre-Cleanser
Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€126.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Facial Treatment Clear Lotion
Evening
€85.59
-
Serum or Treatment
Genoptics Ultraura Essence
Evening · Once a week
€259.99
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€49.00
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
€79.97
Questions and answers
Hada Labo or SK-II: which is better?
Both Hada Labo and SK-II are Japanese skincare brands that fit dry skin and acne-prone skin best on this page. Hada Labo features hyaluronic acid for deep hydration, while SK-II features pitera.
What is the difference between Hada Labo and SK-II?
Hada Labo is owned by Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and features products on this page formulated with hyaluronic acid, whereas SK-II is owned by The Procter & Gamble Company and features products on this page formulated with Pitera. Reviewers note that Hada Labo provides deep hydration and gentle formulations, while SK-II offers lightweight textures and radiance benefits.
Hada Labo or SK-II for dry skin?
Both Hada Labo and SK-II achieve a Superior Lovi fit level for dry skin. The products on this page help deliver deep hydration through key ingredients like hyaluronic acid and pitera.
Hada Labo or SK-II: which moisturizer is better?
When comparing moisturizers, Hada Labo and SK-II both feature a Superior routine fit for dry skin, with Hada Labo products on this page utilizing hyaluronic acid for deep hydration while SK-II features Pitera.
Which is more affordable, Hada Labo or SK-II?
Hada Labo is more affordable than SK-II, which faces high price and cost concerns as noted by reviewers.
Hada Labo or SK-II for dark spots?
For dark spots, Hada Labo is a great option because the products on this page offer a Superior routine fit for skin with dark spots. Reviewers mention that Hada Labo helps with brightening and dark spot reduction.
Hada Labo or SK-II for oily skin?
For oily skin, Hada Labo is a great choice because the products on this page achieve a Superior routine fit compared to SK-II's High level.
Hada Labo or SK-II for acne-prone skin?
Both Hada Labo and SK-II achieve a Superior Lovi fit level for acne-prone skin on the products on this page. Hada Labo focuses on gentle, fragrance-free formulations with hyaluronic acid, whereas SK-II relies on Pitera.
Hada Labo or SK-II for mature skin?
For mature skin, Hada Labo achieves a Superior routine fit, whereas SK-II reaches a High routine fit on this page.
Hada Labo or SK-II for combination skin?
Hada Labo is a superior choice for combination skin compared to SK-II, which has a high fit. The products on this page from Hada Labo provide reliable, fragrance-free hydration.
Research behind their key ingredients
The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer
Effects of ascorbic acid on gingival melanin pigmentation in vitro and in vivo
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
Three clinical studies showing the anti-aging benefits of sodium salicylate in human skin
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
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
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Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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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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