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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 · 98% 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 · 95% fit

Questions and answers

Hada Labo or SK-II: which is better?

Both brands are great options, as Lovi rates both Hada Labo and SK-II as having a Superior routine fit for dry skin. Hada Labo helps deliver deep hydration with hyaluronic acid, while SK-II uses Pitera to help provide a lightweight texture.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

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

Hada Labo is known for deep hydration and gentle, fragrance-free hyaluronic acid formulations, while SK-II features Pitera and offers lightweight textures with brightening benefits. Lovi rates both brands as having a Superior routine fit for dry skin, though Hada Labo tends to have more affordable products.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Hada Labo or SK-II for dry skin?

Both Hada Labo and SK-II achieve a Superior fit for dry skin on Lovi. Hada Labo features deeply hydrating hyaluronic acid formulations, while SK-II uses Pitera to help maintain moisture and improve skin quality.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

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

Hada Labo helps with deep hydration and moisture more effectively, whereas SK-II offers a lightweight and fast-absorbing texture.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

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

Hada Labo is generally the more affordable brand, though reviewers note high price and cost concerns as a downside for some of its products on this page.

Hada Labo or SK-II for fading dark spots?

For fading dark spots, Hada Labo and SK-II are both a good choice as the products on this page show an equal level of performance. Hyaluronic acid helps provide deep hydration, while topical treatments may support overall skin quality.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Hada Labo or SK-II for oily skin?

For oily skin, Hada Labo is a superior fit while SK-II has a high fit according to Lovi. Hada Labo products on this page help provide deep hydration and gentle formulations, whereas SK-II offers lightweight and fast-absorbing textures.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

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

For acne-prone skin, Hada Labo and SK-II both achieve a High routine fit on the products on this page, while Hada Labo focuses on deep hydration and moisturization using hyaluronic acid. Reviewers note that Hada Labo helps deliver gentle and fragrance-free formulations, though some users report breakouts and clogged pores.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Hada Labo or SK-II for mature skin?

Hada Labo is a great choice for mature skin, achieving a High Lovi fit across multiple products like Gokujyun Lotion, Gokujyun Premium, and Shirojyun Premium Whitening Lotion. Topical hyaluronic acid, a key ingredient in these products, helps improve skin quality and signs of aging.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Hada Labo or SK-II for combination skin?

For combination skin, Lovi rates Hada Labo as having superior routine fit compared to SK-II which is high, with Hada Labo offering key ingredients like hyaluronic acid that helps provide deep hydration. Topical hyaluronic acid supports skin quality.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

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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