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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 · 95% 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 Hada Labo and SK-II are top choices on this page, as they share an equal fit level across all evaluated skin types. Hada Labo excels with deep hydration and gentle, fragrance-free hyaluronic acid formulations, whereas SK-II offers lightweight textures and radiance benefits centered around Pitera.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

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

Hada Labo focuses on hyaluronic acid and generally provides deep hydration with gentle, fragrance-free formulations, whereas SK-II centers on Pitera and tends to offer lightweight textures with added radiance and brightening benefits. Reviewers note that Hada Labo stands out for moisture and gentle care, while SK-II excels in fast-absorbing texture and glow.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Hada Labo or SK-II for dry skin?

Both Hada Labo and SK-II offer a Superior routine fit for dry skin. Reviewers note that Hada Labo provides deep hydration and moisturization.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

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

When comparing the moisturizers on this page, Hada Labo features options like Gokujyun Perfect Gel with Hyaluronic acid, which helps provide deep hydration, while SK-II offers options like Skinpower Advanced Cream with Pitera.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

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

Hada Labo is more affordable than SK-II. Reviewers specifically note high price and cost concerns for Hada Labo, while SK-II is a luxury brand.

Hada Labo or SK-II for fading dark spots?

For fading dark spots, both Hada Labo and SK-II products on this page provide an equal level of routine fit. Hada Labo features hydrating hyaluronic acid, while SK-II relies on Pitera across its formulations.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Which brand has a better routine fit for mature skin?

Both Hada Labo and SK-II achieve a Superior routine fit for mature skin. Reviewers note that Hada Labo tends to excel in deep hydration, while SK-II leans toward providing radiance and a lightweight texture.

Hada Labo or SK-II for oily skin?

Both Hada Labo and SK-II achieve a Superior fit level with Lovi for oily skin, offering effective options like the Gokujyun Lotion and the Facial Treatment Essence. Reviewers note that Hada Labo provides a gentle formulation, while SK-II delivers a lightweight and fast-absorbing texture.

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

Both Hada Labo and SK-II are rated as a Superior routine fit for acne-prone skin on Lovi. Hada Labo focuses on hyaluronic acid for deep hydration, while SK-II features products centered on Pitera.

Hada Labo or SK-II for combination skin?

Both Hada Labo and SK-II achieve a Superior Lovi fit level for combination skin. Hada Labo features fragrance-free formulas centered on hyaluronic acid that help provide deep hydration, while SK-II relies on Pitera to deliver a lightweight and fast-absorbing texture.

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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