COSRX vs Hada Labo
COSRX and Hada Labo are beloved Asian skincare brands offering thoughtfully formulated products for varied complexions. The Korean line features targeted serums, moisturizers, cleansers, and masks with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and niacinamide that suit acne-prone and oily acne-prone skin best. Meanwhile, the Japanese brand is known for hydrating toners, gentle makeup removers, and nourishing moisturizers driven by advanced science that suit dry skin and acne-prone skin best. While both brands harness proven ingredients like hyaluronic acid to support the complexion, they differ through specialized formulations designed to address specific blemishes or restore moisture.
COSRX is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2013 and owned by Amorepacific Group since 2024.
koreajoongangdaily.combeautymatter.comprnewswire.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 COSRX and Hada Labo products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular COSRX vs Hada Labo products
People Say
Gentle and Non-Irritating Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “No stinging or irritation — COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid”
- “perfect for first-time retinol users — COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream”
- “leaves skin soft and hydrated — Hada Labo Gokujyun Cleansing Oil”
- “never stings my sensitive skin — Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion”
Deep Hydration and Plumping Sometimes NotedMostly 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”
- “skin drinks it up — COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence”
Lightweight and Fast-Absorbing Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “absorbs instantly like water — COSRX The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum”
- “sinks in immediately — COSRX Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream”
- “absorbs practically immediately — COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)”
- “absorbs super quickly — Hada Labo Premium Whitening Lotion (Light)”
Skin Texture and Glow Often MentionedNot noted
- “woke up with soft, supple skin — COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream”
- “gives me that glass skin look — COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence”
- “skin feels softer immediately — COSRX The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum”
Acne and Pore Control Often MentionedNot noted
- “helped to improve my acne after only 2 weeks — COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser”
- “cleared up my spots — COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser”
- “Melted blackheads right off — COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid”
Value for Money Rarely NotedSometimes Noted
- “bottle lasts forever — Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion”
- “Lasts forever — Hada Labo Gokujun Premium”
- “huge bottle — COSRX Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream”
Unpleasant Texture and Finish Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “texture is gooey and stringy — COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream”
- “too slimy and sticky — COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence”
- “Leaves a sticky film — COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid”
- “Tacky residue — Hada Labo Gokujun Premium”
Breakouts and Purging Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “gave me fungal acne — COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence”
- “gave me tiny bumps — COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser”
- “gave me closed comedones — COSRX The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum”
- “gave me tiny bumps — Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion”
No Visible Results Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “Takes a month to work — COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid”
- “didn't do anything — COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner”
- “takes months to see results — Hada Labo Shirojyun Premium Whitening Lotion”
- “takes time to see results — Hada Labo Premium Whitening Lotion (Light)”
COSRX vs Hada Labo routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€21.95
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Hydrating Toner
Gokujyun Lotion
Morning
€15.26
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Moisturizer
Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Lift and Firm Night Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€48.84
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SPF
Purito Daily Soft Touch Sunscreen
Morning
€20.01
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Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
€11.83
-
Cleansing Toner
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water
Evening · Once a week
€13.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
€86.59
-
Nourishing Mask
LANEIGE Water Sleeping Mask_EX
Once a week
€33.90
-
Cleanser
Advanced Snail Mucin Gel Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€17.50
-
Hydrating Toner
Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning
€19.90
-
Moisturizer
Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€23.90
-
SPF
Aloe Soothing Sun Cream
Morning
€14.01
- Pre-Cleanser The Niacinamide 15 Serum Evening · Once a week
-
Cleansing Toner
AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
Evening · Once a week
€20.23
-
Serum or Treatment
Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence
Evening · Once a week
€22.90
-
Nourishing Mask
Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask
Once a week
€24.90
COSRX vs Hada Labo routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€21.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Shirojyun Premium Whitening Lotion
Morning · Once a week
€17.74
-
Moisturizer
SKIN1004 Centella Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€19.20
-
SPF
make p:rem UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Cream
Morning
€33.70
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
€11.83
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
€18.05
-
Serum or Treatment
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Evening · Once a week
€5.75
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€72.82
-
Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
€15.72
-
Cleanser
Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€13.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning · Once a week
€19.90
-
Moisturizer
Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€23.90
-
SPF
Ultra-Light Invisible Sunscreen
Morning
€18.00
- Pre-Cleanser The Niacinamide 15 Serum Evening · Once a week
-
Cleansing Toner
AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
Evening
€20.23
-
Serum or Treatment
Two In One Poreless Power Liquid
Evening · Once a week
€29.50
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€72.82
-
Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
€15.72
COSRX vs Hada Labo routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Dr. Althea Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€16.50
-
Hydrating Toner
Premium Whitening Lotion (Light)
Morning · Once a week
€17.74
-
Moisturizer
SKIN1004 Centella Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€19.20
-
SPF
make p:rem UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Cream
Morning
€33.70
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
€11.83
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening · Once a week
€16.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
€86.59
-
Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
€15.72
-
Cleanser
Advanced Snail Mucin Gel Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€17.50
-
Hydrating Toner
Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning · Once a week
€19.90
-
Moisturizer
Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€23.90
-
SPF
Aloe Soothing Sun Cream
Morning
€14.01
- Pre-Cleanser The Niacinamide 15 Serum Evening · Once a week
-
Cleansing Toner
AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
Evening · Once a week
€20.23
-
Serum or Treatment
Two In One Poreless Power Liquid
Evening · Once a week
€29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
€15.72
Questions and answers
COSRX or Hada Labo: which is better?
Both COSRX and Hada Labo are great choices, with Hada Labo offering a Superior routine fit for dry skin, mature skin, and skin with dark spots, while COSRX delivers Superior routine fit for acne-prone and oily acne-prone skin. Hada Labo provides deep hydration and plumping, whereas COSRX helps with lightweight absorption and skin texture.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
What is the difference between COSRX and Hada Labo?
Hada Labo provides superior deep hydration and plumping along with better value for money, whereas COSRX offers superior lightweight and fast-absorbing formulas as well as better acne and pore control. Both brands are fragrance-free across almost all products on this page, but Hada Labo focuses heavily on hyaluronic acid while COSRX uses a wider variety of key ingredients like snail mucin and niacinamide.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
COSRX or Hada Labo for dry skin?
For dry skin, Hada Labo has a Superior Lovi routine fit while COSRX has a High Lovi routine fit. Hada Labo excels particularly in deep hydration and plumpness for dry skin.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Drug Delivery, 2017
COSRX or Hada Labo: which moisturizer is better?
Hada Labo provides a Superior routine fit for dry skin, whereas COSRX offers a High routine fit for dry skin. Hyaluronic acid helps retain skin moisture, supporting hydration and wound healing.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
Which is more affordable, COSRX or Hada Labo?
Hada Labo is more affordable, as it offers better value for money according to reviewer feedback on this page.
COSRX or Hada Labo: which brand has better options for deep hydration and plumping?
Hada Labo does better than COSRX for deep hydration and plumping. Topical hyaluronic acid helps improve skin hydration and quality.
Which brand is better for improving skin texture and giving a glow, COSRX or Hada Labo?
COSRX is better for improving skin texture and giving a glow. Reviewers on this page indicate that COSRX does better than Hada Labo for skin texture and glow, and the products on this page help provide these benefits.
COSRX or Hada Labo: which products are fragrance-free?
All products on this page for Hada Labo are fragrance-free. For COSRX, 37 of the 38 products on this page list no fragrance, with only the Vitamin E Vitalizing Sunscreen SPF 50+ containing fragrance.
COSRX or Hada Labo for oily skin?
For oily skin, Hada Labo has a Superior Lovi fit level while COSRX has a High Lovi fit level. Hada Labo does better for deep hydration and plumping, whereas COSRX does better for lightweight and fast-absorbing products.
COSRX or Hada Labo for acne-prone skin?
Both COSRX and Hada Labo fit acne-prone skin well, with Lovi fit levels of Superior. COSRX features a wider range of products tailored for acne and blemish control.
Research behind their key ingredients
Bifidobacterium longum lysate, a new ingredient for reactive skin
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
Preparation and characterization of a lecithin nanoemulsion as a topical delivery system
Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation by topical N-acetyl glucosamine
Phyllanthus emblica L. (amla) branch: A safe and effective ingredient against skin aging
The influence of alkane chain length on the skin irritation potential of 1,2-alkanediols
In vivo and in vitro evaluation of octyl methoxycinnamate liposomes
Nanostructured Lipid Carrier for Topical Application of N-Acetyl Glucosamine
The anti-wrinkles properties of sodium acetylated hyaluronate
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Safety of a preservative system containing 1,2-hexanediol and caprylyl glycol
Moisturizing Effects of Diglycerol Combined with Glycerol on Human Stratum Corneum
Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Skin moisturization by hydrogenated polyisobutene--quantitative and visual evaluation
Effects of an ultraviolet B radiation absorber on photocarcinogenesis in hairless albino mice
Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens
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
-

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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