Hada Labo vs SK-II
Hada Labo and SK-II are Japanese skincare brands known respectively for hydrating toners, gentle makeup removers, and nourishing moisturizers, and for thoughtfully formulated moisturizers, nourishing serums, rejuvenating masks, and refreshing toners. Both brands suit dry skin and acne-prone skin best, as their solutions restore moisture and soothe irritation or gently nurture delicate complexions. They differ primarily in their ingredients, with the former driven by advanced science and the latter anchored by its signature ingredient, pitera.
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
-
Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€21.95
-
Hydrating Toner
Gokujyun Lotion
Morning
€15.26
-
Moisturizer
Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Lift and Firm Night Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€48.84
-
SPF
Purito Daily Soft Touch Sunscreen
Morning
€20.01
-
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
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€21.95
-
Hydrating Toner
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Morning
€16.89
-
Moisturizer
Facial Treatment Essence
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€116.00
-
SPF
Purito Daily Soft Touch Sunscreen
Morning
€20.01
-
Pre-Cleanser
Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€88.50
-
Cleansing Toner
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water
Evening · Once a week
€13.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Genoptics Ultraura Essence
Evening · Once a week
€268.00
-
Nourishing Mask
Facial Treatment Mask
Once a week
€159.00
Hada Labo vs SK-II routines for oily skin
-
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
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€21.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
€19.90
-
Moisturizer
Facial Treatment Essence
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€116.00
-
SPF
make p:rem UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Cream
Morning
€33.70
-
Pre-Cleanser
Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€88.50
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
€18.05
-
Serum or Treatment
Genoptics Ultraura Essence
Evening · Once a week
€268.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€72.82
-
Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
€15.72
Hada Labo vs SK-II routines for combination skin
-
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
Dr. Althea Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€16.50
-
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
€116.00
-
SPF
make p:rem UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Cream
Morning
€33.70
-
Pre-Cleanser
Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€88.50
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening · Once a week
€16.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Genoptics Ultraura Essence
Evening · Once a week
€268.00
-
Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
€15.72
Questions and answers
Hada Labo or SK-II: which is better?
Both Hada Labo and SK-II are great choices, as Lovi rates them both at a Superior fit level for dry skin and acne-prone skin. Hada Labo features hyaluronic acid to help provide deep hydration, while SK-II uses Pitera across the products on this page.
What is the difference between Hada Labo and SK-II?
Hada Labo and SK-II both feature a routine fit that is Superior for dry and acne-prone skin, while Hada Labo provides a Superior fit for oily, combination, mature, and dark spot-prone skin compared to SK-II's High fit for those types. Reviewers mention that Hada Labo excels in deep hydration and gentle formulations, whereas SK-II offers better lightweight textures, radiance, and brightening benefits.
Hada Labo or SK-II for dry skin?
Both Hada Labo and SK-II offer a Superior routine fit for dry skin with the products on this page. Hada Labo features deep hydration from hyaluronic acid, whereas SK-II relies on Pitera.
Hada Labo or SK-II: which moisturizer is better?
When it comes to moisturizers on this page, both Hada Labo and SK-II achieve a High fit level for dry skin. Reviewers note that Hada Labo tends to provide deeper hydration and moisture, while SK-II offers a lighter and faster-absorbing texture.
Which is more affordable, Hada Labo or SK-II?
Hada Labo is more affordable than SK-II, although reviewers on this page note high price and cost concerns for Hada Labo as well.
How do Hada Labo and SK-II compare in terms of fragrance across their products?
Both Hada Labo and SK-II offer products on this page that list no fragrance in their ingredients.
Which brand performs better for brightening and fading dark spots, Hada Labo or SK-II?
For brightening and fading dark spots, SK-II performs better according to the review themes on this page. Hyaluronic acid is the key ingredient across the products on this page for Hada Labo, while SK-II features Pitera.
What are the key active ingredients used across Hada Labo and SK-II products?
Hada Labo uses hyaluronic acid as a key ingredient across the products on this page, while SK-II features Pitera.
Hada Labo or SK-II for oily skin?
For oily skin, Hada Labo achieves a Superior routine fit level while SK-II reaches a High fit level on this page. Reviewers note that Hada Labo tends to provide deep hydration and moisture.
Hada Labo or SK-II for acne-prone skin?
Both Hada Labo and SK-II achieve a Superior routine fit for acne-prone skin according to Lovi. Hada Labo features key ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which helps provide deep hydration without adding heavy oils.
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.
-

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.














































