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Medik8 vs Hada Labo

Rated by Lovi · Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes · How the Fit score works

Medik8 and Hada Labo are distinct skincare brands founded respectively in 2009 and 2004, offering serums, moisturizers, eye products, toners, hydrating toners, gentle makeup removers, and nourishing moisturizers built around hyaluronic acid and advanced formulas. The British brand fits dry skin and dry sensitive skin best, with its surface radiance cleanse rated highest for acne-prone skin, oxy-r peptides for skin with dark spots, and total moisture daily facial cream for mature skin. Conversely, the Japanese brand suits dry skin and acne-prone skin best, featuring the gokujyun lotion for acne-prone skin, the shirojyun premium whitening lotion for skin with dark spots, and the gokujun premium for mature skin. Both brands differ primarily in their formulation approaches, as the former utilizes hyaluronic acid to lengthen toxin wrinkle effect duration while the latter relies on expertly crafted solutions to restore moisture and soothe irritation without clogging pores.

Medik8 is a British skincare brand founded in 2009 and owned by L'Oréal Groupe since 2025.

loreal.commedik8.comtracxn.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 Medik8 and Hada Labo products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.

Popular Medik8 vs Hada Labo products

People Say

Medik8Hada Labo
  • Gentle and non-irritating formula Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “zero irritation or peeling — Medik8 CRYSTAL RETINAL 3”
    • “only Vitamin C my sensitive skin can tolerate — Medik8 C-Tetra Serum”
    • “leaves skin soft and hydrated — Hada Labo Gokujyun Cleansing Oil”
    • “never stings my sensitive skin — Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion”
  • Deep hydration Often MentionedMostly 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”
    • “Restores moisture — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
  • Lightweight and elegant texture Often MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “absorbed effortlessly — Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream”
    • “Absorbs fast — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
    • “absorbs super quickly — Hada Labo Premium Whitening Lotion (Light)”
    • “Thick serum-like — Hada Labo Gokujun Premium”
  • Brightening and glow Often MentionedNot noted
    • “I wake up glowing. It adds back that youthful bloom that I've lost. — Medik8 Sleep Glycolic”
    • “unlocked a serious glow — Medik8 C-Tetra Serum”
    • “immediate glow — Medik8 Super C Ferulic”
  • Plumping and smoothing effect Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
    • “My skin was smoother, my skin texture felt more resurfaced. — Medik8 Sleep Glycolic”
    • “Reduces fine lines — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
    • “smoother skin texture — Medik8 Super C Ferulic”
    • “Makes my skin plump and hydrating. — Hada Labo Gokujyun Perfect Gel”
  • Fades dark spots Rarely NotedSometimes Noted
    • “faded considerably — Hada Labo Shirojyun Premium Whitening Lotion”
    • “faded my PIH considerably — Hada Labo Premium Whitening Lotion (Light)”
    • “pigmentation lightened slightly — Medik8 Oxy-R Peptides”
  • Sticky or tacky finish Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
    • “Can feel sticky if over-applied — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
    • “Tacky residue — Hada Labo Gokujun Premium”
  • High price point Often MentionedNot noted
    • “Expensive per bottle — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
  • Slow or patience-requiring results Rarely NotedSometimes Noted
    • “Not as effective as retinol — Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides”
    • “no difference yet — Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye 3”
    • “Subtle initial changes — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
    • “takes months to see results — Hada Labo Shirojyun Premium Whitening Lotion”

Medik8 vs Hada Labo routines for dry skin

See multi-brand routine · 98% fit

Medik8 vs Hada Labo routines for oily skin

See multi-brand routine · 95% fit

Medik8 vs Hada Labo routines for combination skin

See multi-brand routine · 94% fit

Questions and answers

Medik8 or Hada Labo: which is better?

Both brands offer exceptional options, but Hada Labo tends to provide better deep hydration and value, while Medik8 excels in brightening and plumping effects. Lovi shows that routine fit is equal for dry and combination skin, whereas Hada Labo achieves a Superior fit for oily, acne-prone, and mature skin.

Drug Delivery, 2017Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

What is the difference between Medik8 and Hada Labo?

Medik8 and Hada Labo both feature hyaluronic acid across their product ranges, but Medik8 originates from the UK with a focus on advanced anti-aging serums, whereas Hada Labo comes from Japan and is widely known for its hydrating toners and deep moisture benefits. Reviewers note that Hada Labo provides deeper hydration and better value, while Medik8 excels in brightening, plumping, and smoothing effects.

Drug Delivery, 2017Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Medik8 or Hada Labo for dry skin?

Both Medik8 and Hada Labo are great options for dry skin, as the products on this page achieve a Superior routine fit level for this skin type. Both brands help deliver deep hydration with key ingredients like hyaluronic acid.

Drug Delivery, 2017Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Medik8 or Hada Labo: which moisturizer is better?

Both Medik8 and Hada Labo offer effective moisturizers on this page, with Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream and Gokujyun Perfect Gel serving different skin needs. Reviewers note that Hada Labo delivers deep hydration and moisturization at a better price point, while Medik8 features a luxurious texture with options like Hyaluronic acid to help improve skin quality.

Drug Delivery, 2017Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Which is more affordable, Medik8 or Hada Labo?

Hada Labo is more affordable, whereas reviewers often mention Medik8 has a high price point.

Medik8 or Hada Labo for fading dark spots?

Hada Labo does better than Medik8 for fading dark spots according to the review themes on this page. Lovi rates Hada Labo at a High fit level for skin with dark spots, and the products on this page help provide deep hydration and targeted brightening.

Which brand is better for mature skin, Medik8 or Hada Labo?

Hada Labo is better for mature skin, achieving a Superior routine fit compared to Medik8's High fit level. Both brands feature hyaluronic acid, which helps provide anti-aging and moisturizing benefits.

Drug Delivery, 2017Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Medik8 or Hada Labo for oily skin?

For oily skin, Hada Labo is a better choice as Lovi rates its routine fit as Superior, whereas Medik8 achieves a High fit level on this page. Both brands feature hyaluronic acid across their products to help deliver deep hydration without adding heavy oils.

Drug Delivery, 2017Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Medik8 or Hada Labo for acne-prone skin?

Hada Labo is the better choice for acne-prone skin, offering a Superior routine fit compared to Medik8's High level. Reviewers often mention Hada Labo for gentle, fragrance-free formulations that provide deep hydration and moisturization.

Medik8 or Hada Labo for combination skin?

Both Medik8 and Hada Labo provide a Superior routine fit level for combination skin. The products on this page help deliver deep hydration with key ingredients like hyaluronic acid.

Drug Delivery, 2017Dermatologic 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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