Medicube vs Hada Labo
Medicube and Hada Labo are celebrated Asian skincare lines originating from South Korea and Japan, respectively. The Korean brand is known for moisturizers, serums, toners, and masks featuring niacinamide, collagen, and hyaluronic acid, while the Japanese brand is beloved for nurturing toners, gentle makeup removers, and deeply nourishing moisturizers crafted from advanced formulas. Medicube suits oily acne-prone skin and oily skin best by balancing excess sebum and hydration, whereas Hada Labo suits dry skin and dry sensitive skin best due to its moisture-binding properties. Ultimately, they differ through their distinct formulations and primary active ingredients tailored to address separate complexion needs.
Medicube is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2016 and owned by APR Corp..
medicubereviews.co.ukglossy.co
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 Medicube and Hada Labo products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Medicube vs Hada Labo products
People Say
Hydration and Moisture Mostly 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”
- “skin feels bouncier and hydrated — Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum”
Convenient and Versatile Application Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “absorbs super quickly — Hada Labo Premium Whitening Lotion (Light)”
- “absorbs super quickly — Hada Labo Shirojyun Premium Whitening Lotion”
- “emulsifies beautifully — Hada Labo Gokujyun Cleansing Oil”
- “tweezers included are hygienic — Medicube Zero Pore Pad”
Soothing and Gentle Formulation Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “never stings my sensitive skin — Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion”
- “No fragrance/alcohol — Hada Labo Gokujun Premium”
- “calms my redness — Hada Labo Premium Whitening Lotion (Light)”
- “refreshing sensation — Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Mask”
Smooth and Plump Skin Texture Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
- “gives my skin a smooth, glass-like finish — Medicube Zero Pore Pad”
- “gave me instant glass skin — Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream”
- “woke up with glowing skin — Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask”
- “Makes my skin plump and hydrating. — Hada Labo Gokujyun Perfect Gel”
Brightening and Fading Spots Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “faded considerably — Hada Labo Shirojyun Premium Whitening Lotion”
- “faded my PIH considerably — Hada Labo Premium Whitening Lotion (Light)”
- “Dark spots go away faster — Medicube Deep Vita C Pad”
Pores and Acne Control Often MentionedNot noted
- “Pores drastically reduced — Medicube Zero Foam Cleanser”
- “Mochi-like foam — Medicube Zero Foam Cleanser”
- “Removes every trace of oil — Medicube Red Foam Cleanser”
Sticky and Heavy Residue Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “hair sticks to my face — Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream”
- “feels way too sticky and tacky — Medicube DEEP VITA-C CAPSULE CREAM”
- “Tacky residue — Hada Labo Gokujun Premium”
- “Texture Sticky, sticky, sticky! If you have sensory issues, beware. — Hada Labo Gokujyun Perfect Gel”
Breakouts and Skin Irritation Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “caused redness and sensitivity — Medicube Zero Pore Pad”
- “woke up with whiteheads — Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask”
- “gave me tiny bumps — Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion”
- “Closed comedones — Hada Labo Gokujun Premium”
Other Performance Complaints Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “didn't notice any pore improvements — Medicube Zero Pore Pad”
- “Greasy in humidity — Hada Labo Gokujun Premium”
Medicube vs Hada Labo routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 297.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Gokujyun Lotion
Morning
SAR 120.00
-
Moisturizer
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 48.00
-
SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
SAR 75.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Gokujyun Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 395.00
-
Cleansing Toner
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water
Evening
SAR 72.64
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Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 222.00
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
SAR 130.30
-
Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
SAR 234.73
-
Cleanser
Zero Foam Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 40.90
-
Hydrating Toner
Triple Collagen Toner
Morning
SAR 50.00
-
Moisturizer
AGE-R Booster Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 117.99
-
SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
SAR 75.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
SAR 65.11
-
Cleansing Toner
Zero Pore Pad
Evening
SAR 64.80
-
Serum or Treatment
One Day Exosome Shot 2000
Evening · Once a week
SAR 34.00
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
SAR 130.30
-
Nourishing Mask
Deep Peptide Radiance Mask
Once a week
SAR 120.88
Buy Hada Labo routine · SAR 1,594.67 · 96% fit
Buy Medicube routine · SAR 698.98 · 86% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Medicube vs Hada Labo routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 36.33
-
Hydrating Toner
Shirojyun Premium Whitening Lotion
Morning · Once a week
SAR 110.00
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 39.70
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
SAR 46.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Gokujyun Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 395.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
SAR 187.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 222.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
Goldfaden MD Facial Detox Mask
Once a week
SAR 328.29
-
Cleanser
Red Foam Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 35.61
-
Hydrating Toner
Triple Collagen Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 50.00
-
Moisturizer
AGE-R Booster Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 117.99
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
SAR 46.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 245.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Zero Pore Pad
Evening
SAR 64.80
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
Zero Pore Blackhead Mud Mask
Once a week
SAR 87.59
Buy Hada Labo routine · SAR 1,522.78 · 92% fit
Buy Medicube routine · SAR 806.40 · 88% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Medicube vs Hada Labo routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 191.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Premium Whitening Lotion (Light)
Morning · Once a week
SAR 110.00
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 39.70
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
SAR 46.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Gokujyun Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 395.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
SAR 64.80
-
Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 222.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
SAR 168.77
-
Cleanser
Red Foam Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 35.61
-
Hydrating Toner
Triple Collagen Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 50.00
-
Moisturizer
AGE-R Booster Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 117.99
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
SAR 46.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 245.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Zero Pore Pad
Evening
SAR 64.80
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
Zero Pore Blackhead Mud Mask
Once a week
SAR 87.59
Buy Hada Labo routine · SAR 1,395.73 · 92% fit
Buy Medicube routine · SAR 806.40 · 88% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
Medicube or Hada Labo: which is better?
Medicube and Hada Labo both offer high-performing routines, with Hada Labo focusing on gentle, hydrating Japanese formulations and Medicube specializing in Korean pore and acne control. Reviewers note that Hada Labo excels in deep hydration and soothing sensitive skin, while Medicube delivers smoother textures and helps control pores.
What is the difference between Medicube and Hada Labo?
Medicube helps best with pores and acne control while providing a smooth and plump skin texture, whereas Hada Labo does better with deep hydration and moisturization, soothing and gentle formulations, and brightening and fading spots. The products on this page from Hada Labo list no fragrance, while two Medicube products contain fragrance. Furthermore, Hada Labo is owned by Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and was founded in Japan in 2004, while Medicube is owned by APR Corp. and was founded in South Korea in 2016.
Medicube or Hada Labo for dry skin?
For dry skin, Hada Labo is a Superior fit and Medicube has a High routine fit on the products on this page. Hada Labo is known for deep hydration and moisturization with fragrance-free hyaluronic acid formulas, while Medicube provides deep hydration moisturizers backed by ingredients like sodium hyaluronate that may help improve skin quality and signs of aging.
Medicube or Hada Labo: which moisturizer is better?
Both Medicube and Hada Labo offer effective moisturizers, with Hada Labo leaning toward deep hydration and gentle formulations while Medicube focuses on smoothing skin texture and pores. Lovi rates the routine fit for dry skin as High for Medicube and Superior for Hada Labo.
Dermatology Practical & Conceptual, 2022Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
Which is more affordable, Medicube or Hada Labo?
Hada Labo is more affordable, as reviewers on the products on this page frequently mention value and versatility for the brand, whereas Medicube faces small quantity and pricing issues.
Medicube or Hada Labo: which brand is better for brightening and fading dark spots?
Hada Labo does better for brightening and fading dark spots according to the review themes on this page. Niacinamide helps control skin aging and pigmentation.
Medicube or Hada Labo: which brand performs better for pores and acne control?
Medicube performs better for pores and acne control, as the products on this page focus on acne-prone and oily skin with key ingredients like salicylic acid and niacinamide.
Medicube or Hada Labo: which brand offers more fragrance-free product options?
Medicube offers more fragrance-free product options on this page, as 23 of its 25 products list no fragrance compared to all 6 products from Hada Labo.
Medicube or Hada Labo for oily skin?
Both Medicube and Hada Labo achieve a Superior routine fit for oily skin, though they use different approaches. Medicube relies on salicylic acid and niacinamide to help control pores and acne, while Hada Labo focuses on fragrance-free hyaluronic acid formulations for deep hydration.
The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
Medicube or Hada Labo for sensitive skin?
Both Medicube and Hada Labo achieve a Lovi fit level of High for sensitive skin. Medicube features multi-ingredient formulations like niacinamide to help control skin aging and pigmentation, while Hada Labo focuses on fragrance-free hyaluronic acid solutions to support skin hydration.
Medicube or Hada Labo for acne-prone skin?
Medicube is better suited for acne-prone skin on this page, as review themes show it does better for pores and acne control. Lovi rates the routine fit for acne-prone skin as High for both brands.
Research behind their key ingredients
Topical palmitoyl pentapeptide provides improvement in photoaged human facial skin
Apigenin inhibits UVA-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and prevents signs of skin aging in vivo
Effect of Camellia japonica oil on human type I procollagen production and skin barrier function
Preparation and characterization of a lecithin nanoemulsion as a topical delivery system
Protective effects of Camellia japonica flower extract against urban air pollutants
Microneedling by dermapen and glycolic acid peel for the treatment of acne scars: Comparative study
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
The synergistic effect of retinyl propionate and hydroxypinacolone retinoate on skin aging
Supramolecular collagen nanoparticles for anti-wrinkle, skin whitening, and moisturizing effects
The anti-wrinkles properties of sodium acetylated hyaluronate
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Moisturizing Effects of Diglycerol Combined with Glycerol on Human Stratum Corneum
Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate
Composition characterization and clinical efficacy study of a salmon egg extract
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Anti-Aging Efficacy of Low-Molecular-Weight Polydeoxyribonucleotide Derived from Paeonia lactiflora
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
-

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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