The INKEY List vs Hada Labo
The INKEY List and Hada Labo are two distinct skincare brands offering targeted solutions for diverse complexions. The British line relies on glycerin to create moisturizers, serums, toners, and eye products that suit combination and sensitive skin best, while the Japanese maker is beloved for nurturing toners, gentle makeup removers, and deeply nourishing moisturizers crafted from advanced formulas that favor dry and dry sensitive skin. Both brands differ in their geographical origins and core formulations, yet they each feature standout products tailored for acne-prone skin, dark spots, and mature skin.
The INKEY List is a British skincare brand founded in 2018 and owned by Brand Evangelists for Beauty Limited.
cosmeticsbusiness.comprnewswire.comtheinkeylist.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 The INKEY List and Hada Labo products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular The INKEY List vs Hada Labo products
People Say
Hydration and Moisture 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”
- “Super hydrating — The INKEY List Polyglutamic Acid Serum”
Affordability and Value Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
- “Good for the price — The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Cleanser”
- “One of the best balms for quality and also price — The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm”
- “unbeatable value — The INKEY List Hyaluronic Acid Serum”
- “bottle lasts forever — Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion”
Lightweight and Fast-Absorbing Texture Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “sits beautifully under makeup — The INKEY List Caffeine Eye Cream”
- “Gel consistency — The INKEY List Tranexamic Acid Serum”
- “feels like applying straight up water to the skin — The INKEY List Omega Water Cream”
- “absorbs super quickly — Hada Labo Premium Whitening Lotion (Light)”
Gentle and Non-Irritating Formula Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “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”
- “Safe and gentle especially for my dry, sensitive skin — The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm”
Acne and Blemish Control Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “Free of active acne — The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Cleanser”
- “calms redness instantly — The INKEY List 10% Azelaic Acid Serum”
- “Skin instantly looks less oily — The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Cleanser”
- “calms my redness — Hada Labo Premium Whitening Lotion (Light)”
Sticky or Tacky Finish Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Feels tacky on skin — The INKEY List PHA Toner”
- “Leaves a tackiness that never goes away. — The INKEY List Niacinamide Serum”
- “feeling sticky — The INKEY List Caffeine Eye Cream”
- “Tacky residue — Hada Labo Gokujun Premium”
Causes Breakouts and Clogging Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “did cause major breakouts — The INKEY List Omega Water Cream”
- “New formula breaks me out — The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Cleanser”
- “Caused cystic acne — The INKEY List PHA Toner”
- “gave me tiny bumps — Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion”
Packaging and Quality Issues Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “Prefer old version — Hada Labo Gokujun Premium”
- “Tube leaks liquified oil when opened — The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm”
The INKEY List 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
-
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
Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 63.82
- Moisturizer Collagen Peptide Serum Morning · Evening · Once a week
-
SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
SAR 75.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Oat Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
SAR 129.00
-
Cleansing Toner
PHA Toner
Evening
SAR 232.00
-
Serum or Treatment
10% Azelaic Acid Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 149.00
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
SAR 130.30
-
Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
SAR 234.73
Buy Hada Labo routine · SAR 1,594.67 · 96% fit
Buy The INKEY List routine · SAR 1,013.85 · 80% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
The INKEY List 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
Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 63.82
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 53.04
-
Moisturizer
Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 107.76
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
SAR 46.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Oat Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
SAR 129.00
-
Cleansing Toner
PHA Toner
Evening
SAR 232.00
-
Serum or Treatment
10% Azelaic Acid Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 149.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
Goldfaden MD Facial Detox Mask
Once a week
SAR 328.29
Buy Hada Labo routine · SAR 1,522.78 · 92% fit
Buy The INKEY List routine · SAR 1,267.37 · 87% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
The INKEY List 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
Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 63.82
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 166.90
-
Moisturizer
Polyglutamic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 86.24
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
SAR 46.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Oat Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
SAR 129.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Glycolic Acid Toner
Evening
SAR 88.54
-
Serum or Treatment
10% Azelaic Acid Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 149.00
-
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
Buy Hada Labo routine · SAR 1,395.73 · 92% fit
Buy The INKEY List routine · SAR 1,056.73 · 90% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
The INKEY List or Hada Labo: which is better?
Hada Labo is better for hydration and moisture, while The INKEY List is better for affordability and value. Reviewers note that Hada Labo provides deep hydration and moisturization, whereas The INKEY List offers affordable moisturizers and serums.
What is the difference between The INKEY List and Hada Labo?
The INKEY List stands out for affordability and lightweight, fast-absorbing textures, whereas Hada Labo tends to do better for deep hydration and gentle, non-irritating formulas. Reviewers note that Hada Labo achieves a Superior routine fit for dry, sensitive, acne-prone, and mature skin types.
The INKEY List or Hada Labo for dry skin?
For dry skin, Hada Labo reaches a Superior routine fit level while The INKEY List reaches a High routine fit level. Hada Labo does better for hydration and moisture, and reviewers mostly mention its deep hydration and moisturization.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
The INKEY List or Hada Labo: which moisturizer is better?
When it comes to moisturizers, The INKEY List and Hada Labo both offer hydrating options, but Hada Labo provides deeper hydration while The INKEY List tends to be more affordable and lightweight.
Which is more affordable, The INKEY List or Hada Labo?
The INKEY List does better for affordability and value, offering budget-friendly moisturizers and serums across the products on this page.
Which brand has a better routine fit for mature skin, The INKEY List or Hada Labo?
Hada Labo has a superior routine fit for mature skin, whereas The INKEY List has a high routine fit.
Which brand performs better for hydration and moisture according to reviewers?
Hada Labo performs better for hydration and moisture according to reviewers.
Which brand is better suited for addressing skin with dark spots?
Hada Labo is better suited for dark spots because Lovi rates its routine fit as Superior, compared to High for The INKEY List.
The INKEY List or Hada Labo for oily skin?
For oily skin, Hada Labo achieves a Superior routine fit, whereas The INKEY List achieves a High routine fit. Hada Labo is often noted for deep hydration, while The INKEY List is frequently mentioned for lightweight and fast-absorbing textures.
The INKEY List or Hada Labo for sensitive skin?
Both The INKEY List and Hada Labo achieve a Superior routine fit for sensitive skin. Reviewers note that Hada Labo provides gentle and fragrance-free formulations, while every product on the Lovi pages for both brands lists no fragrance in its ingredients.
The INKEY List or Hada Labo for acne-prone skin?
Hada Labo is a Superior fit for acne-prone skin, whereas The INKEY List is a High fit for acne-prone skin.
Research behind their key ingredients
The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
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 moisturizing effects of glycolipid biosurfactants, mannosylerythritol lipids, on human skin
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
Chemical peels for acne vulgaris: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials
The anti-wrinkles properties of sodium acetylated hyaluronate
Topical Almond Oil for Prevention of Pressure Injuries: A Single-Blinded Comparison Study
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Moisturizing Effects of Diglycerol Combined with Glycerol on Human Stratum Corneum
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Darutoside promotes skin wound healing via regulating macrophage polarization
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
Targeting Circadian Rhythm for the Regulation of Skin Collagen Metabolism
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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