# Hada Labo vs darrow

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/hada-labo-vs-darrow

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for the United Kingdom.

Hada Labo and darrow are two beloved skincare lines offering thoughtfully formulated products for daily routines. The Japanese brand Hada Labo is known for hydrating toners, gentle makeup removers, and nourishing moisturizers featuring ingredients that suit dry and acne-prone skin. Meanwhile, the dermatological brand darrow is recognized for its gentle cleansers and rigorously tested formulas that work best for sensitive, oily, and acne-prone skin. While both restore natural balance and support a healthy skin barrier, they differ in their specific product types and targeted formulations.

Hada Labo is a Japanese skincare brand founded in 2004 and owned by Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd..

[en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hada_Labo) [hadalabosa.co.za](https://hadalabosa.co.za/about-hada-labo/) [hadalabotokyo.pl](https://www.hadalabotokyo.pl/en/the-world-of-hada-labo/brand-history/)

This page compares some of the most popular Hada Labo and darrow products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, [use the Lovi app](https://app.pora.ai/vqqJ/j1xj2b6o?af_sub2=compare&af_sub3=selection_note&af_sub4=pg74a06b0841).

### Popular Hada Labo vs darrow products

#### Hada Labo

- [Gokujyun Lotion](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/hada-labo/gokujyun-lotion/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — [£17.58 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B074GY15HN?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Gokujun Premium](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/hada-labo/gokujun-premium/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit
- [Shirojyun Premium Whitening Lotion](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/hada-labo/shirojyun-premium-whitening-lotion/for/dry-skin) — High fit — [£14.98 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08WSCPL38?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Gokujyun Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/hada-labo/gokujyun-cleansing-oil/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit
- [Gokujyun Perfect Gel](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/hada-labo/gokujyun-perfect-gel/for/dry-skin) — High fit
- [Premium Whitening Lotion (Light)](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/hada-labo/premium-whitening-lotion-light/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — High fit — [£20.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08WSHPTWZ?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

#### darrow

- [Actine](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/darrow/actine/for/combination-skin) — Average fit

## Questions and answers

### Hada Labo or darrow: which is better?

Hada Labo is a better choice than darrow for most skin types, as the products on this page achieve Superior and High Lovi fit levels for dry and sensitive skin while darrow reaches only Average to Caution. Topical [hyaluronic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/hyaluronic-acid) helps improve skin hydration and moisture.

[Dermatologic Therapy, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36200921/)

### What is the difference between Hada Labo and darrow?

Hada Labo is a superior fit for dry skin with its deeply hydrating hyaluronic acid toners, whereas darrow offers only an average or caution fit for dry skin with its Actine cleanser. Hyaluronic acid helps improve skin hydration and moisture retention.

[Dermatologic Therapy, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36200921/)

### Which is more affordable, Hada Labo or darrow?

This information is not available on the comparison page.

### Which causes fewer breakouts, Hada Labo or darrow?

Hada Labo is unlikely to cause breakouts for most users, while darrow's Actine cleanser is noted on this page as having a Low fit level for acne-prone skin.

### Which brand was founded earlier, Hada Labo or darrow, and who owns them?

Darrow was founded earlier in 1969 and is owned by Pierre Fabre, while Hada Labo was founded in 2004 and is owned by Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd..

### Do Hada Labo and darrow products contain any fragrance?

Both Hada Labo and darrow products on this page list no fragrance in their ingredients.

### How do the fit levels for dry skin compare between Hada Labo's Gokujyun Lotion and darrow's Actine cleanser?

Hada Labo's Gokujyun Lotion achieves a Superior fit level for dry skin, whereas darrow's Actine cleanser only reaches a Caution fit level for dry skin. This difference highlights Hada Labo as a much more suitable option for adding moisture to dry skin.

[Dermatologic Therapy, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36200921/)

## Research behind their key ingredients

- [The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/) Niacinamide · The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002
- [Benefits of topical hyaluronic acid for skin quality and signs of skin aging: From literature review to clinical evidence](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36200921/) Sodium hyaluronate · Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
- [Topical use of dexpanthenol in skin disorders](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12113650/) Panthenol vitamin b5 · American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002
- [Alteration of barrier properties, stratum corneum ceramides and microbiome composition in response to lotion application on cosmetic dry skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35340018/) Ceramide · Scientific Reports, 2022
- [Preparation and characterization of a lecithin nanoemulsion as a topical delivery system](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20652152/) Hydroxylated lecithin · Nanoscale Research Letters, 2009
- [The 24-hour skin hydration and barrier function effects of a hyaluronic 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract moisturizing fluid: an intra-subject, randomized, assessor-blinded study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/) Glycerin · Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
- [Randomized controlled study for the anti-aging effect of human adipocyte-derived mesenchymal stem cell media combined with niacinamide after laser therapy](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33103316/) Niacinamide · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021
- [Senomorphic activity of a combination of niacinamide and hyaluronic acid: correlation with clinical improvement of skin aging](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39009698/) Niacinamide · Scientific Reports, 2024
- [A new topical panthenol-containing emollient: Results from two randomized controlled studies assessing its skin moisturization and barrier restoration potential, and the effect on skin microflora](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27425824/) Panthenol vitamin b5 · The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017
- [Efficacy of a topical serum containing L-ascorbic acid, neohesperidin, pycnogenol, tocopherol, and hyaluronic acid in relation to skin aging signs](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35150043/) Vitamin e · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022
- [Encapsulation of alpha arbutin, a depigmenting agent, in nanosized ethosomes: Invitro and invivo human studies](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37681127/) Alpha-arbutin · Heliyon, 2023
- [Botulinum toxin injection as a single or combined treatment with non-cross-linked high molecular weight and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid gel for neck rejuvenation: A randomized clinical trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35775872/) Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid · Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
- [Effects of 1,3-propanediol associated, or not, with butylene glycol and/or glycerol on skin hydration and skin barrier function](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37699769/) Propanediol · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2024
- [Efficacy of cosmetic formulations containing dispersion of liposome with magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, alpha-lipoic acid and kinetin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22236139/) Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate · Photochemistry and Photobiology, 2012
- [Topical application of jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis L.) wax enhances the synthesis of pro-collagen III and hyaluronic acid and reduces inflammation in the ex-vivo human skin organ culture model](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38344180/) Jojoba seed oil · Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2024
- [The anti-wrinkles properties of sodium acetylated hyaluronate](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34708918/) Sodium acetylhyaluronate · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022
- [Efficacy and Tolerability of Stable Hybrid Cooperative Complexes of High- and Low-Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid in Asian Patients: An Open-Label Study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40921777/) Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid · Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 2026
- [Moisturizing Effects of Diglycerol Combined with Glycerol on Human Stratum Corneum](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27430380/) Diglycerin · Journal of Oleo Science, 2016
- [Tocopherol succinate-loaded ethosomal gel synthesized by cold method technique: Deeper biophysical characterizations for translational application on human skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38268219/) Vitamin e · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024
- [Comparative Study on Epidermal Moisturizing Effects and Hydration Mechanisms of Rice-Derived Glucosylceramides and Ceramides](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36613524/) Glucosyl ceramide · International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2022
- [Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of a Panthenol-Enriched Mask for Skin Barrier Recovery After Facial Laser Treatment: Results of a Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40613435/) Panthenol vitamin b5 · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025
- [Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36279763/) Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid · Colloids and Surfaces. B, Biointerfaces, 2022
- [Thermostable hyaluronic acid-based dissolving microneedles with high-loading capacity: design, optimization, and transdermal delivery of anti-aging ingredients](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41628877/) 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid · International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2026
- [Evaulation of irritation potential of surfactant mixtures](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18503452/) Sodium laureth sulfate · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 1999
- [Combined Effect of Silybin and Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate on UV-Induced Photoaging](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42728863/) Sodium acetylhyaluronate · Skin Research and Technology, 2026
- [Impact of dermal emulsions containing diacyl phospholipids, mono acyl phospholipids, sodium lauryl ether sulfate and polysorbate 80 in combination with UVA irradiation on human skin physiology in vivo: A pilot study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42617898/) Sodium laureth sulfate · International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2026

## The brands

- Japanese skincare: [Hada Labo](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/brands/hada-labo)
- Skincare: [darrow](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/brands/darrow)

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## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi compares products by their fit scores, calculated from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its 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. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this comparison: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/hada-labo-vs-darrow
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/hada-labo-vs-darrow (this page)
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/compare/hada-labo-vs-darrow
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- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/hada-labo-vs-darrow
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