Brand Comparison
HABA vs Mediheal
A head-to-head comparison of two popular K-beauty brands. Which one is right for your skin?
Our Pick
Mediheal
Higher editor rating (9 vs 8.5)
HABA
HABA is the Japanese cult brand that quietly built squalane skincare as a global category. Founded in 1983 in Tokyo, the brand's philosophy is genuinely radical even by today's clean-beauty standards: preservative-free, additive-free, fragrance-free, and minimal-INCI formulations. The Squa Facial Lotion (100% pure pharmaceutical-grade squalane in a tiny iconic bottle) is the brand's flagship — one or two drops as a pre-toner step delivers the glow that a multi-step routine can't. Beyond squalane, the G Lotion preservative-free toner, the Squa Facial Moisturizer, and the White Lady brightening essence extend the platform.
Pros
- ✓ pioneered squalane skincare as a global category
- ✓ preservative-free, additive-free, fragrance-free philosophy
- ✓ pharmaceutical-grade squalane sourcing
- ✓ decades-long Japanese cult validation
Cons
- ✗ preservative-free formulations have shorter shelf life
- ✗ minimalist ingredient lists may feel under-formulated to active-led routine fans
- ✗ limited international distribution outside YesStyle/Stylevana
- ✗ small-bottle pricing makes per-ml cost higher
Mediheal
Mediheal is the top-selling skincare brand at Olive Young for two years running — beating more than 3,000 brands. Their sheet masks created the modern sheet mask category, and their Madecassoside Blemish Pad saw 820% year-over-year growth. If you only add one new sheet mask brand to your routine, make it this one.
Pros
- ✓ #1 selling brand at Olive Young
