Before 2009 ended, I decided to see what all the buzz was about Hada Labo and the buzz is really centered around the Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Moisturizing Lotion – one of the top sellers in Japan. While in Japan, I saw Hada Labo sold almost everywhere from convenience shops to pharmacies and I saw quite a few girls buying it too. Definitely a popular brand.
In Asian cosmetics, “Lotion” is a moisturizing toner used after cleansing but before moisturizer. It conforms to the concept of “double moisturizing” to help preserve and add moisture in your skin after cleansing.
Now what really sold me is watching the tv ad which I showed you before and which I will append again below because I think it is adorable! Will my skin really feel so bouncy and moisturized after using this lotion? My answer is yes.
I’ve been using the Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Moisturizing Lotion for about a month now, day and night. It takes a hell of a long time to get it fully absorbed though, so its not something to use if you’re in a hurry for work in the morning. You’ll know what I mean when you see how I use it below.
Here’s how I use the Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Moisturizing Lotion:-
- Pour 2 drops from the bottle. Don’t squeeze just let 2 drops fall into the palm of your hand. Any more and it’ll be too much for me.
- Rub my hands together and spread the lotion all over my face. It will feel watery and slippery at this point.
- Using the palms of my hands, lightly pat my skin starting with the cheeks, then forehead and chin and lastly cupping the nose. Repeat. You will feel the slippery lotion start to feel tacky and sticky.
- Keep patting….
- … and patting …
- … and patting…
- … and almost by magic, the lotion will stop feeling sticky and start feeling dry and smooth. My skin feels soft at this point and the lotion will be fully absorbed.
- Follow up with moisturizer.
The key ingredient is super hyaluronic acid which I’m told holds in more moisture than regular hyaluronic acid. To answer some questions asked previously, Hada Labo is a brand from Japan by the Rohto Mentholatum Group but the product itself is made in China. Because we’re talking a huge company like Rohto-Mentholatum, I’m not too fussed about where it is made because the world is now truly global. It could be made in Timbuktoo and I’d still buy it because its backed by a global brand and because it works. Come to think of it, I’d likely buy anything made in Timbuktoo just to say I have haha! 😀
After 1 month of daily patting I like how this inexpensive lotion feels on my skin. My skin feels nice and moisturized even without applying moisturizer (though I don’t recommend it) and I like how there is no scent. Almost as good as if I were using one of my more expensive lotions so I’d say this wallet-friendly lotion is a keeper for me. Helps keep the “toing toing” feeling going 😀 For those who are concerned, there is no mineral oil, parabens, colorants, fragrance or alcohol added.
The Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Lotion retails for RM40.90 for 170ml at Guardian pharmacies. I’m aware its a little rare on the ground so keep your eyes peeled and try a bigger Guardian pharmacy 🙂 You use so little one bottle can last you ages and ages. Coincidentally, Connie posted her review on this same product this week and hurray, she likes it too so I’m not alone on this! 😀
Pros: Inexpensive, Keeps skin feeling soft and smooth and moisturized
Cons: Takes a while to be absorbed
I’m now curious about their other products in the Hada Labo line. I’ll share if I try any of the others. My facial wash is on its last legs actually. Maybe I can try that one 😛 And here’s the video I promised you.
Have you tried this Super Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Lotion? How about other products from Hada Labo?
Paris B
do you know which particular guardian carries this? tried locating but couldn’t get ahold..
Hi Jolie
I’ve seen this at MidValley and KLCC and the one at Bangsar too. Its sometimes in a small standalone counter or on the shelves.
This is very tempting! Been sitting on the fence on whether to buy or not ever since Guardian started selling this, but I’ve jars of moisturiser unopened yet.
Hiya Adrianna
Well if you dont’ already have a toner, then this could fit right in since its not a moisturizer! 😉
Hi Paris,
You should try the cleanser too…fragrance free and great product of Hada Labo..
BTW, momus taiwan having similar lotion too..have a look at their product..worth to try and its cheap!!
momus.com.tw
I’ll do that once my present cleanser runs out. Haven’t heard of Momus before though.
Hi Paris, Thank you for this review! Would you say this is a good alternative to + H20’s face Oasis hydrating Treatment as this is more affordable? 🙂 r they somewhat similar?
Hi Intan, I’d say that this is a compliment to the H20+ Face Oasis, not an alternative. The lotion goes on before moisturizer and you do still need moisturizer 🙂
Hey!
Do you think this will work as well on combination skin? I have a kinda oily (not extreme) nose with some blackheads, although the rest of my face is pretty normal. While I’m so wanting to buy this lotion in hope that my plumped skin will conceal my pores, I’m also afraid that it’ll make my nose even more oily! What do you think? 🙂 Thanks for the great review!
I have combination skin and it works well for me. I don’t experience any oiliness because it does not add oil to the skin just help keep it moisturized. HTH!
i just bought mine for only rm34.90. The funny thing is despite the complain of the difficulty to locate this product in KL, they’re in every Guardian store in JB. just my luck perhaps?
although paris only use 2 drops, i have to use 3 drops. it’s good enough for my dry skin. love!!
where can i buy it?? i at ‘?????‘ thr cnt find it><
I’m not sure where you are but Hada Labo is available at Guardian stores. Perhaps try a bigger store.
I bought it at RM34.88 only
wow envy you guys who got an hand of this product.
hope it’ll launch in singapore soon!
gosh, try the cleanser!! it’s fantastic!! I’m such a hadalabo convert! The whitening cleanser (rm16.90 only!!) really evened out my skintone, got rid of my blemishes and my skin isn’t so dry anymore. REALLY REALLY GOOD! Even my cousin who was uses SKII and shiseido says she is a sure convert. no harm trying really… can’t wait to buy the rest of the products!
do you know where i can get it online cause i live in the us.
I saw it on sasa.com which ships internationally. I have not shopped on the site so I cannot vouch for its service. But its a place to start 🙂
I read that it has 2 types. from Japan & China. is it true? which one is better?
one more thing, does it contain alchohol or not? I am confuse ;-(
I’ve no idea about this sorry. The one I have is Made in China and I’ve given my views on this in my review 🙂 Not sure about alcohol
I got this sample from nuyou magazine. I’m using it and feel it is great. It makes me feel my skin is soften. But I have no sure whether do I need to user toner after apply it? Could you mind to give me some advise, please? Thanks.
If you got the Lotion then this IS the toner. No need for a separate toner. Just follow up with moisturizer.
just wanted to say, i stumbled upon your website while trying to research on obscure stuff like Zo skin health and Escentials..and i must say, i really love your style of writing and your reviews! loves!
and i just bought this bottle about 3 days ago, and yea, it takes f to absorb. at first i wasnt sure if i should just apply it straight after my facewash, or if i should use toner and serum first. bleh. and i did try using it in place of moisturizer, but you’re right, i dont recommend it.
i have really sensitive skin, some products can make my face break out like a mardi gras party, and im happy to say this doesnt do that. hathat, now i wanan try the whitening version of this.
have you tried it?
Thank you and no, I have not tried the whitening version of the lotion. I’ll share if I do 🙂
how about the brand “jojo moist” that sell in watson? i heard in the program “lady queen” (nu ren wo zui da) got recomand. Which one is better? Hada labo or jojo moist?
Apologies I have not tried Jojo Aquamoist
Hey sorry if this comment is abit too late.
I’m still abit confused whether this product is a toner or moisturizer.
You stated that this is a toner, but if after cleaning our face, usually we use toner with cotton pads to wipe off hidden dirts that facial wash didn’t get to remove right. So if after washing our face we straight away put this hada labo moisturizing lotion, wouldn’t it be erm..still feeling abit dirty?
Can i wipe my face off with toner first, then only apply the hada labo? Then only apply a little of my moisturizer? Or whichever you recommend?
Thanks!
This is a toner. It depends on what you believe “toner” to be. In Japanese and Asian skincare, there is no toner the way you understand. “Toner” or “Lotion” in Japanese and Asian brands comes after cleansing and adds moisture. I don’t believe in a “cleaning toner” because if your cleanser can’t get your skin clean, its time to change the cleanser. Its a personal believe. If you feel more comfortable using a toner first then the Hada Labo you can do that. Hada Labo comes before moisturizer whatever step you use.
This is how I view it and I’ve shared my thoughts on whether toner is necessary here.
i got my hada labo lotion in japan and they are made in japan based on the label. i guess different factory location for different market? hmm.. got it at ¥880 per 170ml bottle.
i been using hada labo for a month pluss, no doubt is very moist to my skin, but 1 thing i noticed throughout the 1 month plus is my pores become more visible..may i know why it will be like this?what should i use to make my pores become less visible?
I like using the Vichy Pore Resurfacing Essence for pore issues.
hi!
i understand that there is a light & normal version for this. red/ green, which is the lighter version?
Apologies I was not aware there were light/normal versions. I only know of one – the one shown in the picture. The others are of different ranges e.g. AHA/BHA, Whitening
oic! i guess i mixed up with juju aquamoist oops.
thanks anyway! 🙂
Hi thanks for your review. Do you know if it can be applied on eyes too? I am using fancl lotion n their products allow me to do so on my dry skin near eye, if can I may have found a great substitute!