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
Claris says
hi, i just the Moisturizing Lotion.. I’ve tested the lotion in the shop n find that the texture isn’t the same as normal toner.. what i usually do is that i will pour some toner on a cotton pad and wipe it over my face.. Do you think that i can stil use this method with Hada Labo’s?
ParisB says
You can but you’ll find it too sticky and you won’t like it then. This lotion is best used as instructed to get the best benefits. This isn’t a toner but a lotion. I’ve explained the difference if you run a search on this blog.
Heygirl says
Is it ok for oily skin?? cause i’m scared that it will break me out…please help…!!!
Jen says
Hi,
I started using this for 2-3 days now and find that my skin feels dryer!
I have oily / sensitive/combination skin and find that my cheeks feel dryer after using this.
Usually after cleansing, I use Shiseido Softener (pat on) and face feels softer & moisturized. Aft that, I follow up with a moisturizer and face feels comfortable.
After i replaced my Shiseido Softener with Hada Labo hydrating lotion, I find that skin feels dry after it gets absorbed. & even after slathering on moisturizer, skin still feels thirsty & i just went to reapply more moisturizer.
Strange! Because everyone is gushing about how this adds moisture. But i heard that if u use a lotion and dont use a moisturizer, the lotion will suck up the moisture in the skin (read this in another blog reviewing the hydra lotion).
Hmmmm.
Elycia Tan says
I hv sensitive skin to suit for use? Can u introduce which is suit for my skin?
Sina says
Wow! It is so much cheaper in Malaysia. In Singapore, we are paying like S$22.90 (equivalent to RM 53). Thank you for your feedback. Actually due the affodable price, I used it every night all over my neck, arms and legs.
Eisse J says
Thanks for the review. I’ve been using the moisturising lotion…just massaging it..not patting =p But it absorbs quite well too. Will purchase it again coz skin is more soft & supple
keynah says
may i know these all product is suitable for oily skin?
i wanna try it on but i worried if no impact on me..haha
ParisB says
I’m told its formulated for all skintypes but you won’t know if it works till you try. Each of us have different skintypes and our skins react differently to all products. Its not expensive. Give it a shot.
keynah says
but from the comments all talk about effectiveness on dry skin..
ermm..should i try on the hada labo super hyaluronic acid moistuzing lotion?
anyways thanx for d reply..
LeyanaLaila says
I just got it yesterday and i like it!!~ i got 10% discount at guardian Banting!~ ^^
rosejaejoong says
this is my favorite product by the way,i used this every morning before i apply my makeup.makes my skin moist and makeup is easily applied plus i think it makes my makeup look more nice and natural.
Steffy says
Hi there,
I started using this product when my sister brought it from singapore to london. I love it! it is amazing. My skin felt much smoother.
At the moment, there is commerial retailer selling Hada Labo products in London.
I found it on ebay but it costs me £20 !! almost triple the price in malaysia !!
Steffy
H says
Your post says “For those who are concerned, there is no mineral oil, parabens, fragrance or alcohol added” but clearly in the picture, there is methylparaben listed under the ingredients. What’s with the discrepancy?
ParisB says
Thanks for the observation. It was my mistake – the label says no mineral oil, fragrance, alcohol or colorants added. I’ve rectified it accordingly. Thanks!
john says
can it remove pimples??
ParisB says
No. Its not a medicated product.
Malina says
Do you think that Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing products range suit for very oily and acne prone face?
ParisB says
I think it’ll be best to direct your questions to Hada Labo Malaysia at their Facebook page. I don’t have very oily or acne prone skin so I cannot say.
nanc;y says
where can i get the products
ParisB says
Information on where to find the product is included in the post – in Guardian, Watsons, Caring and most major pharmacies.
Amy says
I just started to use the Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Lotion & face wash for less than a week. At the moment my face looks absolutely fresh & moisturized. However, it didnt cross my mind that Hada Labo in Malaysia is made in China but not Japan. Are those genuine products? Is the ingredient the same? Shall I continue using them as I have no faith in China’s products.
sidney says
The SHA lotion is really good for my rosacea dry skin… just as indicated just a 2 to 3 drop is the right amount to use… anythng more than that will be too heavy for the skin…my skin hydration improve tremedously..really glad to try it.. ^^
Tiffany says
I started using it about a week ago and I love it! I am not
sure if it has made my skin more hydrating (I have not exfoliated
it recently since I have returned from vacation), but it definitely
makes it less oily! I have combination skin that is dry, but gets
oily really quick. However, with this product, it takes much longer
for it to get oily and even when it does, my skin does not shine as
much as it used to. It is definitely useful, especially when I work
12 hour shifts!
cassie says
Hye. Thanks for sharing. Love the way you write it ^^ I bought HL mosturizing lotion and I am currently still using other skincare products too. Will it be okay to use it ( HL ) and still having toner from other product? I am confuse whether i should use both or how ????
Paris B says
Depending on what purpose your other toner serves, I don’t see anything wrong with using both products 🙂
natasya says
Hi! I have dry skin, dull and a little uneven skin tone. I have been using the garnier aqua defense facial wash but i am not using the gel cream. At the same time, i’ve tried this hada labo hydra & whitening facial wash. Which one that u think will works best? I have been reading reviews on both products, and both works on dry skin but i really need to ask for ur opinion. Which one works best? Thanks