I first spotted the Hada Labo red line in one of my regular online shopping jaunts. At the time, I wasn’t too sure what it was so I didn’t pick up anything. By the time it was launched here, I’d learnt that the red Hada Labo line is a line targeted at the skin firming and anti-aging crowd (me!) and that it contains retinol (vitamin A).
I have most of the products from the line, but I really wanted to concentrate on just the Hada Labo Retinol Lifting and Firming Lotion for today. I’ve noticed quite a few questions flying around online about whether one should use the normal Super Hyaluronic Acid Lotion that comes in the white bottle or this Retinol Lifting + Firming Lotion which comes in the red bottle and which is better; and I wanted to address that because I’m nosy and opinionated that way 🙂
First off though, what is retinol? Just very quickly, Retinol is Vitamin A that can assist in accelerating cell turnover by encouraging cell production under the skin. It also has an exfoliating effect to exfoliate the top layer of dead skin cells, to allow the new skin cells to surface. This is what gives the appearance of smoother, softer skin, when used in the long run. But hold that thought on exfoliation yes? EDIT 2017: Retinol does not exfoliate per se. It does help skin turnover and can often be drying. This can result in dry or flaky skin which isn’t necessarily exfoliating.
In terms of usage, it is essentially the same as that of the SHA Lotion. This is a lotion i.e. the 2nd step of skincare after cleansing.
Can you see it? That’s about all the lotion you need
The product comes in a good sized bottle, and you only use about 2 drops of the viscous lotion, and pat it into your skin until it is fully absorbed. Like the SHA lotion, you do have to spend a while patting at it. It starts out feeling a little bit sticky but as you keep patting, the sticky feeling will disappear. If you are familiar with how to use the regular moisturizing lotion, you’ll be familiar with this one. If not, I will suggest you take a quick read of my SHA Lotion review to read the techniques of usage.
Once patted in, I will attest to skin feeling well hydrated. Over about a month while I was using this, my skin did feel a little bit softer, perhaps a little smoother. I was also using some of the other products in the line – the essence in particular – so I do think there was a cumulative effect and with no breakouts, I was very happy with how my face felt and looked.
However, I noticed something very disconcerting happening about the same time. The skin on my hands were drying out and peeling off in sheets. You can see a picture of a less scary version of what I mean here.
It took me quite a while to realize that Retinol is an exfoliant. The level of retinyl palmitate in this lotion may be quite low, but it clearly irritated the sensitive skin on my hands over time. When I finally twigged, I stopped all use of the whole Hada Labo Retinol line and with time, and employing my tried and true techniques, the skin on my hands went back to normal.
For testing purposes, it takes about a week using the Retinol Lotion before my hands start to react and faster if I include the essence (more concentrated) so for now, I’ve cut out the use of the essence, and am only using the Retinol Lotion sparingly. I also only use this line at night – despite the low levels of retinol, I don’t take chances with the sun. If you use it in the day, make sure you top up with a strong sunscreen. By contrast, the regular Super Hyaluronic Acid lotion does not cause the skin on my hands to react, and it delivers nice hydration to my skin too. It may not have the same qualities of exfoliation and smoothing the skin so quickly, but there are other ways you can achieve that too.
Ingredients: water, butylene glycol, glycerine, PEG-20 sorbitan isostearate, caprylic/capric triglyceride, methylparaben, PPG-10 methyl glucose, ether, sodium Hyaluronate, triethanolamine, Carbomer, hydroxyethylcellulose, tocopherol, BHT, disodium EDTA, hydrolyzed collagen, hydrolyzed soy protein, limnanthes alba (meadowfoam) seed oil, retinyl palmitate, helianthus annus (sunflower) seed oil, sodium Everglades Hyaluronate, zea mays (corn oil) thioctic acid, beta carotene
In a nutshell
This is an affordable lotion that can, in the long term, help skin feel and look smoother and softer. It does take a bit of work to get it to absorb nicely into the skin. If you have sensitive skin on your face or hands then you may want to be careful as Retinol can irritate sensitive skin. Also, if used in the day, a good sunscreen is a must.
Pros: Affordable, Skin feels hydrated almost immediately, Long term use can help with exfoliation and cell renewal resulting in smoother softer skin and also address fine lines on the skin
Cons: Takes a bit of work to apply, Retinol can cause sensitive skins to react or dry out sensitive skin and cause it to peel
Should I use the Hada Labo Retinol Firming + Lifting Lotion or the Super Hyaluronic Acid Lotion? Which is better?
My answer: It depends on your skin concerns. If anti-aging is your concern, then the Retinol Lifting + Firming Lotion might put you on the right track. However, if you have very sensitive skin on your hands or face, that might be sensitive to a peeling agent like Retinol, you might be better off using just the Super Hyaluronic Acid Lotion. You can use other skincare products like anti-aging creams or scrubs or masks to address the anti-aging and skin firming concerns.
It is also pertinent to note that a good hydration regime also helps to keep lines and wrinkles at bay, and to keep skin looking and feeling soft and smooth. In my view, the red line or the Retinol range is more suitable for those in their late 20’s or 30’s. The Super Hyaluronic Acid Lotion or regular white line is suitable for everyone for whom hydration may be a concern. So the question should not be which one is better, but which one suits your skin concerns best. Hope this helps you decide 🙂
On my part, I’m back to the SHA lotion because it works, and its affordable and I can do crazy things like turn it into a sopping wet mask without burning a hole in my wallet 🙂 The red line will go to my Mom who’s already eyeing it 🙂
Have you tried the Hada Labo Retinol Lifting + Firming Lotion? Or any of the products in the Retinol line? Are you liking it? Or do you think the original one is still best. If you are sensitive to hyaluronic acid, stay far away 😛
Paris B
Hada Labo Retinol Lifting + Firming Lotion retails at RM55.90 at Guardian pharmacies and most major pharmacies nationwide.
Sue Lynn says
July 27, 2011 at 8:38 amHhhmmm…I’ve always been keen to try retinol products since I’m not getting any younger =_=,
but I’m no big fan of Hada Labo skincare 🙁
(BBs don’t count, right? BTW, I just ordered the new Hada Labo Air BB :P)
RM55.90 is very affordable, but it makes me wonder how high is the retinol concentration at this price point…Just saying…Not being snooty yo!
ALSO, I heard of some people breaking out from this new Retinol version!
No mention of breakouts here, so I assume that’s not a problem for you?
ParisB says
July 27, 2011 at 10:16 amYou know, I’ve never been keen on Retinol products despite not getting younger 😛 I think that whole peeling thing doesn’t do it for me because I personally believe it’ll make skin overly sensitive. And there’s a Hada Labo Air BB? I’ll have to look it up LOL! 😀 Based on the ingredient list, the retinol is very low down so I’d say the percentage is very low – nothing to be snooty about – we deserve to know! 😀 And yes, Retinol can cause breakouts but I didn’t experience any, maybe because my hands died first 😛
Honey says
July 27, 2011 at 9:09 amRetinol is a big no-no for me! Caused my skin to be super sensitive, thinned out the outer layer of my skin, which resulted in red blotches. For anyone who’s skin can tolerate Retinol, do remember not to use it in the day, sun exposure will cause even more damage with Retinol. That’s why you will find Retinol only in the ‘night’ range under the higher-end skincare products.
ParisB says
July 27, 2011 at 10:17 amYep a lot of people may not realize that Retinol in high doses can be very damaging to the skin. In this line, the level is quite low but I do think users should realize that it can potentially cause skin to react, and that high sun protection is a MUST not an option. I personally would never use a skincare containing retinol in the day and you’re right. Most higher end skincare put retinol in their night care 🙂
Lily says
July 27, 2011 at 9:42 amHhmmm… I’m always apprehensive about trying skin care sold in drugstores. I have sensitive skin and I’m just so scared of trying something that’ll cause allergic reaction to my skin. *gasp* So I will tighten my belt just to buy more pricey stuff.
Who’s with me here, or am I the odd man out?
ParisB says
July 27, 2011 at 10:21 amI’ve gone up and down the price scale 😀 I now stick to certain brands of drugstore/pharmacy products. I’m also a little pickier so I go for the ones I may have tried before and the more established brands – there are too many in the pharmacies and I’m most certainly fussy about the ones I do put on my face 🙂 Ultimately though, I still go to department store brands for things like serums. I don’t think anything in the pharmacy can give us anything approximating the concentration or quality of ingredients in a serum for a small price. But sometimes I surprise myself 🙂
Lily says
July 27, 2011 at 4:57 pmEither way, whatever brand they are, the advertisements are always irresistably convincing! If I were less skeptical, I’d be sucked in every time. Hahah!
ParisB says
July 29, 2011 at 10:31 amAh don’t we all? 🙂
Cynthia says
July 27, 2011 at 11:10 amI tried this Retinol past few weeks, the result of getting smooth and firm skin almost instantly. I didn’t know I couldn’t go under sun with it, no wonder my skin reacts badly and lead to allergy. :'( *cries*
Nevertheless, I stopped using them on my face but start using them only for my neck. Neck anti-aging care. 🙂
ParisB says
July 27, 2011 at 11:57 amUnfortunately, the sun protection element is something that isn’t stated anywhere on the bottle – they say it can be used day and night which I do not doubt except that sunscreen is always a must. Sorry to hear you had an allergic reaction to this product – its not something everyone can or should use IMO 🙂 Glad you found al alternative use for it though.
alene says
July 27, 2011 at 12:26 pmhave you tried the whitening one? surprisingly it’s the only one that contains alcohol, and its funny because they didnt bother to change the overal script on the packaging, so at the back it STILL says “no alcohol, no blabla, no blabla” then right below it are the ingredients, and third ingredient is alcohol. o.O
ParisB says
July 27, 2011 at 4:49 pmNope I haven’t tried the whitening range – I heard its drying. And it contains alcohol? Totally clashes with their tagline! I’d call them out on it except I don’t have the ingredient list 😛
lyn says
July 27, 2011 at 12:31 pmI’ve tried both and prefer the original SHA lotion. I do find the Retinol one to be a little bit drying sometimes.
ParisB says
July 27, 2011 at 4:49 pmMy hands agree with you! My face did like it though. I do like the Retinol range mask. That was nice 😀
Ling says
July 27, 2011 at 8:49 pmOooh, I had seen piccies of the red line and wasn’t sure what it did. Would be interested to try it eventually. But meanwhile I am happy with using the white stuff in the mornings. I have no idea what I am going to do with the rest of my night stuff now that I am using miracle serum…maybe rub it on my legs 😛
ParisB says
July 29, 2011 at 10:31 amThat’s the problem with Japanese products and shopping online. Unless you can read the native language, its almost impossible to know what this is all about! Your miracle serum is awesome. You probably don’t need anything else 🙂
makeup.addict says
July 27, 2011 at 9:07 pmI love retinols! I have been using the SkinCeuticals Refining Night Cream with 1% Pure Retinol in conjuction with Retin-A Cream 0.1% since I was 18 and I have never regretted a single cent I’ve spent on it. I use Retinol’s mainly to combat acne but by having anti-aging benefits to it is just another plus. I’ve also recently introduced my skin to Peter Thomas Roth’s Retinol Fusion PM & AM to my routine and my skin has never looked better. 🙂
I have been eye-ing the Hada Labo Retinol Lotion since it was launched but honestly, I am just scared to try it out since the original SHA lotion broke me out quite badly. 🙁
alene says
July 27, 2011 at 10:36 pmhaha so weird right! when the original SHA came out it broke me out too! but then i went thru a hormonal change and now it doesnt.
ParisB says
July 29, 2011 at 10:32 amI remember using Retin-A before too for acne problems. It never really worked very well for me though. Glad it works for you 🙂 I’ve read that retinols can thin the skin so I’m a little worried about that.
Simonne says
October 2, 2011 at 11:18 pmGreat I wanna get the white lotion but too sad sold out at the watson i went issh issh
Peggy Wong says
April 7, 2013 at 2:26 pmAfter cleansing, do i just need to apply SHA and sun block during daytime, any other moisturizer needed?
Paris B says
April 8, 2013 at 5:24 pmThe Super Hyaluronic Acid lotion is a “toner” so you technically do need another moisturiser before sunscreen unless you feel its sufficient for your skin in which case then you probably don’t.
Hilda hughes says
July 14, 2013 at 8:21 pmBrought some in bali saw that 1 sold every 2 seconds tryed it is the best went to buy more sold out where can I buy it please hope I don’t have to go Japan
Kristina says
December 5, 2013 at 10:30 amRetinol is about the only ingredient in the world that is scientifically proven to unequivocally slow down aging and reduce wrinkles (not some useless invitro testing on a petri dish or some subjective interviews of woman). It is also an expensive ingredient and few drugstore brand will even include that. Whereas Hyalauronic acid is something rather cheap and occurs in abundance naturally. Many beauty products use a lot of silicons and fillers to make one’s skin feel IMMEDIATELY better, but may have little long terms effects. Do not write off retinol just because it causes a few breakouts or peeling. Because in the long term, its about the only ingredient that truly works and delays the aging process.