It’s always nice to find something affordable, that actually works well, and for the most part, I’ve found that Japanese brand, Hada Labo tends to deliver on both counts. There are many new products from them, and while this one isn’t new, the Hada Labo Premium Hydrating Lotion is one that merits consideration.
Well, locally, it’s known as the Hada Labo Premium Hydrating Lotion. If the Japanese name is taken into consideration, as it is internationally, then it is known as the Hada Labo Gokyjyun Premium Lotion. Both refer to the same thing.
If you’re unfamiliar with Hada Labo, it’s an affordable Japanese pharmacy/drugstore brand that specialises in hydration, and does a very good job at it. I’ve featured numerous Hada Labo products over the years (look up Hada Labo) and barring the odd item, they have mostly been good experiences. Thus far, it’s probably the only Japanese brand I still keep in my skincare routine (sunscreen notwithstanding).
I previewed the original Hada Labo Hydrating Lotion when they first launched here in Malaysia back in 2010 and I went through a few bottles. Family and friends still use it, I know, because it just delivers. But I felt like I needed something more. And that’s where this Premium Hydrating Lotion comes in.
Hada Labo Premium Hydrating Lotion – a premium upgrade!
The Hada Labo Premium Hydrating Lotion is similar to the regular Super Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Lotion in function. What it does, is help hydrate skin and keep it hydrated. What makes it different is that it is more intensive.
It boasts 5 different types of hyaluronic acid of different molecular weights, to moisturise skin from its surface and down through its layers. This is what makes it premium, and in my view, better.
However, my caveat is that this Premium Hydrating Lotion will likely appeal more to those who have drier skin, or more matured skin. If you have oily-combination skin, you will prefer the regular white version as it feels lighter on skin.
Texture may suit drier skin or drier climates better than the original version
The texture is thicker, compared to the regular hydrating lotion. If you notice, the normal lotion (in the white bottle) gets a little thicker towards the end of the bottle. This one has that sort of thicker texture right form the beginning. It is still liquid, just a little more viscous. I’ve read references to it being more gel-like. I disagree, but then I wonder if it might be to do with weather. Here in Malaysia, it’s liquid, just more viscous.
I’ve also read comments about this being sticky. I personally don’t feel it to be. I actually find that it isn’t as sticky as I remember the regular lotion being. With the regular lotion, you are recommended to pat it on skin, until it absorbs.
While you can do the same with this Premium Hydrating Lotion, I don’t. I just apply it all over my face, lightly pat it a few times if I feel like it, and then continue with the rest of my skincare. It doesn’t seem to make a difference, and it doesn’t feel uncomfortable.
I do note that I only use about 2-3 drops at most. It spreads very easily on skin and for me, absorbs quickly. I don’t really wait for it to absorb before continuing with my routine, however.
RELATED READING: Do you know the best way to use hyaluronic acid lotions like this? READ HERE
Infuses skin with immediate hydration for better looking skin
What I do notice however, is that you don’t need even a week to notice the difference it makes to your skin. The difference is almost immediate! Your skin will and does feel much more plumped and hydrated, and products you apply after that absorb better. I layer different products, so this matters to me. Even if you don’t, you will notice that your moisturiser will absorb better and work more effectively.
I’m very big on hydration in my skincare routine, and this Premium Hydrating Lotion challenges all other brands I’ve used, that perform a similar result.
It really is a product that I think is absolutely worth the money, and because it’s sold at the pharmacy, it isn’t even very expensive (especially when it goes on sale!)
How to use:
Cleanse -> Acid Toner -> Face mist (optional) -> Hada Labo Premium Hydrating Lotion -> Serum -> Moisturiser
The other thing I like is that there is no fragrance. The other hydrating lotions/essences I use have a fragrance that may not sit well with some people.
All in all, I’d say that if your skin is feeling a little more parched than normal, or if you feel like your skincare isn’t cutting it lately, try adding this Premium Hydrating Lotion to your routine. You might find it quite a game-changer!
IN A NUTSHELL
The Hada Labo Premium Hydrating Lotion is a hydrating toner or lotion that is thicker and more intensive than the regular one in the white bottle. This one will work better for those who have dry or dehydrated skin, or more matured skin, that needs more cocooning. The texture is a little more viscous, and I find you don’t have to actually pat it on as it absorbs quite easily. A little goes a long way, and I use about 2-3 drops only each time. The result you get almost immediately, is plumped, moisturised skin that feels comfortable, hydrated and healthy. It also helps other skincare products absorb better. All in all, a very affordable and good product that is absolutely worth trying.
PROS: Affordable, Hydrates skin very effectively, Not sticky (opinions may differ as to what ‘sticky’ means), Absorbs quickly, Plumps up skin and gives it good hydration, A little goes a long way
CONS: None
WHO WILL LIKE THIS: Anyone who wants an affordable and effective hydrating toner/lotion, Anyone with very dehydrated skin
WILL I REPURCHASE: Absolutely yes!
PRICE: RM63.50 (but often goes on sale) for 170ml | US$14-17 depending on where you buy it
WHERE TO BUY: Guardian pharmacy, Watson’s or most major pharmacies that carry Hada Labo, Outside of Asia try Amazon or ebay or any Asian supermarket or website
For those interested, here is the ingredient list for the Hada Labo Premium Hydrating Lotion.
Gosh, it has been a while since I found a product that has absolutely nothing bad I can say about it! LOL! Well done, Hada Labo 😀
Hada Labo Premium Hydrating Lotion vs Hada Labo Hydrating Essence
You may wonder how this differs from the Hada Labo Hydrating Essence which I also love, or if you need both.
The simple answer is that you need both.
The Hydrating Essence will be applied AFTER the Premium Hydrating Lotion. The Essence is more of a serum than a lotion.
In Japanese/Asian skincare there’s a subtle difference between an essence and a lotion. So think of the lotion as a prep, and the essence/serum as the more intensive product. You won’t necessarily need both but if your skin is really parched, it’ll benefit from a double whammy of moisture 🙂
RELATED READING: If your skin is very parched here’s one tip that will change the way you apply your skincare READ HERE
Have you tried this Premium Hydrating Lotion? Do you use any other Hada Labo products?
I must say that I have a new-found interest in the brand. I overlooked them for a while, because they kept coming up with new products and I was so confused as to what they were for! Now, I’m going to take a look. I’m also thinking of trying their Retinol cream – I didn’t appreciate it 7 years back, maybe I’ll appreciate it better now haha! 😀
Paris B
we have same feeling with this premium hydrating lotion. I absolutely love with this. And cant wait to try the hydrating essence, after read your article.
🙂
Yay! Happy you feel the same way about this lotion Christina 😀 The Hydrating Essence is very good too! Wait for it to go on sale – very worth it then 😉
The texture is good but too bad because my skin can’t enjoy the benefit from this bottle.
Once applied, my skin immediately turn slightly redness. The redness disappeared after few minutes but I can feel the heat/ burn sensation for few hours, then the symptoms disappeared.
U try search the ingredients information and found it might be the acid inside has the exfoliating effect. My thin skin can easily flush if use exfoliating ingredients. Too bad. It is all to be blamed for my skin.
Hello Paris! Do you use a cotton pad when applying it? I am suffering dry patches around the nose which doesn’t look nice when applying foundations… since baby #3 arrived a little more than a year ago, I haven’t been using toner + serum under moisturiser. Just too lazy and want to go to bed as quick as I can! 😉 I do need some serious hydration on those dry patches and your post comes at the perfect time! 😉
Hello Ting! how have you been? 😀 Oh and No. 3 (did I know about No. 3?! haha) Ok to answer your question, no i don’t use a cotton pad, just my hands. When I use a hydrating lotion/toner, I never use a cotton pad because I feel it’s wastage. So, I just put 2-3 drops in the palm of my hand, warm it up and apply to my face. This is quite good for dry skin so I think it’ll help with the flakies 🙂
Hello Paris! I’m good, thanks! And you? 🙂 Big lifestyle change in the past year as I am now working at home and TRYING to look after the kids. Fortunately, two of them in school so that leaves me with the 15 month old at home. I do get (and need) lots of help from my in laws and a maid.
Thanks for the continuing reviews. When I saw this post about hydration I knew right away that my skin is lacking all the pampering it used to receive. Haven’t had the time to go and hunt down this lotion yet. I remembered I have a bottle of Hada Labo thick gel (i don’t remember the name!) lurking around in my “supply” drawer so I dug it out and have been using it for about a week under serum & moisturiser. Again, have not been able to apply foundation to see if the flakies have disappeared, but will do that soon. Have high hopes that problem is solved. I still want to try this lotion and hopefully they are selling here already! 🙂
Even with help, kids can be a handful! But it’s great that you get to work from home – it makes things easier I’m sure (BKK traffic is just about as crazy as KL traffic haha!) I can imagine that having 3 kids to run after will leave you little time for some pampering but glad you’re taking notice and trying to do something about it! I’m sure the HL gel will work (any little extra usually does) The premium one will work a little better as it’s more hydrating, but take your time, it’s not going anywhere haha!
Many years back I was put off by the commercials on TV that when the model press her face and then release her palm, her face kinda sticks to her palm. That, to me is sticky… yuck ! Didn’t even want to try it back then. Now, maybe I’ll go have a feel at Guardian or Watson’s.
One question though : price aside, how does this fair compare to the newly launch La Mer Revitalizing Hydrating Serum ?
ROFLOL! OH yes I remember that and the way it bounces back – toing! HAHAHA 😀 To be honest, the original one does call for you to pat it in till it becomes sticky, and then it crosses the barrier and isn’t sticky anymore. With this one, I didn’t bother. Seems fine for me. Not sticky at all! And to answer your question, it’s different from the La Mer serum. This is more like the Treatment Lotion. The La Mer one gives a little more – moisture + something more. This is mostly moisture. Sorry, it’s not the same 🙁
Oh I’ve always liked Hada Labo’s lotions. My mom uses it regularly too. I haven’t tried this premium one though. Might have to get 2 bottles to try. One for me, one for mom 🙂
It’s on sale at Watson’s if you’re still keen on getting it 😉 I really like this one – far superior to the regular version!
Wow, is it already available in Malaysia? Hopefully it will be available soon in Indonesia! 🙂 I really really like this Hada Labo Gokyujun Premium Lotion, in fact, I nearly forget about the existence of the the regular Hada Labo Lotion because of this one, lol. It’s relatively cheap, a little goes a long way, and definitely hydrates my dehydrated skin pretty well, so what’s not to love? 😀
Hi Amanda, yes it is available here! 🙂 I hope you get it soon too and I’m glad you share my views on this – very good stuff at a very good price! 😀
Love original Lotion, but this sounds even better, esp. in winter!! Only thing with Hada Labo is maybe not so good, is parabens.. Do you think, that parabens are not bad for your skin? And what’s your all time fave drug store/ high end hydrating hyaluron lotion and serum (for dry, sensitive mature skin)? Just found your great blog, but if I understood right, you have dry skin too :)?
Hi Mari, from what I’ve read online from those living where there is winter, this one’s definitely a better hydrating option 🙂 I do realise that Hada Labo contains parabens. I personally do not have any prejudices against it although I know there is a lot of other information out there about its side effects. I wrote something about this a while ago (here) and still stand by my views 🙂 As for hydrating serums/lotions, I’d pick Hada Labo from the pharmacy/drugstore and the Hydrating Essence, and for the high end, I like the La Mer Treatment Lotion, Bobbi Brown Treatment Lotion, these hydrating serums, and the Revitalizing Hydrating Serum just to name a few. I have normal-dry skin that is quite under control so it’s not chronically dry. It might help that I live where it’s warm and humid, so I don’t have to battle with cold, dry climate on top of drier skin! 🙂 Thanks for your comment and for stopping by
Gosh I love the original hydrating lotion! In fact I’ve been using the light one since last August. I’m aware of this Premium version but I feel like Hydrating Lotion (Light) is sufficient for my current skin’s needs. Glad to know that you too love Hada Labo products! *high-five*
The light version is, I feel more suitable for those with combination-oily skin so if it suits you, stick with it 🙂 Yes, I do like Hada Labo products. Most of them are pretty decent and the price tag is wallet friendly!
I have a bottle of this sitting in my closet waiting to be tried … I had a hard time deciding between this and the regular one, but reading your review makes me glad I went for this one.
I love it. I hope it works for you 😀
Got a bottle in hand today with a great price 48++ at watsons(pwp). Can’t wait to try with my ageing and combination dehydrated skin. Tried and finished the essence too,love it,thinking of repurchasing it when there’s offer.
Ooh that’s an amazing price! I hope you like it! I still use it and it gives my skin that lovely hydration boost!
Alhamdulillah, been using for a week,loving the feeling of the lotion,easily absorbed and moist enough for my dehydrated combination skin. Next skincare also easily absorbed. I like to layer the lotion twice.
Glad it’s working well for you Wan! 😀 I love how it feels too, and am so happy that it’s most importantly, AFFORDABLE 😀
Hello Paris,
I just bought second bottle of this lotion. It really works on my dry skin. Now i am going to try Hada Labo Premium Hydrating Cream. Let see how it works! 😉
Hello Mai! Happy to hear that it has worked well for you! I come back to it now and again and am always amazed at how lovely it feels, and makes my skin feel 😀
hi , does this product suitable for dry skin people cause i have a lot of dry patches around my skin and idk how to get rid of it …
Hi, yes, this is tailored for dry skins, so it is likely it might help you 🙂
Does it help with sagging skin?
Depending on the texture of your skin, you may notice a very slight firming, if your skin is very dry. This lotion is primarily for hydrating the skin, and well hydrated skin will feel a little firmer and bouncier. However, if it is sagging due to other reasons e.g. age, lack of elasticity and firmness etc, then this will not do much. Instead, look to a serum that is tailored to help firm up skin by building collagen
A much belated comment, but I stumbled across this post through the link in a more recent review, and am so very glad I did! My skin’s been going through a super-dry patch (as someone with dry skin to start with, this was Not Good), and this fixed it up nicely! As far as reviews go, I love how honest yours are; you’re definitely one of the few whose opinions I trust as far as product efficacy goes.
I’m now also eyeing the Mad Hippie Vit A serum – the only reason I haven’t purchased that one yet is because I’m still figuring if I want to take a gamble on that one.
Always better late than never! I’m so happy that this lotion works so well for you. It is very underrated I feel, and I always find myself turning back to it when my skin feels like it’s lacking hydration. It’s so good! Thank you for putting your trust in me 😀 Incidentally, the Mad Hippie Vit A serum has been given an upgrade in ingredients (and now available locally at Wothee Cosmetics). I haven’t tried the new version yet (will do soon!) but if you want to try a Vitamin A product, this is one of the mildest I’ve used 🙂
…Well, I’m now due to receive a package from Worthee Cosmetics soon, LOL! XD
I just upgraded from the regular hydrating lotion to this premium version and I think I’m in love! My skin is smooth and has a little glow when I wake up. That only happens when I use the Laneige Sleeping Mask.
I do notice that it is much more viscous compared to the regular version, but I have started dampening my face after reading your post about hyaluronic acids and the viscosity is not a problem for me.
Hi Paris, I bought the Hada Labo AHA peeling lotion and also the AHA cleansing foam two weeks ago, after your recommendation. Been using them for a few times weekly during evening time. No break out or triggered to my sensitive skin so far. I think my skin loves them. Haha. Can I use the cleansing foam and followed by the toner same time? After the toner, can I put on my usual toner (L’occitane precious)? I read your previous posting on the cleansing foam and the ingredients list is different from today’s version. No more parabens I guess.
Hi yep, you can use both the cleanser and the toner together, but do pay attention to see if your skin might feel a little dry after that, and adjust accordingly. As for using another toner after that, I’d suggest something hydrating. So, if the L’Occitane one is hydrating then yes, you can use that.
Hi Paris B
I’ve been searching for quite sometime the best hydrating lotion. I have been using this Hada Labo Premium Hydrating Lotion for a year or so and it’s great. It does just that one thing very well, hydrating but in terms of delivering the glow or calming the skin sensitivity, it’s still lacking that. I have oily and often dull, sensitive and dehydrated skin. I rely heavily on this “hydrating lotion step” to really deliver. Will the La Mer Treatment Lotion deliver on those promises for me? (p.s. I use Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 in my morning routine and Retin-A on alternating night)
Thank you 😉
Hi for me, I’d say yes, the La Mer Treatment Lotion is a bit better in that regard. However, it is also primarily for hydration. If your skin is sensitive and dehydrated, consider not using Lotion P50 everyday. I’ve stopped, and only use exfoliating toners a few times a week as opposed to everyday. Also, Retin-A can be drying, which might explain why your skin feels dull or dehydrated. Consider adding a facial oil to your routine, alongside the hydration. Maybe you don’t have to change your hydration lotion (or you could if you wanted to) 🙂
Thank you so much for your reply. I will try to get my hands on some samples and then weight in the added benefit against the added price tag on the La Mer Treatment Lotion, I’ll then make the decision whether I’ll change or not 😉
Again, thank you for your advice 😉
i already use it about 2 to 3 months and i love it.. but i use it as moisturiser.. can ah?
Glad you love it Anis 🙂 But I’d suggest using a thin layer of moisturiser over, just to seal it in. It helps your skin stay hydrated for longer this way as this isn’t meant to be a moisturiser 🙂 If it feels too heavy and your skin isn’t too dry, consider the regular white bottle and then use a moisturiser over 🙂
Paris… I bought this earlier this year while finishing up my Klairs Supple Preparation Toner. Up to that point, I thought no toner could be more hydrating and effective than my Klairs but I am so happy to be proved wrong! I am now a convert after using this for about 4 weeks. Will definitely stock up when I’m back in Mys next. Thank you so much for your review!!!
Selamat Hari Merdeka!!
Hey KT, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts! I haven’t tried anything from Klairs, but good to know this Hada Labo Premium Hydrating Lotion performed so well for you 😀 If you go to Japan, they actually sell this in refill packs too! But not here unfortunately. I had a nice long weekend, thank you! And there’s another 2 weeks of long weekends to come LOL! Malaysia. Land of public holidays
Hi Paris B,
I enjoy reading your skincare reviews, and most of the time, I always refer to your reviews especially prior to spending on any high-end brand like La Mer, love your review on its Treatment Lotion, so as its moisturizers and serum range.
Having sensitive and ultra dry skin, I am always a fan of Biotherm, and so much in love with its Life Plankton Essence, and the Aquasource line, I always thought it was the plankton that made my skin super hydrating and plum after every application, which only then I knew it was due to its HA content. Then I started to read more on HA in skincare.
I decided to spend on this premium hydrating lotion after reading many good reviews, (and one of them is yours indeed!), its 5 types of HA and what not, so I did get myself the 170ml bottle, with free 4ml sample each of day and night cream.
I didn’t expext much wonder from this lotion, simply because, all I wanted was a more hydrated skin and a little less tightness, but on my first try, its performance went beyond my expectation.
Despite its thick, slimy gel-like consistency it smoothes out very easy on skin and absorbed real quick! The night cream is also amazing as it too easily absorbed, instantly giving a smoother and supple skin. Above all, there is no piling up at all!
Like the saying goes, people always go far and wide searching for something they want in life only to discover that the thing they are looking for many years is always at their doorstep. This is absolutely one of the best thing I have ever tried on my skin. No doubt that Creme de La Mer is super hydrating so as other moisturizers, serums, or essence, but this humble hydrating lotion will be surely be one of my staples and stands tall among other brands that I own.
Looking forward to having a healthy, and super hydrated skin in 2019. Cheers!
Hi RMR Thank you so much for sharing your experience with this HL Premium Hydrating Lotion. It is truly so good, and so affordable! We all need that one star budget find in our lives for when our luxuries get a little rich for our pocket hehe… So happy that you love this as much as I do! Happy New Year 2019!
Thank you so much for your truly shared experience. Moisture sandwich really help my skin tightness no matter how oily n rich cream I have tried. It seem I have dehydrated n dry skin like you even I had very oily skin when teenager but now only 33 yrs my skin from oily turn super dry skin.
My skin can’t afford to try skin care products as it can easily burn my skin. I try based on others experience of using the skin care otherwise I won’t risk.
I have four bottles of sunscreen abandon in my cabinet because sunscreen can just dried my skin. I went to guardian and saw hada labo air UV moist -hydrate but dare not to buy n try. Do you have any high recommended sunscreen that best suit for dry skin? I don’t make up n no worry if the sunscreen is rich as my skin need rich nourishment so much in air conditioning room. I wonder why nowadays sunscreen are made that can easily dry out skin. Recently I tried mustela, it is gentle BUT the silicone really make skin tightness and pull my skin. So scary “_”
Please share with me a really nourishment sunscreen amongst the sunscreen you have tried so I can minimize the risk.
Thank thank thank you.
Hi there, gosh I’m so sorry to hear about your experience with sunscreen. Many of them can be drying due to ingredients and formula, I’m afraid. It is a bit tricky. If I find a sunscreen a little drying, what I do is to use a heavier, more moisturizing base underneath e.g. a heavier moisturiser or more hydrating/moisturising serums. That way even if it’s a bit drying, it doesn’t feel uncomfortable. Have you tried Anessa? They do a sunscreen for sensitive skin, that I believe, does not contain alcohol so might be less drying on skin. I use Kanebo Allie both in the gel and fluid formula. The gel formula is less drying than the fluid, but both work for me. However, we can’t get Kanebo Allie here in Malaysia, so my next best option will be Shiseido Anessa – look for the one that says “for sensitive skin and babies” or Mild Milk. Good luck!
Thank you so much for your replies. Appreciated!
I will look for the sunscreen tonight and hope it works.
Morning, I am using toner, dr cink hydrating serum, and water sticky gel based cream, but my skin still too drying. So I try mix oil serum and the cream but still drying, some more I can feel slightly irritating as I guess it might be the powerful extract in the serum oil. Yesterday I bought hada labo premium hydrating lotion n Incorporated to my skin care regime. Erm, my skin has slightly turn redness. So I suspect it might be mixing lotion and serum oil caused the problem.
I am thinking my moisturizer cream is just no enough nourishment for me so I m compelled to mix serum oil and lotion to boost my hydration as well as it has increase the risk of irritation.
I think I have to change my moisturizer to a more creamy and nourish type but in a very gentle formula. I read your experienced on cera ve night cream but thinking to try. But wish to ask from you if you have better recommendation of moisturizer that can suggest to my very choosy skin.
Well, many thanks for your help:)
Hi there! I recently bought this and have been using it for about a week for my dehydrated, acne prone, sensitive skin. However, I’m noticing that it doesn’t seem to sink into my skin. It seems to leave a layer that feels kind of sticky—and I still have dryness on my face even though I’ve been using it twice a day for about a week. I apply it on wet skin after cleansing with my hands, patting it in, and use just bigger than a pea size amount. Any advice about why it doesn’t feel like it’s sinking in? Or is it normal for this product to feel kind of sticky?
Hi, depending on your skin, some people have reported that this product does feel a little sticky on the skin. Does patting it gently after smoothing it over your face help? I also find that spritzing some facial mist before and after applying it helps it absorb better too. See if this tip helps.