We haven’t heard of many new things coming out from Hada Labo in recent times, have we? It’s a brand I personally have an affinity with. If I had to recommend anyone something affordable, effective and easy to find, I usually tell people to try Hada Labo. I am after all also a big fan of their Premium Hydrating Lotion.
So, when I stumbled across news online about a new Hada Labo 3-in-1 Hydrating Micellar Cleansing Water, I perked up.
As good fortune would have it, I received a sample of this new micellar cleansing water and put it to work immediately!
It was quite literally, immediately. I showed it on Instagram Stories where I I used it for the first time, and talked briefly about my first impressions. It was quite recent, but it’s a cleansing product – it isn’t that complicated :P
So, do I like it?
What is a micellar cleansing water?
I have tried a myriad of micellar water over the years. It is, I believe, a product long found and popularized by the French brands (the most famous being Bioderma) and now available in many different brands.
Micellar is pronounced ‘my-cellar’ in English, or in its native French ‘mi-sell-ar’. I prefer the French pronounciation because it sounds more musical and because Hello, I am called PARIS B LOL! :D You can hear it here – now tell me you don’t prefer the French version? ;)
‘Micellar water’ is made up of micelles, tiny cleansing oil molecules, suspended in water and glycerin. The micelles attract dirt and oil, so when you wipe a saturated cotton pad over your skin, it attracts the dirt, makeup and oil from your skin, thereby acting as a cleanser.
It is generally acknowledged that micellar water is a very gentle and mild cleanser that serves a dual function of hydrating your skin as well. So, the general acknowledgement is that you do not need to wash off your micellar cleansing water.
I however, disagree as I have elaborated upon in the past :)
Hada Labo 3 in 1 Hydrating Micellar Cleansing Water
Hada Labo has kept their micellar water quite realistic. While they tout the 3-in-1 benefits of a gentle cleanse, hydration and environmental protection, they also market it as a makeup remover.
Their claim is that it removes makeup thoroughly, even waterproof makeup. It is low irritation, and safe to use around the eyes and lips.
I seem to recall a cleansing water type product from Hada Labo in the past, but can’t seem to find the information. Am I mistaken? Or did I just make it up? :P
Here’s something I like about the Hada Labo micellar water – its packaging.
The large bottle comes with a built-in ‘pump’ system, which makes it very easy to dispense the product, without having to lift the bottle and turn it over.
All you have to do is press your cotton pad on the disc, press twice (I recommend just twice) and use the saturated cotton pad to wipe over your face. Repeat if necessary until your cotton pad wipes clear.
I do note however, that the pump has a tendency to ‘squirt’ after the 2nd pump. So, I try to be a little more careful and less vigorous when depressing the disc.
Some people use a micellar water in the morning to cleanse their skin, instead of washing it. Personally I don’t, so I cannot tell you what that will be like. For me, micellar water is a gentle makeup remover and I use it accordingly.
Does the Hada Labo Micellar Cleansing Water remove makeup?
Yes, it is quite good at removing makeup.
I use micellar cleansing waters as my first cleanse, to remove most of my makeup, before I head to the shower and do my double cleanse with a cleansing balm and a cleansing milk.
On days when I don’t wear makeup, I usually skip the micellar water step. For me therefore, I treat micellar water as my makeup remover. It is more gentle than most makeup remover products, and less drying.
For me, it removes liquid eyeliner quite easily. Powder makeup is also easily wiped off, and even bold, longwearing lipstick. I do repeat if I want it thoroughly cleaned. But because I use a cleansing balm after that, I am less fussed if there is makeup that remains.
What about waterproof makeup?
Hada Labo claims that their micellar water can remove waterproof makeup. I found that to be true, to a degree.
Bright red lipstick came off without too much trouble. So did eyeliner and longwearing eye colours like cream eyeshadow sticks. However, I do not wear mascara so I cannot vouch for its performance with removing mascara. You’d have to find someone else to tell you about that.
Is the Hada Labo 3 in 1 Hydrating Micellar Water really hydrating?
Yes, I do find it hydrating, in the sense that when I use it to remove my makeup, my skin does not feel stripped or dry after use.
I suppose this will be more of a concern for those who do not rinse off a micellar cleansing water, or who treat this as their all-in-one makeup remover, cleanser and toner product.
I don’t recommend all-in-one products. They never work well for everything, and something usually has to give. In my case, you already know how I feel about rinsing off micellar waters (If not, read the article linked above).
But on the assumption that you want to use it as your sole or second cleanse, and then proceed with the rest of your skincare, I’d say this functions as a very very light lotion.
It is not hydrating, in the sense that the Hada Labo Hydrating Lotion is hydrating. But it does not make your skin feel dry. So, it is more of the absence of dryness that you feel, rather than it being hydrating.
Did that make sense? :P
Oh, and I can use this to clean around my eye area without tearing or smarting. It is gentle, in that sense, which is a good thing.
All I’d say is that this is, for me, a good, non-stripping, gentle micellar cleansing water, that cleans skin of makeup quite easily, feels comfortable and makes a good pre-cleanse. It can easily replace Bioderma for me (I’m not that huge a fan of the iconic product) and because it’s relatively more affordable, I’m sure it can for you too LOL! :P
IN A NUTSHELL
The Hada Labo 3 in 1 Hydrating Micellar Cleansing Water is a lightweight watery solution that acts for me, as a precleanse. It removes my makeup easily without stripping my skin, does not leave my skin feeling dry, and does not irritate my eyes. Another star product in the Hada Labo stable!
PROS:
Affordable
Practical packaging for easy use
Not drying or stripping to skin
Removes most makeup quite easily and effectively
Skin feels fresh and clean after useCONS:
NoneWHO WILL LIKE THIS: Anyone who wants a gentle micellar water that cleanses effectively without stripping the skin
PRICE: RM65.90 for 380ml
WHERE TO BUY: Most major pharmacies e.g. Watson’s, Guardian, Caring etc, Hermo
If you’re interested, here is the ingredient list for the Hada Labo 3 in 1 Micellar Cleansing Water.
Ingredients: Water, Propylene Glycol, Peg-7 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Peg/Ppg/Polybutylene Glycol-8/5/3 Glycerin, Peg-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Polyaminopropyl Biguanide, Xylitol, Sodium Chloride, Disodium Edta, Phytic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Moringa Pterygosperma Seed Extract, Biosaccharide Gum-4, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Disodium Phosphate, Citric Acid, Potassium Chloride, Methylparaben, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin
I saw online that Japan has a Premium version of this Micellar Cleansing Water. The Hada Labo Premium line is richer and more hydrating (which is why I love their Premium Hydrating Lotion) so I expect that the micellar water may be more hydrating. But it looks like it’ll be a while till it arrives. If it does.
Hada Labo Micellar Cleansing Water vs Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Water
I know many of you will wonder about this. How does this Hada Labo micellar water compare to the very popular Bioderma Sensibio micellar water (the pink cap)?
Personally, I find very little difference between the two. The key difference for me is price. Here in Malaysia, Bioderma is quite expensive as compared to France e.g here, Bioderma is RM76.41 for 250ml while Hada Labo is RM65.90 for 380ml.
To me, I notice very little difference between the two in terms of makeup removal function, because I do not use mascara, much less waterproof mascara. If I did, I’d likely just use a cleansing oil or balm and get it all off without faffing about :P
I might be imagining it, but Hada Labo feels a little more gentle on my skin, and perhaps a mite less drying after I’m done. Ultimately, I think it comes down to price – and if so, Hada Labo wins for now for simple, practical reasons :)
Are you interested to try the Hada Labo Micellar Cleansing Water? Do you use a micellar water?
The only time I use micellar water as a ‘cleanser’ is when I’m inflight. Dampen some cotton pads, put them in a ziplock bag, then use it in-flight to refresh skin and cleanse before reapplying skincare (read here). But outside of that, I rinse off :P
Paris B
I’m going to give this a shot. I’m still using Bioderma as I can’t find a good alternative (Garnier feels so much harsher and stings my eyes despite claims that it’s good dupe for the Bioderma). Hope this works for me. I can do with the savings!
Bioderma is good, for a cleansing water. Effective although I find it a touch drying for me. Problem is it’s too expensive here but not in Europe or even in Hong Kong where I remember it to be fairly affordable. If you do have a go at this Hada Labo one, I hope it’ll work as well for you!
I got their small bottle to try and I find it better than Bioderma. I tend to feel the dryness and tightness of my skin after using Bioderma but this doesn’t cause me to feel that. Rather, it feels supple. Even after I do another round of cleansing, it still feels comfortable.
P/s: Totally understand what you were trying to say about the “dryness” :D
Yay! Thanks for validating my view Sue! And for understanding my convoluted explanation about dryness LOL! :D I too feel the tightness after using Bioderma, although it is otherwise very effective. So I appreciated how the Hada Labo one feels much more comfortable!
I’m still loving Bioderma purely because I get a 500ml for HKD98/RM52 and I always stock up. I’ll give Hada Lobo a try and see how it performs on my skin.
That is affordable for Bioderma – unfortunately just not here :( Which is why I think that having such an effective option in Hada Labo is a good thing. I haven’t been impressed by the other affordable micellar waters eg Biore and Garnier etc. Something lacking in them somehow.
Am I the only one here who has never tried Micellar water? I am still using a bi-phase make up remover followed by 1st cleanse (oil or balm depending on my mood) and a 2nd cleanse.
I was gifted a small bottle of Kiehl’s Micellar water… might give it a try soon.
Actually, I think bi-phase makeup removers are best for removing makeup properly! So nothing wrong with that at all :) Micellar waters are really tailored for those who want a one-step cleansing that is relatively mild, and is not really marketed as a makeup remover. I use it as such, because I have it and don’t intend to use it as a cleanser on its own :P But otherwise, I’d say it’s not necessary unless you just want to try it :)
Hi Paris, great review as always. I love your reviews as they are so elegantly written and thorough. You never miss a mark !
I’m so jealous right now of your location because you have access to so many gorgeous products like this Hada Labo cleaning water I would die to try. I haven’t been able to get my hands on any of there products yet but scouting big cities when I travel. For some reason, it isn’t widely spread around stores in the EU. Maybe the conglomerate that starts with a big L has something to do with that. I’m adding it to my list.
Aww you’re too kind Kristine :) Oh don’t be jealous, because then I’d have to be jealous of where you are! :D My skin loves French/European skincare and I am so bummed that we don’t get many affordable brands here that you can easily get in your local pharmacies. I don’t take too well to many Asian skincare brands, so I don’t try many. Hada Labo is really quite the exception for me. Perhaps we have to trade places for a little while LOL :D I think you may be able to get this online at Amazon, but to be honest, you might also be better off just using any of the local EU/French brands ;)