Recently, I wrote a post about hyaluronic acid, one of the best ingredients for skin hydration. Today, I’m bringing you my favourite Hada Labo Review – their Hyaluronic acid lotion.
In the last few years, Japanese skincare became very popular. Not only skincare products but also Japanese skincare routines became often talked about. And with them, one particular product got massive attention. It’s an Asian beauty cult favourite, Hada Labo Tokyo Super Hydrator Lotion. Very quickly, it became my beauty favourite as well – for many reasons that I will explain here. But, first things first.
About Hada Labo
Hada Labo is a Japanese company that was created in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic laboratories of Rohto Pharmaceuticals in Kyoto in 2004.
‘The company is known for its advanced research, constant improvements in quality, and high level of product safety. All this has for years translated into full customer satisfaction.’ Since then, Hada Labo became a global brand that achieved success in almost 20 markets worldwide.
What does Hada Labo mean?
HADA in Japanese means skin, and LABO means laboratory.
So, HADA LABO means SKIN LAB.
All of Hada Labo’s products are manufactured in strict compliance with Japanese technologies and Japanese formulations. But, the manufacturing facilities are located all over the world.
That’s why if you google ‘Hada Labo Tokyo Lotion’, you will find many products with different looks. It just depends on where in the world you are. To be honest, I’m familiar only with their products for the European market, as I live in Europe.
Poland was the first country where Hada Labo opened their European headquarter, and from there, it’s getting distributed all over Europe.
As far as I know, products for the Asian and European markets are almost identical. They just had to remove some ingredients that are not legal in European skincare.
The product that I use looks like this:
But it can also look like this:
About the Hada Labo Hyaluronic Acid
What does Hada Labo say:
A light gel which penetrates the skin within seconds. Contains deeply moisturising active ingredients, including Super Hyaluronic AcidTM. The LOCK-in-MOIST formula seals water inside the skin, preventing its evaporation. Counteracts the formation of wrinkles.
Super Hyaluronic AcidTM is an exclusive Japanese blend of three types of hyaluronic acid which deeply moisturises the skin and fills it from within to restore its youthful smoothness.
Suitable for sensitive skin.
Ingredients
aqua, butylene glycol, pentylene glycol, glycerin, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, hydroxyethyl cellulose, PPG-10 methyl glucose ether, sodium acetylated hyaluronate, sodium hyaluronate, citric acid, sodium citrate iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, phenoxyethanol
Ingredients highlighted in bold are the ones that are the most beneficial, important ingredients.
As we can see, this product contains no harsh alcohols, no fragrances, no colourants and no extracts. It has no unnecessary ingredients that could cause an unwanted reaction on the skin. Therefore, it is an excellent product for sensitive skin.
In other words, I would say it is safe for pretty much anyone. For example, if your acne-prone skin is also dehydrated, this product would be a fantastic choice. Similarly, if your skin is very reactive, I would still recommend this product.
Even the COSDNA (a site for cosmetic ingredient analysis) rates this ingredient list as very safe. It only marks butylene glycol as a potentially comedogenic (acne-promoting) ingredient. The rate mark is 1 out of 5, so still very safe.
However, I would still do a patch test (as we should with any product) – just to be on the safe side. Also, I would take this analysis tool with a pinch of salt as CosDNA doesn’t cite its sources, so we can’t be sure if the information is correct. But it is an ok tool to have an overview of a product, but make sure to look at different reviews of the products as well.
Packaging, texture and use – Hada Labo Review
It says on the front of the bottle that every 2 seconds, one bottle is sold in Japan. I can’t say that I’m surprised by this fact. Besides, it is their most famous, most-sold product.
Packaging – Hada Labo Review
I have to say, the bottle for the western market looks very feminine and pretty. At least to me.
It comes in a 150ml bottle with a pump dispenser which dispenses a perfect amount of product.
With using two pumps twice a day, this product lasted me almost six months, so I can confidently say it is a great value.
Texture – Hada Labo Review
The texture is very watery – it’s a bit thicker than water. Also, it has no colour or scent.
It gets absorbed very fast and doesn’t leave any film on the skin.
Use – Hada Labo Review
You could be tempted to put it on a cotton pad and apply it to your face like that. But I strongly suggest putting it in the palms of your hands, warming it up a tiny bit and gently tapping it onto your face.
In fact, that is how Hada Labo recommends using this product.
It should be noted that you should use the Hada Labo Hyaluronic Acid on damp skin, as hyaluronic acid needs moisture to bind onto and bring into the skin. Otherwise, it could cause more drying of the skin than hydration. I explain more about hyaluronic acid here. Essentially, hyaluronic acid doesn’t recognize if it’s pulling moisture out of the air, into the skin, or from the skin out in the air. That is very important in dry climates, or the wintertime, as the air in our house is usually quite dry due to the heating.
Hada Labo Hyaluronic Acid can be used as a tonic, as a serum, for refreshment throughout the day or even over makeup. You can put it in a bottle with a spray and spray it on your face whenever you feel like you need some extra hydration.
Who is Hada Labo Hyaluronic Acid for
As I wrote above, anybody can use it. If you have oily, acne-prone skin, it is perfect as it won’t block your pores or cause pimples, but it will provide the very needed hydration, Especially if you use a lot of drying, anti-acne products.
Also, it’s great for dehydrated or dry skin. But, it is not enough, and people with dry skin should use some face cream rich in lipids over it.
My experience – Hada Labo Review
My skin is sensitive and acne-prone, which has been very dehydrated and weak from all the anti-acne products.
I have been using this product for around seven months, and I can see and feel that my skin is much stronger and thicker. The barrier of my skin is repaired, and I will continue to use this product indefinitely.
I use it as a serum under a face cream. Also, I always use thermal water spray under and over this product. To be honest, I use thermal water spray after every step of my skincare routine. It might seem excessive, and sometimes it certainly does feel like it might be a bit too much as my face is dripping with moisture. But, after less than 5 minutes, it absorbs completely into my skin, and it feels perfectly hydrated.
I use it throughout the year, just changing the products around it. In the summer, I will only put SPF over it, and in the winter, I put a bit richer face cream on top.
Conclusion – Hada Labo Review
Hada Labo Review – Hyaluronic Acid Lotion is a fantastic multiuse product, perfect for sensitive, combination, or oily skin that deeply hydrates. Also, it’s very good as an extra boost for dry skin, but not enough if used alone.
The packaging looks very attractive, and the value is fantastic. Also, it lasts forever. As I mentioned above, I use 2two pumps twice a day, and it lasted me around six months.
Packaging: 5/5
Very pretty, sturdy bottle with a pump dispenser.
Ingredients: 5/5
Simple, yet effective ingredients with a minimum possible negative outcome.
Very safe and perfect for all skin types.
Value: 5/5
For 150ml you will pay between €15 to €30 depending on the retailer.
Application: 5/5
Spreads very easily absorb quickly and don’t leave a film on the skin.
Overall rating: 5/5
Have you tried this product? What did you think of it?
