Review | Hada Labo Hydrating Lotion

 

When my social media followers asked me on which product I have recently used to help restore my damaged skin barrier; an aftermath of several episodes of allergic reactions due to food poisoning or after trying new products that severely sensitised my skin, I would answer: AHA-based exfoliating toner coupled with Hyaluronic Acid-powered hydrating toners or as Japanese would refer as lotions. Of course, I had to wait for several days after the redness and irritation calmed down by Centella Asiatica and Panthenol-based serums or sheet masks but that's on another post.

Hada Labo Gokujyun (Hydrating) Lotion deeply hydrates as it contains different molecular sizes of Hyaluronic Acid that penetrate skin layers on different levels, helps in balancing the overall moisture balance and prepare my skin to absorb the rest of my skincare products but first thing first, let's go to some basic details about the product!

Product Description:

Formulated with Japan's upgraded formula and High Performance Penetrate & Deep Moisturising (HPP&M) Technology actively infuses 4 types of Hyaluronic Acid (HA) to fully hydrate skin from the surface to inner skin layer for significantly soft, smooth and supple skin; to prepare skin for enhanced absorption of skincare ingredients.

• Large-size HA - forms a layer of moisture retaining barrier to effectively provide skin with a powerful moisture-locking shield to lock in moisture on skin.
• Medium-size & Super HA - combine 2 types of HA with high water retention ability, to lock in and retain large volume of moisture inside the skin for super and long-lasting hydration.
• Nano HA - with fine molecule size HA that easily penetrates and infuses moisture deep into skin to prepare skin for enhanced skincare ingredients absorption.

How to use: Use twice daily after cleansing face. Apply on palms and gently pat onto skin until thoroughly absorbed. Store in a cool, dry and away from direct sunlight.

Capacity: 170ml

Ingredients: Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, PPG-10 Methyl Glucose Ether, Disodium Succinate, Methylparaben, Sodium Hyaluronate (Medium-size HA), Hydroxyethylcellulose Succinic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate (large-size HA), Hydrolysed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate.

Packaging:

 

As you can see on the above photos, the product comes in that transparent plastic bottle. There's English label sticker at the back covering the Japanese product description and unlike most Japanese beauty products that I have used in the past, there is a product expiry date printed at the bottom of the bottle! The format is MM YYYY (Month Year). 

 

The product doesn't come with pump or anything; just a simple cap with no bottle neck hence huge opening so be careful not to spill the product. I'd suggest for you to decant into smaller bottle if you were to travel with this one.

APPLICATION

 

The product comes in a quite thick yet watery texture and quickly absorbed into skin. Once spread even, it leaves skin feeling well-hydrated and soft to touch.

THOUGHTS

I think I've mentioned this many times before but when it comes to exfoliating dead skin cells off my face, I'd prefer to use chemical exfoliators; at least for the past couple of years. However at this point, I only use Glycolic Acid (AHA)-containing exfoliating toner like 2 to 3 times a week depending my skin condition of the day. Even though the exfoliating toners contain merely 5% AHA at most, my skin can be sensitive at times so I have to add not only soothing toner or essence in order to reduce the redness and irritation but also hydrating toners, essences, serums even ampoules to compensate the moisture loss often caused by exfoliation. This is where this very product comes in as it's powered by Hyaluronic Acid that is known for its hydrating properties in different sizes that penetrate the skin layers on different levels together with Butylene Glycol and Glycerin i.e humectants that help drawing in moisture from the environment. It's important to know that whenever you're using humectant-containing skincare product, always have facial mists or humidifier with you especially when you're in dry condition otherwise the moisture in your skin is going to be sucked out instead.

This toner can be used as first step after cleansing routine or when in need; 3 to 4 drops on thin cotton pads and place on dry facial area as point masks to have a quick hydrating treats. I also love putting the toner in fridge these days as chilled toner is such a saviour in our current hot weather. As I actually have normal to oily skin, I do enjoyed the Light version of this toner too; sometimes layering it several times before applying my sunscreen of the day and I'm good to go!

You guys know that I don't really have a lot of Japanese beauty product but this product is indeed one of my favourite Japanese skincare product that I've indulged enough to put this on my forever-repurchase list. Do check out some other beauty bloggers' Must-Have Japanese Beauty Products by clicking here! I have to say that the list actually includes some of my other favourite Japanese beauty products too!

I guess that's all from me! Let me know what do you think by leaving comments down below and I'll see you guys on my next post! Jyaa ne~!