Having been accustomed to the basics of skin care, there’s more to be done to bring out the values of perfection, simplicity, and confidence through hydration, without having much at all. This is the philosophy of Hada Labo that I got to experience first-hand.
Being cooped up in a room for countless hours every day doesn’t do wonders for anyone’s skin. I’ve noticed the changes myself over the past year: lack of facial motion makes my face feel stiff, varying temperatures toy around with my skin’s condition, and just simply running my fingers on my cheeks from time to time makes me notice how rough and oily it gets as the hours drift by. I’m not complaining; I have a simple care routine I practice to clean my skin from impurities and keep it healthy. But what I fail to prioritize is my skin’s moisture. You hear it a lot from your friends: “Drink your water!” But have you considered your skin’s hydration as well? Sadly, I haven’t, but that’s an area of expertise Japanese beauty brand Hada Labo brings to the table, and then some.
As a fairly new name in the industry, only launching locally in the Philippines last 2019, Hada Labo was worth the try. Carrying the accolades of being Japan’s number one facial lotion for 14 consecutive years, as well as one of the top three drugstore skincare brands in Taiwan, Singapore and Malaysia, their collection of beauty treatments are poised to be easy to use and effective in giving the results you’re looking for–hallmarks of a truly great product. In fact, Hada Labo stands for the lifestyle philosophy of “Perfect x Simple,” a skin care range that brings beauty back to the basics: perfect, simple, and confident.
For almost a week, I have been using their flagship products with the hopes of finding out for myself what this “mochi skin” sensation they proudly claim is all about. In Japanese skin care, having skin that’s as soft and bouncy as mochi, or rice cake, is the ultimate goal. With one application after another, I soon found out that “mochi skin” is not just the name of a skin care trend, but it is the exact definition of what my skin care was lacking all this time.
A fresh, new feeling
With over 55 million bottles sold in Japan, the Hada Labo Gokujyun Hydrating Lotion is in a different league. In fact, it’s this very product that has given Hada Labo the top spot in the facial lotion market. Its open secret, as proudly stated on the bottle: four different types of hyaluronic acid, a naturally-produced substance in our body that helps strengthen the skin’s barrier and maximize moisture retention. With its ability to attract and hold up to 2,000 times its own weight in water, this unique component keeps skin looking soft, healthy, and hydrated.
After using their Face Wash, having a choice between the Deep Clean & Pore Refining Face Wash and the Hydra & Whitening Face Wash depending on what suited my skin need the most, it sure felt odd to apply a lotion with such a thin body, but a small amount of the Gokujyun Hydrating Lotion went a long way to cover my face down to below my jaw and neck area. Later that day, my skin immediately felt more plump and definitely smoother. Sure, we may be familiar with the feeling of a freshly-washed face using a cleanser, but having the Hydrating Lotion follow gave my skin something I haven’t truly felt before.
The signature Asian youthfulness
More than just hydration, Hada Labo has stepped into a new light with its newest range of brightening products. Dubbed the Hada Labo Premium Whitening Range, this skin care collection combines three types of Hyaluronic Acid and natural and gentle brightening ingredients such as Arbutin and Vitamins C Phosphate and E to deeply hydrate and brighten your skin tone. Accompanying these is Tranexamic Acid to address skin discoloration problems such as melasma, hyperpigmentation, acne scarring, and redness.
All of these benefits come together in the Premium Whitening Trial Set, which includes the Premium Whitening Wash, Premium Whitening Lotion, and Premium Whitening Cream. It’s an all-in-one kit that’s a convenient size for travel or even just for personal use before committing to the routine. Using the face wash gave my face the deep cleanse it needed, and using the lotion felt familiar having been accustomed to the Gokujyun Hydrating Lotion. Afterwards, moisturizing with the cream completed the trifecta. Although results aren’t immediate given the days I’ve used the routine, I’m confident that with regular use, that trademark Asian glow everyone oh-so desires will come.
Every product by Hada Labo has no mineral oil, no alcohol, no colorants, and no fragrances, ensuring a truly natural skin care experience. The fragrance factor resonates with me personally, being conscious of how scents from every product that I use clash together. It’s reassuring how Hada Labo does not overpower or overwhelm, true to their philosophy–just the best and nothing else. With skin care mostly defined by what more you can have for your skin, through numerous additives and labels that pop out to grab your attention, Hada Labo reminds us to stick with the essentials. Before, I didn’t think hydration was a part of that “essentials” label, but thankfully, with my new “mochi skin,” I know better now.
For more information on how to get Hada Labo without leaving the comfort and safety of your home, follow Hada Labo on Facebook and Instagram. You may find Hada Labo at selected Watsons retail stores nationwide and online at Watsons, Lazada, and Shopee.
