Is Hada Labo a Korean brand?

Amy Clark is Adore Beauty's Senior Editor and co-host of Skincare School the podcast (and self-appointed beauty road-tester!). Amy's worked as a journalist, beauty editor and podcaster for several years, previously writing and talking about all things beauty at Mamamia and You Beauty. When she's not writing honest, no BS product reviews and taking selfies 'for work', you'll find Amy eating halloumi in a hair towel turban and... taking more selfies.

Fact: Korean and Japanese skin care is one of the fastest-growing categories at Adore Beauty.

From the indulgent 10-step Korean skincare routine that got me through various lockdowns, to cult lip sleeping masks and the affordable pimple patches saving my chimples (chin pimples), I'm here for it!

So when Adore's skin team told me we're launching Japan’s #1 skin brand Hada Labo, I listened. Intently.

Because one unit of the little-known brand's hero products Hada Labo Lotion No.1 Super Hydrator 150ml sells every two seconds in Japan.

Yep.

Keep scrolling for everything you need to know about Hada Labo and the juicy Hada Labo hyaluronic acid products to get on your face immediately.

What Is Hada Labo?

Hada Labo (Hada labo Tokyo) is Japan's #1 skincare brand.

If you've ever Googled 'where to buy Hada Labo in Australia', you'll be jazzed to know it's now exclusively available to buy in Australia at Adore Beauty!

Since launching in 2004, Hada Labo has gained a cult status thanks to the brand's patented Super Hyaluronic Acid™ with 100+ years of research and development behind it.

Here's what you need to know about Hada Labo Australia:

• A Japanese skincare brand that promises ultra-hydrating, minimalist products backed by science.

• Similarly to the Korean skincare philosophy, Hada Labo products focus on intense hydration and strengthening the skin barrier for a soft, plump, glowy complexion.

• The water-based products contain humectant (water-loving) ingredients like Super Hyaluronic Acid™ and glycerin.

• Is Hada Labo good for acne prone skin? Is Hada Labo good for sensitive skin? Yes and yes!

• All Hada Labo products are fragrance-free, and free from parabens, dyes and gluten.

What Is Super Hyaluronic Acid?

We've talked about it a little bit, but what is Super Hyaluronic Acid™ and how is it different to other HAs?

Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, which means it can draw water from the environment into the skin.

Super Hyaluronic Acid™ is Hada Labo's patented hero ingredient that combines three types of hyaluronic acid molecules with different molecular weights.

The larger molecules seal in moisture in the skin's surface for that instant plumping, smoothing effect, while the smaller ones penetrate into the deeper layers.

You can learn more about hyaluronic acid and how it works in this YouTube video below.

Best Hada Labo Australia Products.

With nothing priced over $36 and product names like 'super hydrator' and 'skin-plumping gel', it didn't take much convincing for me to write this Hada Labo review.

Some of the brand's most Googled products like the Hada Labo cleansing oil , and the Hada Labo Premium and Gokujyun ranges aren't in Australia. (Yet!)

But I've been trialling all of the Hada Labo products available in Australia for a couple of weeks now.

Keep scrolling for my Hada Labo reviews, including which ones I think are the best Hada Labo products.

Hada Labo Hyaluronic Acid Lotion Review.

What: Hada Labo Lotion No.1 Super Hydrator 150ml

• This is the product everyone's been talking about, and after trying it, I get why.

• The watery essence-like Hada Labo lotion is basically a big drink of water for your thirsty face.

• It's basic, but in the best way possible - no scent, no stinging or irritation, and only water, hyaluronic acid and glycerin.

• Leaves my skin looking and feeling like a supple, soft and springy!

Check out the texture of this product in action in this Korean and Japanese skincare YouTube video below.

How to use Hada Labo hydrating lotion:

After cleansing, warm one pump or less of the Hada Labo hyaluronic acid lotion between your palms and gently pat into the skin on face and neck until fully absorbed.

You can also apply under or over serums, under moisturiser and sunscreen, and even on top of makeup during the day.

Hada Labo Plumping Gel & Smoothing Cream Reviews.

What:

• Just putting this out there... there's something wrong with you if you don't like the sound of a skin-plumping gel.

• Hada Labo Intense Hydrating Skin-Plumping Gel 50ml is exactly what it sounds like - a beautiful, silky clear gel cream that gives the skin a smooth, velvet finish.

• It's super light but still makes the skin look and feel supple and bouncy, thanks to the Super Hyaluronic Acid™ and antioxidant green tea.

• I'm LOVING this for day time worn under makeup because it legit gives my skin a soft-focussed finish that adds glow and fills out pores and fine lines.

• Hada Labo Absolute Smoothing & Moisturising Cream 50ml is the thicker version, with a HA and squalane formula that moisturises and locks in water.

• The pot says 'cream' but to me, it's still a gel texture with a creamier consistency.

• Both of these gel moisturisers can be used day and/or night.

How to use the Hada Labo skin plumping gel and cream:

Got normal to oily or combination skin or want a dewy moisturiser to prep your skin for makeup? Apply a dollop of the Hada Labo gel after your serums and before sunscreen.

You can do the same with the Hada Labo cream, which drier skin types might prefer.

Hada Labo Hyaluronic Acid Serum Review.

What: Hada Labo Concentrated Water Serum Lock-in-Moist 30ml

• The Hada Labo hyaluronic acid serum contains hyaluronic acid just like the Hada Labo lotion, along with moisturising squalane and glycerin.

• The texture is similar to a typical 'serum' - you can see how much thicker it is than the lotion's runny consistency in the image above!

• Anyone can use this affordable hyaluronic acid serum, including sensitive skin types as it's completely fragrance-free.

• If I had to pick one, I'd choose the Hada Labo lotion over the hyaluronic acid serum, but the serum would be perfect for someone after a one-and-done hydrating serum for day and night.

How to use the Hada Labo hyaluronic acid serum:

You can apply a pump of this hyaluronic acid serum after cleansing and before moisturiser and sunscreen.

If you're using it with the Hada Labo lotion and/or a vitamin C serum, this serum would go afterwards.

Hada Labo Gentle Hydrating Cleanser Review.

What: Hada Labo Gentle Hydrating Cleanser 150ml

• Again, the Hada Labo cleanser is basic, in the best way.

• My dry skin enjoys the cream consistency that foams ever so slightly when you add water. I'd describe it as a fluffy lather.

• The fragrance-free formula is effective enough to remove your makeup - can confirm it didn't sting my eyes while removing my mascara!

• Any skin type could use this affordable cleanser, and the tube will last you ages.

How to use the Hada Labo face wash:

Massage a pea-sized amount of this cream-to-foam cleanser into damp skin morning or night.

Use on its own, or as your second cleanser if you like to double cleanse using a cleansing oil, balm or micellar water to remove makeup.

Hada Labo Eye Cream Review.

What: Hada Labo Smoothing Anti-Fatigue Eye Cream 15ml

• Want an eye cream under $30 that'll work on fatigued, crepey skin around the eyes? This is it!

• The intense hyaluronic acid hydration temporarily smooths and plumps the look of fine lines around the eye area made more obvious by dehydration.

• Thin gel texture sinks in quickly - a fuss-free eye cream that does what it says and nothing more.

• I wouldn't use this eye cream every day because I currently use one that contains vitamin C to target my main concern of dark circles.

• I would 100% use it in the morning to help concealer sit better because the addition of caffeine stimulates blood flow to reduce the look of puffiness.

How to use the Hada Labo eye cream:

Gently tap a rice grain-sized amount of this eye cream around the entire eye and orbital bone area morning and night, or to prep the under-eye skin before concealer.

Pro tip: Keep this eye cream in the fridge and watch how it helps to reduce puffy eyes in the morning.

Plus, it'll just feel really good on your weary eye bags.

Hada Labo Sheet Mask Review.

What: Hada Labo Moisturising Facial Sheet Mask 20ml

• This sheet mask surprised and delighted me because it's a bit different to other Japanese and Korean skincare sheet masks I've tried.

• I love how easy it is to apply - the sheet mask material fits perfectly on the face and adheres to the skin well, no slipping and sliding off.

• The sheet mask isn't as drippy or serum-y as others. This put me off at first, but once my skin had drunk it all up, I liked that my skin didn't feel overly sticky or slimy aftwerwards!

• While there's no fragrance, I did get a whiff of a clinical scent.

• At under $7 per sheet mask, you can't go wrong!

How to use the Hada Labo sheet mask:

Whack on this sheet mask on for 15 minutes in the morning before applying makeup for a smooth, bouncy base.

You can also apply at nighttime after cleansing and before serums too as a part of an at-home facial.

Final Verdict...

So, is Hada Labo good? Is Hada Labo a good brand like everyone's saying?

Short answer: Yes.

Here's a selfie of my skin after using the Hada Labo sheet mask, lotion, serum, eye cream and gel cream before work.

I know. So juicy!

I'll keep using the Hada Labo lotion, gel moisturiser and the cleanser in my routine alongside my other active skincare serums.

Just don't mistake me for a newborn when you see my bouncy, baby face skin and I on the street, OK?

Shop Every Hada Labo Product From This Article Here: