Hey sis — Catalyna here 💛 and today we’re deep-diving into a product that honestly changed the hydration game for me: Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium Lotion.
Before you scroll past because of the word “lotion” — hold up. This isn’t your grandma’s moisturizer. In Japanese skincare, “lotion” actually means a hydrating liquid step — and in this case, it’s more like a thick, essence-serum hybrid. Some people even use it in place of both toner and serum. Yup, it’s that good.
Let’s break it down step-by-step, with all the juicy details, receipts, and tips from the K- and J-beauty girlies (and Reddit warriors 🧠).
🧴 What Is the Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium Lotion?
- Type: Hydrating essence-lotion (not a Western lotion)
- Origin: Japanese skincare (J-beauty), often used within K-beauty routines too
- Texture: Thick, slightly viscous liquid (think: watery serum)
This product is designed to deeply hydrate the skin using 5 types of hyaluronic acid, helping your skin hold on to water at multiple levels. It’s all about that dewy, plump, glass-skin finish.
According to countless Reddit reviews and skincare blogs, this isn’t just a hydrator — it’s a hydration anchor. People rave about the bounciness it gives to their skin and how well it layers with other actives.
💧 Key Ingredients Breakdown
- 5 Types of Hyaluronic Acid: Penetrate different layers of the skin for multi-level hydration
- Glycerin: A proven humectant that attracts and holds moisture
- Urea & Sorbitol: Softens skin and supports barrier health
- No fragrance, no alcohol, no essential oils — great for sensitive skin
💡 Why It’s So Popular
- Extremely hydrating without being greasy
- Absorbs beautifully into damp skin
- Plays well with actives like retinol and vitamin C
- Fragrance-free and minimal irritants
- One of the most repurchased products in the Asian skincare community
Many beauty bloggers describe it as “a product that makes everything else work better.” It preps your skin to drink in the rest of your routine.
👀 How It Feels (Texture & Application)
It feels like a light syrup — thicker than your usual toner, lighter than your serum. It spreads easily, absorbs quickly, and leaves a slight tackiness that fades after a few minutes.
Catalyna’s Tip: Apply it with your hands, not a cotton pad. Warm a few drops between your palms and pat it in — your skin will soak it up like a sponge.
🧴 How to Use It in Your Routine
Use it right after cleansing, before serums or moisturizers. Apply on slightly damp skin to maximize hydration (hyaluronic acid works best when there’s water to bind to!).
AM & PM Routine:
- Cleanser
- Hada Labo Lotion
- Serum (optional)
- Moisturizer
- SPF (AM only)
Pro tip: Layer it 2–3 times if your skin’s extra dry or if you want that soft, bouncy “mochi skin” look.
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
- Deep, lasting hydration
- No fragrance or irritants
- Affordable and long-lasting
- Works for most skin types
❌ Cons:
- Might feel heavy in humid climates or oily skin types
- No flashy packaging or influencer hype (but it works)
🛍 Where to Buy (Trusted Retailers)
🌐 What the Internet Says (External Sources)
💛 Final Thoughts from Your Skinsis
The Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium Lotion is that quiet hero product. It doesn’t scream, it doesn’t flex — but it works. If you want glowing, hydrated skin without the fluff, this is your girl.
For beginners in the K-beauty or J-beauty space, this is a perfect intro to what Asian skincare really gets right: hydration first, everything else second.
Try it. Layer it. Let your skin soak it up. You won’t go back. 💦
Want more honest product reviews? Stick around here on Skinsis, and follow me on IG @CatalynaSaskia for daily skincare drops!