Hada Labo: Every Product Line Explained
Hada Labo is probably the most recommended Japanese skincare brand in the English speaking skincare community. If you’ve ever asked “what Japanese toner should I use?” or looked for a simple, affordable hydrating product, someone has recommended Hada Labo Gokujyun.
But the brand has a lot of products across several different lines, and the naming conventions are confusing if you’re not familiar with them. Gokujyun, Shirojyun, Premium, Moist, Light. Products that sound almost identical but serve different purposes.
This is a breakdown of every Hada Labo product line, what each one does, and which products the community actually recommends.
Understanding the Product Lines
Hada Labo (肌ラボ, literally “skin lab”) is made by Rohto Pharmaceutical, one of Japan’s biggest drugstore brands. Hada Labo is just one piece of a much larger portfolio that includes Melano CC, Skin Aqua, and Obagi Japan. For the full map of how these brands connect, see Rohto Sub Brands Explained. The range is organized into sub lines:
Gokujyun (極潤) = “ultimate moisture.” The core hydrating line. This is what most people mean when they say “Hada Labo.”
Gokujyun Premium = the upgraded version of Gokujyun with more types of hyaluronic acid and a richer texture.
Shirojyun (白潤) = “white moisture.” The brightening line with tranexamic acid for dark spots and uneven tone.
Gokujyun Aging Care = the anti aging line targeting fine lines and loss of firmness.
Each line follows the same product structure: lotion (toner) → emulsion/milky lotion → cream/gel → plus specialty products like cleansers and sunscreens.
Gokujyun: The Core Line
This is the line that made Hada Labo famous. Simple formulas built around hyaluronic acid. No fragrance, no unnecessary extras.
Gokujyun Hyaluronic Lotion Moist
The single most iconic Hada Labo product and one of the most recommended skincare products in the entire J beauty community. Four types of hyaluronic acid (including a fermented HA from Rohto’s lactic acid bacteria technology) in a lightweight, watery formula. You pat it onto clean skin and it delivers a layer of hydration that makes everything you put on after work better.
This is the one that gets recommended to literally everyone regardless of skin type. Widely available from multiple verified retailers.
There’s also a “Light” version for oily skin that’s even more watery.
Gokujyun Cleansing Foam
A pump type foaming cleanser that comes out as ready made foam. No need to work up a lather. Gentle, doesn’t strip skin, contains hyaluronic acid. The community describes it as “gentle and doesn’t strip.” Available from retailers. Featured in our best Japanese face wash roundup.
Gokujyun Cleansing Oil
Oil cleanser from the same line. Removes waterproof makeup and sunscreen while keeping skin hydrated. Emulsifies cleanly with water.
Gokujyun Perfect Gel
An all in one moisturizer that combines the lotion, emulsion, cream, and serum steps into a single product. Good for people who want the Hada Labo hydration without multiple steps.
Gokujyun Premium: The Upgrade
Everything the regular Gokujyun does, but more. The Premium line uses 7 types of hyaluronic acid instead of 3 and has a richer, more viscous texture.
Gokujyun Premium Lotion
The upgraded version of the classic lotion. Thicker, more viscous, packs more hydration per application. The community considers this the better option for dry skin or winter months. For a full routine built around this product and other hydrating picks, see the Japanese skincare for dry skin guide. One of the most reviewed Japanese products online, people describe it as helping repair damaged skin barriers.
Available from many verified retailers. This is one of the most widely carried Hada Labo products outside Japan. Wondering how it stacks up against Kikumasamune Sake Lotion? That’s the other big Japanese toner comparison. Curious whether you need this or a luxury essence like SK-II? See the SK-II vs Hada Labo comparison.
Gokujyun Premium Milky Lotion (Emulsion)
The emulsion step in the Premium line. Milky texture that seals in the moisture from the lotion step. Lightweight but richer than the watery lotion. Think of it as the bridge between lotion and cream.
Gokujyun Premium Essence
A serum version of the Premium line. Oil free gel serum texture that’s more concentrated than the lotion. The newest addition, featuring fermented hyaluronic acid.
Gokujyun Premium Eye Cream
Hyaluronic acid focused eye cream from the same line.
Shirojyun Premium: Brightening
The brightening line targeting dark spots, post acne marks, and uneven skin tone. Uses tranexamic acid as the active ingredient, which is a well studied brightening agent popular in both Japanese and Korean skincare.
Shirojyun Premium Whitening Lotion
Same format as the Gokujyun lotion but with tranexamic acid added for brightening. Lightweight, hydrating, and gradually works on dark spots with consistent use. Frequently mentioned in r/AsianBeauty as an affordable brightening option. Available from retailers.
Hada Labo
2 retailersSee retailers →
Note: “whitening” in Japanese skincare (美白, bihaku) refers to brightening and evening skin tone, not skin bleaching. This is a standard skincare term in Japan that means something different than the English word might suggest.
Gokujyun Aging Care
The anti aging line targeting fine lines and loss of firmness.
Gokujyun Wrinkle Care Cream
A medicated (quasi drug in Japan) wrinkle care cream with pure retinol and niacinamide. Getting retinol plus niacinamide at a drugstore price point is pretty rare. This is a newer product that’s been getting attention in the community.
Hada Labo
2 retailersSee retailers →
Gokujyun Aging Care Lotion and Emulsion
The lotion and emulsion steps for the anti aging routine. Same hydrating base as the other lines, formulated with anti aging ingredients for mature skin.
Sunscreen
Hada Labo Koi Gokujyun UV Perfect Gel SPF50+
An all in one UV gel that combines moisturizer and sunscreen. Uses the Super Hyaluronic Acid formula. Works better for oily and combo skin types. For dry skin, it might not be moisturizing enough on its own. For more sunscreen options, see our best Japanese sunscreen roundup.
How to Build a Hada Labo Routine
The beauty of Hada Labo is that you can build a complete routine from just one brand if you want to:
Simple version:
- Gokujyun Cleansing Foam
- Gokujyun Lotion Moist (or Premium)
- Your moisturizer of choice
- Sunscreen
Full Hada Labo version:
- Gokujyun Cleansing Oil (PM)
- Gokujyun Cleansing Foam
- Gokujyun Premium Lotion
- Gokujyun Premium Milky Lotion
- Sunscreen (AM)
You don’t need to use only Hada Labo products. Most people use the lotion as one part of a mixed routine. The Gokujyun lotions play well with basically everything.
Gokujyun vs Premium: Which to Pick?
This is the most common question about Hada Labo.
Choose the regular Gokujyun Moist if:
- Your skin is normal, combo, or oily
- You want something lightweight
- You’re in a humid climate
- You’re new to Hada Labo and want to start simple
Choose the Gokujyun Premium if:
- Your skin is dry or dehydrated
- You want more hydration per application
- You’re in a dry or cold climate
- Your skin barrier needs repair
Both are excellent. The Premium is not “better,” just richer. Some people with oily skin find the Premium too thick, especially in summer.
Where to Buy Hada Labo Outside Japan
Hada Labo is one of the more widely available Japanese drugstore brands outside Japan. The Gokujyun lotions in particular are carried by many specialty J beauty retailers.
Check the Hada Labo brand page in our directory for specific product availability across verified retailers. The Premium Lotion is the most widely stocked product.
Learn more about hyaluronic acid in our ingredient guide.
For a detailed comparison of the lotion variants, see Hada Labo Premium vs Moist vs Light. For brightening comparisons, see Shirojyun vs Melano CC. Wondering how Hada Labo compares to soy based skincare? See Sana Nameraka vs Hada Labo.
Important note about Amazon: Hada Labo is one of the most commonly discussed products in terms of Amazon authenticity concerns. There’s no official Hada Labo store on Amazon US, so all products come from third party sellers. Specialty J beauty retailers are generally a safer bet for this brand specifically.
FAQ
What’s the difference between Hada Labo “Lotion” and Western toner?
Hada Labo lotion is a hydrating product, not an astringent. Western toners historically were meant to remove residue and tighten pores (often with alcohol). Japanese lotions like Hada Labo are the opposite: they add moisture. Think of it as a liquid hydrating layer.
Is Hada Labo good for oily skin?
Yes. The regular Gokujyun Moist (not Premium) is lightweight and absorbs quickly. Hyaluronic acid adds hydration without oil. Many people with oily skin find that proper hydration actually helps regulate oil production.
Is Hada Labo good for sensitive skin?
Generally yes. The Gokujyun line is fragrance free, dye free, mineral oil free, and alcohol free. However, a small percentage of people are sensitive to hyaluronic acid itself or to the preservatives used. Patch test first if your skin is reactive. If your skin is very sensitive or you have eczema, you may want to pair Hada Labo with a ceramide product like Curel for barrier support. See our Curel vs Hada Labo comparison for how the two brands work together.
Can you use Hada Labo with retinol?
Yes. Hada Labo lotions are actually a popular pairing with retinol products because the hyaluronic acid hydration helps buffer potential dryness and irritation from retinol. Apply the Hada Labo lotion first, let it absorb, then apply your retinol.
How long does a bottle of Hada Labo lotion last?
The 170ml bottle typically lasts 2 to 3 months with daily use (AM and PM). The Premium version lasts longer because you need less per application due to the thicker texture.