Hada Labo
Hada Labo Shirojyun Premium Whitening Lotion
肌ラボ 白潤プレミアム 薬用浸透美白化粧水
skincare brightening toner
The brightening lotion in Hada Labo's premium line. A medicated (quasi drug) formula with tranexamic acid as the active ingredient, targeting melanocytes to prevent dark spot formation. Also contains a vitamin C derivative, vitamin E, and 2 types of hyaluronic acid for hydration. The texture is light and watery like the Gokujyun lotion but with a brightening focus instead of pure hydration. Popular on r/AsianBeauty as an affordable brightening toner, often compared to (and used alongside) Melano CC for a prevention plus treatment approach. Comes in a regular and "rich" (しっとり) version for drier skin. Fragrance free, colorant free, mineral oil free, alcohol free, paraben free.
Key Ingredients
tranexamic acid (active) glycyrrhizinate dipotassium (active) vitamin C derivative vitamin E hyaluronic acid (2 types)
FAQ
What's the difference between Hada Labo Shirojyun and Shirojyun Premium?
The regular Shirojyun (light blue bottle) contains alpha arbutin as the brightening active. The Premium version (dark blue bottle) uses tranexamic acid instead. Tranexamic acid is a newer ingredient with strong clinical evidence for preventing melanin production and is often prescribed in Japan for melasma. Both are excellent, it's just a different active approach.
Is this a toner or a serum?
It's a toner in the Japanese skincare system, applied right after cleansing on damp skin. The texture is thicker than Western toners (almost serum-like), but it's meant to be used the same way: pat it on with your hands or a cotton pad before moisturizer. The Japanese call this format 'lotion' but it's not a moisturizer.
Can I use this with vitamin C products like Melano CC?
Yes. Tranexamic acid and vitamin C work through different mechanisms and complement each other well. Many people on r/AsianBeauty use Shirojyun Premium as their toner, then apply Melano CC as a spot treatment. Tranexamic acid prevents new pigmentation, vitamin C brightens existing spots.
Where to Buy in the US
Available from 2 retailers
