Brand reviews - BeautyDecoded analysis
Hada Labo Tokyo.
Opinions Hada Labo Tokyo - Doctor's analysis and BeautyDecoders' opinion.
Japanese brand 肌ラボ («Laboratoire de la Peau»), founded in 2004 by Rohto Pharmaceutical - Japanese pharmaceutical giant founded in 1899. Re-launched in 2015 as Hada Labo Tokyo for the Western market. Philosophy: formulas ultra-short, fragrance-free, colorant-free, alcohol-free, mineral oil-free. Japan's No. 1 skincare brand - Gokujyun Premium sells at a rate of’a bottle every 4 seconds in the country. Four products analyzed with 40 BeautyDecoded user feedbacks - average rating 4.89/5, the highest of all marques multi-products.
4
Products analyzed
40
User reviews
4,89/5
Average rating - best of comic base
7
Types of HA in Gokujyun Premium
Further information
Review a Hada Labo Tokyo product on your skin profile.
The BeautyDecoded application lets you scan any cosmetic product to visualize its suitability for your skin type and needs, based on INCI analysis.
Formulatory identity
2004 - the J-Beauty hyaluronic acid minimalist.
Hada Labo (肌ラボ - literally «Skin Laboratory») was founded in 2004 by Rohto Pharmaceutical, a Japanese pharmaceutical giant whose portfolio includes Mentholatum, OXY, Acnes and Sunplay. Relaunched in 2015 under the name Hada Labo Tokyo for the Western market. Its founding philosophy: formulas ultra-short, fragrance-free, colorant-free, alcohol-free, mineral oil-free - the bare essentials for optimal hydration with hyaluronic acid. Hada Labo is the Japan's No.1 skincare brand.
01
Patented Super Hyaluronic Acid
The signature asset: a patented complex of several types of HA with distinct molecular weights. The Gokujyun Premium integrates up to 7 types of HA - the most complete formula in the range. Clear Lotion incorporates 4. Multi-level architecture clinically superior to mono-AH formulas for simultaneous surface and deep hydration.
02
The Gokujyun range - «supreme hydration»
Goku-jyun means «supreme hydration» in Japanese. The brand's flagship line, available in Light, Moist, Premium and large 400 ml versions. Physiological pH 5-6.5 respecting the skin's natural acidity. Thick toner texture to be applied as the first routine step after cleansing - different from «lotion» in the Western sense.
Editorial reading
«Hada Labo Tokyo presents BeautyDecoded's most remarkable formulatory consistency on marques multi-products: average rating 4.89/5 on 40 reviews spread across 4 products, systematic ultra-short formulas (fragrance-free, alcohol-free, colorant-free, mineral oil-free), multi-molecular-weight HA at an unbeatable price (€3-4/30 ml equivalent). Gokujyun Premium (27 reviews, 4.685/5) is one of the most consensual products in the database. BeautyDecoded reviews reveal an expert user profile: the «Retinol sandwich» (application before and after retinol to reduce irritation by water buffering) has been spontaneously documented by several users - proof of a community that has mastered J-beauty. Caution signal: sensitive skin score -0.6 on all products, linked solely to the preservative phenoxyethanol - an otherwise exemplary formula for reactive skin.»
Scientific deciphering
Super Hyaluronic Acid - 5 molecular weights, 5 depths.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is the most documented humectant in cosmetology - Its ability to bind up to 1,000 times its weight in water makes it the benchmark for skin moisturizing (Papakonstantinou E. et al., Dermato-Endocrinology, 2012). But not all HAs are equivalent: the molecular size determines depth of action. Hada Labo's innovation consists in combining several types of HA with distinct molecular weights to act on several levels simultaneously.
| Type of HA | Molecular weight | Action and skin depth |
|---|---|---|
| Native sodium hyaluronate | High (~1 MDa) | Skin surface - tensor effect, protective film, immediate sensation |
| Sodium acetyl-hyaluronate (Super HA) | Medium (~700 kDa) | Superior epidermal layer - binds 2× more water than standard HA |
| Hydrolyzed AH | Low (~10 kDa) | Deep epidermal penetration - long-lasting hydration |
| Nano-sized HA | Very low (< 10 kDa) | Epidermal basal layers - stimulates endogenous HA production |
| Ferment Lactococcus / HA | Variable | Post-biotic - regulating the skin microbiome + moisturizing |
Patented Super Hyaluronic Acid. Visit sodium acetyl-hyaluronate is Hada Labo's patented signature ingredient - its modified structure enables it to bind 2× more water than standard HA at equivalent concentration. Gokujyun Premium combines this patented component with the other 4 types to cover all skin levels. Source : Papakonstantinou E et al., Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging, Dermato-Endocrinology, 2012.
Expert instructions
How to use the lotion - five validated techniques.
Gokujyun lotion is not a lotion in the Western sense (alcoholic, toning). It is a Japanese moisturizing essence - a thick toner to be applied as the first step in a routine after cleansing, before serums and cream. BeautyDecoded reviews document several advanced techniques, all clinically validated by expert users.
| Technical | Description | Documented benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Standard palm application | 4-5 drops in the palm, warm up, apply hands flat, then pat gently. | Fast, even moisturizing - J-beauty basic technique |
| Layering | 3 to 4 successive thin applications on slightly damp skin | Maximum hydration - «7 skin method» technique from K-beauty |
| Retinol sandwich | Application before and after retinol (documented by BD reviews) | Reduces retinol irritation through water buffering and barrier protection |
| Serum substitution | Use as a unique moisturizing serum before creaming | Minimalist routine - confirmed by reviews («so effective») |
| Body / hands / feet | Apply to dry areas of the body as a night treatment | Off-label use documented in BD reviews - excellent results for very dry areas |
Clinical reminder: HA must be covered with a cream. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant - it attracts water from the environment and deep dermal layers. At dry air (winter, heated interiors), it can paradoxically dehydrate if used alone. It should always be covered with an emollient or moisturizing cream to «seal in» moisture. This is why BeautyDecoded reviews systematically specify its use «before cream» or «at the beginning of the routine».
Overview
The 4 products analyzed, at a glance.
Gokujyun Premium (27 reviews) and Clear Lotion (7 reviews) are the catalog's solid statistical foundations. Overall average score 4,89/5 - the highest in the entire BeautyDecoded database among the marques with 3+ products referenced. All 4 products have identical negative sensitive skin scores (-0.5 to -0.6), linked to the single preservative phenoxyethanol.
| Product | Note | Opinions | Key score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gokujyun Clear Lotion 170 ml | 4,86/5 | 7 | Universal 84-91 - fragrance-free - sandwich retinol expert |
| Gokujyun Premium Rich Lotion 170 ml | 4,69/5 | 27 | Universal 84-91 - 7 AH types - absolute fidelity |
| Gokujun Face Lotion 400 ml | 5,00/5 | 1 | Dry skin 88.9 - best Q/P - pump bottle |
| Gokujyun Hydrating Lotion | 5,00/5 | 1 | Oily skin 84 - 5-year fidelity documented |
Remarkable statistical consistency. 27 reviews for Gokujyun Premium and 7 for Clear Lotion enable a robust analysis. The two versions with the lowest number of reviews (Hydrating and 400 ml, 1 review each) are indicative, but consistent with the formulatory identity. No product in the analyzed catalog is below 4.69/5 - the homogeneity of the catalog is exceptional.
Family 01
Gokujyun Premium - the most complete 7 AH formula
The brand's N°1 cult product - 27 cumulative reviews, one of the highest statistical volumes in the BeautyDecoded database on a single reference. Rich texture, maximum deep hydration, documented absolute fidelity.
Premium hyaluronic lotion 7 types of HA
7 AH types - absolute reference in hydration
Gokujyun Premium Hyaluronic Acid Rich Moisture Lotion
7 types of multi-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid + HA ferment + acetyl-hyaluronate. Universal profile 84-91 on all types. Sensitive skin score -0.6 - slight caution, linked to the presence of phenoxyethanol. Anti-aging score 17 - low, consistent with a pure moisturizer. Note 4,685/5 out of 27 reviews - maximum statistical volume of the catalog.
Scores BeautyDecoded
Dry skin
91
Oily skin
84
Normal to dry skin
91
Normal to oily skin
91
Sensitive skin
-0,6
Anti-aging
17
⚠ Sensitivity verdict
Slight caution recommended (score: -0.6). Linked to the preservative phenoxyethanol - otherwise exemplary formula (fragrance-free, alcohol-free, colorant-free, mineral oil-free).
Seven types of HA = four levels of penetration. Native HA (surface, tensor effect), patented sodium acetyl-hyaluronate (upper epidermal layer, binds 2× more water than standard HA), hydrolyzed HA (deep epidermal penetration), nano-sized HA (basal layers - stimulates endogenous HA production). Fragrance-free, colorant-free, alcohol-free, mineral oil-free. Physiological pH 5.0-6.5.
«Gokujyun Premium is one of the most consensual products in the BeautyDecoded database across all categories - 27 reviews, 4.685/5. The panel of reviews reveals expert use: absolute loyalty signal («I've tried other lotions with HA and I always come back to it»), precise clinical positioning («more of a humectant than a cream - not a moisturizing substitute in dry air»), layering use, retinol sandwich, body application on very dry areas. The thick texture reported as slightly sticky is intrinsic to concentrated AH formulas - AH is hygroscopic. Unbeatable price considering the formulatory profile (~15-22 € / 170 ml).»
Source: Papakonstantinou E et al. Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging. Dermato-Endocrinology. 2012.
User feedback (excerpts from 27 reviews)
«The best - I've tried other hyaluronic acid lotions and always come back to it.»
«Moisturizer +++++ - I love it despite its slightly thick texture.»
«I don't think it replaces a moisturizer. It's more of a humectant at the beginning of the routine.»
«Yes and no - fairly thick texture, a little sticky but does the job. I don't like it on the face during the day because it leaves a film. I use it mostly in the evening and on very dry areas of the body, hands, feet.»
«A must-have in my routine - combination skin with a tendency to dehydration, 52 years old. This toner is very moisturizing without being greasy. I use it with the niacinamide toner from the same brand. Top.»
Verdict - Absolute reference in hydration. Rated 4.685/5 out of 27 reviews. Universal 84-91. Fragrance-free. 7 AH types. Unanimous loyalty. Routine moisturizer, not cream alone. Sensitive skin -0.6.
Family 02
Gokujyun Clear - the universal lightweight version
Light« version of the range - 4 HA types instead of 7, smoother texture. Score 4.86/5 out of 7 reviews - the highest score in the catalog. Use as a »retinol sandwich« spontaneously documented.
Lightweight hyaluronic lotion 4 types of HA
Best rating in catalog - retinol sandwich
Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Clear Lotion
4 types of multi-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid - light texture. Universal profile 84-91. Sensitive skin score -0.6 - slight caution. Note 4,857/5 out of 7 reviews - the highest rating in the Hada Labo Tokyo catalog.
Scores BeautyDecoded
Dry skin
91
Oily skin
84
Normal to dry skin
91
Normal to oily skin
91
Sensitive skin
-0,6
Anti-aging
17
⚠ Sensitivity verdict
Slight caution recommended (score: -0.6). Linked to the preservative phenoxyethanol.
The «retinol sandwich» - documented expert use. Several BeautyDecoded reviews spontaneously document the use of Clear Lotion before and after retinol application. Mechanism: HA creates a film of water that protects the skin barrier from retinol irritation, while facilitating its uniform penetration. Clear's pH 5-6.5 is compatible with retinol's activation pH. This technique is clinically validated to reduce the adaptation phase to retinoids.
«Gokujyun Clear Lotion is the highest-rated version in the Hada Labo Tokyo catalog in BeautyDecoded (4.857/5 out of 7 reviews). More watery and light texture than Premium, particularly suited to oily or combination skin and minimalist routines. 4 types of HA (vs. 7 in Premium) in a more fluid base. Fragrance-free, colorant-free, alcohol-free. The 7 reviews are unanimously positive, with remarkable clinical details: retinol sandwich, serum substitution, recovery of damaged skin barrier. Signals from expert users mastering J-beauty and K-beauty.»
User feedback
«Excellent moisturizing lotion - this fragrance-free lotion hydrates the skin perfectly.»
«I love it - especially when my skin barrier is a bit damaged, it soothes me enormously. I also use it as a sandwich when I apply retinol.»
«Excellent - this lotion has removed all traces of dehydration from my dry, dehydrated skin! I apply it morning and night after a floral water, leave on for 2 minutes and then apply my cream.»
«Low-cost hydration - one of the best value moisturizing lotions. Different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid.»
«Perfect - ideal for dry or dehydrated skin. I use it as a serum because it's so effective.»
Verdict - Highest rating in the catalog. 4,857/5 out of 7 reviews. Universal 84-91. Expertly documented retinol sandwich. Lightweight formula for oily skin. Fragrance-free. Sensitive skin -0.6.
Family 03
Economical formats - 400 ml & Hydrating Lotion
The 400 ml pump-bottle format offers the best value for money in the catalog (~4.5-6 €/100 ml). Gokujyun Hydrating Lotion boasts a documented 5-year loyalty rating - one of the strongest in the base.
Hyaluronic lotion large pump bottle
Best Q/P ratio in the catalog
Gokujun Face Lotion 400 ml
AH multi-types (4+) - large format pump bottle. Dry skin score 88,9, oily skin 84 and normal to oily skin 91 - universal. Sensitive skin score -0.5 - the best sensitive skin score in the Hada Labo Tokyo catalog, slightly better than other versions (-0.6). Rated 5/5 on 1 review.
Scores BeautyDecoded
Dry skin
88,9
Oily skin
84
Normal to dry skin
88,9
Normal to oily skin
91
Sensitive skin
-0,5
Anti-aging
17
⚠ Sensitivity verdict
Slight caution recommended (score: -0.5 - better than other versions).
«Gokujun 400 ml is the most economical format in the Hada Labo Tokyo range (~4.5-6 €/100 ml vs 8.8-12.9 €/100 ml for the 170 ml version). The pump bottle is particularly well-suited to layering applications requiring large quantities. Sensitive skin score -0.5 slightly better than other formulas - may indicate a slight favorable formulatory variation. The single review documents excellent value for money with layering use for oily skin. 1 review statistically insufficient.«
User feedback
«Excellent hyaluronic acid lotion - the most affordable AH lotion on the market and yet as effective as the competition. Its liquid form makes it easy to apply first, in several layers if necessary, for oily skin.»
Verdict - Best Q/P ratio in the catalog. Rated 5/5 on 1 review. Dry skin 88.9. Sensitive skin -0.5 (best in catalog). Pump bottle suitable for layering. ~4.5-6 €/100 ml.
Classic hyaluronic lotion
Documented 5-year loyalty
Gokujyun Hydrating Lotion
AH multi-types + moisturizing actives - intermediate texture. Oily skin score 84 and normal to oily skin 91 - excellent. Dry skin score 77 - correct but below Premium (91). Sensitive skin score -0.6 - slight caution. Rated 5/5 on 1 review with documented 5+ years of faithful use.
Scores BeautyDecoded
Dry skin
77
Oily skin
84
Normal to dry skin
77
Normal to oily skin
91
Sensitive skin
-0,6
Anti-aging
8,5
⚠ Sensitivity verdict
Slight caution recommended (score: -0.6).
«This intermediate version of Gokujyun is positioned between Clear (light) and Premium (rich). The dry skin score of 77 (vs. 91 for Premium) illustrates the formulatory difference: fewer types of HA or different concentrations. The only BeautyDecoded opinion documents a exceptional multi-year loyalty (5 years of continuous use) - one of the strongest loyalty signals in the entire BeautyDecoded database, all marquess combined. 1 opinion statistically insufficient, but consistent with the catalog's formulatory identity».»
User feedback
«Amazing - I love this Japanese milk. It's creamy on the skin, incredibly moisturizing. It's a favorite that I've been using every night for over 5 years.»
Verdict - Documented 5-year loyalty. Rating 5/5 on 1 review. Oily skin 84. Dry skin 77 (less than Premium 91). Fragrance-free. 1 review insufficient.
Buying guide
Which Gokujyun to choose - according to your profile.
All Gokujyun lotions share the same minimalist philosophy (fragrance-free, alcohol-free, dye-free). Choice depends on texture, number of HA types and targeted skin profile.
| Skin profile | Recommended lotion | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Dry to very dry skin | Gokujyun Premium Rich Moisture | 7 AH types, rich texture, maximum deep hydration (dry skin 91) |
| Oily to combination skin | Gokujyun Clear Lotion or 400 ml | Fast absorption, no greasy film, easy for layering |
| Normal to slightly dry skin | Gokujun 400 ml (dry skin 88.9) or Clear | Universal, economical, practical pump bottle |
| Dehydrated mature skin (50+ years) | Gokujyun Premium + Layering Technique | Multi-AH + technical layers = maximum hydration, covered with a rich cream |
| Retinol / tretinoin routine | Gokujyun Clear (retinol sandwich) | pH 5-6.5 compatible, light formula, pre- and post-retinol moisture barrier |
| Optimum budget | Gokujun 400 ml pump bottle | Best Q/P ratio in the range (~€4.5-6/100 ml), identical score |
Market positioning
Hada Labo Tokyo vs. AH alternatives.
Six products with hyaluronic acid hydration positioning. Hada Labo Tokyo occupies a singular position: 7 types of HA in Premium, minimalist fragrance/alcohol-free formulation, unbeatable price, N°1 in Japan.
| Brand / Product | Price ea. / 30 ml | Positioning vs. Hada Labo Tokyo |
|---|---|---|
| Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium | ~3-4 € | J-Beauty - 7 types AH - fragrance-free - minimalist formula - N°1 Japan |
| The Ordinary HA 2% + B5 | ~8 € | AH 2% + B5 - Deciem - purified formula - fragrance-free - direct competitor |
| CeraVe Moisturizing Serum | ~7 € | AH + ceramides - fragrance-free - plus barrier corrector |
| Vichy Mineral 89 | ~12 € | AH + mineralizing thermal spring water - fragrance-free - pharmacy |
| Colibri Hyaluron Booster | ~7 € | Modular - 1 AH - less complete than Hada Labo |
| SkinCeuticals H.A. Intensifier | ~100 € | AH 1,3% + patented Proxylane - 25× more expensive - additional anti-aging benefits |
Force Hada Labo Tokyo. Visit value for money for a hyaluronic acid serum/lotion is without equivalent in the BeautyDecoded database analyzed. At 3-4 €/30 ml equivalent, with 7 types of HA, fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and an average rating of 4.89/5 out of 40 reviews - no premium brand at 10× or 25× the price has a better formulatory profile for pure hydration. Limitation: this is not a corrective anti-aging treatment (anti-aging 17). To correct wrinkles, blemishes or imperfections, additional active ingredients are required (retinol, niacinamide, vitamin C).
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need really know.
Is Hada Labo Tokyo a good brand?
Hada Labo Tokyo is the brand with the highest average rating of the entire BeautyDecoded database among the marques multi-products (4.89/5 out of 40 reviews, 4 products). N°1 beauty product in Japan, developed by Rohto Pharmaceutical (a pharmaceutical giant founded in 1899), fragrance-free, colorant-free, alcohol-free, mineral oil-free, at an unbeatable price (€3-4 per 30 ml equivalent). The Gokujyun Premium (27 reviews, 4.685/5) is one of the most complete multi-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid formulas on the market.
What's the difference between Gokujyun Premium and Gokujyun Clear?
Visit Gokujyun Premium («Rich Moisture») integrates 7 types of hyaluronic acid in a richer texture - ideal for dry skin (Dry Skin Score 91) and intensive routines. The Gokujyun Clear Lotion integrates 4 types of HA in a lighter texture - ideal for oily and combination skin, minimalist routines, and use sandwiched with retinol. Both have the same sensitive skin score (-0.6) and the same universal score (84-91). Clear is the best-rated product in the catalog (4.857/5 vs. 4.685/5), with fewer reviews (7 vs. 27).
Is Hada Labo Tokyo suitable for sensitive skin?
Almost entirely. The 4 products have a sensitive skin score between -0.5 and -0.6 (slight caution) - the only negative signal being the phenoxyethanol, a standard preservative found in most cosmetics. The formula is also perfectly suited to sensitive skin: fragrance-free, alcohol-free, colorant-free, mineral oil-free, physiological pH between 5 and 6.5. BeautyDecoded reviews include several users describing themselves as having sensitive skin, with positive results. For phenoxyethanol-only hyperreactive profiles, a preservative-free alternative would be preferable.
How do I use Hada Labo Tokyo lotion?
Gokujyun lotion is applied by first routine step after cleaning, before serums and creams. Recommended technique: 4-5 drops in the palm of the hand, warm between both hands, apply flat on hands with light tapping until absorbed. For maximum hydration: apply 3-4 thin layers to slightly damp skin («layering» technique). It can replace a moisturizing serum in a minimalist routine. It should always be covered with a moisture-sealing cream. - clinical reminder: HA is a humectant that can dry out in dry air if left uncovered.
What is the «retinol sandwich» technique?
The «retinol sandwich» consists of apply AH lotion before and after retinol. Mechanism: HA creates a film of water that protects the skin barrier from retinol irritation, while facilitating its uniform penetration. The pH 5-6.5 of Gokujyun Clear is compatible with the activation pH of retinol. This technique has been spontaneously documented by several BeautyDecoded users and clinically validated to reduce the adaptation phase to retinoids - particularly useful for sensitive skin starting retinol.
Which Gokujyun for which profile?
For the dry to very dry skin Gokujyun Premium Rich Moisture (7 types AH, dry skin 91). For the oily to combination skin Gokujyun Clear Lotion (light texture). For the optimal budget Gokujun 400 ml pump bottle (~4.5-6 €/100 ml - best Q/P ratio). For the retinol routine Gokujyun Clear sandwich (pH 5-6.5 compatible). For the dehydrated mature skin Gokujyun Premium layering technique, covered with a rich cream.
Where can you buy Hada Labo Tokyo in France?
Hada Labo Tokyo is available on official website hadalabotokyo.fr, The original Japanese version (Rohto) is available in selected partner pharmacies and parapharmacies, on Amazon.fr, and on specialized J-beauty and K-beauty sites (YesStyle, Beauty Comet). The original Japanese version (Rohto) is available on Asian import sites. Caution The «Hada Labo Tokyo» (European formula) and Japanese «Hada Labo» (original Rohto formula) versions have slightly different compositions - some users prefer the imported Japanese version.
What is the BeautyDecoded application?
BeautyDecoded allows you to choose cosmetics adapted to your skin type thanks to the’INCI analysis. The application analyzes formulations and generates compatibility scores for 80 skin types. 4 Hada Labo Tokyo products are referenced in the database with 40 user reviews - including 27 on Gokujyun Premium alone. The average rating of 4.89/5 is the highest in the entire database among marques multi-products. It does not constitute a medical consultation.
Further information
Review a Hada Labo Tokyo product on your skin profile.
The BeautyDecoded application lets you scan any cosmetic product to visualize its suitability for your skin type and needs, based on INCI analysis.
Information for educational purposes only, not a substitute for medical consultation. BeautyDecoded is a cosmetic analysis application using artificial intelligence and is not a medical diagnostic tool. The results presented depend on the user's diligence and skin type. In the event of a skin reaction to a cosmetic product, discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional. This article does not constitute a commercial partnership with the Hada Labo Tokyo brand.
