I was recently going to replenish my Vichy Aqualia Thermal Fortifying & Soothing Hydrating Concentrate (read the review of the facial essence here) when I suddenly had the itch to try out some other brand called Hada-Labo. I’ve never used it before but what attracted me to it is that it’s a Japanese product. I don’t know why that’s important or attractive to me, but I just thought that things from Japan are good quality stuff.
So I bought a bottle of the essence which costs about half the price of the Vichy essence that I’ve been using. I thought if this works as well, then I’d be saving some money spending half as much as Vichy’s product.
However, that is not to be the case because I don’t like it. It’s real sticky! I used the same small dollop that I’ve been using with Vichy but it is way too thick and sticky in texture. So much so that I wonder if it’s even absorbing at all. So I resorted to using an even small dollop to make it less sticky.
Well this product is definitely not going to stick with me. I guess as soon as I’m done using this bottle, I’m going back to Vichy. I won’t bother trying out this brand’s other skincare products too.
Has anyone tried this brand? Any experiences to share?
Oh speaking of sharing, if you do know of good anti aging face face creams, perhaps you can also give me a tip or two. I figured I’d better start using some of these sooner rather than later. I’m already in my thirties, when better than now to start taking better care of ourselves, right? 
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Penny, what a coincidence, I am also using both Hada Labo & Vichy products!
Search on the internet, there is a special way to apply Hada Labo lotion. You need to press it to your skin and let it all absorb. Yes, it sticky but it really hydrates your skin. I was also using Vichy Hydrating Essence but just finished.. its expensive. Elaine
may i know where did you all get ur hadalabo stuff?
My vichy is running out soon and i’m also considering Hada Labo too…in the thought of getting the same hydration with cheapier price.
Had tried HL mask last night, and it was really sticky and wet, was wondering it can absorb well or not, i fall asleep before it dried out…But this morning I found out the skin turned out quite good, very hydrated….
The result of HL can be good, only if you have lots of patience/time to ” press” and stand the stickiness.
My conclusion: Vichy is still the best!
I tested the lotion/toner in one of the pharmacy and found it really sticky too, n so I did not buy..
then, abt few weeks later, I watched the famous taiwan ladies program and they were talking abt this best-selling beauty product in Japan where 1 bottle was sold every 4 seconds..
this is bcoz it has this ingredient that’s very hydrating n can lock up to 6litres of water for the skin…frankly i kinda had a different impression abt the product immediately as the program always introduces good stuffs…
then, I went to the pharmacy again to test it and the sales attendant also recommends this product and says that there’s this customer that uses it and her skin improved so much that she (sales attendant) noticed it when saw the girl again….
however, I also think sometimes it’s an acquired thing, and u must feel comfortable using it..
just a humble sharing of mine..
Elaine, yeah I read the instruction on how to apply the product. The first time I used it I was lazy and didn’t follow it. I now do and I use less than what I normally would with Vichy and I find that it’s better in terms of absorption
Kris, I got mine at a Guardian outlet.
Shannon, thanks for sharing your experience with the mask. Is it a sleeping mask? I agree that Vichy is really great!
YL, thanks for sharing. So are you going to give it a try now? Yeah once you get used to the stickiness and are ok with it as long as you get the results, you could be standing by it 100%!
haha..yea I might give it a try when I’m done with my current toner..and also this toner is meant to be used without the cotton pad, just bare n clean fingers will do..;)
that’s rite, save on facial cotton too! I just bought my 2nd bottle. It stays hydrated through the day. However, after I wash my face, the skin still feels dry. I might try moisturising milk later.
Hi Penny, I came to your blog when google for Hada Labo skincare. I’d been using this skin care range since Nov 2009 and love it so much as it doesnt irritate my sensitive skin which cant tolerate skin care with alcohol and fragrance. I used the Moisturizing range + the AHA/BHA cleanser . I use the Cleanser, toner and moisturizer from the Moisturizing range and for night time , I use the AHA/BHA cleanser. So far , am very happy with the result of this skin care .
I also read the other 2 website of your about Mummy and financial . You have very nice and informative blogs.
oh yah , already subscribed to your blog post. Great blog you have.
Will you have pimples?? Is it ok for teenagers to use it??
Hi DNWL ,
I do not have pimples since using HADA LABO skin care from Nov 2009 and I’m still using it now. I think teenagers ok to use it cos my neighbor bought the HADA LABO cleanser for her teenage to use. She bought only the cleanser and moisturizer . So far , she said ok for her teenage daughter.
Penny, I just bought the Hada Labo fluid and the tamagohada cleanser with AHA/BHA. I am so excited to try them both.
If you would like a serum anti-ager I would highly recommend Caudalie VinoPerfect serum. It’s very light on the skin and can be worn under a moisturizer or alone. It’s a little pricey but I loved it! I only stopped using it because I don’t have easy access to it anymore.
Hello!
I heart Japanese products as well. I am really sad that FANCL is not sold in Msia, otherwise it will be a HUGE thing.
I did try Hada Labo – just the cleanser (small) and a sample of the lotion. FYI – I stop using when I read it is Made in China.
Somehow I have doubts when it is made in China.
Do you think it is OK to use product made in China?
I don’t think I’ve tried skin care products made in China before. Not that I make that conscious decision, just happens that most of the brands I use aren’t made in China. But I think I would stay away from them if I come across them
may I know if I have pimples can I use it?
It’s sticky at first, but after a few seconds of massaging (i didn’t pat =p) it will be absorbed perfectly. At least for me =)
my fave beauty product..makes my makeup looks nice and because the skin is moisturize it makes applying makeup a breeze for me.but it takes time to absorb,sometimes i pat sometimes i rub it so it quickly dries off..give it a try.maybe u will like it.