REVIEW: HADA LABO SHA HYDRATING LOTION

Hyaluronic acid is a popular ingredient in cosmetics nowadays. It is present in a lot of famous products, from high-end ones such as Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair and SK-II Advanced Eye Treatment Film to more affordable options like Indeed Labs Hydraluron and It's Skin Hyaluronic Acid line. So what is hyaluronic acid? It's basically a substance that we have a lot when we're young, but as we get older, it naturally decreases. One of its functions is to keep skin moisturized and plump, and that's the reason why many beauty brands use hyaluronic acid in their moisturizers and anti-aging treatments. I've tried a few of hyaluronic acid-contained products, and the one I'm impressed with the most has to be Hada Labo SHA Hydrating Lotion.

This is Hada Labo's most well-known product. They claim that one bottle is sold every 2 seconds in Japan! On a side note, Hada Labo is currently being endorsed by Maeda Atsuko, AKB48's former member ^^ My bottle was manufactured in 2012, that's why it looks different from the one in this CF.

Description: Despite the word "lotion" in the name, this is basically a toner that you use after washing your face. However, in stead of using a cotton pad to apply it on your face, you have to pour one or two drops onto your palms and press them on your face until the lotion is fully absorbed. This lotion contains 3 types of hyaluronic acid: nano hyaluronic acid, super hyaluronic acid (this is what SHA stands for) and hyaluronic acid. They work together to hydrate your skin and lock in moisture, thus making your skin smooth and soft.

Ingredients: Water, butylene glycol, glycerin, PPG-10 methyl glucose ether, methylparaben, disodium succinate, sodium hyaluronate, hydroxyethylcellulose, succinic acid, hydrolized hyaluronic acid, sodium acetylated hyaluronate

As you can see, it does contain paraben. However, it is completely free of fragrances, mineral oil, alcohol and colorant.

Size: 170ml

Price: SGD 22.90 (I bought this in Singapore)

My opinion: Last spring and summer, my skin was so dry due to taking antibiotics and over-exfoliating (I used Tonymoly Pore Cleansing Brush everyday, stupid me T-T). My skin didn't absorb anything and it remained dehydrated and red for several months. Wearing makeup was a pain because it emphasized every dry patch on my face! Using this in conjunction with It's Skin Power 10 Li was what saved my skin! I just poured one drop onto my palm, rubbed my palms together and lightly pressed them onto my face until the stickiness went away, which took about 1 minute. After a week or so, my skin came back to its normal state. However, after that I had to stop using it as it makes my skin oilier as well as creates some little bumps under my skin and blackheads around my nose. It's perfect for autumn and winter though, and I find myself reaching for this whenever my skin feels a little bit dry. Currently I'm using it with It's Skin Power 10 VE and I love this combo as it makes my skin feel super smooth and plump ^^ If you use this, please keep in mind that this is NOT a moisturizer and you need to follow up with another serum/essence/cream/gel to hydrate your skin.

Longevity: I've been using it on and off since July and I still have more than half the bottle left, so this should last for about a year.

Pros:
- Hydrating, smoothing and plumping
- Affordable
- Long-lasting
- Free of alcohol, mineral oil, fragrances and colorant

Cons:
- Unsuitable for oily skin in hot weather
- Contain paraben (which isn't a problem for me)

Verdict: 9/10

Repurchase?: Yes, yes, yes ^^