Hada Labo Cleanser: Japanese Cleanser Guide
If there is one range of affordable Japanese skincare products that has achieved cult-status around the world, it would have to be Hada Labo. This range of products has become so popular, they have been reformulated, redesigned and packaged for other markets around the globe. As this can make the product range seem a little confusing, I’ve created this guide to help explain the Japanese Hada Labo cleanser range, along with the overseas equivalent!
Please note: This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here.
What is Hada Labo?
Hada Labo translates to ‘Skin Lab’ and is the number one skincare brand in Japan. Produced by Rohto Pharmaceutical, this skincare range features a combination of hyaluronic acids as the key ingredient. The brand was first launched in 2004 with a focus on developing simple products that avoid unnecessary ingredients such as color additives, fragrance additives and mineral oils. Hada Labo is incredibly popular; with one bottle of their Gokujun Hyaluronic Acid Lotion (closest to the Anti-Aging Hydrator abroad) sold every 2 seconds in Japan.
Japanese Hada Labo vs. American Hada Labo
The products sold under Hada Labo in Japan by Rohto Pharmaceutical are different to those sold in the US under the brand Hada Labo Tokyo by The Mentholatum Company in New York (also owned by Rohto). While there are similarities between the ranges; they differ in terms of formulations, product names and packaging due to regional regulations. The US formulations have labels in English and are widely sold outside of Japan, including Europe. This guide is focused on the Japanese formulations, with links to the equivalent product where relevant.
Hada Labo Range
The Japanese Hada Labo range has a number of product series.
| Hada Labo series | Packaging | Product focus | Contains |
| Gokujyun | White | Moisturizing | Hyaluronic acid |
| Premium Gokujyun | Orange | Rich moisturizing | 5 kinds hyaluronic acid |
| Medicated Gokujyun | Green | Acne prevention | Pearl barley |
| Shirojyun | Light blue | Brightening | Arbutin |
| Shirojyun Premium | Dark blue | Rich brightening | Arbutin |
| Gokujyun Alpha | Red | Anti aging | Collagen |
Hada Labo Cleanser Comparison
This is an overview of the Japanese Hada Labo cleanser range.
 |  |  |  |  |
| Cleansing Oil | Micelle Lotion | Face Wash | Foam Wash | Hatomugi Foam Wash |
| Gokujyun | Premium Gokujyun | Gokujyun | Gokujyun | Medicated Gokujyun |
| Moisturizing | Rich moisturizing | Moisturizing | Moisturizing | Acne prevention |
| pH 5.5 | pH 5.5 | |||
| See price | See price | See price | See price | See price |
What is the best Hada Labo cleanser?
The following rankings are based upon the average product ratings across a range of Japanese (and global) beauty and shopping sites.
Hada Labo Makeup Remover Range
1. Hada Labo Gokujyun Cleansing Oil
This cleansing oil is part of the Gokujyun range and contains two kinds of hyaluronic acid for intense hydration that leaves skin feeling soft and smooth. With an olive oil base for deep cleaning, it is a heavier-style cleansing oil that is gentle on the skin and removes waterproof eyeliner, waterproof mascara and sunscreen with ease. People love this stuff, it has no scent and can even be purchased in these handy refill pouches. This mild formula contains no coloring, no fragrance, no mineral oil and no alcohol, making it suitable for sensitive skin. The only ingredient to note is ethylhexyl palmitate which is a potential acne trigger.
How do I use Hada Labo Gokujyun Cleansing Oil?
- Use this product as the first cleanser in a double cleansing routine. Start with a dry face and clean dry hands.
- Place about 2-3 pumps of the product into your hands and rub your hands together.
- Gently massage the product all over your face using circular motions. Spend a little extra time on any areas with heavier makeup coverage, such as around the eyes and mouth.
- Take a small amount of water (to make your hands damp) and start massaging the water into your face, this will cause the oil to emulsify and turn slightly milky. Continue massaging all over the face.
- Rinse your face thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry with a clean towel.
- Follow with your second cleanser.
2. Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium Micelle Cleansing Lotion
Also known as Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium Cleansing Hyaluronic Solution, this lightweight cleanser is the highest-rated cleanser from the brand. As part of the Gokujyun Premium range it contains 5 types of hyaluronic acid to provide intense moisturization. It is a micellar cleansing water that effectively removes makeup while still hydrating skin. This mild formula contains no coloring, no fragrance, no mineral oil and no alcohol, making it suitable for sensitive skin. It works for all skin types and is especially effective for dry skin. The only ingredient to note is a low level of citric acid, which is a potential skin irritant for some people.
How do I use Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium Cleansing Water?
- This product can be used as a lightweight standalone cleanser or as the first cleanser in a double cleansing routine. Be sure to start with clean hands.
- Take a fresh cotton pad that is gentle on the skin, like these bestsellers.
- Saturate the cotton pad with about 2-3 pumps of the cleansing water.
- Wipe the product gently all over your face and neck. Use the reverse side of the cotton pad as required. There is no need to rinse your face after application, it can act as a cleanser, face wash and lotion all rolled into one.
- Follow with the next step in your skincare routine.
Hada Labo Face Wash Range
3. Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Face Wash
Note: the US equivalent to this product is the Hada Labo Tokyo Gentle Hydrating Cleanser.
This is the highest-rated Hada Labo face wash and it gently cleanses the skin to leave it feeling moisturized and refreshed. It is part of the Gokujyun range. When used with a foaming net just a small amount of product can be worked up into a rich foamy lather. The dense foam removes excess oil, dirt and light makeup without drying out the skin, while the super hyaluronic acid keeps the skin feeling supple. It is pH balanced with a level of 5.5. This mild formula contains no coloring, no fragrance, no mineral oil, no alcohol and no parabens, making it suitable for sensitive skin. Ingredients to note are glyceryl stearate (SE), lauric acid and stearic acid which can potentially block pores and citric acid, which is a potential skin irritant for some people.
How do I use Hada Labo Face Wash?
- This product can be used as a standalone cleanser or as the second cleanser in a double cleansing routine. Be sure to start with clean hands.
- Splash your face with a little lukewarm water.
- Place 1 pump of face wash into your hand or foaming net and work it up into a rich lather. The richer the foam, the better. Finer bubbles will cleanse more deeply and the more foam you have, the less contact your hands will need to make with your face when applying, which results in less friction.
- Once you have enough foam, apply it all over your face and neck.
- Rinse the product from your face with lukewarm water. Hot water will dry out the skin and cold water won’t be as effective. Be sure to rinse thoroughly to remove all product. Pat skin dry with a clean towel.
- Follow with the next step in your skincare routine.
4. Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Foam Face Wash
This gentle cleanser is based upon the Face Wash, but in a foam-pump style. And honestly, it has some pretty staggering reviews. It is focused on cleansing while maintaining moisture and just one pump of product produces a dense meringue-like foam. The foam removes light makeup, excess sebum and dirt to leave skin feeling moist and smooth. It is non-drying and contains super hyaluronic acid for moisturization. It is pH balanced with a level of 5.5. This mild formula contains no coloring, no fragrance, no mineral oil, no alcohol and no parabens, making it suitable for sensitive skin. Ingredients to note are citric acid, which is a potential skin irritant for some people, and petrolatum, which smooths skin but is also a potential comedogenic.
How do I use Hada Labo Foam Face Wash?
- This product can be used as a standalone cleanser or as the second cleanser in a double cleansing routine. Be sure to start with clean hands.
- Splash your face with a little lukewarm water.
- Place 1 pump of foam into your hand and gently apply it all over your face and neck.
- After cleansing, rinse the product from your face with lukewarm water. Hot water will dry out the skin and cold water won’t be as effective. Be sure to rinse thoroughly to remove all product. Pat skin dry with a clean towel.
- Follow with the next step in your skincare routine.
5. Hada Labo Gokujyun Hatomugi Foam Face Wash
This face wash contains pearl barley and is formulated to help prevent acne and regulate breakouts. It is from the Medicated Gokujyun range and is a foaming wash designed to cleanse and help regulate oil. It contains hatomugi (jobs tears), dokudami (a medicinal herb) and chamomile flower extract and has a gentle medicinal fragrance. While it contains moisturizing ingredients, it does have mixed reviews; some people find it maintains moisture, while others find it leaves skin feeling tight. I’m yet to find official pH levels for this wash, however according to this thread it looks like it might be rather high. Contains no coloring, no fragrance and no mineral oil. Instructions for using this product are the same as for the Foam Face Wash above.
What is the pH level of Hada Labo Cleanser?
Both the Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Face Wash and the Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Foam Face Wash have a pH level of around 5.5 which is perfectly balanced for the skin. I’m yet to find official pH levels for the Hatomugi Foam Face Wash, however according to this thread it looks like it might be rather high.
