Hada Labo is now in the PH - here’s what’s available + local prices
Whenever Japanese beauty cult faves come up in the Project Vanity Community, Hada Labo always makes an appearance. The brand is a particular favorite among skincare enthusiasts, but until recently, we were dependent on Tokyo-bound friends and pasabuys to help us get our J-beauty fix. With Hada Labo’s arrival in the Philippines, we can now stock up on their best-selling products by visiting Watsons!
If you’ve read our guide to common Japanese beauty terms, you’d know that “Hada” means skin. “Labo” refers to laboratory, and it is this “skin laboratory” concept that guides the brand’s highly science-based approach to skincare. Their formulations focus on select active ingredients to create highly effective products, and they also make sure to avoid known irritants such as mineral oils, colorants, fragrances, and alcohols.
The Hada Labo Hydrating Lotion (P195 for 30ml, P695 for 170ml) is the brand’s top seller, and features hyaluronic acid (HA). Since the compound attracts and retains moisture, Hada Labo created the formula to have various types, sizes, and ratios of HA to ensure that skin is hydrated at all levels and not just the surface.
The lotion is fragrance-free, low irritation, has balanced pH levels, and has a refreshing texture. I personally have been using for several years now, and can attest to the lightweight hydration it provides. As a post-toner/pre-moisturizer skincare step, I find the Hydrating Lotion perfect for preparing my skin for heavier skincare layers. I imagine that it can even serve as a minimalist skincare routine for our oilier, dehydrated-skinned friends!
Several skincare geeks have pointed out that the Lotion’s Premium variant is much better but it’s not yet available locally. Definitely crossing my fingers and hoping that they bring it here soon! In the meantime, let’s tide ourselves over with what we already have available.
Start your Hada Labo life with the Hada Labo Hydrating Face Wash (P385 for 100g). While actives usually wash off easily, this is formulated with double-HA for better absorption! In line with the brand philosophy, it is fragrance-free and gentle.
Since whitening is huge in the Philippines, one of the first things to make it here is the Hada Labo Hydra & Whitening Face Wash (P295 for 100g). This wash features brown algae extract and seaweed extract to help replenish skin with vitamins and minerals. It also features a grape extract called resveratrol, an antioxidant that helps skin become brighter and fairer.
If you have oily skin, opt for the Hada Labo Deep Clean & Pore Refining Facial Wash (P295 for 100g) which is formulated with Japanese Green Tea, an ingredient known for reducing excess oil. It also features bentonite clay to absorb dirt and impurities from pores.
After the wash, proceed with the Lotion and top that off with either the Hada Labo Hydrating Light Cream (P850 for 50g) or the Hada Labo Hydrating Water Gel (P850 for 50g). The Light Cream is particularly non-greasy, and features aloe vera, a local fave for oily skin. The Water Gel, on the other hand, is similarly non-greasy, but features ceramides instead, which are better suited to those with sensitive or damaged skin.
If you are overwhelmed with the choices and aren’t sure what will work best for you, Hada Labo offers the Hydrating Line Trial Set (P465). This is so nifty as it already includes the Hydrating Facial Wash (12g), Hydrating Lotion (30ml), and Hydrating Light Cream (14g)!
Hada Labo is already in many Watsons stores nationwide, but if you can’t find it in a branch near you, you can also order from the Watsons online store.
Have you tried Hada Labo yet? What are your favorite finds from the brand?
Photography by Nicole Quindara
