Last year, I saved up money to spend on some skincare products. Having always heard great things about Rohto Hadalabo’s skincare line, I decided to bet my money on a couple of products. In the end, I was underwhelmed and $50 poorer.
THE BACKSTORY: There’s no backstory to why I bought these products, apart from what I stated above. I ran out of my skincare favourites (Laneige, I miss you) and I decided to “splurge” my savings on two products that are raved about.
The plastic bottles have a nozzle that can be shut tight.
Note: If there are a hundred positive reviews on this product, there are a couple of reviewers who faced problems similar to mine. It just goes to show that everybody’s skin isn’t the same. What works for your best friend may not work for you, even if you both have similar skin types.
The water-like consistency of the lotion (toner).
Rohto Hadalabo Gokujyun Moist Lotion (Light Type): This is the light version of the ridiculously popular Gokujyun Moist Lotion. Meant for oily and acne-prone skin, this lotion is formulated to leave your skin feeling soft, moisturised and supple. The light and refreshing texture sinks into the skin quickly and doesn’t leave behind any stickiness.
*Lotion is the same as toner.
Read more details about the surprisingly short ingredient list here.
My experience: I was so excited to try out this lotion. It was fragrance-free, alcohol-free and had a water-like clear consistency. I had to pat it onto my skin for a good couple of minutes before it was fully absorbed. My skin did feel tight and refreshed after I did so. However, after using it for a good two months and seeing no results or any improvements, I was, you guessed it, disappointed. In fact, I started to notice bumps on my face which previously weren’t there. They weren’t pimples or old blemishes, they were just small bumps. Cysts, if you will. I blamed it on examination stress for a while but when I was holidaying at home and the bumps refused to budge, I figured my new skincare routine was to blame. Funnily enough, it took me a while to get my skin less bumpy. Today, as I type this, I do think my skin is going back to its former glory. Slowly but surely, I intend to get back my less-problematic skin. I have the Etude House Aloe emulsion to thank.
The runny/milky consistency of the milk.
Rohto Hadalabo Gokujyun Moist Milk: The Milk provides deep, nourishing hydration and skin-smoothing conditioners for your face and neck.
*Milk is similar to a light mosituriser/emulsion.
My experience: The moist milk, in comparison to the lotion, was a better purchase. The consistency is similar to that of my beloved Laniege emulsion. It is lightweight, contains no alcohol and is fragrance-free. While the texture is watery, it does leave my skin feeling sticky momentarily – the stickiness disappears after a while. I have continued using this product every now and then; even as a body moisturiser. It doesn’t do much for the skin but it doesn’t make my skin breakout either… Which is half-assed, but still fine in my books.
AVAILABILITY: Sasa, Ichibankao etc.
All in all, I definitely regret getting the lotion. The milk, I don’t particularly mind.
Have you guys tried any Hadalabo products? Let me know your experience!
