This review is long overdue, especially since I previously shared my thoughts on the Hada Labo Shiro-jyun Premium Whitening line, including the Lotion, Water Gel, and Face Wash. On that same trip, I picked up the Kouji Treatment line—a lesser-known range that’s not as readily available as Hada Labo’s other products. Interestingly, the Kouji line seems to be sold and marketed mainly in Southeast Asian countries. Finding it internationally can be a challenge, and when you do, prices on sites like YesStyle or Stylevana are often more than double the in-store cost at places like Watsons and Guardian.
Hada Labo Kouji Treatment
The Hada Labo Kouji line stands out for its use of rice ferment extract (koji), a nutrient-rich ingredient traditionally used in Japanese skincare for its brightening and hydrating properties. Unlike Hada Labo’s other ranges, which focus on hyaluronic acid or active ingredients like arbutin, the Kouji line emphasizes the power of fermented rice to promote soft, plump, and radiant skin.
Hada Labo Kouji Face Cleansing Foam
If you’ve read my post about the Hada Labo Premium Whitening line, you’ll know that I much prefer the Whitening face wash over the Kouji face wash. While the Kouji version isn’t bad by any means, it leaves the skin feeling squeaky clean, slightly tight, and with a water-repelling effect—which I think most people have grown to dislike. It also has a slight tendency to sting the eyes. That said, I still thoroughly enjoyed using it! You only need a small amount—about the size of a grain of rice—to create a nice foam. The 125g tube lasted over a year, even with two people using it daily.
For those who have tried Shiseido’s Clarifying Cleanser, this product feels very similar—like a budget-friendly dupe in terms of texture, results, and overall experience. It gives a rich, luxurious foam that effectively removes dirt and debris but does leave the skin feeling a little tight afterward. If both brands are available to you, I’d recommend giving the Kouji face wash a try, especially if you’re looking to save some money.
Hada Labo Kouji Treatment Essence
The star of the line, in my opinion, is definitely the Kouji Treatment Essence. It’s similar to their popular lotions but with a more milky texture that feels incredibly quenching without any stickiness and is easy to apply with your hands. I’ve been loving it so much that I’ve stretched out its use past its expiration date. It’s a shame this product is hard to find and priced higher than Hada Labo’s regular toners. The 110ml bottle is noticeably smaller than the 170ml you get with their other offerings, but the quality definitely makes up for it. Plus, I actually prefer the pump dispenser over the larger bottles where you need to shake it. About two pumps give the perfect amount for the whole face and neck.
The Kouji Treatment Essence might not be much better or more unique than other fermented rice toners readily available on the market, but it’s definitely got a hold on me.
Would I repurchase it? Absolutely, if I were back in Malaysia. However, I wouldn’t buy it online through platforms like YesStyle, where the markup is steep. The essence is already pricier than Hada Labo’s standard products, and the inflated online price is tough to justify. But if
Hada Labo Kouji Enzyme Rice Powder Wash
These rice powder cubes are a total delight. The cubes work just like Dermalogica’s Microfoliant but feel much gentler—more like their Milkfoliant. You can use them in place of your regular foaming wash or as an extra finishing step. One cube is enough for two washes or one indulgent deep treatment. Honestly, you probably won’t need to use more than one cube a week, or even less, depending on the rest of your routine. If this were more readily available, that’s probably how often I’d reach for it.
I love the concept and wish products like this could gain more popularity. But the environmentalist in me can’t help but wonder if the packaging might be too much unnecessary plastic. Could this be sold in a larger bottle, like most enzyme powders? But then again, maybe I’m overthinking it—this pack gives you 20 capsules of 0.4g each, adding up to 80g of product. When compared to other enzyme powders, which usually give you only 40g… Maybe this capsule packaging actually uses less plastic in total? Hmm, who would’ve thought.
One pack cost me around 30 RM (approximately €6 or $6.50). Compare that to other brands, Hada Labo’s capsules feel like an absolute steal for how long they last and the quality they deliver! The downside is that these don’t seem to be available online.
Conclusion
If you’re ever in Southeast Asia, I’d highly recommend stopping by a Watsons or Guardian to grab a few things from the Hada Labo Kouji Treatment line—and maybe even double up while you’re at it. If you’re lucky, you might even catch them at 40–50% off!
There’s also a treatment cream and a hydrating gel emulsion in the Kouji line that I’ve been dying to try. But unfortunately, I’d already blown through my spending budget on that trip, and some tough decisions had to be made. Still, I’m thrilled with what I picked up, and I’m crossing my fingers for the chance to stock up on all of them again someday. Yes, all of them.
