I picked up a Hada Labo’s Premium Whitening travel kit on my second trip to Malaysia last year. On my first trip, I wasn’t very knowledgeable about the Hada Labo brand – I knew only what I’d gleaned from enthusiastic YouTubers raving about their hydrating lotions, which seemed fairly ordinary to me at first glance tbh 😅. Besides, getting hold of their products in Europe can be quite a challenge. Despite their appealing prices in Malaysia, I hesitated at first to indulge in a purchase.
But oh how I kicked myself for not snagging a few products from their rice fermented infused Kouji-line! So on my second trip I made sure to give Hada Labo products some room in my budget. And armed with more insight, I curiously added the Premium Whitening-line products to my travel treasures too. They were definitely a must-have, making their way into my luggage for the trip back home!
About Hada Labo Premium Whitening Line
During my initial visit, the term “whitening” initially alarmed me, as I was wary of the prevalence of “bleaching products” in Southeast Asia. However, I soon realized that my concern was unfounded and based on unnecessary suspicion. It turns out, the term “whitening” is commonly used to refer to products aimed at brightening the skin. Upon closer examination of the ingredient list of the Premium Whitening line, I discovered that it doesn’t contain any unusual brightening agents that you wouldn’t find in most Western products. In fact, if this line were available in Europe, it might be among their bestsellers given the interest in ingredients like niacinamide and addressing dark spots caused by acne.
The Hada Labo Premium Whitening key ingredients in the line are:
- Niacinamide
- Alpha-Arbutin
- Vitamin C (stabilized O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid)
- Two types of Hyaluronic Acid
Regional Variations and Considerations
I’ve observed that there appear to be two versions of this line available depending on where you purchase it. I’m uncertain whether there’s an older formula versus a newer one circulating around. However, some formulas obtained from YesStyle and Stylvana contain the Japanese version with tranexamic acid instead of alpha-arbutin, and the vitamin C derivative used is magnesium ascorbyl phosphate. In Malaysia, the formula available contains the key ingredients listed above.
Both ingredients are excellent brighteners, but it’s important to note that there are two versions available, which may result in differences in overall effectiveness and feel. The version I’m reviewing is the Southeast Asian version sold in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand.
Premium Whitening Lotion (Light)
One noteworthy aspect of the Premium Whitening Lotion is its availability in two versions: light and rich (or “moist”). The version included in the kit and gifted to me upon purchase is the Light variant, suitable for normal/oily skin. It might’ve not been the one I personally would’ve preferred. However, most travel sets and products available and sold in Malaysia are tailored for combination/oily skin types, which are commonly favored in such hot and humid environments.
My Experience
The Premium Whitening Lotion Light has a watery texture. Personally, I love toners and essences with a bit of viscosity, making it easier to apply it with your hands without product dripping down your arms. I much prefer the texture of the Premium Hydrating Lotion, which I initially sampled on my first trip to Malaysia (you can read my review here), and the Kouji Treatment Essence (review coming soon!) to be perfect.
Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed using the Whitening Lotion Light. Its key ingredients include niacinamide, alpha-arbutin, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and resveratrol—a hydrating, antioxidant, and brightening cocktail! Some of these ingredients remind me of Shiseido’s new Eudermine Activating Essence, another favorite toner/essence of mine. However, this one comes at a more affordable price and is fragrance-free. While I can’t speak extensively about its brightening effects due to sporadic use during travels, it’s been a refreshing addition to my skincare routine.
Would I repurchase? Absolutely! I’ve thoroughly enjoyed using this product. However, for my next purchase, I’m inclined towards opting for the rich lotion variant.
Bonus: Premium Whitening Sheet Mask
I did also purchase the sheet mask from the same line and thought I’d add my thoughts on it. It felt simply like it was drenched in the the rich toner. Felt of course very quenching and as a nice addition to the the whole skincare routine.
Premium Whitening Water Cream
There are two moisturizers in the Premium Whitening line: water gel and water cream. This set came with the water gel suitable for normal/combination/oily skin. As the name suggests it has a lightweight gel-cream texture that feels very quenching applied to the skin.
My Experience
Personally, as my skin tends to lean more towards normal/dry, I normally prefer cream-based moisturizers. However, in the hot humid environment, this gel-cream won me over! It wasn’t too bad either as I got back home to Sweden. However, as the weather got colder and drier I did feel it behaving more like a serum and not hydrating enough.
Overall, I really enjoyed the Premium Whitening Water Gel. It has some brightening, soothing ingredients and plant extracts that help control excess sebum and refine pores. Some noteworthy ingredients: Centella Asiatica, Urea, Licorice root extract and green tea extract to name a few. It’s a lovely moisturizer for combination/oily skin or those living in a humid environment. Again, I can’t provide extensive insight into the brightening effects since this travel-size product didn’t last long, and I primarily used it during travels. However, I did notice a slight improvement in skin clarity and my skin behaving calmer using all products in this regime.
Would I repurchase? Similar to the Premium Whitening Lotion, I would contemplate repurchasing the thicker version, the Water Cream, as it would better suit my skin and environment.
Premium Whitening Face Wash
Almost all K-Beauty washes I’ve tried have all stung my eyes, dried out my skin or somehow thrown it off balance. So with that in mind, although this is J-Beauty, I didn’t expect much of this face wash. However, if there’s one thing I see myself repurchasing in a heartbeat had the brand been more readily availble it’s this face wash!
My Experience
I’m currently using a full size of the Hada Labo Koiji face wash. Although I’ll be writing a more in-depth review of the line in the future, here’s a little bit of a spoiler. While I adore the thick silky foam of the Koiji face wash, it does leave my skin a bit squeeky clean. However, not the Whitening Face Wash! So I sort of prefer this one more over the Kouji one.
The Premium Whitening Face Wash leaves the skin clean without feeling stripping at all. What’s great with both face washes from Hada Labo is that you only need about a rice grain size of product! That’s it! And it will create a nice foam that gently cleanses the skin.
Some might question whether ingredients like vitamin C and alpha arbutin have any effect being in a wash-off product. But priced at around RM36.50, I don’t really mind. In terms of results, it’s a truly pleasant cleanser, comparable to European pharmacy equivalents.
Would I repurchase? I’ve pretty much already answered that question. Absolutely! Currently, I’m using the Hada Labo Kouji face wash, which I also really like. However, I find myself preferring the Whitening Face Wash as it leaves my skin feeling more balanced. On the other hand, the Kouji Face Wash has that creamy foam texture that I enjoy. It’s a tough choice. But honestly, you probably can’t go wrong with any of the Hada Labo face washes!
Conclusion
Hada Labo is an intriguing and budget-friendly brand that’s a must-try if you’re in Asia. Both the Premium Whitening and the Kouji lines have left a strong impression on me, and I genuinely wish Hada Labo was as accessible in Europe as it is in Asia!
Despite bringing some travel-sized skincare with me to Malaysia, I found myself exclusively using the products from this set, along with the Shiseido Sun Lotion topped with BB Sport! Surprisingly, my skin thrived despite the stresses of traveling and battling a nasty cold.
Where To Buy The Hada Labo Premium Whitening Line?
Hada Labo is perhaps best and cheapest to get while visiting Asia, in Malaysia Watsons and Guardian usually have great promotions. While the Hada Labo Premium Whitening line is sold at Stylevana and Yesstyle, they both seem to not offer the face wash.
