Tried And Tested: Hada Labo Hydrating Light Cream

Hada Labo is known for its iconic lotion but its moisturizers are the brand's underrated performers.

Our favorite is the Hydrating Light Cream, which comes in the pink jar. This has a soft gel-like texture but it's not a gel. It really is a moisturizer that's light in texture.

This moisturizer includes antioxidants (Portulaca Oleracea Extract), skin identical ingredients (glycerin, squalane, sodium hyaluronate, arginine, ceramide 3 and hyaluronic acid) and soothing ingredients (allantoin, beta-glucan, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, portulaca oleracea extract).

What it doesn't contain are alcohol, fragrance and essential oils.

We first tried the Hada Labo Hydrating Light Cream during a trip to Bangkok in 2019. We left our regular moisturizer in Manila so we went to Boots and got one of those Hada Labo trial packs.

Here's what we think:

Pros

With an SRP of Php850, the price is not bad at all as a jar will last you about five months with daily use.

The texture of the product is very light but it really moisturizes the skin.

There’s no strong scent but it doesn’t smell medicinal like most unscented products.

There’s some heft to the jar, even if it’s made from plastic.

When used consistently with other products from the Hydrating Range, this cream will really make your skin soft and smooth.

This works under makeup and sunscreen because it doesn’t pill.

It’s not oily so you can use it during the day.

You can safely use this with actives such as salicylic acid and retinoids.

Con

If your skin is very dry or mature, you might need to use a heavier moisturizer.