I've been wanting to write this Hada Labo Gokujyun Super Hyaluronic Acid Foaming Wash review for months now because this is the first foaming wash I used in years. I have been using soap-free and non-foaming cleansers since I was informed by my dermatologist during high school that I'm allergic to foaming agents. I started using Cetaphil then, it's moisturizing and a nice second cleanser. Although there are people that experience breakouts with that product, it never happened to me.
Despite that, I eventually got bored and wanted something new. I tried the St. Yves Apricot Scrub which irritated me, so I went back to Cetaphil again. And then tried Etude House Baking Powder BB Deep Cleansing Foam which was effective in drying my pimples and brightening my face, but I eventually got an itchy skin. No bumps though, just really itchy after washing. Later on, I learned that baking powder is not recommended to be used in the skin and the Etude House cleanser has a pH level of 8! My moisture barrier was destroyed by that product. So obviously, back to Cetaphil, AGAIN!
Later on, I got a free Himalaya Herbals Purifying Neem Foaming Face Wash in exchange for a review on this blog. It's also soap-free but it foams. Surprisingly, it didn't broke me out. And this is where I discovered that pre-foaming cleansers do not irritate me! I loved this product. It helped me clear my pimples and doesn't dry me out. The only downside is, not all drugstores in the Philippines have stocks of this Himalaya Herbal foaming face wash, it's always their other products. So I went back to Cetaphil, ah-gain. Until last December 2017, I took a leap of faith with Hada Labo since so many people rave about it on Reddit.
WHAT IS IT?
Hada Labo Gokujyun Super Hyaluronic Acid Foaming Wash claims to preserve your skin's natural moisture as you wash. Instantly foaming and easy to massage, this wash rinses clean without drying out your skin. Use morning and night for a luxurious yet practical start to softer, more supple skin.
According to this Cleanser Master List, Hada Labo Gokujyun Super Hyaluronic Acid Foaming Wash has a pH level of 5.5. While for its ingredients, you can check its CosDNA Analysis here.
PERFORMANCE
APPLICATION: Moisten face and hands with lukewarm water. Dispense 1 to 2 pumps of wash into hands. Gently massage onto face, using circular motions. Rinse thoroughly. Use twice a day or as needed.
SCENT: I think it's supposed to be unscented, but I detect a chemical-like scent.
PACKAGING: It is packaged as is, in a pump bottle that resembles a hand wash soap dispenser. It's plastic yet sturdy but the best of all, it's refillable. Hada Labo actually sells this in a pouch to refill your bottle. The only downside is the label, it's in Japanese. I speak a few of it but I don't know how to read Hirigana.
RESULT: The smell put me off at first, I was thinking "oh sh*t! I think I wasted my money" but I still continued using it until one day I realized that I already like it. To be honest, it's a mediocre cleanser, but it doesn't really promise many things anyway. The English translation only says it "cleanses while maintaining your skin's natural moisture and leave your skin supple" which the Hada Labo Gokujyun Super Hyaluronic Acid Foaming Wash perfectly did!
It's a nice second cleanser. At times I'm feeling lazy for double cleansing, I solely use this and discovered it can also remove makeup, as long as they're not waterproof. I didn't break out as well, and although it didn't really promise anything to help acne, I notice my acne due to hormones are controlled. Plus, 1-2 pumps of this product goes a long way. A bottle only contains 160mL but I've been using it for over three months now but I've only used half of it.
VERDICT
PROS: It cleanses while preserving skin's natural moisture and make it supple. 1-2 pumps goes a long way, and it can remove non-waterproof makeup. Good for those with sensitive skin.
CONS: It's really hard to find if you don't live in Japan, Singapore or Malaysia. And you have to search on the Internet for its English translations and uses.
WHERE TO BUY?
I bought my Hada Labo Gokujyun Super Hyaluronic Acid Foaming Wash in The Skincare Curator for Php550 in 160ml bottle. Or you can check this post for the list of stores that sells Hada Labo.